The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to comment on the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Draft Wilderness Stewardship plan, and Environmental Assessment concerning the future management of the Protection Island and San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuges.

The draft plan includes an analysis of three management alternatives for the refuges. The Service’s preferred alternative includes more active habitat management projects, including removal of deer from Protection Island to enhance seabird nesting habitat; restoration projects on the spits, grasslands and forests to increase native plant diversity; and research studies that answer refuge management questions.

Public use changes include enforcing no-pets regulations on all San Juan Islands Refuge lands and closing some areas on Turn Island. Overnight camping on Turn and Matia Islands would be limited to visitors arriving by human-powered craft only, and a camping reservation system would be initiated. There would be more emphasis on enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of the refuges’ natural, cultural and wilderness resources through both on- and off-refuge interpretation and education programs. There would also be more emphasis on working with existing partners and developing new partnerships to accomplish objectives.

The draft plan and the latest planning update are posted at http://www.fws.gov/pacific/planning

Printed copies are available for review at the following libraries in northwestern Washington: Anacortes Public Library, Bellingham Public Library, Clinton Public Library, Coupeville Public Library, Evergreen State College Library, Island Public Library, Jefferson County Central Library, Lopez Island Public Library, North Olympic Public Library, Oak Harbor Public Library, Orcas Island Public Library, Peninsula College Library, San Juan Islands Library, Shaw Island Library, University of Puget Sound Library, University of Washington Library, Waldron Island Library, and Washington State Library.

Comments on the draft plan should be mailed, faxed or e-mailed by September 16, 2010, to: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 715 Holgerson Road, Sequim, WA 98382; fax number (360) 457-9778; or e-mail FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include Protection Island/San Juan Islands in the e-mail subject line. Public comments will be addressed in the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Wilderness Stewardship Plan and Environmental Assessment, scheduled to be completed in fall 2010.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov