Subject: [Tweeters] Update From Public Meeting - CHANGES COMING at
Date: Mar 27 20:56:09 2009
From: Will Clemons - willclemons at yahoo.com



Hi Folks,

Thanks to all who attended the March 26 public meeting regarding change alternatives at RNWR. It was more a physical presence showing of 60 or so interested parties, as no comments/questions were taken from the floor. Hunters and non-hunters seemed about equal in attendance.

Recent annual stats for Ridgefield River 'S' Unit are:
-Hunt episodes are less than 3,000 (declining)
-Auto Tour Route uses are about 60,000 (growing)

Please be heard; send in your comments by April 10, 2009.

1) This summer, we should see "Update #4" published, mailed, and put on the RNWR web site. What will become of our submitted comments, suggestions, and frustrations is not clear, though it was implied that our input will be considered in arriving at "Update #4".

2) The presented Alternatives 1 - 4 will remain for "Update #4", though each may be added to or subtracted from on the basis of public commentary submitted by April 10. There will be no additional alternatives added.

3) RNWR will eventually select one of the first three alternatives (#4 is to do nothing). The final selected alternative will be implemented ONLY if funding can be secured.

4) They broke everyone into groups and had 4 tables set up to listen to comments and questions. This made it impossible to hear comments other than at the table you chose.

5) I should know more by the end of next week, and will post what I learn.

6) Anyone may request to be put on the mailing list for future Updates, etc.:
- Phone requests: (360) 887-4106
- Email requests: FW1PlanningComments at fws.gov

7) All NWR's are mandated to complete a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). The CCP document "Preliminary Management Alternatives for Ridgefield NWR" is on the web at:
http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield/pdf/rnwrplnupdate3.pdf

8) COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS (Deadline April 10):
Bob Flores, Project Leader
Ridgefield NWR Complex
PO Box 457
Ridgefield, Washington 98642
(360) 887-4106
Comments may be faxed to (360) 887-4109,
Comments may be E-mailed to:
FW1PlanningComments at fws.gov
Please put ?Ridgefield NWR CCP Alternatives? on the subject line.

9) If you would like to know the current CCP status of any NWR in Oregon or Washington go to:
http://www.fws.gov/pacific/planning/main/docs/general/CCP%20Schedule.pdf

10) If you would like any NWR web site for OR, WA, or the other 48, go to:
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/bystate.cfm


More to come,

Will Clemons
SW of Portland