Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is seeking public comment on the draft environmental assessment (EA) to conduct fire management planning and burning activities within the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Seedskadee NWR proposes to develop a Fire Management Plan (FMP) as a working reference for fire program implementation that formally documents the fire management program elements, objectives, strategies, and resource considerations. The FMP is a step down management plan from the Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and is a fundamental strategic document that guides the full range of fire management related activities including organization, facilities, equipment, staffing needs, activities, timing, locations, and budgetary procedures. Service policy directs that every refuge having vegetation capable of burning must have a FMP, and that the FMP must be accompanied by an environmental assessment to document the environmental consequences of the preferred alternative. The Service encourages everyone with an interest to participate in this process and help create a quality plan for management of these important resources.