The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has announced the Compatibility Determination for cooperative agriculture on Eastern Neck and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuges is available for public comment. Prior to allowing a new, or continuing an existing activity on a refuge, the Service must determine if the use is compatible with the establishment purpose of the refuge. The draft Compatibility Determination reevaluating cooperative farming on these two refuges is now open for public comment.
Blackwater and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuges have been working with cooperating farmers to plant crops as supplemental food for wintering waterfowl for many years. This has proven to be a highly effective way to meet the energetic needs of ducks, geese and swans wintering on and around these refuges. There have been no significant changes to the cooperative farming program since previous compatibility determinations were completed.
The compatibility determination is available for viewing on the refuge website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater/. Comments should be submitted in writing to the attention of Mr. Matt Whitbeck, Wildlife Biologist, at Chesapeake Marshlands NWRC, 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD 21613; or [email protected]. Comments will be accepted until Friday August 28, 2020.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife. To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a 2,285 acre island which supports a wide variety of habitats including brackish marsh, natural ponds, upland forest, and grasslands for a diversity of wildlife. The refuge holds the designation of Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. To learn more, visit our website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern_Neck/or follow us on Facebook @EasternNeckNWR.
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.
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