The
Division of Planning, which is part of Region 4’s Office
of Refuges, is responsible for guiding the development of both
land protection plans and comprehensive conservation plans in
the Southeast Region. Land protection plans guide the establishment
of new refuges or the expansion of existing refuges. Comprehensive
conservation plans provide direction for managing refuges over
a 15-year time period. These plans are prepared to fulfill the
mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the purpose(s)
of each refuge.
Plans are developed by field planners in collaboration with refuge
staff and other Service personnel. Field planners are strategically
located to serve a number of refuges in the Southeast. Once draft
plans have been completed, the Division has responsibility to
assure that they are consistent with Service planning policy and
adhere to environmental laws and regulations. Subsequently, the
plans are forwarded for approval by Service management.
Guiding
the development of a comprehensive conservation plan is
Part 602
of the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, and
the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997.
This Act requires a comprehensive conservation plan be developed
for each refuge in the Refuge System by 2012.
Comprehensive
conservation plans address conservation of fish, wildlife, and
plant resources and their related habitats, while providing opportunities
for compatible wildlife-dependent recreation uses. An overriding
consideration reflected in these plans is that fish and wildlife
conservation has first priority in refuge management, and that
public use be allowed and encouraged as long as it is compatible
with, or does not detract from, the Refuge System mission and
refuge purpose(s).
The National Environmental Policy Act requires, in the development
of a comprehensive conservation plan, the identification of resource
issues, the development of alternative management plans, the evaluation
of effects of the alternative plans on the environment, and the
solicitation of public comments on the alternative plans. Because
these plans are strategic in nature, they do not constitute a
commitment by the Service for staffing increases, operational
and maintenance increases, or funding for future land acquisition.
Thus, the Service envisions partnerships with other agencies and
private organizations as a key to implementing the goals, objectives,
and strategies of each plan.
