Public involvement has been a key component of the planning process since work began on the plan in the summer of 2003. In addition to working with public groups and individuals, refuge staff have worked with the Washington and Oregon Departments of Wildlife, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tribal representatives, and several non-government organizations. The planning process has included technical work group meetings and open houses. So far, the refuges have hosted open houses in Burbank, Washington and Boardman, Oregon to discuss the planning process and to receive comments from the public. Project updates have been mailed to individuals, agencies and organizations that requested to be on the mailing list for this project. Planning updates and future drafts of the plan when completed will be available on the Internet at: http://midcolumbiariver.fws.gov/planning.htm

The Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex is composed of five refuges totaling almost 50,000 acres in the Mid-Columbia River Basin of southeast Washington and northeastern Oregon. McNary and Umatilla NWRs were established to protect, restore and manage wetland, riparian and upland habitats for migratory birds, fish and resident wildlife. The Complex headquarters is located at 2507 St. Andrews Loop, in Pasco, Washington. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Complex office at (509) 545-8588.