Refuge Complex Manager Don Hultman said that about 1,800 people have attended the first series of 12 public information meetings which began May 16 in Clinton, Iowa, and concluded June 2 in Onalaska, Wis. "Interest in the plan has created large turnouts at all of our meetings, especially in the La Crosse- Onalaska area where we've had two meetings," he said. Roughly 500 people attended the first meeting in Onalaska May 26. Roughly 130 people, including Representative Ron Kind, attended the second Onalaska meeting June 2.

"The congressman told the crowd he was involved," said Hultman. He urged local residents to stay involved and praised refuge staff for the work we do, how we are handling public involvement, and the delicate balancing act we are trying to do."

Large crowds also turned out for meetings in Savanna, Ill; Dubuque and Lansing, Iowa; Prairie du Chien and Stoddard, Wis; and La Crescent, Winona and Wabasha, Minn. Media coverage of the plan and public meetings has also been high, with radio, television and newspapers stories appearing regularly from Minneapolis, Minn, to Quad Cities, Iowa.

Public information meetings have included an open house segment, a slide presentation of key issues and alternatives being considered, and a question and answer session. Alternatives being considered in the draft plan include "no action," a "wildlife" focus, a "public use" focus, and "wildlife with integrated public use" focus. Special topic public meetings will be scheduled as needed during the 120-day comment period which closes August 31.

In addition to the public meetings, an Executive Summary of the 610-page draft plan has been mailed to nearly 3,000 citizens and organizations that expressed an interest during earlier public involvement. The draft plan can also be viewed at 52 public libraries in communities near the refuge, or at refuge district offices in Savanna, Ill.; McGregor, Iowa; La Crosse, Wis.; and Winona, Minn.

Beginning June 13, the refuge will host eight public workshops in selected river communities that will provide the public an opportunity to work with the details of the draft plan and using a small group format for discussion of issues, ideas and alternatives.

"I think people will offer alternative language for objectives, offer different regulations, suggest deleting some things, and mark-up pool-by-pool maps showing various features such as proposed electric motor areas and closed area changes. Everything will be on the table for input," Hultman said.

With more than 3 million visitors per year, the "Upper Miss" Refuge is the most visited refuge in the country and has the added complexity of a major navigation system, including 11 locks and dams within its boundary. It is also a world-class fish and wildlife area which harbors 306 species of birds; 119 species of fish; more than 130 active bald eagle nests; thousands of heron and egret nests; spectacular concentrations of canvasback ducks, tundra swans, and white pelicans; and several threatened or endangered species.

More information about the Refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan is available on the web at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/uppermississippiriver/