Central to the primary mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s, Midwest Region, fisheries program is the production, distribution, and assessment of aquatic species of concern for the American people.

Secondarily, but of no less importance, is the mandate that we will carry out these and other missions, with the least amount of impact to the natural environment.

Since early 2000, when Executive Order 13148, Greening the Government through Leadership in Management was signed, the federal government has instituted an ambitious monitoring program to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.

This program, which is carried out at  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facilities, examines a wide range of operational and administrative practices to ensure that all Federal and State regulations are being properly implemented. 

In addition to regulatory findings audit teams evaluate practices to ensure that procedures and record keeping practices are within “policy” guidelines set by other guidance such as Executive Orders, Departmental or Service policies, or best management practices.  

Within the Midwest Region the fisheries division, in cooperation with the division of Safety, carry out scheduled inspections of all Service fish hatcheries under a proactive approach to ensure adherence to environmental laws and guidelines.

During late August, 2007 a regional three person team, composed of safety and environmental experts, visited the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery (NFH) in Elmira, Michigan for a scheduled Environmental Compliance inspection of the facilities. 

The team, working with station staff, completed the inspection over a several day period.  The audit considered 11 major environmental categories which include Federal, State, and Local Regulations, Required Practices, and Management Practices.

The inspection team noted a handful of findings categorized as minor in nature.  These findings will be addressed at the facility and regional levels over the next several months to ensure the hatchery meets all required standards. 

The staff of Jordan River NFH is especially appreciative of the assistance that the regional inspection team of Patrick McDermott, John Hoffman, and Craig Nibbe offered in the form of suggested solutions and best management practice changes. 

For further information about this project or other programs offered at Jordan River National Fish Hatchery, please contact Roger Gordon, Hatchery Manager at 231-584-2461 or roger_gordon@fws.gov .