On March 19 and 20, 2008, there were four opportunities for the public to provide input to refuge staff regarding their thoughts about the future direction of refuge management.  Meeting formats, times, and locations, varied to provide many opportunities for public involvement.  An open house style format in the afternoon, and a more structured evening meeting, were held in both Guys Mills and Meadville.  Approximately 80 people attended over the 2 day period.  

In addition, a written public comment period was open from March 19 - April 30, 2008.

Personalized written comments were received from slightly over 100 individuals, and 10 stakeholder groups including the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  In addition, one petition was received.    The variety of comments dealt with all facets of refuge management including wildlife and habitat management, facilities, staffing, environmental education, outreach, public access, recreational opportunities, timber harvesting, oil drilling, and roadways.  In each of these subject areas, there were multiple sides presented.   For example: 

-         Comments were submitted suggesting that hunting and fishing permits should be sold on the refuge to grant access; at the same time, comments were received that all activities should be free on the refuge.  

-         Comments were received indicating that refuge land should not be used for agricultural crops; other comments supported an increase in the amount of lands put into grain crops.

-         Comments included a suggestion that the refuge should be open to wildlife watchers off the established trails throughout the year; others wanted a distinct separation of public use areas for hunters and all others.

These are just a few of the many, many examples of issues that will be analyzed and debated by the team of people developing the first draft of the CCP.  Each alternative must now be evaluated as to how it fits into our mission, how it helps us to meet our mandate of providing for migratory birds and endangered species, and how it helps us to meet the goal of providing compatible wildlife dependent recreation.