Crab Orchard NWR is a major resting location for migrating Canada geese and other birds. - USFWS photo

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, on Oct. 17, released for public review and comment a draft of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).  The draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan articulates various issues and presents management alternatives for the 43,888-acre refuge headquartered in Marion, Ill.  Once approved, the plan will guide management of the refuge for the next 15 years.  

The refuge will host a public information meeting Nov. 3, 2005, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the O’Neil Auditorium at John A. Logan College on Route 13 in Carterville, Ill., and an Open House Nov. 5, 2005, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crab Orchard NWR Visitor Center, 8588 Route 148 in Marion, Ill.  The information meeting and open house will provide opportunities for refuge neighbors, visitors and interested groups to ask questions, voice concerns or make suggestions about issues and management alternatives contained in the plan.  

Crab Orchard NWR was established by Congress in 1947 for wildlife conservation, agriculture, recreation and industry – activities which are still present on the refuge.

“The four purposes of the refuge make Crab Orchard a significant place in the lives of many people in southern Illinois.  It’s important for us to hear from anyone who cares about the future direction of the refuge,” said Refuge Manager Dan Frisk. “We want to involve the public as much as possible as we move closer to deciding on a future that benefits wildlife and provides for quality experiences for visitors.”

The deadline for public comment on the plan is January 17, 2006.  Comments can be submitted in writing to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Attention: Draft EIS Comment, 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL 62959.  Comments can also be submitted via the Internet at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/craborchard).

Issues and alternatives addressed in the draft EIS/CCP are summarized in an eight-page update which has been mailed to nearly 2,000 citizens and organizations that expressed an interest during earlier public involvement.  Additional copies of the update can be requested by calling the refuge headquarters at 618-997-3344.

The complete draft Plan and a summary can be viewed at the Service’s Planning Website: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/craborchard .  The draft Plan can also be viewed at the refuge headquarters or 13 public libraries in the communities of Carbondale, Carterville, Chester, Du Quoin, Herrin, Johnston City, Jonesboro, Marion, Harrisburg, Murphysboro, Anna, Vienna and West Frankfort, Ill.  A CD version of the draft Plan can be requested by calling the refuge headquarters at 618-997-3344.

Crab Orchard NWR provides significant habitat resting areas for migratory birds using the Mississippi Flyway.  Wintering numbers of Canada Geese can peak at 200,000. A total of 700 plant species, 245 bird species, 33 mammal species, 63 fish species, and 44 reptile and amphibian species have been documented on the refuge. The western 24,000 acres of the refuge provide a wide range of recreational opportunities and also include a 4,050-acre wilderness area. The eastern portion, 20,000 acres, is a wildlife sanctuary, and public use is limited. 

Industrial activities on the refuge range from manufacturing and storage facilities to administrative offices.  Many buildings now housing industries were used in the manufacturing of explosives during World War II, and they are still used for military ordnance production today.  Approximately 4,000 acres of cropland on the refuge are managed by local farmers who sharecrop the land, harvesting a percentage of the crops and leaving the rest in the field for wildlife.