The Mountain-Prairie Region consists of 8 states in the heart of the American west including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long tradition of scientific excellence and always uses the best-available science to inform its work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat for the benefit of the American public.
Created in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, today's National Wildlife Refuge System protects habitats and wildlife across the country, from the Alaskan tundra to subtropical wetlands. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System's 560-plus refuges cover more than 150 million acres and protect nearly 1,400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
While national wildlife refuges were created to protect wildlife, they are for people too. Refuges are ideal places for people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural world. We invite you to learn more about and visit the national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
The Mountain-Prairie Region's Office of Ecological Services (ES) works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, ES personnel work with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to avoid, minimize, and mitigate threats to our Nation's natural resources.
Providing leadership in the conservation of migratory bird habitat through partnerships, grants, and outreach for present and future generations. The Migratory Bird Program is responsible for maintaining healthy migratory bird populations for the benefit of the American people.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program in the Mountain-Prairie Region helps conserve, protect, and enhance aquatic resources and provides economically valuable recreational fishing to anglers across the country. The program comprises 12 National Fish Hatcheries.
Law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. The Office of Law Enforcement contributes to Service efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation.
External Affairs staff in the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides support to the regional office and field stations to communicate and faciliate information about the Service's programs to the public, media, Congress, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders in the 8-state region.
Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Available for Wind Energy Projects in the Upper Great Plains
For Immediate Release
April 22, 2015
Photo Credit: Krista Lundgren/USFWS
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and Western Area Power Administration have published a final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), which evaluates the environmental impacts of wind energy development in the Upper Great Plains states of Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The final PEIS, when coupled with project-specific environmental assessments, is designed to standardize the environmental review process while ensuring protection for wildlife and other natural resources in the Upper Great Plains.
“The Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement allows proposed wind farms to address environmental concerns in a consistent, thorough, and transparent manner,” said Noreen Walsh, Regional Director of the Service’s Mountain-Prairie Region. “This effort protects the region’s wildlife resources while simultaneously supporting the president's 'all of the above' energy strategy.”
After the notice of availability for the final PEIS is published in the Federal Register, senior agency officials will review the PEIS for the next 30 days before making a final Record of Decision. The final PEIS can be viewed here: http://www.wapa.gov/ugp/Environment/WindEnergyPEIS/WindEnergyPEIS.htm.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.