U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S.F.W.S. and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are seeking public review on a outline Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider the current and suggested future operation of the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery near the Village of Wild Rose, in Waushara County, Wis.
The Service and the DNR will seek public input during a 30-day review period ending Nov. 14. The suggested alternative in the EA is to complete hatchery enhancements such that the century-old facility becomes a state-of-the-art cold and cool water fish rearing facility that meets or exceeds all state and federal environmental regulations and allows production of more fish for stocking.
The suggested plan is to be completed in 2 primary phases that focus on hatchery facilities and a 3rd phase that includes wetlands restoration/reconstruction and dam removal. Phase one focuses on the west side of the property (west of Hwy. 22) and the cold water species hatchery. Phase two will provide cool water/warm water hatchery facilities on the east side of the site.
Phase three entails restoring and reconstructing stream and wetland areas on both sides of the site.
A 2nd action alternative is analyzed in the environmental assessment that would involve closing the Wild Rose Hatchery and expanding operations at other, smaller facilities. A 3rd "No Action" alternative is also considered, as required by the Countrywide Environmental Policy Act, which would maintain the location and usage as it currently exists. 2 other alternatives were considered, but not carried forward for detailed analysis, as they presented administrative and legal obstacles, and could not meet the purpose and need of the project.
The Service and the DNR will each make an independent decision on the EA in accordance with their respective environmental regulations. If public comments indicate there are additional issues not covered in the outline EA, these issues will be addressed in the final environmental assessment.
The suggested plan is not anticipated to result in significant environmental impacts, and a preliminary determination has been made that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.
The suggested plan is also being reviewed under Section 106 of the Countrywide Historic Preservation Act. The public is encouraged to inform the DNR or the Service about archeological sites, buildings and structures, historic places, cemeteries, and traditional uses of the area that could influence decisions about the project.
Copies of the outline EA are accessible on the DNR's Web location at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/wildrose. The outline environmental assessment also can be obtained by writing to Alfred Kaas, Bureau of Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 South Webster Street. Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921, or emailing at Alfred.Kaas@dnr.state.wi.us
The outline EA is also accessible by contacting David Pederson, U.S.F.W.S., Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, one Federal Drive, Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111, or emailing David_Pederson@fws.gov
Written comments should be sent to Alfred Kaas no later than Nov. 14, 2005, to: Alfred Kaas, Department of Natural Resources, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921, via email to Alfred.Kaas@dnr.state.wi.us or via fax to (608) 266-2244.
The U.S.F.W.S. is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 National wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 Countrywide fish hatcheries, 63 Fish and Wildlife Management offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
