The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and National Park Service (NPS) worked collaboratively to develop a draft environmental impact statement and land protection plan for two large conservation areas along the Missouri River in Northeast Nebraska and South Dakota. The agencies are seeking public comment on the draft plan for the Niobrara Confluence and Ponca Bluffs Conservation Areas.
“In creating these areas, the Service and NPS would work with willing private landowners, local communities, and other conservation entities to conserve important wildlife habitats, increase high quality recreational opportunities, preserve sensitive cultural sites, and maintain sustainable farming and ranching operations in the region while not increasing regulations or altering dam operations,” said Noreen Walsh, Regional Director for the Mountain-Prairie Region.
Efforts will focus on the Missouri River between Ft. Randall Dam to the Running Water Bridge and upstream the Niobrara River to the Spencer Dam. This area is referred to as the Niobrara Confluence. The other area, called the Ponca Bluffs, is centered on the Missouri River from Gavins Point Dam to Sioux City, Iowa.
Individual or group representatives may visit the project website to learn more or to provide comments. The Service and NPS will gather public input as part of public comment period until June 14, 2013. All comments received before June 14th will be considered by the agencies during completion of the final environmental impact statement.
Public meetings regarding the draft plan will begin with an informational presentation followed by an open house where individuals can meet one-on-one with the Service and NPS staff for additional discussion. The meetings will be at the following dates and locations:
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Vermillion Public Library
18 Church Street
Vermillion, South Dakota
Thursday, April 11, 2013
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Lutheran Fellowship Hall
2532 Apple Street (Just south of Moody Motors)
Niobrara, Nebraska
For more information or to provide comments, contact:
Nick Kaczor, Planning Team Leader
Division of Refuge Planning
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25486, DFC
Denver, Colorado 80225
Steve Mietz, Superintendent
National Park Service
Missouri National Recreational River
508 East 2nd Street
Yankton, South Dakota 57078