I attended a workshop in August on the proposed Comprehensive Plan for the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge. Approximately 150 people attended the Dubuque meeting, and most of the people present were hunters, fishermen, and recreational boaters, and most opposed change to the present recreational plan.
The Refuge managers proposed four alternative plans. Plan A would be no change from current practice. Plan B would favor wildlife. Plan C would favor public use. Plan D would be a compromise between Plan B and Plan C.
Plan D would create new hiking and canoe trails as well as observation and photography areas. It would expand interpretive events. It would add one area per pool that would be closed for duck hunting. It would create electric motor areas only in sensitive areas of the refuge. It would increase spending on recovery of threatened and endangered species and it would increase staff to accomplish these goals. It would also create one alcohol free beach per pool.
In view of the opposition to Plan D, the Refuge will prepare a compromise Plan E which will be available for comment in October. Please keep tuned so that non-consumptive outdoor enthusiasts can comment on Plan E at that time.
The Refuge managers proposed four alternative plans. Plan A would be no change from current practice. Plan B would favor wildlife. Plan C would favor public use. Plan D would be a compromise between Plan B and Plan C.
Plan D would create new hiking and canoe trails as well as observation and photography areas. It would expand interpretive events. It would add one area per pool that would be closed for duck hunting. It would create electric motor areas only in sensitive areas of the refuge. It would increase spending on recovery of threatened and endangered species and it would increase staff to accomplish these goals. It would also create one alcohol free beach per pool.
In view of the opposition to Plan D, the Refuge will prepare a compromise Plan E which will be available for comment in October. Please keep tuned so that non-consumptive outdoor enthusiasts can comment on Plan E at that time.