Contacts

Linda Malz 952-858-0716

Scott Flaherty 612-713-5309

Service Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Construction of New Facilities on Rapids Lake Unit of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Carver County

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing construction of a new visitor and environmental education center, outdoor environmental education and interpretive facilities and a bunkhouse for refuge interns on the Rapids Lake Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge near Carver, Minn. The Service is soliciting comments from the public about environmental impacts, historic preservation, and compatible uses related to these proposed projects. The Refuge will host an open house July 7, 2005 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carver Village Hall, 316 Broadway, Carver, Minnesota, to discuss the proposals and answer questions.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments concerning the proposed facility projects to the Acting Refuge Manager, Tom Kerr, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55425, by July 18, 2005. Written comments may also be sent via facsimile to 612-725-3279 or electronic mail to: tom_kerr@fws.gov.

Public involvement on this proposal is provided for by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Four alternatives, including the “no action” alternative for developing public use facilities on the Rapids Lake Unit of the Refuge have been identified and are being presented within a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for formal public review and comment. Public input will help an interdisciplinary team complete the environmental analysis of this project by addressing important issues and concerns raised by the public. Copies of the draft EA are available at the Minnesota Valley NWR Visitor Center, 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55425, or can be requested by telephone at 952-854-5900. The draft EA is also available on the Internet at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/NEPA .

The proposed project is also being reviewed under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The area of potential effect for this undertaking is the entire Rapids Lake Unit formerly known as the Mittelsted farm. A large number of archaeological and cultural sites exist on or near Refuge lands, including the Rapids Lake Unit. These sites include historic Native American village sites and burial mounds, early 19th century trading posts and ferry crossings, and early 20th century bridges and farmsteads. The public is requested to inform the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge about archaeological sites, buildings and structures, historic places, cemeteries, and traditional uses of the area that could influence decisions about the project.

In accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, the Service must determine if a proposed public use is compatible with the purpose of the refuge. The Service would like to know what the public thinks about the proposed uses; and about studies regarding the effects of such uses. Three compatibility determinations have been drafted and are also available for review and comment at the refuge visitor center or can be requested by telephone at 952-854-5900. The compatibility determinations are also available at the Chaska Library, Carver City Hall, Jordan City Hall, and on the Internet at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/NEPA .

The purpose for establishing, acquiring, and managing the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is to restore and manage the ecological communities of the Lower Minnesota River Valley and its watershed while providing environmental education and wildlife-dependent recreation. The 1,500-acre Rapids Lake Unit is located along the Minnesota River in southeastern Carver County, and can be accessed from County Road 45 south of Carver, Minn.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 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 national 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.

-FWS-

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