Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge: Comprehensive Conservation Plan

摘要

This Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge was prepared to guide management actions and direction for the refuge over the next 15 years. Fish and wildlife conservation will receive first priority in refuge management; wildlife-dependent recreation will be allowed and encouraged as long as it is compatible with, and does not detract from, the mission of the refuge or the purposes for which it was established. A planning team developed a range of alternatives that best met the goals and objectives of the refuge and that could be implemented within the 15-year planning period. The draft plan and environmental assessment was made available to State and Federal agencies, conservation partners, and the general public for review and comment. Comments from each entity have been considered in the development of this plan. The purpose of the plan is to identify the role the refuge will play in support of the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and to provide guidance in refuge management and public use activities. Specifically, the plan is needed to: Provide a clear statement of refuge management direction; Provide refuge neighbors, visitors, and government officials with an understanding of Service management actions on and around the refuge; Ensure that Service management actions, including land protection and recreation/education programs, are consistent with the mandates of the National Wildlife Refuge System; and Provide a basis for the development of budget requests for operations, maintenance, and capital improvement needs.