SPORTS

USFWS seeks comments on assessment for Black Bayou

Special to The News-Star
sports@thenewsstar.com

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service seeks comments on Draft Sport Hunting Plan and Environmental Assessment for Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A Draft Sport Hunting Plan and Environmental Assessment and Compatibility Determinations for hunting on Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Ouachita Parish are available for a 30-day public review which began August 26. The comment period will end September 24.

The plan describes two alternatives for hunting on the refuge: (1) the no action alternative would continue the current hunt program and (2) the proposed action would open newly acquired 800 acres of the refuge to hunting. Under the proposed action, hunting of deer, rabbits, quail, squirrels, coyotes, beaver, woodcock, and waterfowl would occur. Hunting would be carried out in accordance with Federal and State of Louisiana regulations and refuge-specific regulations. Compatibility Determinations to determine that hunting is compatible with the original purpose of the refuge are also available for review.

Copies can be requested from the refuge and copies are available for review at the following libraries: Ouachita Parish: 315 Cypress, West Monroe; 1800 Stubbs Ave., Monroe

Written comments, requests for the plan, or questions can be directed to Gypsy Hanks, Wildlife Biologist, at 11372 Hwy 143, Farmerville, LA 71241; (318) 726-4222 x 101. Email comments can be provided to the following address: gypsy_hanks@fws.gov

The Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is approximately 5,300 acres and is located in Ouachita Parish. The refuge is just north of Monroe. Wildlife-dependant recreation is available to the public including fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education.

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 150 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses more than 560 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas as well as 418 million acres of national marine monuments. It also operates 70 national fish hatcheries, 65 fishery resource offices and 86 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 Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.