Comments sought onplans for Butler-Hansen refuge

A Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is now available for a 30 day public review.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has prepared the Draft EA to provide information and analysis regarding the Refuge waterfowl hunt on the Wallace Island Unit.

The Draft EA was prepared as a result of the Fund for Animals lawsuit against the Service on March 14, 2003, alleging noncompliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in opening 37 refuges to hunting during the 1997-98 through 2002-03 seasons.

On August 31, 2006, the U.S. District Court Judge granted the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment, agreeing that the Service did not adequately consider the cumulative impacts of opening these refuges to hunting. The Service’s October 5, 2006 brief asked the court not to enjoin the hunt programs while the Service addressed the NEPA deficiencies in the original 37 hunting packages. In addition, the Service informed the court that by May 30, 2007, it would also correct possible NEPA deficiencies for refuges opened to hunting since the lawsuit was filed.

A public review and comment period for the Draft Supplement will begin on April 9, 2007. Written comments must be submitted on or before May 9, 2007 to: Rebecca Young, Refuge Planner, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex; 3888 SR 101, Ilwaco, WA 98636.

Comments may also be submitted via electronic mail to Rebecca_You-

ng@fws.gov. Copies of the Draft EA can be obtained electronically at http://www.fws.gov/willapa/JuliaButlerHansen/, or by requesting a hardcopy at the address listed above.