USFWS seeks comments on proposed Wyoming land exchange

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment (Draft EA) regarding the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s proposed land exchange on the Wick Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) in Carbon County, Wyoming. Public comments will be accepted for a 15-day period, which starts on October 3, 2014 and ends October 18, 2014.

The Service is reviewing a proposed grant for an exchange of an isolated parcel of the Wick WHMA containing 160 acres located outside the main boundary of the WHMA. This parcel provides no public access for recreational use and does not provide quality habitat needs for big game species. In return, WGFD will receive a 160-acre private parcel of equal monetary value, located on the southern boundary of the WHMA.This parcel provides high-quality winter range for elk and deer; increases access to hunting, fishing, and recreational use of the wildlife resources; protects WGFD property rights; and allows for more cost-effective management of the WHMA. WGFD has determined that the proposed exchange parcel will provide increased benefits for wildlife and resource management efforts.

The Draft EA was prepared by the Service and WGFD, and it analyzes the environmental effects of the proposed land exchange. The Service concluded that the proposed project will not negatively impact floodplains, wetlands, or historical or cultural resources. It also will not negatively impact threatened, endangered, or candidate species. The Draft EA determined that the proposed land exchange will benefit local fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Copies of the Draft EA, which include details of the proposed action and the alternatives considered, are available online by clicking on the title of the document at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/federalassistance/nepa/index.html.

Hard copies of the Draft EA may be obtained by calling the Services’ Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program at 303-236-8156.

Comments will be accepted October 3-18, 2014, and should be sent to:
Chief, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25486
Denver, CO 80225

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/. Connect with our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/USFWSMountainPrairie, follow our tweets athttp://twitter.com/USFWSMtnPrairie, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/

– FWS –
Contacts:
Otto Jose, 303-236-8156; [email protected]
David McGillivary, 303-236-4411; [email protected]