Plum Island input sought, possible closure

[Karl F]

Plum Island Refuge seeks public comment on some activities

PLUM ISLAND — Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is seeking public comment on certain visitor activities that it allows.
As part of a periodic review to ensure their compatibility with the purpose of the refuge, eight recreational activities are being examined. These are: access for recreational and commercial clamming, off-road vehicle use on the refuge beach for surf fishing, beach activities such as swimming and sunbathing, berry picking, bicycling, field trails, jogging and boating.
Public review and comment are encouraged during the public review period, Dec. 15 to 29.
"A periodic revisiting of the activities we allow on the refuge helps us to ensure they still fit within our wildlife first mission, and that we are able to manage them responsibly," said refuge manager Janet Kennedy.
This review is part of the compatibility determination process that was established by Congress when it passed the National Wildlife Refuge system's "Wildlife First" mission, and required that all public uses be compatible with the purpose of the refuge. To be compatible, the use must not materially detract from the purpose of the refuge and must be within the refuge's ability to manage.
Copies of the draft compatibility determinations for the eight activities can be found on the refuge's Web site, http://parkerriver.fws.gov, and in the main branch of the public libraries in Newbury, Rowley, Ipswich and Newburyport as well as the refuge headquarters.
Submit comments in writing to Refuge Manager Janet Kennedy, Parker River NWR, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, Mass. 01950, or janet_kennedy@fws.gov by Dec. 29. For information, call the refuge headquarters at (978) 465-5753.