Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Chapter 5
residents and visitors. This would not change under the proposal to increase salt marsh habitat, as
described in Alternative B; therefore, this alternative would not result in any significant adverse
effects related to odors.
Pest Management
Under this alternative, mosquito control would be implemented in accordance with a Mosquito
Management Plan (see Appendix C). This plan, which includes a phased approach to mosquito
control, involves the implementation of pesticide and non-pesticide strategies for reducing threats
from mosquitoes to human and wildlife populations. Under this plan, impacts to refuge resources
from pesticide applications would be expected to be minor, temporary, or localized in nature, and
potential impacts to the public as a result of mosquito production on the Refuge would be expected
to be minimal.
Public Use
The public use activities proposed under Alternative B would have no adverse effects related to
vectors and odors.
5.7.2.6 Effects to Economics/Employment
Wildlife and Habitat Management
Under Alternative B, the Refuge would continue to maintain its existing staffing levels (i.e., one full
time permanent Refuge Manager and one part time term maintenance worker). Additionally,
several opportunities for contractor work would be created as a result of implementing the
restoration, enhancement, and infrastructure proposals included in Alternative B. Carrying out
the habitat restoration projects included in Alternative B would inject approximately $3 million
into the local economy, temporarily increasing employment and expenditures. However, in the
context of the multi-billion dollar Orange County economy, which includes nearly 1.5 million
workers, this effect would be negligible.
Public Use
Effects of public use under Alternative B to economics/employment would be identical to those
described for Alternative A.
5.7.2.7 Effects to Environmental Justice
Wildlife and Habitat Management
The expanded wildlife and habitat management activities associated with Alternative B would not
create any adverse impacts that could disproportionally affect minority or low-income residents in
the region.
Public Use
The benefits of implementing the current public use program, which is proposed to continue under
Alternative B, would be identical to those described for Alternative A.
5.7.3 Alternative C (Proposed Action) – Optimize Upland/Wetland Restoration, Improve
Opportunities for Wildlife Observation
5.7.3.1 Effects to Land Use
Wildlife and Habitat Management
The effects to land use of implementing the wildlife and habitat management actions proposed
under Alternative C would be essentially the same as those described for Alternative B.
5-78 Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge