Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Appendix C: Responses to Substantive Comments
Planning Process
Length of comment period
Appendix C: Responses to Substantive Comments
Some commentors were unhappy with the timing and length of the comment period.
The comment period was 45 days long, which is a standard period for a document such as a
CCP. Unfortunately, the timing of the draft CCP release came during the summer
months. We knew that there were many people eagerly anticipating its release and
focused on releasing the plan to the public as quickly as we could. While, there were
requests to extend the comment period, they came at the very end of the comment period.
The notification process to ensure that all individuals and groups were aware of an
extension could not have been completed before the scheduled end of the comment period.
Despite the concerns of some commentors, we did receive nearly 2,000 comments and we
feel confident that we heard from all viewpoints.
Public Involvement
Many respondents feel satisfied with the FWS’s level of public involvement and
education; they praise the agencies past efforts and eagerly anticipate additional
opportunities for interest groups and communities to stay involved in the refuge’s
management. Civic and conservation organizations express interest in collaborating
with the FWS on management issues.
We look forward to continued involvement and collaboration as we implement the
provisions of the CCP, continue day-to-day operations, and develop necessary step-down
plans.
Planning Vision
Relationship to Regional Planning Efforts and Legislation
Some respondents ask for clarification of the CCP’s compatibility with other regional
management efforts and role in an ecosystem context.
We realize that we are one of several conservation partners in a regional ecosystem.
Where appropriate, we have worked with surrounding landowners and communities to
ensure management that complements adjacent lands. Unfortunately, the missions of
adjacent landowners do not always match the mission and purposes of the refuge. Because
of these differences, there will be times when activities that are allowed in one area are
prohibited in another, or vice versa.
We look forward to continuing to work with our various conservation partners. Our
management actions are focused on the NWRs by design. Our jurisdiction and planning
efforts include only these lands. We will continue to consider the effects our management
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