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

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Appendix C: Responses to Substantive Comments
Snowmobiling is not a wildlife-dependent use of the refuges. Snowmobiles tend to frighten
wildlife and can adversely impact wintering species. The refuges are small enough that
non-motorized use (such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing) would be the preferred
method of travel for facilitation of wildlife dependent uses of the refuges during winter
months.
Gathering
One respondent requested permission to collect mushrooms and suggested a daily limit
for individuals that would like to collect them.
The picking of fruit, plants, and mushrooms is not allowed on the refuges. These plants
and fungi are components of the natural ecosystem and can provide food for refuge
wildlife. With the large volumes of refuge visitors, there could be significant depletion of
certain plants and mushrooms as well as unauthorized access off-trail to collect these
specimens if this were allowed. Our intention in managing these refuges is to allow natural
processes to occur as much as possible, with specific land management techniques to
maintain or restore specific habitat types for wildlife. Gathering of plants, mushrooms and
other refuge resources (such as rocks found on stone walls) is not appropriate.
Fees
Commentors provided a number of arguments for and against fees. Additionally, some
commentors questioned the viability of a fee system for the refuges. Some of the concerns
raised include the appropriateness of fees on Federal land, a potential deterrence of
visitors from low-income families or neighborhoods, and the costs of enforcement. Others
point out the need to support local lands that are under-funded by Federal budgets.
In response to concerns expressed about the cost of a pass, we have lowered the annual
pass fee from $20 in our original proposal to $12. Additional detail about the fees has been
added to the final CCPs for each of the refuges.
Fees will be used to support local projects on the refuges. The only way the Service will be
able to achieve, maintain and provide a high quality of visitor service in the future is with
additional funds. Unfortunately, our budget is insufficient to meet our visitor services
needs. Failure to receive additional revenues will have a significant impact on our ability
to provide quality opportunities for visitors to engage in wildlife-dependent public uses.
Fees are fair because they are paid by refuge users.
Land Acquisition
A large number of commentors expressed concern over the lack of additional lands within
the proposed acquisition boundary. Some individuals specifically mentioned the Devens
South Post land that has been identified as part of the Base Closure and Realignment Act
as land to be transferred to Oxbow NWR. Other individuals expressed concern that some
town conservation lands adjacent to the existing refuges were within the acquisition
Assabet River NWR