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

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Appendix C: Responses to Substantive Comments
NHESP suggested working cooperatively with the Service for review of impacts to statelisted
species when construction or demolition projects are proposed.
The Service will continue to include NHESP in review of appropriate projects.
Staffing
Most commentors feel that adequate refuge staffing is essential. While many people
assert that Alternative B will meet desired staffing levels, a number of other respondents
contend that proposed staffing levels are too low. These people cite anticipated user
conflicts, present refuge hazards, and the current downsizing trend in government as
reasons to increase proposed staffing levels. Some respondents suggest utilizing
community groups and/or to form partnerships with volunteer organizations to
supplement staffing needs.
We appreciate the support for increased staffing levels. We have proposed the level of
staffing that we feel is appropriate to implement the programs outlined in the CCP.
Wild and Scenic Rivers
The one concern regarding wild and scenic river designation expressed by several
respondents is that hunting is incompatible with this designation and should be
prohibited within these areas.
The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act (WSR) does not prohibit hunting, nor does it indicate that
hunting is incompatible with the intent of the WSR designation.
Enforcement
Respondents who comment on enforcement indicate that the level of enforcement on the
refuge needs to increase. The key areas identified by respondents as needing increased
policing efforts are off-highway vehicle trespass, poaching, dumping, trespass, and
vandalism.
We are aware of a number of violations that occur on refuge lands. Our law enforcement
staff is working to correct these violations and are bringing in outside help when
necessary. The number of violation notices issued during the past year is a testament to
our focused law enforcement efforts. We look forward to implementation of the CCP and
the opportunity to expand our law enforcement presence through the potential addition of
staff, agreements with local law enforcement agencies, and continued cooperation with
State environmental police officers.
Invasives
Many respondents support efforts to eliminate invasive non-native species. Several
respondents raise concerns about invasives at Puffer Pond, given new fishing access.
Concerns about targeted species are raised in two cases: one respondent argues that
Assabet River NWR