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

Appendix F: Staffing Charts
Compatibility Determination
Use: Non-motorized Boating
Refuge Name: Assabet River National Wildlife Refuges
Establishing Authority: Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established
in 2000 under an Act Authorizing the Transfer of Certain Real Property for Wildlife, or
Other Purposes. (16 U.S.C. 667b).
Refuge Purpose: “...particular value in carrying out the national migratory bird
management program” (16 U.S.C. 667b-d, as amended).
National Wildlife Refuge System Mission: To administer a national network of lands
and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the
fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the
benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Description of Use:
(a) What is the use? Is the use a priority public use?
Non-motorized boating consists of the use of canoes, kayaks, row boats or other human
powered watercraft across open water. The use is not a priority public use, but would
facilitate participation in a variety of priority wildlife-dependent activities, including
fishing, wildlife observation and wildlife photography.
(b) Where would the use be conducted?
Non-motorized boating would be conducted only on Puffer Pond, not in refuge wetland
pools or other ponds.
(c) When would the use be conducted?
Non-motorized boating would occur during times when the refuge is open and access is
provided.
(d) How would the use be conducted?
Access would be provided at a designated launch site on the pond. Parking near the site
would be provided but boats would be hand-carried into the pond.
(e) Why is this use being proposed?
Non-motorized boating will facilitate participation in priority wildlife-dependent
recreation.
Availability of Resources: The costs of infrastructure associated with facilitating nonmotorized
boating are discussed in the compatibility determinations for the respective
wildlife dependent public uses. Existing and new facilities at Assabet River NWR would
be used. Minor improvements and maintenance would be accomplished by refuge staff and
volunteers.
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Assabet River NWR