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

Compatibility Determination
Use: Snowshoeing and cross country skiing
Refuge Name: Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Appendix G: Final Compatibility Determinations
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: These uses are not priority public uses, but would facilitate wildlife
observation, wildlife photography, and interpretive programs, which are priority public
uses, during winter months. The trail systems are not plowed, because of the cost and
because of the habitat disturbance plowing would entail. The use simply involves foottravel
over the surface of the snow with the use of snowshoes and cross country skis on the
refuge trail systems.
Availability of Resources: The cost of trail and facilities maintenance are not directly
related to showshoeing or cross country skiing. Costs for activities that are facilitated by
these methods of locomotion are discussed under their respective compatibility
determinations.
Anticipated Impacts on Refuge Purpose: Snowshoeing and cross country skiing as
conducted on Assabet River NWR have no adverse impact on the management of
migratory birds or other wildlife species. These activities will only be done in coordination
with wildlife-dependent recreation. These will likely create similar disturbances as people
walking on the trails.
Public Review and Comment: The compatibility determination was included in the Draft
CCP/EA. The Draft CCP/EA was available for comment from July 20 through September
3, 2003. Refuge staff held four public meetings to collect public comments, written and
verbal, on the draft CCP/EA, including all compatibility determinations.
Determination:
Use is not compatible ___.
Use is Compatible with the following stipulations _X_.
The following stipulations are required to ensure compatibility:
Snowshoers and cross country skiers will utilize only established trails and other areas
open to the public and not venture into closed areas. The current “refuge open ½ hour
Comprehensive Conservation Plan - 231 -