Better NWR access in the works

To increase public access on federal lands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is developing a list of its managed lands that would benefit from new or increased access routes.

On March 12, President Donald Trump signed into law the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S.47, the Dingell Act), which directs the Service and other federal land management agencies to develop a priority list of lands that have significantly restricted or no public access where that access could be improved. The public is encouraged to identify national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries and other lands managed by the Service that meet the complete criteria.

Aurelia Skipwith, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said that improving public access to hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation on national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries is a priority under this Administration.

“In just the last year, the Department opened 1.4 million acres of land and water to new or additional hunting and fishing opportunities, the single largest expansion on

Service-managed lands in recent history,” Skipwith said. “We’re committed to continuing expanding the availability of these unique and magnificent places for wildlife dependent recreation for the benefit of the American people.”

Nominated lands must be managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service and contain at least 640 contiguous acres. They must have significantly restricted or no public access, and be open under federal or state law to hunting, fishing or for other public recreational purposes.

For additional information and a full list of required criteria for consideration as specified by the Dingell Act, visit fws.gov/refuges/realty/Public-Access-Nominations.html.

Comments will be accepted over a 30-day comment period that ends Wednesday. The final priority list will be posted online by March 12 and updated biennially for 10 years.