Fishin’ for input

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is starting to map out its Comprehensive Conservation Plan for three wildlife management areas in Northern California counties, according to the agency.

The Butte Sink, Willow Creek-Lurline and Northern Central Valley wildlife management areas include lands owned by the service, as well as private lands protected with conservation easements outlined by the wildlife service. Wildlife management areas contain wetland, upland and riparian habitats that provide food, water and shelter for a diverse range of species.

The first step in forming conservation plans for the wildlife management areas is to solicit the ideas, concerns and potential impacts the public wants the wildlife service to consider when developing long-term management goals, objectives and strategies.

A public comment period is open until Jan. 15. Comments can be sent to Refuge Planner Jackie Ferrier of the National Wildlife Refuge Complex at Jackie_Ferrier@fws.gov. For a mailing address or more information about the planning process and resources, visit http://sacramentovalleyrefuges.fws.gov.