The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the availability of a Draft Compatibility Determination for Right-of-Way (ROW) to install fiber optic cable by the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) within Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge for public review and comment. The public comment period will extend from September 3, 2021 through September 17, 2021. Interested parties are encouraged to review the draft determinations and provide written comments to the Refuge Manager (Charles Sloan).
A compatibility determination is the result of a process whereby the Refuge Manager reviews a proposed use on a refuge and determines whether the use is compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was established. If determined to be compatible, then the use may be permitted. If the use is determined incompatible, then it is not permitted to occur on the Refuge. Policy issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in October 2000 requires that compatibility determinations be provided to the public for review and comment.
When completing compatibility determinations, the Refuge Manager uses sound professional judgment to determine if a proposed use will materially interfere or detract from the fulfillment of the Service's mission or the purpose of the Refuge.
The Draft Compatibility Determination is available on-line at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/white_river/. A copy will be posted at the front door of the Headquarters/Visitor Center located at 57 South CC Camp Road St. Charles, AR 72140.
The interested public has until September 17, 2021 to provide comments in writing. Comments may be sent by fax to (870) 282-8234 or by e-mail to Wesley_J_Howard@fws.gov. Comments received will be reviewed and, if appropriate, incorporated into the Final Compatibility Determination. Individuals who submit comments will be notified upon completion of the Final Compatibility Determination for the proposed use.
For more information, please contact Wesley Howard 870-282-8249 or email Wesley_J_Howard@fws.gov / Collin Horton, Collin_Horton@fws.gov, (870) 946-5970
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov.
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