Sen. Carper Statement on Release of Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Prime Hook

GEORGETOWN, Del. – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released a statement on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s release of a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Sussex County. During the next month, the agency will hold a public comment period for the proposal. In March, Delaware’s Congressional Delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to urge his agency to release the long-delayed plan. Sen. Carper’s statement follows:

“The release of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) is a critical step toward finalizing a deliberative and thoughtful plan for the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Since the planning process began six years ago, the ecologically diverse refuge and surrounding area that many Delawareans call home has undergone significant changes and damage. I am encouraged that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is moving forward with its release of the draft CCP and I urge Delawareans to add their views during the public comment period next month. I will continue to join the community, state officials and stakeholders in working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to finalize the process and I look forward to seeing the final plan by the end of this year.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold five meetings focused on specific topics and one formal public meeting at the following times and locations:

Tuesday, June 5, 2012
6 PM – 9 PM
Milford Senior Center
111 Park Avenue
Milford, DE
Topic: Habitat Management

Thursday, June 7, 2012
6 PM – 9 PM
Milford Senior Center
111 Park Avenue
Milford, DE
Topic: Hunting

Saturday, June 9, 2012
1 PM – 4 PM
Milton Fire Hall
116 Front Street
Milton, DE
Topic: Habitat Management

Tuesday, June 12, 2012
6 PM – 9 PM
Cape Henlopen High School Cafeteria
1250 Kings Highway
Lewes, DE
Topic: Hunting

Thursday, June 14, 2012
6 PM – 9 PM
Milton Fire Hall
116 Front Street
Milton, DE
Topic: Wildlife Observation and Photography, Fishing, Environmental Education, and Interpretation

Tuesday, June 19, 2012
6 PM – 9 PM
Cape Henlopen High School Cafeteria
1250 Kings Highway
Lewes, DE
Topic: Formal Meeting

For addition information, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/Prime%20Hook/ccphome.html