Hunting and fishing on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands is a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. Here in the?midwest, national wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas and fish hatcheries are a huge part of this tradition.?Today, more than 370?refuges?are open to the public for hunting.?We welcome sportswomen and men of all backgrounds and abilities to experience the?outdoors?in amazing places.??

Crab Orchard?National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to update?their?fishing program and is seeking public comment on the proposed changes?that?include:

• Expanding fishing access by 30 days on Crab Orchard Lake east of Wolf Creek Road and A-41 and Bluegill Ponds. The fishing season on these ponds will be from legal sunrise to legal sunset from March 1 through October 15.
• Expanding fishing access to the entire state fishing season on Visitor, Honkers and Mangers ponds
• Clarifying the regulations that gas powered boats are not allowed for fishing activities

You?are invited?to review draft documents related to these changes, including the?compatibility determination, plan amendment and categorical exclusion documents.?Draft documents are available on the refuge website or you can contact the refuge at?612-998-5954 or?neil_vincent@fws.gov?to request either printed or electronic copies. Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format.?

Cypress Creek?National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to update?their?hunting and fishing programs and is seeking public comment on the proposed changes?that?include:

• Expanding hunting and fishing opportunities to 68 new acres
• Removed creel limits and horsepower outboard motor prohibition

You?are invited?to review draft documents related to these changes, including the?fishing compatibility determination, plan amendments and categorical exclusion documents.?Draft documents are available on the refuge website or you can contact the refuge at?612-998-5954?or?karen_mangan@fws.gov?to request either printed or electronic copies. Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format.?

Documents for both refuges are available beginning?Thursday, April 15, 2021?through the end of the "2021–2022 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations" comment period, to be announced in the Federal Register. The end of the comment period will be 60 days after the rule publishes, which we anticipate to be mid-June.

The public comment period is an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes with staff and to provide?your comments on the draft documents. You?can submit?written?comments by mail?to?Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge,?ATTN: Hunt/Fish Program Comment??137 Rustic Campus Drive Ullin, IL 62992 or Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, ATTN: Fish Program Comment 8588 Route 148 Marion, IL 62959. If you wish to comment electronically,?please note “Cypress Creek NWR Fish/Hunt Plan” or “Crab Orchard NWR Fish Plan” in the subject line of an email addressed to?HuntFishRuleComments@fws.gov.?

Across the country, national wildlife refuges work closely with state agencies, tribes and private partners to expand access to hunting and fishing. Hunting and fishing provide opportunities for families to enjoy the?outdoors, create memories and pass on family traditions.

—FWS—

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 fws.gov.

Contact: Neil Vincent, neil_vincent@fws.gov, 612-998-5954 - Crab Orchard?National Wildlife Refuge; or Karen Mangan, karen_mangan@fws.gov, 681-634-2231 - Cypress Creek?National Wildlife Refuge