U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON SOUTH FOX ISLAND LAND EXCHANGE LANSING--The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) today announced they will begin gathering information and public comment as part of a proposed land exchange between the State of Michigan a private landowner on South Fox Island. The three government agencies are coordinating to develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed exchange of lands. Comments on the proposed land exchange will be accepted for 30 days following publication today of the Notice of Intent in the federal Register. "The public comment period is important because information gathered at the meetings along with any written comments will be used to prepare the draft EIS," said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Becky Humphries. "The draft EIS, when completed, will be released for further public review and comment before being finalized, so there are many opportunities for the public to have a voice in this process." Meetings are scheduled June 5 and 6 to gather information and receive public comment. The June 5 meeting will be held at Leland High School, 200 North Grand Avenue, in Leland. The June 6 is held at Charlevoix High School, 108 E. Garfield, in Charlevoix. Both begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Representatives from the three agencies will present information on the proposed land exchange and the plans to develop an Environmental Impact Statement. Following the presentation, the public is invited to join group discussions for comments and questions. A map depicting the proposed distribution is available on the DNR Web site at www.michigandnr.com For more information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's plans to prepare an EIS, the proposed land exchange, or the upcoming public meetings, contact the FWS Lansing field office at 517-351-2555. Comments on the proposed land exchange may be addressed to Craig Czarnecki, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, East Lansing Field Office, 2651 Coolidge Road, Suite 101, East Lansing, Michigan 48823. Electronic mail comments may also be submitted during the comment period to fw3foxisland@fws.gov.
Source: MDNR
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