Comments Sought on Draft Plan for Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has released for public review and comment a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Polk County, Minnesota.

The draft CCP sets wildlife, habitat, and public use priorities and guides management decisions on the refuge for the next 15 years. All aspects of the refuge are addressed by the CCP, including important fish and wildlife habitats, public use, and current management activities.

The Service will be hosting an open house to accept comments on the draft CCP and answer questions from the public about the plan. The open house event will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 5-8 p.m. at the Rydell Refuge Visitor Center located at 17788 349th Street SE, Erskine, Minnesota. Interested citizens may stop by any time and stay as long as they wish. Comment forms will be made available so that written comments can be submitted at the open house or mailed in later.

Written comments are due by June 17, 2016 and can be mailed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Conservation Planning, 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990, Bloomington, MN 55437-1458; or e-mailed to: r3planning@fws.gov (please put Glacial Ridge CCP Comment in the subject line).

The draft CCP can be viewed at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/GlacialRidge. Paper copies and/or compact disks are available in limited supply by making a request through the website or calling (612) 713-5477.

For more information contact:

Gregg Knutsen, Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR, 17788 349^th St. SE, Erskine, MN 56535

For more information on the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visit http://midwest.fws.gov.

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 www.fws.gov.

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SPECIAL DEER HUNTS AT RYDELL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Fall once again triggers the arrival of two special deer hunts, the Accessible Deer Hunt and the Mentored Youth Deer Hunt, held on the Rydell NWR each year. Both hunts are held under special permits from the Minnesota DNR.

The Accessible Deer Hunt is coordinated through Options in East Grand Forks, MN, who generates funds and volunteers, and provides meals and door prizes for an average of 20 hunters each year. Specialized accessible equipment such as portable hunting blinds, temporary screens, accessible platforms and adaptive hunting equipment help to facilitate a safe and effective hunting environment on the Refuge.

The Mentored Youth Hunt is sponsored by the Friends of Rydell NWR and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and is open to youth 12-15 years old. An adult parent/guardian mentor, who may not hunt, must accompany youth participants while hunting at all times and abide by all hunting rules. The hunt is open to up to 15 youth.

Rydell National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to the public on the following days to anyone not participating in these special deer hunts:

Accessible Deer Hunt:         October 8-10, 2015

Mentored Youth Deer Hunt: October 17-18, 2015

The Refuge will remain open for normal hours of operation on the days prior to and following the special deer hunts.

For more information contact Gregg Knutsen, Manager, at Rydell National Wildlife Refuge (218) 687-2229 extension 16

Rydell Refuge will be closing the trails to the public

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rydell National Wildlife Refuge will be closing the trails to all public during the asphalt overlay for the trail improvement project, the Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities, and the Youth Deer Hunt. The closures will begin Monday October 6^th, 2014 and continue through November 1^st, 2014. Due to the heavy equipment necessary for the project and the use of rifles during the hunting season, the entire trail system will be closed for this entire period.  

These closures are for the safety and welfare of the general public.  The Refuge will be placing signs at every entrance detailing that the trails will be closed. We appreciate your help and cooperation in keeping our Refuge safe while we work on improving the trails and providing a unique experience for hunters. For any questions or concerns, please contact the assistant manager Trina Brennan at (218)687-2229 ext. 16.