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The Refuge is seeking Public Comment on two proposed new activities on the refuge. For each, there is a press release that explains the activity and draft of the compatible use determination related to the activity. Comments from the public need to be in writing and can be sent by mail or email, as described in the press releases. The deadline for comments is 24 July 2020. Activity 1) Hound Field Trials - under a Special Use Permit allow sanctioned dog clubs to conduct (non-lethal) field trial at night for racoons. We already allow a raccoon hunt; field trials are just an activity where dogs chase the coon, tree the coon, participants don't shoot the coon, but score points based on judging the dog's performance. Activity 2) Thrips Release - under a Special Use Permit partner with the State of Florida Division of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs to release a non-native insect as a biological control onto stands of Brazilian pepper trees on the Refuge. USDA APHIS has conducted a rigorous environmental compliance review in which the USFWS was a collaborating agency. This biocontrol has been coordinated with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, as well as State of Florida Forest Service and Park Service and cleared at the national level.
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Each month, Friends features one butterfly that is found on the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the June butterfly. For previous features, click here.  |
Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
P. O. Box 532 Cedar Key, FL 32625 friends@friendsofrefuges.org We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
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