CRC’s comments in support of Conte Refuge Recreational Plan

June 2, 2021

Steve Agius- Refuge Manager
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
5396 Route 105, Brunswick, VT 05905

Re: CRC comments on the Draft Hunting and Fishing Plan

Dear Steve,

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), is a membership based nonprofit organization established in 1952 to advocate for the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the Connecticut River and its four-state watershed.  The interests and goals represented by CRC include, but are not limited to, improving water quality; enhancing habitat for fish and other aquatic biota; safeguarding and improving wildlife habitat; protecting threatened and endangered species; protecting wetlands; preserving undeveloped shore lands; enhancing public recreation and promoting recreational safety; protecting aesthetic values; protecting archeological, cultural, and historical resources; fostering sustainable economic development; and maintaining the potential energy benefits of ecologically sound hydroelectric projects in the Connecticut River watershed.

As such, CRC is in support of the proposed hunting and fishing plan for the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.  Part of our mission is to help create meaningful and accessible opportunities for people to recreate and appreciate the inherent beauty and conservation values of the Connecticut River and its tributaries in ways that are consistent with our environmental goals.  Your plan to open hunting and fishing access to public waters in the Refuge is consistent with our goals, and as such we support the proposal.

Ron Rhodes (he/him), Director of Restoration Programs
Connecticut River Conservancy, formerly Connecticut River Watershed Council
P.O. Box 94, South Pomfret, VT 05067 
413-768-4994 | rrhodes@ctriver.org
ctriver.org
Clean Water. Healthy Habitat. Thriving Communities.

NOTE:

The draft document is available online beginning April 12, 2021 at the refuge’s official website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Silvio_O_Conte/. If you wish to comment, please note Silvio O. Conte NFWR Hunt/Fish Plan in the subject line of an email addressed to HuntFishRuleComments@fws.gov.