Environmental Assessment for Indiana land exchange available for public comment

Indiana DNR Release:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Park Service (NPS), in coordination with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Military Department of Indiana (MDI), are seeking comments from the public on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for an exchange that would transfer 1,250 acres at Atterbury Fish and Wildlife area from the IDNR to the MDI. To compensate the IDNR as required by the Pittman-Robertson Act and other Federal laws, the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) would transfer 1,990 acres near Putnamville to IDNR as replacement.

The FWS and NPS have determined that the Putnamville land has equal or better recreational, wildlife and appraised value; therefore the exchange could be approved after all compliance documents have been received and the public has had an opportunity to review the EA. The draft EA evaluates the proposed action and a “no action” alternative as required under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Under the preferred alternative, the IDOC would transfer 1,990 acres of land to IDNR to replace the 1,250 acres at Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area that IDNR would transfer to MDI. MDI will use the area for barracks and office buildings. The IDNR management buildings would continue to be used by IDNR for management at Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area until they are replaced with equal facilities using funding other than sport license fees and federal grants under the Pittman-Robertson Act. The 1,990 acres in Putnam County would be named Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife Area and be open to the public for hunting, fishing and other wildlife dependent activities in late 2010 or early 2011.

Print and compact disk (CD) copies of the EA may be obtained from Abbey Kucera, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Drive, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Fort Snelling MN 55111, or by calling 612-713-5150, or emailing R3FedAid@fws.gov. An electronic copy may be downloaded at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/News/release.cfm?rid=278.

Written comments on the EA may be submitted to Abbey Kucera by mail or email at the above addresses during the public review period from September 13 to 28, 2010.

For more information on the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program visit www.fws.gov/midwest/FederalAid/.

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.