You can still have your say about the future of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Crawford County.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting public comment on the refuge's comprehensive conservation plan process that started earlier this year with public meetings. The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 mandates that each refuge carry out a CCP every 15 years, with the goal of developing management and public-use philosophies for the next 15 years, consistent with the National Wildlife Refuge System's mission.
The refuge is an 8,800-acre, two-division haven -- one in Guys Mills, one outside Cambridge Springs -- for migrating birds and waterfowl, American bald eagles and seldom-seen freshwater mussels. It's open to fishing and hunting, within refuge guidelines, and is a draw for hikers, birders and educators.
Read the refuge's CCP notice, then e-mail your comments to northeastplanning@fws.gov through April 30.