Lpo Seeks Comment

Wildlife refuges

Managers of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Washington are asking for public help in writing a plan that will guide management of the 40,000-acre preserve for the next 10 years.

“In the next several months, we’ll be looking at management objectives,” said Lisa Langelier, refuge manager. “We’re still open to considering alternatives.”

She said a draft plan for public review could be ready by the end of the year.

The Little Pend Oreille was established in 1939 “as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife,” Langelier said, quoting the authorizing order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She also pointed out that the refuge is an important wintering area for white-tailed deer, as well as a popular recreation area for bicyclists, hunters and anglers.

The refuge also is used by the Air Force Survival School.

For information on the plan and its goals, contact refuge officials at 1310 Bear Creek Rd., Colville, WA 99114, telephone (509) 684-8384. , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge