Wednesday February 6, 2008, 9:52 am
What You Can Do:

1. Please Submit Your Comments for the CCP
The USFWS is currently working on a new Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Crystal River NWR. Following a public meeting on Wednesday, a 30-day comment period will be opened for all concerned parties to provide written input to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see contact information below).

2. Please Attend the Meeting in Crystal River, FL
The USFWS is holding its first public scoping meeting on the CCP.

When:
Wednesday, February 6th
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Where:
Crystal River National Guard Armory
8551 W. Venable St.
Crystal River, FL 34429

3. Please forward this email to as many people as you can.


Please write to the Fish and Wildlife Service
The Service wants your thoughts on the issue of harassment and other important wildlife refuge issues. Ask them to:

Strengthen law enforcement efforts in the areas or create a better monitoring system and prosecute appropriately those people who violate the rules.
Hold tour operators responsible for the actions of their customers and impose fines for those who don't monitor their customers.
Adopt a strict "no touch" policy when it comes to manatees.
Limit the number of people allowed near the sanctuary areas in the winter, unless harassment stops.
Protect the manatees in the refuge by expanding the no-entry sanctuary areas.
Require educational training for all those who may dive at this refuge in the winter.
Acquire the Three Sisters Springs and surrounding lands as refuge property.
Create additional staff positions, including a Public Use staff person and a Law Enforcement Officer for the Crystal River Refuge exclusively.
Allocate special endangered species funds for the Crystal River NWR.
Send an e-mail to: (copy and paste into your e-mail message) chassahowitzka@fws.gov, joyce_kleen@fws.gov

Your e-mail will be going to:
James Kraus, Refuge Manager,
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Joyce Kleen, Wildlife Biologist
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Suggested subject line: Comments on the Crystal River Management Plan

Additional Contact Information:

Joyce Kleen, Wildlife Biologist
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
1502 S.E. Kings Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
E-mail: joyce_kleen@fws.gov

Wednesday February 6, 2008, 9:57 am
here are the links to the videos...
Harassment or Education?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSjG5UjUh3Q

and
Manatee News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdTYBgRQpPU
Thnx!