The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is writing a new management plan for the White River National Wildlife Refuge, which lies in the floodplain of the White River near where it meets the Mississippi River and spans Desha, Monroe, Arkansas, and Phillips Counties.  The plan will set the direction of the refuge for the next 15 years. 

The Service is asking for suggestions and information from the public on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.  The due date for comments is Monday, March 9. 

Comments can be emailed to Mike Dawson at mike_dawson@fws.gov.  He can be reached by phone at (601) 965-4903 and by fax at (601) 965-4010.  Details about an open house meeting will be announced in the local media.  

Hunting is allowed in the refuge and it will be addressed in the new plan.  To ensure that hunting has a solid future in this refuge, it is important for those who hunt in Arkansas and in this refuge to get engaged in this planning process.