Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Patoka River National Wetlands Project, Pike and Gibson Counties, Indiana

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This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which is available for public review. The DEIS evaluates a proposal to establish the Patoka River National Wetlands Project (Project) in Pike and Gibson Counties in southwest Indiana. Four alternatives, including a No Action alternative are being considered. The three action alternatives are aimed at protecting and enhancing the valuable resources of the Patoka River valley. The Project encompasses one of the last remaining stretches of bottomland forest in Indiana and the Midwest. It provides some of the best wood duck production habitat in the state and is used by endangered species including bald eagles. Alternative 4 is the Service's preferred alternative. It proposes to acquire 22,083 acres of land from willing sellers. Full acquisition may take 20 years or more. About 6,800 acres would be purchased as the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, wildlife management areas would be purchased from within an adjacent 15,283-acre selection area. Project lands would be managed to protect and enhance bottomland hardwood forests, oth