Flyway Trail Phase 1 Help Us Build Phase 2

Flyway Trail Phase 1 Help Us Build Phase 2


News Release

National Wildlife
Refuge System
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
W28488 Refuge Road
Trempealeau, WI 54661
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Casey Bryan, (608) 539-2311
March 5, 2024
Compatibility Determination for the
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
A draft compatibility determination which evaluates extension of an existing trail right-of-way on
the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (TNWR) is available for public comment. The U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) desires to learn of public interests in the Right-of-Way, Winona
Connector Bike Trail Phase 2.
The County of Buffalo, Wisconsin with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation are proposing
to complete the final phase of the Great River State Trail Winona Connector project to improve
public safety and access along WIS 35, starting at the Town of Buffalo Park and extending to the
refuge’s Marshland Access. The proposed improvements would require the issuance of a new right-
of-way permit. The public is encouraged to contact Refuge Manager, Casey Bryan, 608-539-2311,
[email protected], W28488 Refuge Road, Trempealeau, WI 54661 with comments and
concern by March 19, 2024.
In accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, prior to issuing a right-
of-way permit on the Refuge, the FWS must determine if the use is compatible with Refuge
purposes. A draft compatibility determination is available at Trempealeau National Wildlife
Refuge located at W28488 Refuge Road, Trempealeau, WI 54661 for review and comment or
available online at the refuge’s website at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/trempealeau
The National Wildlife Refuge System mission is to administer a national network of lands and
waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife,
and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future
generations of Americans.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
–MORE–
The Refuge was established by Executive Order 7437 dated August 21, 1936. The purposes for
establishing, acquiring, and managing the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is “a refuge and
breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife”.
The requested right-of-way is to accommodate grading and slope impacts of phase two of the
recreational trail along STH 35 and to allow for connection with the existing trailhead on the
refuge. The trail impacts to the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge would be along and
adjacent to refuge wetlands and the STH 35 highway right-of-way.
Applying the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, the FWS (U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service) has assessed the potential environmental impacts of extending the existing right-
of-way and determined that these activities will have short term or negligible impacts to refuge
resources. The proposed compatibility determination is also being reviewed under Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act.
********
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands
and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish,
wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present
and future generations of Americans. Please visit the Trempealeau National Wildlife and Refuge
website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/trempealeau
 

Our next Flyway Trail Meeting is March 26th at 4PM at the Buffalo Town Hall

The new signage marks the way.

     

                                   

                                                                 

FUNDRAISING

Look for a Fun Event this Year!

JOIN A FRIENDS OF THE TRAIL GROUP

We need volunteers to help us keep the trail in Tip Top shape. Duties include routine maintenance which may mean mowing, trash removal, brush/ tree damage removal, grading.

GIVE AN IN-KIND GIFT

You may have something that could accelerate the growth of this project!
Reach out anytime!
TAKE PART IN YOUR COMMUNITY – YOU’LL ENJOY IT!

FOR GOOD

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Ready to make a difference? Now is your chance! It feels great to give back. Come join us and see for yourself!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *