Massive desert wildlife refuge effort nears OK

The Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex is on the verge of becoming a reality. The complex would consist of more than 1.6 million acres on four wildlife refuges stretching from Las Vegas to central Lincoln County. The plan for the massive complex cleared the second-to-last stage of federal permitting last week with the release of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. A final decision is expected some time after Sept. 21. Under the proposed plan, the fish and wildlife agency would restore thousands of acres of desert spring, riparian and upland habitat for threatened and endangered species, migratory birds and other wildlife. It would also expand efforts to control invasive plants and animals and expand surveys and monitoring of key wildlife species. Additionally, the federal agencies plan significant improvements to visitor services, including new trails, interpretive exhibits, environmental education programs and visitor contact stations...LasVegasSun