[texbirds] Public Comment - Proposal to Reopen Bayside Drive at Laguna Atascosa NWR
- From: Laguna Atascosa <laguna.atascosa@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: TEXBIRDS <texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 2 May 2014 14:59:29 -0500
*Bayside Drive Proposed Modification*
*Proposed Project*
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (the Refuge), in
cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration â Central Federal Lands
Highway Division (CFLHD), is beginning an environmental assessment process
to evaluate the potential impacts from the proposed Bayside Wildlife Drive
Project at the Refuge. Two alternatives are being considered:
*Alternative 1*
Under Alternative 1, no modifications would be made to Bayside Wildlife
Drive. Bayside Wildlife Drive would continue to be closed to public
vehicles and would be open to hiking, biking, and tram tours.
*Alternative 2*
Alternative 2 would allow vehicular access to the Refugeâs Bayside Wildlife
Drive while protecting the endangered ocelot. This modified route will
eliminate traffic in prime ocelot habitat while allowing access to the
scenic bayside. Alternative 2 would include the following components:
- Move the entrance to an existing road to the south. The new entrance
would be widened to a two-way road.
- Bayside Wildlife Drive would be modified as a two-way road, with
pullouts at select locations to allow oncoming cars to pass.
- Two grade-separated wildlife crossings with box culverts would be
constructed at the north end of the Drive.
- A sharp turn at the northwest corner of the Drive would be smoothed
out to allow access by vehicles up to 30 feet in length.
- Bayside Wildlife Drive would be closed to public vehicles from Redhead
Ridge to the intersection of the new south entrance road. However, the
entire loop would be open for hiking and biking.
- The existing parking area at Redhead Ridge may be modified to create a
turnaround.
- Vehicles would enter Bayside Wildlife Drive at the southern entrance
road, proceed clockwise around the route, turn around at Redhead Ridge, and
proceed counterclockwise around the route back to the exit.
- Bayside Wildlife Drive would be opened to public vehicles following
completion of the project.
Public comments are being accepted through May 3, 2014. They may be
emailed to marion_mason@xxxxxxx or faxed to 956-748-3609 or dropped off at
the visitor center from 8 â 4 daily.
*Marion Mason, Ranger*
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Mailing: 22817 Ocelot Rd.
Physical: 22688 Buena Vista Blvd.
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
956-748-3607x119
www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa
https://www.facebook.com/LagunaAtascosaNWR
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