The Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is beginning a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of farming programs in an eight-state region that includes Ohio.

Through this process, the Service will evaluate the use of farming and genetically modified crops on lands of the National Wildlife Refuge System (refuges).

Historically, farming has been an important tool used to manage refuge lands. Refuge managers used farming to provide high-quality, energy-rich foods for many wildlife species including migrating waterfowl. Additionally, because of the cold, long winters typical in the Midwest, agricultural crops are also used to provide food for resident wildlife.

In addition to providing food for wildlife, farming is often utilized on refuges to prepare areas for restoration of native habitats. Because most refuge units farm relatively small acreages and lack specialized equipment required for crop production, share cropping or cooperative farming arrangements are often used to administer refuge farm programs.

Further information on the review effort can be obtained through at www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/FarmingNEPA/. Comments for the review are requested no later than close of business on July 9. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mailed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, attention: Sandra Siekaniec, BHW Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling, MN, 55111.

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