U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) are concerned about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposal to establish a new National Wildlife Refuge in the French Creek Watershed in northwestern Pennsylvania and southwestern New York.
The USFWS proposes the refuge to protect habitats for the creek’s mussels, as well as the aquatic biodiversity of French Creek, which runs 117 miles from Chautauqua County, N.Y., to Venango County, Pa., before joining the Allegheny River. Negotiations for any potential land acquisition for the new refuge are not slated to start until at least 2024, according to a national wildlife representative.
“While the stated goal of the USFWS’s proposal to protect French Creek is a sensible one, we believe this proposal exceeds the necessary safeguards for the watershed,” the lawmakers wrote in a May 24 letter sent to USFWS Director Martha Williams. “Additionally, we have concerns regarding your agency’s lack of engagement with local governments and communities, who will bear any direct or indirect impacts of this proposal.”
Rep. Kelly and Rep. Thompson, who were joined in signing the letter by another GOP colleague, asked that the USFWS reconsider its proposal and focus its efforts on assisting the conservation efforts already established by local residents.
“Local residents and landowners in this proposed wildlife refuge should have the biggest say in what happens on this land,” Rep. Kelly said in a separate statement. “Like local residents, I believe a healthy, vibrant ecosystem along French Creek must continue to be protected. But we have serious concerns about the impact this proposed wildlife refuge may have on farmers, homeowners, and property owners across the region.”
Rep. Kelly added that he and his colleagues are calling on the USFWS to engage with local residents and officials to learn about the real impact this could have on western portions of both Pennsylvania and New York before any further action is taken by the federal government.
“We are greatly concerned that federal oversight would only bring unnecessary regulations and unintended consequences to an area that is currently thriving under local supervision,” the members wrote. “Federal ownership of these lands would take the properties off local tax rolls, thus depleting the communities’ ability to maintain existing protections.”
Reps. Kelly and Thompson also wrote that numerous constituents and groups have expressed “grave concerns” to them about the USFWS plan. “Input from those who are truly impacted by this proposal should be of the utmost priority in your consideration,” they wrote.