Summary

Description

The Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses row crop farming on lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System to achieve a variety of management objectives. This environmental assessment evaluates the effects of the use of geneticallymodified, glyphosatetolerant GMGT corn and soybeans and the use of farming as a management tool for multiple objectives on National Wildlife Refuge System lands. The evaluation is based on the issues and concerns identified during the planning process. Initially four alternatives were evaluated: continue farming for multiple objectives with GMGT corn and soybeans allowed no action; farming for habitat restoration objectives only, GMGT corn and soybeans allowed; farming for multiple objectives, GMGT corn and soybeans not allowed; limited row crop farming, GMGT corn and soybeans not allowed. Upon completion of a public review period, comments were evaluated and as a result of this process a fifth alternative was developed and selected; continue farming for multiple objectives, GMGT corn and soybeans allowed for habitat restoration only. The evaluation of this new alternative is also included in the document. The purpose of the proposed action is to administer a farming program that contributes to achieving the establishing purposes for lands of the National Wildlife Refuge System or the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System