The following is the press release from USFWS about listening sessions related to the proposed expansion of the Patuxent Research Refuge:

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Murphy Chesapeake Bay Field Office 410/980-6053

dan_murphy@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks publie eomment on proposed new national wildlife refuge lands in Southern Maryland The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on proposed new national wildlife refuge lands in Southern Maryland.

fhc proposed lands are in Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties. This region provides valuable habitat for fish and wildlife, supports migrating waterfowl, protects water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, and offers recreational opportunities, including hunting and fishing.

Lands considered for conservation would promote connectivity of mature forests, protect wetlands, and further the ecological integrity of natural communities in southern Maryland. Conservation of this area is supported by the Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance, a partnership of conservation groups and local, state, and Federal agencies that arc working to conserve the working rural character of Southern Mary land.

The Service is hosting three listening sessions in March and April for the public to leam about the proposal, ask questions, and provide input to Service representatives and conservation partners. Listening sessions will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations and dates:

• Patuxent Research Refuge (National Wildlife Visitors Center), Laurel, MD - Thursday March 23,2023

• Charles County Administration Bldg., La Plata, MD - Thursday March 30, 2023

• Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD-Tuesday April 18,2023

The public input will be used to inform a draft Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment that will be provided to the public for detailed comment later this spring, fhc U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to the information meeting for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, closecaptioning or other accommodation needs to 301-497-5887 or TTY 800-877-8339 by close of business March 20, 2023