5397001
Public Review and Comment on Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access for Temporary Disturbances and Minor Impacts on Conservation Easements in the Midwest Region. This draft document evaluates the compatibility of proposed activities that may cause temporary, minor disturbances while supporting necessary public infrastructure needs across conservation easements in the Midwest Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from June 10, 2026 to July 9, 2026. Comments, questions, or concerns can be sent to: R3Planning@fws.gov

Declared a refuge in 1938 and a wilderness area in 1975, West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge is located nine miles from shore in the Lake Erie Western Basin. This 82 acre island is closed to all access to protect the largest nesting colony of wading birds in the United States Great Lakes. Tall hackberry trees provide nesting sites for great blue herons, great egrets, black-crowned night-herons, double-crested cormorants and more.

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      The refuge provides undisturbed nesting habitat for a variety of wading birds. Great egrets, great blue herons, double-crested cormorants and black-crowned night-herons are common nesting birds on the island. Less common are snowy egrets and little blue herons. As the trees covering the island matured the shrub loving black-crowned night-heron numbers decreased. The refuge began cutting trees each year to encourage sprouting, creating a shrub layer for these nesting birds. 

      Get Involved

      While limited opportunities are available on the island, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of volunteer opportunities.