In conjunction with the release of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Draft Supplemental Management Plan for the Tortugas Ecological Reserve a public comment period is open from now until July 31, 2000 to gather input on the proposed Tortugas Ecological Reserve. Members of the public with an interest in the fate of the Tortugas area are encouraged to make their opinions known by providing written comments or by attending one of the public meetings listed below.

Written comments may be submitted by filling out a mail-back form, which may be downloaded for printing (.pdf file). Written comments may also be submitted on additional paper to Mr. Billy Causey, Sanctuary Superintendent, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, P. O. Box 500368, Marathon, FL 33050 or by facsimile to (305) 743-2357. Please include your name when providing comments.

Input on the Tortugas Ecological Reserve proposal will also be accepted at a series of public hearings. All hearings will be held jointly with the National Park Service, which is concurrently gathering input on a management plan amendment for the Dry Tortugas National Park. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will also be accepting comments on their proposed regulatory changes for the Tortugas region at several meetings.

We encourage you to be a part of this unique opportunity to protect and conserve the Tortugas by providing your input on the ecological reserve alternatives presented in the Draft SEIS/DSMP. We look forward to hearing from you!

Public Hearing Schedule

Brief presentations by each agency in attendance on their respective plans will occur at 3:30 p.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. at all Florida meetings, and at 2:30 p.m. at the Washington, DC meeting.