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-. 550 FW 3 <br />Exhibit 162 <br />Yage 4 of 4_ <br />significant adverse environmental impacts; and 3) the project will result in significant <br />economic benefiu in a economically depressed area. <br />Alternative A was selected because it balances resource protection with water depeudeat <br />development. The preferred alternative provides a net benefit for wfidlife and benefits for <br />the local economy. The lead exchange is tlu most practical means available m secure and <br />protect additional lands from incompatible uses within the administrative boundary of the <br />Refuge. Migratory bird and resident wildlife populations. wit benefit from additional. secure <br />habitat and be enhanced through an~dlife managment programs which could not be <br />implemented without fee title ownership. The dcvetopment component has been cai+efully <br />designed to ~ninirrti~t adverse envuonmeatal effecu. VVlnternlg bald eagles w1l benefit from <br />compensatory measures designed to enhance foraging opportunities. A net gain in wetlands <br />will be realized through successful implementation of mitigation measures. <br />Implementation of the Preferred Alternative extends the protection of the environmental <br />resources and mainteace of environmental quality beyond what would be achieved under <br />either of the other two alternatives: Alternative B-was not selected as the preferred <br />alternative due to the significant impacts expecud to resident bald eagles. Alternative C, the <br />No Action Alternative, was not selected as the preferncd alternative because it would not <br />result in the Service increasistg habitat protection within the Refuge. <br />in L. Plenert, Regional Director <br />` -1o P~ <br />Date <br />ENVIRONMENTAL aUALfTY <br />