FONSI

The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the implementation of a Feral Hog Management Plan throughout the Big Thicket National Preserve (Preserve). The NPS prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA), which was available for public review from December 18 to January 20, 2014. Two alternatives were analyzed in the EA to provide the decision-making framework that 1) explores a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates potential impacts to park resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to minimize the degree of these impacts. The alternative selected for implementation, Alternative B, includes several hog control techniques, all of which would ultimately end in the termination of targeted hogs. These techniques include a directed shooting program, a directed trapping program, tracking using trained dogs, and the use of "judas hogs" or trap/radio collar/release. These programs would be implemented in coordination with neighboring landowners where possible and accompanied by a public awareness campaign.

Document Content:

FONSI_signed_03_24_14.pdf   (4.4 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.