Comment from Create The X, a waterfowl land management app

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge serves a critical role in the western Lake Erie marsh system as one of the few large areas where migrating waterfowl can rest with minimal disturbance. These sanctuary areas are essential for holding birds in the region and benefit not only the refuge itself, but also surrounding public hunting areas and private landowners. Opening additional refuge units to hunting would increase disturbance and reduce the availability of secure resting habitat. Waterfowl that are repeatedly pressured are more likely to leave the area altogether, resulting in fewer birds utilizing the western Lake Erie marshes. This would negatively impact hunting opportunities across the entire region, not just within the refuge boundaries. Units such as Blausey have long served as important sanctuary areas for migrating waterfowl. Maintaining these undisturbed resting areas is vital to supporting healthy migration patterns, sustaining regional hunting opportunities, and preserving the conservation purpose of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. I encourage the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to carefully consider the long-term impacts of reducing sanctuary habitat before expanding hunting opportunities within Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.