Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin
National Wildlife Refuge
Hunting Plan Amendment and
Environmental Assessment
August 2021
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Hunt Plan Amendment and Environmental
Assessment
Adding Eastern Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, to big game
hunting (Youth Harvest Only) on Grove Tract, Barrelville Tract,
Bonny Hall Tract, and Upper Combahee Unit.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 848
8675 Willtown Road
Hollywood, South Carolina 29449
Recommended by: 8/5/2021
Mark A. Purcell, Wildlife Refuge Manager, ACE Basin NWR
Submitted By: ____________________________________________________
Durwin Carter, SCLRC Project Leader
Concurrence: _____________________________________________________
Emery Hoyle, Area III, Refuge Supervisor
Approved: ________________________________________________________
David Viker, Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System
8/5/2021
for
ANITRA FIRMENICH
Digitally signed by ANITRA
FIRMENICH
Date: 2021.08.10 13:18:45 -06'00'
BRETT HUNTER
Digitally signed by BRETT HUNTER
Date: 2021.08.12 08:21:09 -04'00'
Table of Contents
Section A. Hunting Plan ................................................................................................................. 1
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
II. Statement of Objectives ............................................................................................................. 3
III. Description of Hunting Program ............................................................................................... 4
A. Areas to be Opened to Hunting ........................................................................................ 4
B. Species to be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access .................................................. 8
C. Hunter Permit Requirements ............................................................................................ 8
D. Consultation and Coordination with the State.................................................................. 8
E. Law Enforcement ............................................................................................................. 9
F. Funding and Staffing Requirements .................................................................................. 10
IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program ............................................................................................ 10
A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures ......................... 10
B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations ............................................................................ 11
C. Relevant State Regulations............................................................................................. 12
D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting ......................................................... 12
V. Public Engagement .................................................................................................................. 12
A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program .................................. 12
B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program .................................................... 12
C. How Hunters Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations ............................ 13
VI. Compatibility Determination .................................................................................................. 13
VI. References............................................................................................................................... 13
Section B. Environmental Assessment ......................................................................................... 16
Proposed Action ............................................................................................................................ 17
Background ................................................................................................................................... 17
Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action .................................................................................. 19
Alternatives ................................................................................................................................... 20
Alternative A – No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 20
Alternative B –Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action Alternative .......... 20
Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences ........................................................... 22
Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) ............................................................................ 25
Affected Environment Description ........................................................................................ 25
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description .................................................... 25
Anticipated Impacts .............................................................................................................. 26
Alternative B: Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action Alternative .......... 26
Non-Target Wildlife and Aquatic Species ................................................................................ 27
Affected Environment Description ........................................................................................ 27
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description .................................................... 27
Anticipated Impacts ............................................................................................................. 28
Threatened and Endangered Species and Other Special Status Species ................................... 28
Affected Environment Description ........................................................................................ 28
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description .................................................... 29
Anticipated Impacts .............................................................................................................. 29
Habitat and Vegetation (including vegetation of special management concern) ..................... 29
Affected Environment Description ........................................................................................ 29
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description .................................................... 29
Anticipated Impacts ............................................................................................................. 30
Visitor Use and Experiences ..................................................................................................... 31
Affected Environment Description ........................................................................................ 31
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description .................................................... 31
Anticipated Impacts ............................................................................................................. 31
Environmental Justice ............................................................................................................... 31
Affected Environment Description ........................................................................................ 32
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description .................................................... 32
Anticipated Impacts .............................................................................................................. 32
No anticipated impacts have been identified by this environmental assessment. ................. 32
Monitoring .................................................................................................................................... 32
Summary of Analysis .................................................................................................................... 32
Alternative A – No Action Alternative: .................................................................................... 32
Alternative B – Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action ............................ 33
List of Sources, Agencies and Persons Consulted ........................................................................ 33
List of Preparers ............................................................................................................................ 33
State Coordination ........................................................................................................................ 33
Tribal Consultation ....................................................................................................................... 33
Public Outreach ............................................................................................................................. 34
References and citations ............................................................................................................... 35
Appendix A. Other Applicable Statutes, Executive Orders, and Regulations ............................. 38
Appendix B. Compatibility Determination .................................................................................. 39
Appendix C. Intra-Service Section 7 Biological Evaluation ....................................................... 50
Appendix D. Summary of Public Comments and Response from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service........................................................................................................................................... 66
Appendix E. Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision to Implement The 2021 Big
Game Hunting Plan at Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge ......................... 67
List of Tables
Table 1. Funding and Staffing Requirements ............................................................................... 10
List of Figures
Figure 1. ACE Basin Hunt Units (1 of 3) ....................................................................................... 5
Figure 2. ACE Basin Hunt Units (2 of 3) ....................................................................................... 6
Figure 3. ACE Basin Hunt Units (3 of 3) ....................................................................................... 7
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 1
Section A. Hunting Plan
ERNEST F. HOLLINGS ACE BASIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
HUNTING PLAN AMENEDMENT- BIG GAME HUNTING (YOUTH
ONLY): Add Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
I. Introduction
National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge
System (NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)
policy, and laws and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife
Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife
Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions
of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.
The ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge was officially established on September 20, 1990, and
was renamed the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge (EFH ACE Basin
NWR, refuge) on May 16, 2005, in honor of South Carolina’s retired U.S. Senator Ernest F.
Hollings.
Recognizing the importance of the area for wetland and habitat protection, migratory bird
benefits and conservation opportunities served by the lands and waters of the refuge, the Service
administratively designated ACE Basin NWR in 1990 under the Emergency Wetlands Resources
Act of 1986, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, and the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of
1929, thus outlining the primary purposes of these lands and waters:
"...the conservation of the wetlands of the Nation in order to maintain the public benefits they
provide and to help fulfill international obligations contained in various migratory bird treaties
and conventions..." 16 U.S.C. 3901(b) (Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986)
"... for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and
wildlife resources ..." 16 U.S.C. 742f(a)(4) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956)
"... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and
services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant,
or condition of servitude ..." 16 U.S.C. 742f(b)(1) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956)
“... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.”
16 U.S.C. § 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929)
“…to conserve and protect migratory birds…and other species of wildlife that are listed…as
endangered species or threatened species and to restore or develop adequate wildlife habitat.”
16 U.S.C. § 715i (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929)
The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the NWRSAA, as amended by the National Wildlife
Refuge System Improvement Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is to:
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 2
“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and,
where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within
the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”
The NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to (16 U.S.C.
668dd(a)(4):
● provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the
NWRS;
● ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS
are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;
● ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the
purposes of each refuge are carried out;
● ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land
adjoining refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of
the NWRS are located;
● assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the
mission of the NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;
● recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general
public uses of the NWRS through which the American public can develop an
appreciation for fish and wildlife;
● ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-
dependent recreational uses; and
● monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.
Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation
opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the
purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the NWRS.
The refuge is composed of two major units, together comprising approximately 12,077 acres.
The Edisto Unit consists of 7,396 acres and is located approximately 20 miles southwest of the
city of Charleston, SC, in Charleston County. The Combahee Units consists of 4,681 acres in
Beaufort, Colleton and Hampton Counties and is located approximately 20-25 miles northwest of
the city of Beaufort, SC.
The refuge’s two units are drained by two significant river systems: the Combahee-Salkahatchie,
which flows through the Combahee Unit, and the South Edisto, which flows adjacent to the
Edisto Unit. Many broad, low-gradient interior drains are present as either extension of tidal
streams and rivers or flooded bays and swales. Within this diverse drainage system, the refuge
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 3
contains exceptionally diverse wildlife habitat, including high quality forested wetlands, forested
uplands, brackish natural marsh, freshwater natural marsh, managed marshes or wetland
management units, marsh islands and pristine estuarine rivers.
The refuge’s two major units (Edisto Unit and Combahee Unit) are further broken down into
sub-units with the Edisto Unit containing the Barrelville, Grove and Jehossee sub-units and the
Combahee Unit containing the Bonny Hall, Combahee Fields and Upper Combahee sub-units.
The refuge has been separated into nine management units or compartments which range in size
from 350 to 3,355 acres. Compartment boundaries are established along geographic features that
can be easily identified on the ground (e.g., rivers, roads, trails).
Hunting for white-tailed deer (primitive weapon: archery and muzzleloader) and waterfowl
(duck, teal, geese and coot) within natural, un-impounded marsh areas has been permitted in
designated areas of the refuge since 1994. Since 2006, after the refuge was re-named, feral hog
hunting has been allowed, incidental to white-tailed deer hunting, in designated areas of the
refuge. A special mobility-impaired hunt for white-tailed deer (incidental feral hog take allowed)
is conducted on the Edisto Unit with a quota for the number of hunters and harvest. Fishing is
permitted on the refuge. Designated areas are closed seasonally to fishing activities in order to
serve as sanctuary areas to protect migratory waterfowl. Fishing areas include the open waters
(non-impounded) of the refuge and bank fishing, seasonally, within most refuge impoundments.
All hunting requires State of South Carolina and signed refuge hunting brochure, the latter of
which is available at no cost to the participant.
II. Statement of Objectives
The objectives of a “Youth-Only” wild turkey hunting program on EFH ACE Basin NWR are to:
● provide spring hunting (YOUTH ONLY) of wild turkey under big game hunting on
the Barrelville Tract, Grove Tract, Bonny Hall Tract, and Upper Combahee Unit
where fall white-tailed deer and feral hog hunting currently is permitted; and
● provide the public with a recreational opportunity to experience wildlife on more
refuge lands and increase opportunities for hunters/anglers, especially for youth and
families.
Hunting is consistent with the refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan’s (USFWS 2009)
larger goals, specifically:
Goal 10: HUNTING AND FISHING
Objective 10A: Waterfowl, Small Game, Wild Turkey, White-tailed Deer and Feral Hog Hunting
Continue to provide safe, high-quality recreational waterfowl, white-tailed deer and feral hog
hunting opportunities. Waterfowl hunting in the refuge’s open marshes is consistent with the
founding principle of the refuge to maintain traditional uses of the area. White-tailed deer and
feral hog hunting help refuge management maintain a healthy refuge deer herd by preventing
overpopulation and associated habitat and/or agricultural crop degradation as well as helping to
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 4
control invasive feral hogs and associated damage done by them. Large populations of small
game animals, especially gray squirrels and raccoons, could provide the public a recreational
opportunity on the refuge and reduce competition for nesting sites and mast with fox squirrels
(for which no hunting season is allowed). Various units within the refuge harbor strong
populations of wild turkey that could provide recreational hunting opportunities to user groups,
such as youth and physically impaired persons, that have minimal access to hunt units.
The objectives of this hunting plan amendment are designed to contribute to, or be compatible
with, the overall refuge goals and any subsequent specific regulations. This plan will provide
high quality, wildlife-oriented recreation to the general public and the opportunity to utilize a
renewable resource.
III. Description of Hunting Program
A. Areas to be Opened to Hunting
Since the purchase of most of the refuge tracts in the early 1990’s, the wild turkey population has
increased to what is likely its maximum potential for the habitat. By providing sanctuary and not
allowing hunting, the small remnant numbers of refuge birds present at the time of acquisition
have now reached levels sufficient to allow limited hunting (i.e., youth only). Additionally, large
private tracts of land which immediately surround the refuge allow very limited turkey hunting,
which also contributes to harvestable numbers of surplus birds in the general area.
Accordingly, spring youth turkey hunting will occur on 5,300 acres in four hunt units –
the Barrelville Tract, Grove Tract, Bonny Hall Tract and Upper Combahee Unit. The Grove
Tract comprises approximately 1,773 acres of forested riparian habitat, mixed pine/hardwood
forests, bottomland hardwood swamps, pine forests, grasslands and managed and intertidal
marsh. The Barrelville Tract is composed of approximately 722 acres of pine forest interspersed
with bottomland hardwood forested drainages. The Bonny Hall Tract comprises approximately
1,461 acres of forested riparian habitat, mixed pine/hardwood forests, bottomland hardwood
swamps, pine forests, grasslands and managed and intertidal marsh. The Upper Combahee Unit
comprises approximately 1,344 acres of forested riparian habitat, mixed pine/hardwood forests,
bottomland hardwood swamps and pine forests. (Figure 1-3).
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 5
Figure 1. ACE Basin Hunt Units (1 of 3)
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 6
Figure 2. ACE Basin Hunt Units (2 of 3)
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 7
Figure 3. ACE Basin Hunt Units (3 of 3)
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 8
B. Species to be Taken, Hunting Periods, Hunting Access
Limited youth wild turkey hunting for public recreational purposes will be allowed on designated
areas of the refuge. Turkey hunting will be in accordance with state regulations. More restrictive
refuge-specific conditions will apply for consistency with nearby State of South Carolina
Wildlife Management Areas and their Youth Hunter programs. Due to limited acreage of
huntable upland and forested wetlands, refuge-specific conditions that may apply include season
length, bag limit and quotas on number of permitted youth hunters. High public demand and the
large acreage of land required for turkey hunting will limit the number of hunters allowed in
order to ensure a safe hunt. Initially, as recommended by the South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources (SCDNR; S. Chappelear, personal communication, August 04, 2020) the
youth hunt for wild turkey will occur on the Saturdays (to not conflict with school attendance by
the youth hunters) in the month of April and be limited to 5 hunters per each Saturday hunt, for a
total of 20-25 eligible youth hunters (depending each year on the number of Saturdays in April).
Turkey hunting will be allowed for a maximum of five Saturdays in April by not more than five
youth hunters and accompanying assistants, parents or guardians.
Hunting Access: Hunters and assistants, parents or guardians may access the hunt units on or
after 5:00 am and must exit the hunt units not later than one hour after official sunset.
Legal shooting hours are from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour
after official sunset.
Hunters may find legal parking in the visitor parking lots and at gated entrance roads, or along
the refuge’s boundary, to access the hunt units by foot or bicycle. Hunters are reminded not to
block entrance road gates when parking so as to not impede access for law enforcement and for
safety considerations. Access by watercraft is not permitted during the Youth Turkey Hunts.
C. Hunter Permit Requirements
Hunters age 16 and age 17 will be required to have a valid SCDNR hunting license. All youth
hunters, regardless of age, must have and properly utilize SCDNR-issued turkey tags in
accordance with South Carolina turkey hunting regulations. Hunters will also be required to have
in their possession a refuge specific permit indicating their status as being drawn for the hunt.
See “Hunter Permit Application and/or Registration Procedures” below.
D. Consultation and Coordination with the State
A provision of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and subsequent
agency policy, is that the Service shall ensure timely and effective cooperation and collaboration
with other state fish and game agencies and tribal governments during the course of acquiring
and managing refuges. State wildlife management areas and national wildlife refuges
cumulatively provide the foundation for the protection of species and contribute to the overall
health and sustainment of fish and wildlife species in the State of South Carolina.
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 9
The hunt plan amendment to add a youth turkey hunt has been developed with the ongoing
consultation and coordination with the State of South Carolina on formulating the plan and
agreement for continued coordination afterwards.
The refuge reviewed the operations and regulations for neighboring state wildlife management
areas to find consistency where possible. The refuge first reached out to the state on June 26,
2020, to discuss this Hunt Plan. Additionally, a scoping letter seeking input was sent October 1,
2020. We worked with the local state biologists and conservation officers early in the
development of the plan. We have continued to consult and coordinate on specific aspects of the
Hunt Plan. The state is in agreement with the refuge’s Hunt Plan, as it will help meet state
objectives. The SCDNR’s “Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy” was developed to determine the
wildlife conservation priorities of the agency and its partners after inviting representatives from
partner groups, including the Service, to share their ideas with the planning team (Kohlsaat, et
al., SCDNR 2005). This endeavor was updated with the publication of the SCDNR State Wildlife
Action Plan-2015 (SWAP; A. Smith, et al., SCDNR 2015). The SWAP addresses management
strategies for 496 animals and 332 plants for a grand total of 828 species of conservation concern
according to the SCDNR-State Wildlife Grants/State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator (A.
Smith, personal communication, September 03, 2020), with eastern wild turkey among those
species. Accordingly, coordination on this hunt plan amendment with the SCDNR Wildlife
Regional Coordinator, Regional Biologist and State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator, beginning
on June 26, 2020, resulted in multiple conversations and the continued sharing of
recommendations and research data. The SCDNR Wildlife Regional Coordinator (S. Chappelear,
personal communication, August 04, 2020) offered numerous recommendations and strategies
relative to the timing of the youth turkey hunt, participant age and harvest considerations, as well
as hunt unit strategies consistent with neighboring SCDNR Wildlife Management Area. SCDNR
Wildlife Biologist and Assistant Big Game Program Coordinator (J. Cantrell, personal
communication, August 06, 2020) provided current wild turkey research data from South
Carolina lowcountry study sites relative to wild turkey management, turkey population studies,
hunting activity and male turkey movements, hunting and nesting phenology influence, and wild
turkey peak breeding chronology. Recommendations received from the State Wildlife Action
Plan Coordinator (A. Smith, personal communication, September 03, 2020) included youth
turkey hunt management considerations to minimize the likelihood of impacts to non-game
SWAP species of concern. The refuge-specific regulations were outlined with the direct
assistance of SCDNR staff. Disease management activities, including chronic wasting disease,
will continue to be coordinated through the state. Established hunter training helps ensure
hunters continue to use good judgment related to humaneness and animal welfare.
E. Law Enforcement
Enforcement of refuge violations normally associated with management of a national wildlife
refuge is the responsibility of commissioned federal wildlife officers. Other officers, special
agents, state game wardens, and the local Sheriff’s Department often assist the South Carolina
Lowcountry Refuges Complex full-time federal wildlife officers’ law enforcement efforts on the
EFH ACE Basin NWR.
The following methods are used to control and enforce hunting regulations:
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 10
• Refuge and hunt area boundaries are clearly posted;
• The refuge provides a brochure that shows hunt areas; and
• South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex law enforcement staff randomly check
hunters for compliance with Federal and state laws.
F. Funding and Staffing Requirements
Annual youth-only turkey hunt administration costs, including salary, equipment, law
enforcement, brochures, collection of hunt data and analysis of biological information, etc., for
EFH ACE Basin NWR totals approximately $7,500. EFH ACE Basin NWR funds will be used
to conduct youth turkey hunts on the Barrelville, Grove, Bonny Hall and Upper Combahee Units.
Funding specifically for the youth-only turkey hunts has not been allocated, although funds are
available through annual refuge management capability funding allocations. No offsetting
revenues are collected for the youth turkey hunt.
Table 1. Funding and Staffing Requirements
Identifier Cost
Staff: maintenance workers, wildlife refuge specialist and refuge manager
$3,000
Maintain roads, parking lots, trails*
$1,000
News releases, fact sheets, reports for Hunt Program
$500
Maintain hunting signs
$500
Law Enforcement
$2,500
Total Annual Cost
$7,500
*Refuge trails and roads are maintained for a variety of activities. Costs shown are a percentage of total costs
for trail/road maintenance on the refuge and are reflective of the percentage of trail/road use for hunting and
fishing. Volunteers account for some maintenance hours and help to reduce overall cost of the program.
IV. Conduct of the Hunting Program
A. Hunter Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures
Hunters will apply for the youth spring turkey hunt on a specific Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) hunt application form available online at the EFH ACE Basin NWR website
(http:/acebasin.fws.gov) or by contacting the refuge office at: Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin
NWR, P.O. Box 848, Hollywood, South Carolina 29449, phone (843) 889-3084. No application
fee is required of the applicant. Only one hunter may apply per form. Applicants who apply more
than once for the Youth Turkey Hunt will be eligible for the drawing.
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 11
The choice of all Saturday hunts in April may be submitted per application; however, only one
choice (single Saturday) will be awarded. Applications postmarked by a February 15 deadline to
the above refuge address will be accepted through February 20. A maximum of 25 hunters (5
hunters per Saturday and up to 5 Saturdays, depending on the calendar year) will be selected at
random. Successful applicants will be notified by March 1. Youth Turkey Hunt permits are non-
transferable and are valid only for the individual whose name appears on the permit.
Selected hunters will be notified through the mail with a refuge specific permit indicating their
status as being drawn for the hunt. Hunters will be required to have this letter in their possession
in order to participate in the youth turkey hunt. Upon entering the refuge to hunt wild turkey,
drawn youth hunters must possess their refuge letter and the current year Ernest F. Hollings ACE
Basin NWR Hunting and Fishing Regulations brochure, which must have been signed by them
indicating they understand and agree to abide by the hunting regulations.
B. Refuge-Specific Hunting Regulations
To ensure compatibility with refuge purposes and the mission of the NWRS, hunting must be
conducted in accordance with state and Federal regulations, as supplemented by refuge-specific
regulations and information sheets/brochures. Stipulations are detailed in the Hunting
Compatibility Determination (Appendix A). Each hunt date will be limited to 5 youth hunters
(age 17 or younger on the date of the hunt for which they apply) who will be selected by
drawing.
The following youth turkey hunting procedures and regulations apply at EFH ACE Basin NWR:
1. Only shotguns will be allowed for use. The use of buckshot, slugs and all other
weapons or methods are prohibited.
2. Hunting will be permitted within designated areas of the refuge, including the Grove
Tract, Barrelville Tract, Bonny Hall Tract and Upper Combahee Unit . Hunt unit access
for youth turkey hunts by watercraft is prohibited.
3. Hunters may be accompanied by one assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older who
may participate in the hunt (calling, etc.), but may not personally carry a firearm
(except as authorized by a concealed carry permit), harvest nor attempt to harvest a
turkey.
4. All youth hunters age 16 or 17 must have a valid South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources Hunting License. Youth hunters age 16 or age 17 that have successfully
completed a State of South Carolina-approved hunter education course may hunt
without an assistant, parent or guardian. All other youth hunters (age 15 and younger)
must be accompanied by an assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older.
5. Hunters and assistants, parents or guardians may enter the hunt units on or after 5:00
am and must exit the hunt units not later than one hour after official sunset.
Legal shooting hours are from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 12
after official sunset.
6. Youth Hunter Bag Limit: One male turkey.
7. Turkeys must be tagged with youth hunter’s state-issued tags in accordance with state
law.
C. Relevant State Regulations
The refuge conducts its hunting program within the framework of state and Federal regulations.
Hunting at the refuge is at least as restrictive as the State of South Carolina and, in some cases,
more restrictive. Additionally, the refuge coordinates with the state as needed to maintain
regulations and programs that are consistent with the state’s management programs. All relevant
refuge-specific regulations are listed above in Section IV, subsection B.
D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Hunting
50 CFR Part 32 outlines refuge-specific regulations; 50 CFR Part 26 outlines Public Entry and
Use, including specific regulations for EFH ACE Basin NWR; and 50 CFR Part 27 outlines
prohibited acts. The refuge hunt brochure will provide important information and requirements
for hunting on the refuge. Seasons will be set annually and will be published in the refuge’s hunt
brochure for the specified year. Key requirements and prohibitions are listed.
● Fires on the refuge – open fires are not permitted on the refuge.
● Reporting Harvest – Hunters will be required to report their harvest to refuge staff.
● All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), golf carts and any other
off-road vehicles are prohibited.
● Use or possession of electronic game calls is prohibited.
● Destroying or cutting vegetation is prohibited.
V. Public Engagement
A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Hunting Program
The refuge maintains a mailing list of local newspapers for information bulletin purposes.
Information bulletins to inform the public will be developed and submitted to appropriate local
newspapers for the youth turkey hunt announcing the initial opening and other pertinent
information. The refuge website contains similar information, as well as a printable general hunt
brochure. In addition, information about the hunt will be available at EFH ACE Basin NWR
headquarters.
B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Hunting Program
Public reaction to the youth turkey hunts is anticipated to be highly favorable. Limited hunting
was determined desirable at public meetings during the establishment of the refuge. Hunting of
turkey is a common and acceptable form of local recreation and already exists in the surrounding
area outside the refuge. Many of the current hunters that visit the refuge inquire as to when this
species will be allowed to be hunted on the refuge. Hunting is an important economic and
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 13
recreational use of South Carolina’s natural resources.
C. How Hunters Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations
General information regarding hunting and other wildlife-dependent public uses can be obtained
at the EFH ACE Basin NWR headquarters or by contacting the refuge office at: Ernest F.
Hollings ACE Basin NWR, P.O. Box 848, Hollywood, South Carolina 29449, phone (843) 889-
3084. Dates, forms, hunting unit directions, maps, applications and permit requirements about
the hunt will be available on the station website at: http:/acebasin.fws.gov.
VI. Compatibility Determination
Hunting and all associated program activities proposed in this plan are compatible with the
purposes of the refuge. See attached Compatibility Determination: Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin
NWR Youth Turkey Hunt Compatibility Determination.
VI. References
Baumann, D.P. 1985. Evaluation of Genetic Relationships of Wild Turkey Populations in South
Carolina.
Carlton, R.L. 1987. Selected Practices and Plantings for Wildlife. Athens, GA. The University of
Georgia College of Agriculture.
Chamberlain, M.J., P.H. Whitman, B.S. Cohen, B.A. Collier. 2018. Gobbling Activity of Eastern
Wild Turkeys Relative to Male Movements and Female Nesting Phenology in South
Carolina. Wildlife Society Bulletin 42(4): 632-642
Collier, B.A., P. Wightman, M.J. Chamberlain, J. Cantrell, C. Ruth. 2017. Hunting Activity and
Male Wild Turkey Movements in South Carolina. Journal of the Southeastern
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 4:85-93
Gerrits, A.P., P.H. Wightman, J.R. Cantrell, C. Ruth, M.J. Chamberlain, B.A. Collier. 2019.
Movement Ecology of Spring Wild Turkey Hunters on Public Lands in South Carolina,
USA. Wildlife Society Bulletin 1-11.
Healy, W.M. and S.M. Powell. 2000. Wild Turkey Harvest Management: Biology, Strategies,
and Techniques. Sheperdstown, WV. U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife
Service.
Kohlsaat, T., L. Quattro, and J. Rinehart. 2005. South Carolina Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy 2005-2010. Columbia, SC. South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources.
Smith, A., et al. 2015. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources-South Carolina’s State
Wildlife Action Plan and Supplemental Volume. Access from the World Wide Web on
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 14
September3, 2020. https://www.dnr.sc.gov/swap/index.html.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 1997. Wildlife Management Guide-Wild
Turkey. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2018. Wild Turkey Resources in South
Carolina with Recommendations on Seasons and Bag Limits. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Consideration for Holding a Fall
Turkey Season in South Carolina. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Setting Spring Hunting Seasons by
Timing Peak Gobbling, Peak Breeding and Peak Incubation. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Spring Gobbler Bag Limits in South
Carolina. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Map of Wild Turkey Density
Distribution in South Carolina. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Eastern Wild Turkey Age and Sex
Determination. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Turkey Regulations. Columbia, SC.
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 2016. Establishing Opening Dates for
Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons. Baton Rouge, LA.
Speake, D. 1991. Turkey Reproduction-The Key to Success. Auburn, AL. Auburn University.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009. Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge:
Comprehensive Conservation Plan. Atlanta, GA. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and
Wildlife Service Southeast Region.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge:
Habitat Management Plan. Atlanta, GA. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and
Wildlife Service Southeast Region.
Wakefield, C.T., P.H. Wightman, J.A. Martin, B.T. Bond, D.K. Lowrey, B.S. Cohen, B.A.
Collier, M.J. Chamberlain. 2019. Hunting and Nesting Phenology Influence Gobbling of
Wild Turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management 84(3):448-457; Social Circle, GA.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Wightman, P.H., J.C. Kilgo, M. Vukovich, J.R. Cantrell, C.R. Ruth, B.S. Cohen, M.J.
Chamberlin, B.A. Collier. 2018. Gobbling Chronology of Eastern Wild Turkeys in South
Carolina. The Journal of Wildlife Management 83(2): 325-333; Athens, GA. Warnell
EFH ACE Basin NWR Youth Turkey Hunting Plan Amendment 15
School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia.
Section B. Environmental Assessment
Ernest F. Hollings ACE National Wildlife Refuge
Environmental Assessment for 2021 Youth Turkey
Hunt Plan
August 2021
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
Environmental Assessment for Youth Turkey
Hunting Plan Amendment
This Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to evaluate the effects associated with this
proposed action and to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with
Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1509) and Department of the Interior (43
CFR 46; 516 DM 8) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (550 FW 3) regulations and policies. NEPA
requires examination of the effects of proposed actions on the natural and human environment.
Proposed Action
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to expand hunting opportunities on the Ernest
F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, refuge) to include “Youth-Only “turkey hunting
in accordance with the refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan. Spring season (April) hunting
(YOUTH ONLY) of wild turkey will be permitted under big game hunting on the Barrelville Tract,
Grove Tract, Bonny Hall Tract, and Upper Combahee Unit where big game hunting of white-tailed deer
and feral hog currently is permitted in the fall season of the year. A total of 5,300 acres will be opened to
“Youth-Only” turkey hunts through a free lottery application process. This expanded hunting opportunity
will occur on approximately 44% of the refuge acreage.
A proposed action may evolve during the NEPA process as the agency refines its proposal and gathers
feedback from the public, tribes, and other agencies. Therefore, the final proposed action may be different
from the original. The proposed action will be finalized at the conclusion of the public comment period
for the EA.
Background
National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System
(NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, Service policy, and laws and international treaties.
Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of
1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation
Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and Wildlife Service
Manual.
Recognizing the importance of the area for wetland and habitat protection, migratory bird benefits and
conservation opportunities served by the lands and waters of the refuge, the Service administratively
designated ACE Basin NWR in 1990 under the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986, the Fish and
Wildlife Act of 1956, and the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929, thus outlining the primary
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
purposes of these lands and waters:
"...the conservation of the wetlands of the Nation in order to maintain the public benefits they
provide and to help fulfill international obligations contained in various migratory bird treaties
and conventions..." 16 U.S.C. 3901(b) (Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986)
"... for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and
wildlife resources ..." 16 U.S.C. 742f(a)(4) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956)
"... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and
services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant,
or condition of servitude ..." 16 U.S.C. 742f(b)(1) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956)
“... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory
birds.” 16 U.S.C. § 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929)
“…to conserve and protect migratory birds…and other species of wildlife that are listed…as
endangered species or threatened species and to restore or develop adequate wildlife habitat.”
16 U.S.C. § 715i (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929)
The refuge was renamed the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin NWR (EFH ACE Basin NWR) on May 16,
2005, in honor of South Carolina’s retired U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings.
The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as
amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is
“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and,
where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within
the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”
Additionally, the NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the NWRS (16
U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4)) to:
• provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the NWRS;
• ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS are
maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;
• ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the purposes of
each refuge are carried out;
• ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining refuges
and the fish and wildlife agency of the states in which the units of the NWRS are located;
• assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the mission of the
NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;
• recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of
the NWRS through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;
• ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife-dependent
recreational uses; and
• monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.
The ACE Basin NWR provides resources for migratory birds, endangered species and compatible public
uses. Through a motivated, experienced, and well-trained staff and volunteers, and with active
participation of partners, the refuge will work to maintain its unique ecological landscape features and be
an active partner to achieve the goals and objectives of the ACE Basin Project, originally a 350,000-acre
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
estuary/ecosystem conservation partnership, now expanded to a 1.2 million acre focus area between state,
Federal, corporate, private landowners and non-governmental organizations. Through team development,
the refuge will strive to be a model of excellence in natural resource management and celebrate our
achievements with the public and our partners. The management of wildlife and habitat on the refuge will
be an adaptive, science-based, comprehensive endeavor that links biological needs with resource
management. The refuge will actively seek to expand partnerships to further conservation stewardship
and protection of natural resources. We will actively seek research to support the informational needs of
the refuge and be willing to adapt and respond to change, including shifts in climate. We will seek and
develop appropriate and compatible public use opportunities and enhance awareness and appreciation of
the refuge and the NWRS. Through outreach and public participation, the refuge will share with our
neighboring communities within the ACE Basin Project area the values of the NWRS and a fish and
wildlife heritage for all Americans.
The refuge strives to preserve a nationally significant wildlife ecosystem that will provide a complex of
habitats for wintering waterfowl, endangered species, other migratory and resident birds, mammals,
reptiles, amphibians, and plants. The refuge acquisition boundary currently includes approximately
18,000 acres.
The refuge is composed of two major units, together comprising approximately 12,077 acres. The Edisto
Unit consists of 7,396 acres and is located approximately 20 miles southwest of the city of Charleston,
SC, in Charleston County. The Combahee Units consists of 4,681 acres in Beaufort, Colleton and
Hampton Counties and is located approximately 20-25 miles northwest of the city of Beaufort, SC.
The refuge’s two units are drained by two significant river systems: the Combahee-Salkahatchie, which
flows through the Combahee Unit, and the South Edisto, which flows adjacent to the Edisto Unit. Many
broad, low-gradient interior drains are present as either extension of tidal streams and rivers or flooded
bays and swales. Within this diverse drainage system, the refuge contains exceptionally diverse wildlife
habitat, including high-quality forested wetlands, forested uplands, brackish natural marsh, freshwater
natural marsh, managed marshes or wetland management units, marsh islands, and pristine estuarine
rivers.
Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action
In February 1993, a sport hunting decision document package was approved for opening the ACE Basin
NWR to big game hunting (white-tailed deer only), upland/small game hunting (in general), and
migratory bird hunting (goose and duck only). Pertinent, subsequent hunt plan amendments have
included the refuge name change to the EFH ACE Basin NWR, the addition of hunting areas resulting
from refuge land acquisition, and the adding of feral hog to big game hunting. The purpose of the current
proposed action is to amend the existing hunting plan for the EFH ACE Basin NWR to add wild turkey to
big game hunting (Youth-Only Hunting).
The need is to meet the requirements of the NWRSIA; evaluate compatibility of proposed uses; protect
biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health; and implement the Comprehensive Conservation
Plan and step-down management plans of the refuge. The need is also to align, as much as possible and
where compatible with refuge purposes and management, with state hunting regulations
through effective
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
coordination with state fish and wildlife agencies, Native American Tribes, adjacent landowners, and the
general public, while ensuring the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS
are maintained [16 U.S. Code §668dd(a)(4)]. Further, the need is also to meet the Service’s priorities and
mandates; implement the Service’s Secretarial Order (SO) 3347 Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor
Recreation and SO 3356 Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation
Opportunities and Coordination with States, Tribes, and Territories by expanding hunting opportunities
and better aligning Service regulations with state regulations.
Alternatives
Alternative A – No Action Alternative
Under this alternative, only white-tailed deer, feral hog, goose, coot, teal and duck hunting will continue
to be allowed on most of the refuge. Compatible wildlife-dependent public recreational opportunities will
be limited to existing levels.
Alternative B –Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action Alternative
The refuge has prepared a draft hunt plan, which is presented in this document as the Preferred Action
Alternative. Under the Preferred Action Alternative, spring turkey hunting (Youth-Only Hunting) will
occur in two hunting units on the refuge: The Grove Tract, Barrelville Tract, the Bonny Hall Tract, and
Upper Combahee Unit. Limited wild turkey hunting for public recreational purposes, limited to Youth
Hunters, will be allowed on designated areas of the refuge. Turkey hunting will be in accordance with
state regulations. More restrictive refuge-specific regulations will apply for consistency with nearby State
of South Carolina Wildlife Management Areas and their Youth Hunter programs and also due to limited
acreage of huntable upland and forested wetlands. Refuge-specific regulations that may apply include
season length, bag limit, and quotas on number of permitted youth hunters. High public demand and the
large acreage of land required for turkey hunting will limit the number of hunters allowed in order to
ensure a safe hunt. Initially, as recommended by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
(SCDNR; S. Chappelear, personal communication, August 04, 2020) the Youth Hunt for wild turkey will
occur on the Saturdays (to not conflict with school attendance by the youth hunters) in the month of April
and be limited to 5 hunters per each Saturday hunt, for a total of 20-25 eligible youth hunters (depending
each year on the number of Saturdays in April). The youth hunters will be drawn by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)-approved lottery application at no charge to the applicants. The youth
applicants must be age 17 or younger on the date of the hunt for which they are successfully drawn.
Hunters may be accompanied by one assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older who may participate in
the hunt (calling, etc.), but may not personally carry a firearm (except as authorized by a concealed carry
permit), harvest nor attempt to harvest a turkey. All youth hunters age 16 or 17 must have a valid SCDNR
Hunting License. Youth hunters age 16 or age 17 that have successfully completed a State of South
Carolina-approved hunter education course may hunt without an assistant, parent or guardian. All other
youth hunters (age 15 and younger) must be accompanied by an assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or
older.
To ensure compatibility with refuge purposes and the mission of the NWRS, hunting must be conducted
in accordance with state and Federal regulations, as supplemented by refuge-specific regulations and
information sheets/brochures.
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
The following refuge-specific youth turkey hunting procedures and regulations apply at EFH ACE Basin
NWR and will be published in the Federal Register as part of the 2021-2022 Refuge-Specific Hunting and
Sport Fishing Regulations:
1. Only shotguns will be allowed for use. The use of buckshot, slugs and all other weapons or
methods are prohibited.
2. Hunting will be permitted within designated areas of the refuge including the Grove Tract,
Barrelville Tract, Bonny Hall Tract, and Upper Combahee Unit. Watercraft access to and
within the hunt units where turkey hunting occurs will be prohibited.
3. Hunters may be accompanied by one assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older who may
participate in the hunt (calling, etc.), but may not personally carry a firearm (except as
authorized by a concealed carry permit), harvest nor attempt to harvest a turkey.
4. All youth hunters age 16 or 17 must have a valid South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources Hunting License. Youth hunters age 16 or age 17 that have successfully completed a
State of South Carolina-approved hunter education course may hunt without an assistant, parent
or guardian. All other youth hunters (age 15 and younger) must be accompanied by an assistant,
parent or guardian age 21 or older.
5. Hunters and assistants, parents or guardians may enter the hunt units on or after 5:00 am and
must exit the hunt units not later than one hour after official sunset. Legal shooting hours are
from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour after official sunset.
6. Youth Hunter Bag Limit: One male turkey.
7. Turkeys must be tagged with youth hunter’s state-issued tags in accordance with state law.
Measures to Avoid Conflicts:
The Youth-Only turkey hunts will be conducted after the departure of the majority of wintering migratory
waterfowl; therefore, minimal disturbance to migratory waterfowl is anticipated. Use of lead shot is
allowed for turkey hunting but, considering the separation between the predominately upland hunt and
wetland habitat, the ingestion of lead shot by migratory birds should be minimal. The Youth-Only turkey
hunt will occur well after the existing white-tailed deer and feral hog primitive weapons hunt in the fall of
the year and therefore should pose no conflict. Fishing opportunities on the refuge coincide with the
Youth Turkey Hunt but occur in different habitats so should pose little to no impact on one another. The
walk/bicycle-in youth turkey hunters will use existing fire breaks and roads for access. No soil
compaction or vegetation disturbance is expected. No impacts to endangered species or archaeological or
cultural resources is anticipated as a result of the Youth-Only turkey hunt. Parking will occur in
established parking areas and temporary sites already designated along existing fire lines and roads.
Public (Youth Only) turkey hunting will be very limited in scope and will , therefore, have minimal
impact on resident turkeys, which are abundant on the refuge hunt units. Only five hunters will be
allowed to hunt at any given time due to the limited space and the goal to minimize impact to turkeys
during peak breeding periods (Wakefield et al. 2019, Speake1991), and those hunts will be restricted to
only occur on Saturdays in the month of April.
Under the Preferred Action Alternative, limited turkey hunting will be implemented in the spring, under
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
refuge and state regulations: restricting spring turkey hunting to a maximum of five Saturdays in April
during the state-approved spring turkey season; limiting hunter participation to youth hunters ages 17 and
below; limiting the areas opened to spring turkey hunting; and limiting hunter numbers through lottery
draws. This alternative provides a recreational experience to the general public while maintaining a
sustainable eastern wild turkey population. The estimated cost to operate a limited spring turkey hunt
program is $7,500 annually. Under this alternative, the refuge law enforcement officer and/or SCDNR
wardens will monitor the hunt and will conduct license, bag limit, and access compliance checks. Refuge
staff and trained volunteers will administer the hunt and collect data on all harvested game.
This alternative offers increased compatible wildlife-dependent public recreation opportunities (public
hunting) and fulfills the Service’s mandate under the NWRSAA.
Affected Environment and Environmental
Consequences
This section is organized by Affected Environment categories and for each affected resource discusses
both (1) the existing environmental and socioeconomic baseline in the action area for each resource and
(2) the effects and impacts of the proposed action and any alternatives on each resource. The effects and
impacts of the proposed action considered here are changes to the human environment, whether adverse
or beneficial, that are reasonably foreseeable and have a reasonably close causal relationship to the
proposed action or alternatives. This EA includes the written analyses of the environmental consequences
on a resource only when the impacts on that resource could be more than negligible and therefore
considered an “affected resource.” Any resources that will not be more than negligibly impacted by the
action have been dismissed from further analyses.
The EFH ACE Basin NWR is located within the 1.2 million-acre Ashepoo–Combahee–Edisto (ACE)
Basin Project. The ACE Basin Project is widely recognized as a unique and critical environment marked
by a wide diversity of wildlife and plants and representing the largest estuarine resource in South
Carolina. The refuge is a partner in the ACE Basin Task Force, a coalition consisting of the Service,
SCDNR, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Nemours Wildlife Foundation, The Open Land
Trust, The Edisto Island Open Land Trust, The National Audubon Society, The Beaufort County Open
Land Trust and private landowners of the ACE Basin Project.
The refuge is composed of two major units, together comprising approximately 12,077 acres. The Edisto
Unit consists of 7,396 acres and is located approximately 20 miles southwest of the city of Charleston,
SC, in Charleston County. The Combahee Units consists of 4,681 acres in Beaufort, Colleton and
Hampton Counties and is located approximately 20-25 miles northwest of the city of Beaufort, SC. The
lands adjacent to the refuge are primarily large, natural landscapes in private ownership and most often
under conservation easement.
The refuge’s two major units (Edisto Unit and Combahee Unit) are further broken down into sub-units
with the Edisto Unit containing the Barrelville and Grove turkey hunt sub-units, and the Combahee Unit
containing the Bonny Hall and Upper Combahee turkey hunt sub-units. The refuge has been separated
into 9 management units or compartments which range in size from 350 to 3,355 acres. Compartment
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
boundaries are established along geographic features that can be easily identified on the ground (e.g.,
rivers, roads, trails).
The refuge is drained by two significant river systems: the Combahee-Salkahatchie, which flows through
the Combahee unit, and the South Edisto, which flows adjacent to the Edisto unit. Many broad, low-
gradient interior drains are present as either extensions of tidal streams and rivers or flooded bays and
swales. The refuge's mean tidal amplitude ranges from around 2 feet on the upper reaches of the
Combahee River to 5 feet on the lower refuge area along the South Edisto River. Salinities range from
fresh water in the upper reaches to 6-7 ppt on the lower reaches, with season deviations occurring
depending on precipitation amounts. The major vegetative communities on the refuge include natural
marshes, managed marshes (wetland management units), forested wetlands, and upland forest. General
characteristics of each community and associated wildlife are as follows:
Natural Marshes
Dominant plants in freshwater marshes include giant cutgrass, common cattail, northern wild rice,
pickerel weed, arrowheads, smartweeds, various rushes, spikerushes, and sedges. Brackish marshes are
dominated by big cordgrass, narrow-leaved cattail, tropical cattail, black needlerush, and saltmarsh
bulrush, together with soft-stem, American and Olney bulrushes.
Managed Marshes (Wetland Management Units)
Management of naturally occurring plant communities within these wetland management units provides
cover and food resources required to meet the behavioral and nutritional needs of waterfowl, as well as a
broad spectrum of other wildlife species. In freshwater units managed by spring and summer drawdown,
waterfowl food plants include wild millets, panic grasses, smartweeds, and flat sedges. In freshwater units
managed as semi-permanently flooded marshes, waterfowl food or cover plants include watershield,
white waterlily, and pondweeds. Important waterfowl food plants encouraged in brackish units include
widgeongrass, saltmarsh bulrush, and dwarf spikerush.
Grasslands
Grasslands occur primarily in the Grove and Bonny Hall sub-units, with the Grove containing the
majority in the form of previously farmed pastureland that has been managed to support naturally
occurring warm-season grasses. Species composition in these grasslands typically include broomsedge,
big bluestem, switchgrass, foxtail grass, giant plumegrass, vasey grass, and eastern gamma grass.
Forested Wetlands
Forested wetlands occur primarily in the upper portion of the floodplains of the Combahee unit. The
cypress-tupelo swamp forest occupies deep sloughs, margins of oxbows, and wet flats, and is flooded for
at least some portion of the year. Dominant vegetation includes bald cypress, water tupelo, swamp tupelo,
green ash, red maple, wax myrtle, and titi. The bottomland hardwood forest type is drier than the cypress-
tupelo forest and is inundated for a considerably shorter period. This forest type supports water oak, laurel
oak, overcup oak, water hickory, sweet gum, and green ash, along with a scattering of pond pine, spruce
pine, loblolly pine, and cypress.
Upland Forest
The primary vegetative types are pine and pine-hardwood. Past logging and agricultural practices,
combined with present day forestry management, has resulted in monotypic loblolly pine plantations in
many areas. Pine-hardwood forests are relatively common and occur on both wet and dry sites. Wet areas
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
are typically vegetated with loblolly pine and can include white oak, sweet gum, yellow poplar, and
tupelo. Drier sites can support primarily longleaf pine in association with blackjack, turkey, and shrubby
post oak. The upland hardwood type is much less common than the pine and pine-hardwood. These
mixed hardwoods generally include oaks, (white, live, turkey, blackjack), hickories (mockernut, pignut),
and an assortment of broadleaf evergreen (hollies, bays).
The resources in Table 1 below either (1) do not exist within the project area or (2) will either not be affected
or only negligibly affected by the proposed action.
TABLE 1. POTENTIAL FOR ADVERSE IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
Resources
Not
Applicable:
Resource does
not exist in
project area
No/Negligible
Impacts: Exists
but no or
negligible
impacts
Greater than
Negligible
Impacts: Impacts
analyzed in this
EA
Species to Be Hunted/Fished
☐
☐
☒
Non-Target Wildlife and Aquatic Species
☐
☐
☒
Threatened and Endangered Species and
Other Special Status Species
☐
☐ ☒
Habitat and Vegetation (including vegetation
of special management concern)
☐
☐
☒
Geology and Soils
☐
☒
☐
Air Quality
☐
☒
☐
Water Quality
☐
☒
☐
Floodplains
☒
☐
☐
Wilderness
☒
☐
☐
Visitor Use and Experience
☐
☐
☒
Cultural Resources
☐
☒
☐
Refuge Management and Operations
☐
☒
☐
Socioeconomics
☐
☒
☐
Tables 2-6 provide, for each resource of the refuge:
1. A brief description of the relevant general features of the affected environment;
2. A description of relevant environmental trends and planned actions;
3. A brief description of the affected resources in the proposed action area;
4. Impacts of the proposed action and any alternatives on those resources.
TABLE 2. AFFECTED NATURAL RESOURCES AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
AND
ANY ALTERNATIVES
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Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Affected Environment Description
The eastern wild turkey population in the low country of South Carolina is down from recent high levels,
but stable (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020). The SCDNR has reduced the
general harvest limit throughout the state from five gobblers to three gobblers during the spring hunting
season and adjusted the season dates to lessen harvest impacts during the period of peak breeding (South
Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020). Refuge wild turkey populations mirror, or likely
exceed, surrounding area wild turkey populations in light of the absence of turkey hunting on the refuge.
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description
According to the SCDNR 2019 Turkey Hunter Survey, an estimated 15,783 adult gobblers and 1,591
jakes were harvested for a statewide total of 17,374 turkeys during the 2019 spring season. This figure
represents a 3.1% decrease in harvest from 2018 (17,939). Legislative changes that went into effect in
2016 provided an earlier starting date and increased number of days in the turkey season in 34 of 46
South Carolina counties. The effect of this season change was a 50% increase in opportunity (days) for
the majority of the state. Although the harvest was up a combined 24% the first two years of the new
framework, it has been down 10% the last two years.
This apparent up and down cycle related to harvest under the new season framework may be explained
in two ways. First, perhaps turkey numbers initially increased when the new season went into place
leading to an increase in harvest because more birds were available for harvest on the landscape.
Alternatively, more hunter effort associated with the new framework may have increased the harvest
regardless of the number of turkeys on the landscape.
We find that turkey production, as measured during the Summer Turkey Survey which has been
conducted annually since 1982, has been poor since the new season began. In fact, recruitment during
the last 5 years has been the lowest of any 5-year period since the survey began. Typically, low
recruitment is followed by decreasing harvest and good recruitment is followed by increasing harvest.
Based on this analysis, the initial trend of higher harvest under the new season does not fit with the
notion of a recent increase in the turkey population.
On the other hand, hunter effort (days/hunted) has increased an average of 23% under the new season
framework compared to the years leading up to the new framework. Again, the new season increased
opportunity (days) for hunters in 34 of 46 counties by 50%, and this data clearly indicates that hunters
took advantage of the additional opportunity. With turkey production being low recently, it appears that
increased effort rather than increased turkey numbers was more influential in the initial increase in
harvest that accompanied the new season. This is supported by the fact that most recently, in spite of
increased hunting effort, the harvest has declined. In any event, legislation passed in 2019 establishes a
completely new season framework which will likely bring about new harvest trends as well.
Number of Turkey Hunters
Even though all individuals receiving a set of Turkey Transportation Tags were licensed to hunt turkeys,
only 60% indicated that they actually hunted turkeys. Based on this figure, approximately 50,772 hunters
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participated in the 2018 state spring turkey season, a 3.2% decrease from 2017 (52,429). Counties with
the highest estimates for individual hunters include, Fairfield, Union, Newberry, Orangeburg, and
Berkeley.
Hunter Effort
Hunter effort was measured in days, with one day being defined as any portion of the day spent afield.
Turkey hunters averaged approximately 5.9 days afield during the 2019 season. Successful hunters
averaged significantly more days afield (7.3 days) than unsuccessful hunters (4.8 days). Extrapolating to
the entire population of turkey hunters yields a figure of 258,445 total days of spring gobbler hunting,
down less than 1% from 2018 (258,786 days).
Hunting Success
For determination of hunting success, only those individuals that actually hunted turkeys were included
in the analysis and, similarly, success was defined as harvesting at least one turkey. Overall hunting
success in 2018 was 23%. Unlike deer hunting, which typically has high success, turkey hunting can be
an inherently unsuccessful endeavor, relatively speaking. Curiously though, the proportion of hunters
who take two gobblers was slightly greater than those who take one, indicating that successful hunters
had essentially the same chance of taking two birds as they did one bird.
The statewide bag limit in South Carolina is three gobblers, but most successful hunters harvest only one
or two birds. However, it is interesting to note the relative contribution to the total harvest of turkeys by
the few hunters that harvest three birds; while the percentage of hunters taking 3 birds was only 2.3, this
small percentage of hunters harvested an estimated 28% of the total birds taken in the state.
Anticipated Impacts
Alternative A: No Action Alternative
Estimated Hunter Numbers: 0
Estimated Take: 0
Existing big game hunting for white-tailed deer and feral hogs during the fall season of the year and
year-round fishing area activities result in negligible impact to eastern wild turkey populations on the
refuge. Minimal, short-term impacts to habitat and vegetation, threatened and endangered species, non-
game wildlife and visitor use and experience remains the same.
Alternative B: Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action Alternative
Estimated Hunter Numbers: 20-25
Estimated Take: 10-15
Youth turkey hunting activity and harvest will have minimal negative effects on the refuge turkey
population and surrounding area. Existing big game hunting for white-tailed deer and feral hogs during
the fall season of the year and year-round fishing area activities result in negligible impact to eastern
wild turkey populations on the refuge. In combination, all hunting and fishing activity on the refuge
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
causes short-term disturbance to targeted game and non-game wildlife species, habitat and vegetation,
endangered and threatened species, and visitor use and experience. Public (Youth) recreation experience
from the limited opportunity to hunt wild turkey on the refuge enhances existing visitor use and
experience.
Non-Target Wildlife and Aquatic Species
Affected Environment Description
A total of 291 avian species have been observed with varying degrees of regularity on the refuge. Fifty-
five of these are accidentals, having been reported only once or twice. A total of 96 of these bird species
are known to nest on the refuge. Migratory bird management is a refuge priority, with emphasis on
waterfowl within wetland units. Approximately 20 species of waterfowl winter at the refuge, with peaks
averaging 13,650 birds in January and February. The major species include pintails, wood ducks, green-
winged teal, ring-necked ducks, mallards, blue-winged teal, shovelers, widgeon, and gadwall. Wood
ducks and a few mottled ducks are the only resident nesting ducks. Other priority species within wetland
management units include herons, egrets, ibis, rails, bitterns, other marsh and wading birds, and
shorebirds.
The refuge is home to most mammalian species common to South Carolina. At least 36 species of
mammals occur on the refuge. Some of the most obvious of these are white-tailed deer, raccoon, feral
hog, river otter, opossum, bobcat, gray fox, beaver, cottontail and marsh rabbit, gray and fox squirrel,
and an assortment of small rodents. Many of these species utilize both upland and wetland habitats.
The multiple range of habitats, from forested upland and wetland to freshwater and tidal marsh, provide
ample habitat for a diverse group of amphibians and reptiles. Approximately 109 species of amphibians
and reptiles, indigenous to this part of South Carolina, occur on or are suspected to occur on the refuge.
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description
Climate change refers to the increasing changes in the measures (e.g., precipitation, temperature, wind
patterns) of climate over a long period of time. [U.S. Geological Service 2019]. There is no definitive
information on how exactly changes in climate will impact species populations. Addressing uncertainty
in the environment is critical to being able to anticipate and adapt to changes that may occur in the
environment. For the Department of the Interior (DOI), this will be reflected in how we manage access
and exploitation of natural resources, protect and conserve our natural heritage, and provide for the
conservation of the environment for future generations while avoiding undue restrictions on the current
generation. The U.S. Geological Survey, as the science advisory body for the DOI, will characterize the
ranges of possible future change trajectories and will provide guidance on how to estimate potential
ecosystem impacts, support resource management, assist in hazards characterization and mitigation, and
assist land use planning (Reilly 2019).
There is a concern about the bioavailability of spent lead ammunition (bullets) and sinkers on the
environment, endangered and threatened species, birds (especially raptors), humans and other mammals,
or other fish and wildlife susceptible to biomagnification. Lead shot and bullet fragments found in
animal carcasses and gut piles are the most likely source of lead exposure. (Kelly et al. 2011). Many
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
hunters do not realize that the carcass or gut pile they leave in the field usually contains lead bullet
fragments. Research continues on the effects of lead ammunition and the fragments it can deposit in
killed game. Avian predators and scavengers can be susceptible to lead poisoning when they ingest lead
fragments or pellets in the tissues of animals killed or wounded by lead ammunition. Lead poison may
weaken raptors and increase mortality rate by leaving them unable to hunt or more susceptible to
vehicles or power line accidents (Kramer and Redig 1997). In a study of bald eagles and golden eagles
admitted to the Raptor Rehabilitation Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, at Washington State
University from 1991 to 2008 it was found that 48% of bald eagles and 62% of golden eagles tested had
blood lead levels considered toxic by current standards. Of the bald and golden eagles with toxic lead
levels, 91% (bald) and 58% (golden), were admitted to the rehabilitation facility after the end of the
general deer and elk hunting seasons in December (Stauber 2010).
Additionally, recent studies have found that wildlife hunted with lead ammunition can increase risks to
human health due to the ingestion of lead (Hunt et. al 2009). While no lead poisoning of humans has
been documented from ingestion of wild game, some experts, including the Center for Disease Control,
have recommended the use of non-toxic bullets when hunting to avoid lead exposure and that pregnant
women and children under 6 should not consume wild-game shot with lead ammunition. (Streater 2009).
This recommendation comes after a study done in North Dakota found that those who ate wild game had
significantly higher levels of lead in their blood than those who did not (Iqbal et. al 2009).
Anticipated Impacts
Alternative A: No Action Alternative
No additional impacts.
Alternative B: Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action Alternative
The refuge has become increasingly more important as a resting place for migratory birds. Under this
alternative, the refuge will open portions of the refuge to limited hunting of wild turkey, however 56% of
the refuge will remain closed to any additional turkey hunting. Negligible impacts on resident wildlife,
migratory birds and non-hunted wildlife are expected by allowing hunting on the refuge because of the
regulatory process for harvest management in place within the Service, the setting of hunting seasons
largely outside of the breeding seasons of resident and migratory wildlife, the ability of individual refuge
hunt programs to adapt refuge-specific hunting regulations to changing local conditions, and the wide
geographic separation of individual refuges. Minimal and short-term disturbance to non-target wildlife
species may occur during spring nesting activities. This alternative mitigates this impact by limiting the
number of hunters, hours of access, hunt days and available hunt unit
s.
Threatened and Endangered Species and Other Special Status Species
Affected Environment Description
Wood stork (Mycteria americana) in the area primarily forage in shallow water sites throughout the
summer, but year-round observations have been recorded. No known nesting of wood stork occurs on
the refuge.
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
The bald eagle is a regular visitor and sometimes nester on the refuge from October through April. They
can be observed frequently hunting and foraging in small numbers of one to four in and around refuge
shallow open-water wetland management units. In recent years, there has been an average of at least a
half dozen active eagle nests located on or adjacent to refuge property.
Currently black rail are known to exist within the southeastern quadrant of the J2 managed tidal
impoundment on Jehossee Island. Active cooperative research efforts between the refuge, Charleston
FWS-ES staff, and the SCDNR are seeking to understand the habitat preferences of black rail and
enhance management prescriptions accordingly.
See Appendix C for a full list of species and impact statements.
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description
Refer to trends and planned actions for non-targeted wildlife and aquatic species.
Anticipated Impacts
Alternative A: No Action Alternative
No impacts as the youth turkey hunt will not be conducted.
Alternative B: Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action Alternative
A consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act will be conducted as part of this EA
and the Hunt Plan. Impacts to wood stork, bald eagle, and black rail is expected to be negligible as the
youth hunt will not be allowed within or immediately adjacent to areas during times of nesting and
foraging. The Youth turkey hunt will be limited to Saturdays in April with a limited draw-quota. The
increase in hunters using toxic shot while turkey hunting will be very small (<1%). Because we require
hunters to remove gut piles from the refuge when they have a successful take of a hunted species, the
additional amount of lead in the environment from the expanded hunting opportunity should only have a
negligible cumulative impact on the accumulation of lead in the environment. See Appendix C for
detailed impact statements.
Habitat and Vegetation (including vegetation of special management concern)
Affected Environment Description
See habitat description in Affected Resources.
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description
Other than for invasive species where control and elimination are the target, hunting programs are
designed to be sustainable. The Service will continue conservation management activities to continue to
protect and manage habitats and vegetation on the refuge. While habitats and vegetation on the refuge
will be expected to continue to be impacted by outside factors, including human population increases
and associated development patterns, climate change, and invasive species, the Service is unaware of
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
any other adverse environmental trends or planned actions that will adversely impact habitat and
vegetation.
Anticipated Impacts
Alternative A: No Action Alternative
No additional impacts to current use.
Alternative B: Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action Alternative
Negligible impacts associated with youth hunting activity are expected. Research has shown that
primarily travel within hunt units occurs on roads, trails and firebreaks, thus causing negligible
disturbance to vegetation and habitat. Hunts will be limited by hunting days, hours, numbers of hunters
and access (foot or bicycle).
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
TABLE 3. AFFECTED VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE AND ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE
PROPOSED ACTION AND ANY ALTERNATIVES
Visitor Use and Experiences
Affected Environment Description
All units of the refuge are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Extra hours of access are permitted
for certain hunting activities. A limited amount of refuge roadways are available for vehicular travel.
The refuge receives visitation for a multitude of reasons, with bird watching among the most common
uses.
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description
According to the July 01, 2019, population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina
currently has approximately 5.2 million residents. This represents an 11% rate of growth since 2010.
Current population growth levels meet or exceed this rate. Fortunately, the ACE Basin Project Area
now has in excess of 300,000 acres of environmentally protected lands and waters around the refuge.
Management can do nothing to stem this population increase trend, but refuges and other tracts of
habitats will become even more important as repositories of biodiversity. Development and population
growth are the events which are most likely to affect resident and migratory wildlife, threatened and
endangered species and habitat, and wetlands and vegetation.
Anticipated Impacts
Alternative A: No Action Alternative
A youth turkey hunt will not be implemented. Opportunities to create additional outdoor recreation
experiences by adding new access will be lost. In addition, the refuge’s ability to connect with certain
segments of the public will potentially be diminished since hunting for a popular game species will not
be permitted. Hunters will pursue hunting opportunities off-refuge and thus the refuge’s ability to reach
those members of the public and promote natural resources conservation, environmental education and
natural resources stewardship may be more limited.
Alternative B: Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action Alternative
An increased public recreation opportunity for youth turkey hunting will be provided. Negligible
adverse effects on other public uses are expected due to limited hunt days, hours, hunters, and access.
Environmental Justice
Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations, requires all Federal agencies to incorporate environmental justice into their
missions by identifying and addressing disproportionately high or adverse human health or
environmental effects of their programs and policies on minorities and low-income populations and
communities.
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
Monitoring
Harvest records, including numbers of animals harvested, and biological data are annually recorded by
refuge staff. Additionally, refuge staff routinely perform formal and informal species and habitat
inventory and monitoring to maintain an understanding of the status of refuge fauna and flora and to
contribute to adaptive management strategies. Disease management activities, including chronic wasting
disease, will continue to be coordinated through the state. Established hunter training education helps
ensure hunters continue to use good judgment related to humaneness and animal welfare.
Summary of Analysis
The purpose of this EA is to briefly provide sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to
prepare an Environmental Impact Statement or a Finding of No Significant Impact.
Alternative A – No Action Alternative:
As described above, the no action alternative will fail to provide additional wildlife-dependent recreation
Affected Environment Description
Minority or low-income populations are located within the four home counties of the refuge:
Charleston, Colleton, Beaufort, and Hampton. Colleton and Hampton counties have a higher
percentage of families below the poverty line (17% and 15%, respectively) compared to the U.S.
(10.1%) and South Carolina (11.7%) averages (US Department of Commerce 2020). Charleston and
Beaufort counties have lower percentage of families below the poverty line at 9.5% and 7%,
respectively. Compared to the 39% of the U.S. population and 36.3% of the South Carolina population
represented by minorities, Charleston County (36%) and Beaufort County (32%) is more similar to the
U.S. overall, while Colleton County (43%) and Hampton County (59%) have a higher percentage than
the U.S. population and state population. (US Department of Commerce 2020).
The 6 counties within 25 miles of the refuge vary widely, ranging between 9% and 17% of families
below the poverty line and with minority populations ranging between 32% and 59% (US Department
of Commerce 2020).
Environmental Trends and Planned Actions Description
The Service is unaware of any other adverse environmental trends or planned actions that will
adversely impact environmental justice on the refuge.
Anticipated Impacts
Alternative A and B:
No anticipated impacts have been identified by this environmental assessment.
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
opportunities (youth turkey hunting) and will minimally increase or have no effect on the refuge and
adjoining area wild turkey populations.
Alternative B – Limited Youth Spring Turkey Hunting – Preferred Action
As described above, the proposed action alternative helps meet the purpose and needs of the Service by
providing additional wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities (youth turkey hunt). The proposed action
alternative’s impacts to wild turkey populations, other wildlife, threatened and endangered species,
habitat and vegetation, and visitor use and experience is negligible.
List of Sources, Agencies and Persons
Consulted
SCDNR, Service
List of Preparers
Mark A. Purcell, Wildlife Refuge Manager, Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin NWR
Laura Housh, Natural Resource Planner, USFWS
State Coordination
Beginning in June of 2020, numerous email and telephonic conversations and data-sharing efforts were
made between Refuge Manager Purcell and SCDNR staff, including Sam Chappelear-Wildlife Regional
Coordinator, Jay Cantrell-Wildlife Biologist and Assistant Big Game Program Coordinator and Anna
Smith-State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator. Additionally, a state scoping letter was mailed for early
input on the planning process on October 1, 2020.
Tribal Consultation
The Service sent scoping letters making notification and seeking input on October 1, 2020 to:
• Catawba Nation
• Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
• Shawnee Tribe
• Absentee-Shawnee
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
Public Outreach
The Service provided public notice of the proposal through local and national public notice of
the availability of the draft Hunt Plan, Environmental Assessment, and draft Hunting
Compatibility Determination for Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR,
refuge) for public review and comment. Local public notice included a Public Information
Bulletin and information and documents posted on the refuge’s website. National public notice
was provided through the Federal Register (Volume 86, Number 84; 86 FR 23794; Docket No.
FWS-HQ-NWRS-2021-0027, FXRS12610900000-212-FF09R20000; pages 23794-23842)
which was published on May 4, 2021. Public comments on the proposal were received by the
Service during the public review and comment period (April 15, 2021 through July 6, 2021)
from three members of the public (one with several signature), and the Choctaw Nation of
Oklahoma. The Service’s responses to comments received through the Federal Register
rulemaking process were published in the final rule in the Federal Register. The Service’s
responses to comments received locally and refuge-specific comments received through the
Federal Register can be found in Appendix D of this document.
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Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
References and citations
Baumann, D.P. 1985. Evaluation of Genetic Relationships of Wild Turkey Populations in South Carolina.
Carlton, R.L. 1987. Selected Practices and Plantings for Wildlife. Athens, GA. The University of Georgia
College of Agriculture.
Chamberlain, M.J., P.H. Whitman, B.S. Cohen, B.A. Collier. 2018. Gobbling Activity of Eastern Wild
Turkeys Relative to Male Movements and Female Nesting Phenology in South Carolina. Wildlife
Society Bulletin 42(4): 632-642.
Collier, B.A., P. Wightman, M.J. Chamberlain, J. Cantrell, C. Ruth. 2017. Hunting Activity and Male
Wild Turkey Movements in South Carolina. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies 4:85-93.
Gerrits, A.P., P.H. Wightman, J.R. Cantrell, C. Ruth, M.J. Chamberlain, B.A. Collier. 2019. Movement
Ecology of Spring Wild Turkey Hunters on Public Lands in South Carolina, USA. Wildlife Society
Bulletin 1-11.
Healy, W.M. and S.M. Powell. 2000. Wild Turkey Harvest Management: Biology, Strategies, and
Techniques. Sheperdstown, WV. U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service.
Hunt W.G., R.T. Watson, J.L. Oaks, C.N. Parish, K.K. Burnham, R.L. Tucker, J.R. Belthoff, and G. Hart.
2009. Lead Bullet Fragments in Venison from Rifle-Killed Deer: Potential for Human Dietary
Exposure. PLoS ONE 4(4): e5330. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.000533.
Iqbal S., W. Blumenthal, C. Kennedy, F.Y. Yip, S. Pickard, W.D. Flanders, K. Loringer, K. Kruger, K.L
Caldwell, M. Jean Brown. 2009. Hunting with lead: association between blood lead levels and wild
game consumption. Environmental Research 109(8):952-9. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2009.08.007.
Kelly, T.R., P.H. Bloom, S.G. Torres, Y.Z. Hernandez, R.H. Poppenga, W.M. Boyce, C.K. Johnson.
2011. Impact of the California lead ammunition ban on reducing lead exposure in golden eagles and
turkey vultures. PLoS ONE. 6(4): e17656. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0017656.
Kendall, R.J., T.E. Lacher Jr., C. Bunck, B. Daniel, C. Driver, C.E. Grue, F. Leighton, W. Stansley, P.G.
Watanabe, and M. Whitworth. 1996. An ecological risk assessment of lead shot exposure in non-
waterfowl avian species: upland game birds and raptors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
15:4–20.
Kramer, J.L. and P.T. Redig. 1997. Sixteen years of lead poisoning in eagles, 1980-95: An
epizootiological view. Journal of Raptor Research. 31(4): 327-332.
Kohlsaat, T., L. Quattro, and J. Rinehart. 2005. South Carolina Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation
Strategy 2005-2010. Columbia, SC. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
36
Environmental Assessment for EFH ACE Basin NWR Hunting Plan Amendment (Youth
turkey hunting)
Reilly, J. United States Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. 2019. Departmental Guidance
Regarding Climate Change Models.
Scheuhammer, A.M. and S.L. Norris. 1996. The ecotoxicology of lead shot and lead fishing weights.
Ecotoxicology 5(5):279-95. doi: 10.1007/BF00119051
Stauber, E., N. Finch, P.A. Talcott, and J.M. Gay. 2010. Lead poisoning of bald (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) and golden (Aquila chrysaetos) eagles in the US inland Pacific Northwest- An 18-year
retrospective study: 1991-2008. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 24:279-287. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1647/2009-006.1
.
Streater, S. 2009. Wild meat raises lead exposure. Environmental Health News. Available:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wild-game-deer-venison-condors-meat-lead-ammunition-
ban/ (March 2017).
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 2016. Establishing Opening Dates for Spring
Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons. Baton Rouge, LA.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 1997. Wildlife Management Guide-Wild Turkey.
Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2018. Wild Turkey Resources in South Carolina with
Recommendations on Seasons and Bag Limits. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Consideration for Holding a Fall Turkey Season
in South Carolina. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Setting Spring Hunting Seasons by Timing Peak
Gobbling, Peak Breeding and Peak Incubation. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Spring Gobbler Bag Limits in South Carolina.
Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Map of Wild Turkey Density Distribution in
South Carolina. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Eastern Wild Turkey Age and Sex
Determination. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Turkey Regulations. Columbia, SC.
Speake, D. 1991. Turkey Reproduction-The Key to Success. Auburn, AL. Auburn University.
U.S. Department of Commerce. 2020. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office, Washington,
DC, as reported in Headwaters Economics’ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Socioeconomic Profile for
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turkey hunting)
Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. Retrieved September 1,
2020, from https://headwaterseconomics.org/tools/usfws-indicators/.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009. Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge:
Comprehensive Conservation Plan. Atlanta, GA. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife
Service Southeast Region.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2013. Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Hunting of
Migratory Birds: Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Available online at:
https://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/pdf/policies-and-
regulations/FSEISIssuanceofAnnualRegulations.pdf.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2016. Adaptive Harvest Management: 2017 Hunting Season. U.S.
Department of the Interior, Washington, DC. Available online at
http://www.fws.gov/birds/management/adaptive-harvest-management/publications-and-reports.php
.
Wakefield, C.T., P.H. Wightman, J.A. Martin, B.T. Bond, D.K. Lowrey, B.S. Cohen, B.A. Collier, M.J.
Chamberlain. 2019. Hunting and Nesting Phenology Influence Gobbling of Wild Turkeys. The
Journal of Wildlife Management 84(3):448-457; Social Circle, GA. Georgia Department of Natural
Resources.
Wightman, P.H., J.C. Kilgo, M. Vukovich, J.R. Cantrell, C.R. Ruth, B.S. Cohen, M.J. Chamberlin, B.A.
Collier. 2018. Gobbling Chronology of Eastern Wild Turkeys in South Carolina. The Journal of
Wildlife Management 83(2): 325-333; Athens, GA. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural
Resources, University of Georgia.
Appendix A. Other Applicable Statutes, Executive Orders, and Regulations
Multiple other statutes, Executive Orders, and regulations apply; the most notable are included here.
Cultural Resources
• American Indian Religious Freedom Act, as amended, 42 USC §§1996 – 1996a; 43 CFR Part 7
• Antiquities Act of 1906, 16 USC §§431-433; 43 CFR Part 3
• Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, 16 USC §§470aa – 470mm; 18 CFR Part
1312; 32 CFR Part 229; 36 CFR Part 296; 43 CFR Part 7
• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 16 USC §§470-470x-6; 36 CFR Parts
60, 63, 78, 79, 800, 801, and 810
• Paleontological Resources Protection Act, 16 USC §§470aaa – 470aaa-11
• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 USC §§3001-3013; 43 CFR Part 10
• Executive Order 11593 – Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, 36 Fed. Reg.
8921 (1971)
• Executive Order 13007 – Indian Sacred Sites, 61 Fed. Reg. 26771 (1996)
Fish and Wildlife
• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, as amended, 16 USC §§668-668c, 50 CFR 22
• Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 USC §§1531-1544; 36 CFR Part 13; 50 CFR
Parts 10, 17, 23, 81, 217, 222, 225, 402, and 450
• Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 USC §§742 a-m
• Lacey Act, as amended, 16 USC §3371 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 10, 11, 12, 14, 300, and 904
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 USC §§703-712; 50 CFR Parts 10, 12, 20, and 21
• Executive Order 13186 – Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, 66
Fed. Reg. 3853 (2001)
Natural Resources
• Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 USC §§7401-7671q; 40 CFR Parts 23, 50, 51, 52, 58, 60, 61, 82,
and 93; 48 CFR Part 23
• Wilderness Act, 16 USC §1131 et seq.
• Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 16 USC §1271 et seq.
• Executive Order 13112 – Invasive Species, 64 Fed. Reg. 6183 (1999)
Water Resources
• Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 16 USC §1451 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 923, 930, 933
• Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (commonly referred to as Clean Water Act), 33
USC §1251 et seq.; 33 CFR Parts 320-330; 40 CFR Parts 110, 112, 116, 117, 230-232, 323, and 328
• Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, 33 USC §401 et seq.; 33 CFR Parts 114, 115, 116,
321, 322, and 333
• Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, 42 USC §300f et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 141-148
• Executive Order 11988 – Floodplain Management, 42 Fed. Reg. 26951 (1977)
• Executive Order 11990 – Protection of Wetlands, 42 Fed. Reg. 26961 (1977)
39
Appendix B. Compatibility Determination
COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATION
USE: Hunting -Big Game (Youth Turkey Hunt)
REFUGE NAME: Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
DATE ESTABLISHED: September 20, 1990
ESTABLISHING and ACQUISITION AUTHORITYIES:
The refuge establishment and acquisition authorities for Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National
Wildlife Refuge (EFH ACE Basin NWR, refuge) are:
Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 (16 U.S.C. 3901b; 100 STAT. 3582-91); Migratory
Bird Conservation Act of 1919, as amended (16 U.S.C. 4601-4-4601-11; 90 STAT. 1313);
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act of March 16, 1934, as amended (16 U.S.C.
718-718h).
REFUGE PURPOSES:
The purposes for which the EFH ACE Basin NWR was established are:
“.....the conservation of the wetlands of the Nation in order to maintain the public benefit they
provide and to help fulfill international obligations contained in various migratory bird treaties
and conventions..... (Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986)
"... for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and
wildlife resources ..." 16 U.S.C. 742f(a)(4) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956)
"... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and
services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant,
or condition of servitude ..." 16 U.S.C. 742f(b)(1) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956)
“... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.”
16 U.S.C. § 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929)
“…to conserve and protect migratory birds…and other species of wildlife that are listed…as
endangered species or threatened species and to restore or develop adequate wildlife habitat.” 16
U.S.C. § 715i (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929)
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM MISSION:.
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) is to administer a national
network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate,
restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for
the benefit of present and future generations of Americans” (Refuge System Improvement Act of
40
1997, Public Law 105-57).
DESCRIPTION OF USE:
(a) What is the use? Is the use a priority public use?
The new use is public hunting (Youth Only) of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) on
EFH ACE Basin NWR. Hunting was identified as one of six priority public uses of the Refuge
System by the Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-57), when found to be compatible.
(b) Where would the use be conducted?
Spring youth turkey hunting will occur on 5,300 acres in four hunt units: The Grove Tract,
Barrelville Tract, Bonny Hall Tract, and Upper Combahee Unit. The Grove Tract comprises
approximately 1,773 acres of forested riparian habitat, mixed pine/hardwood forests, bottomland
hardwood swamps, pine forests, grasslands and managed and intertidal marsh. The Barrelville
Tract is composed of approximately 722 acres of pine forest interspersed with bottomland
hardwood forested drainages. The Bonny Hall Tract comprises approximately 1,461 acres of
forested riparian habitat, mixed pine/hardwood forests, bottomland hardwood swamps, pine
forests, grasslands and managed and intertidal marsh. The Upper Combahee Unit comprises
approximately 1,344 acres of forested riparian habitat, mixed pine/hardwood forests, bottomland
hardwood swamps and pine forests.
The youth turkey hunt will occur on four hunt units that also currently permit big game hunting
(primitive weapons: archery and muzzleloader) in the fall of the year for white-tailed deer and
incidental take of feral hogs and represent approximately 44% of the refuge acreage.
Approximately 17 acres of the Grove Tract and 6 acres of the Bonny Hall Tract are classified as
“Administrative Area” and are posted and closed to all hunting activities.
(c) When would the use be conducted?
Initially, as recommended by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR; S.
Chappelear, personal communication, August 04, 2020), the youth hunt for wild turkey will
occur on the Saturdays (to not conflict with school attendance by the youth hunters) in the month
of April Limited Youth Turkey hunting will be permitted with access to the four hunt units
annually from 5:00 am until one hour after official sunset on each Saturday in the month of
April. Legal shooting hours are from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour
after official sunset.
(d) How would the use be conducted?
Limited youth turkey hunting for public recreational purposes will be allowed on designated
areas of the refuge. Turkey hunting will be in accordance with state regulations. More restrictive,
refuge-specific regulations will apply for consistency with nearby State of South Carolina
Wildlife Management Areas and their Youth Hunter programs and also due to limited acreage of
huntable upland and forested wetlands. Refuge-specific regulations that may apply include
season length, bag limit, and quotas on number of permitted youth hunters. High public demand
and the large acreage of land required for turkey hunting will limit the number of hunters
allowed in order to ensure a safe hunt. The hunt will be limited to 5 hunters per each Saturday
41
hunt in April. The youth hunters will be drawn by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)-approved lottery application at no charge to the applicants. The youth applicants must be
age 17 or younger on the date of the hunt for which they are successfully drawn. Hunters may be
accompanied by one assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older who may participate in the hunt
(calling, etc.), but the parent or guardian may not personally carry a firearm (except as authorized
by a concealed carry permit), harvest, nor attempt to harvest a turkey. All youth hunters age 16
or 17 must have a valid SCDNR License. Youth hunters age 16 or 17 that have successfully
completed a State of South Carolina-approved hunter education course may hunt without an
assistant, parent or guardian. All other youth hunters (age 15 and younger) must have completed
a state approved hunter education course and be accompanied by an assistant, parent or guardian
age 21 or older.
Each Youth Hunter is limited to the harvest of one male wild turkey and is otherwise subject to
SCDNR turkey hunting regulations, including tagging requirements.
Hunters may find legal parking in the visitor parking lots and at gated entrance roads, or along
the refuge’s boundary, to access the hunt units by foot or bicycle. Hunters are reminded not to
block entrance road gates when parking so as to not impede access for law enforcement and
safety considerations. Access by watercraft is not permitted during the Youth Turkey Hunts.
All youth hunters, regardless of age, must have and properly utilize SCDNR-issued turkey tags
in accordance with South Carolina turkey hunting regulations. Hunters will also be required to
have in their possession a refuge specific permit indicating their status as being drawn for the
hunt and a signed refuge annual hunting brochure. The brochure will cover all refuge
regulations, hunting units, and species. The brochure can be obtained by visiting the refuge
headquarters or by going online to the refuge’s website. Hunters will need to attain all other
applicable local, state and/or Federal licenses, permits, or stamps in accordance with local, state,
and Federal laws.
(e) Why is the use being proposed?
Hunting is one of the priority public uses outlined in the Refuge System Improvement Act. The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) supports and encourages priority uses when they are
appropriate and compatible on national wildlife refuge lands. Hunting is a healthy, traditional,
recreational use of renewable natural resources that is deeply rooted in America’s heritage.
Hunting is also an important wildlife management tool.
The proposed action will further align the refuge with the Department of the Interior’s Secretarial
Order 3356, which directs the Service to enhance and expand public access to lands and waters
on national wildlife refuges for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and other forms of
outdoor recreation. The proposed action will promote one of the priority public uses of the
Refuge System. Hunting will also promote the stewardship of our natural resources and increase
the public’s appreciation and support for the refuge.
The Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto (ACE) Basin has a long tradition of hunting, beginning with
Native Americans and continuing to present-day hunters.
The primary wildlife hunted in the ACE Basin project area are white-tailed deer; wild turkey;
42
bobwhite quail; mourning dove; eastern gray squirrel; rabbit; terrestrial furbearers, such as
raccoon, gray fox, and opossum; waterfowl; and American alligator. White-tailed deer is the
most popular game species sought by hunters in South Carolina. The trends in deer harvest for
Colleton County have remained relatively stable since 1988. Harvest reports obtained from
private and public lands in the state represent the minimum number harvested, largely because
reporting harvested animals is not required and many harvested deer are unreported. The other
big game species sought by hunters in the ACE Basin is the wild turkey. In the coastal plain of
South Carolina, hunting for turkey occurs during the spring months. The hunting is restricted to
gobblers only.
One of the most striking changes that have occurred with hunting in the ACE Basin study area
and other parts of South Carolina has been the transition from small game, such as squirrels and
rabbits, to big game hunting for white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Squirrel hunting was once the
most popular hunting activity in South Carolina, but today squirrels are among the most
underutilized game animals. Rabbit hunting has also declined in popularity. The switch from
small game to deer and turkey has increased the demand for available hunting land. A score of
hunting clubs that are tightly managed have been formed in the ACE Basin area and are a
popular means of gaining access to private land.
Controlled, limited hunting is compatible with specific refuge objectives, sound wildlife
management, and in the public’s interest on the EFH ACE Basin NWR (Purcell, M.A. 2009). As
a management objective, hunting provides the public with an opportunity to utilize a renewable
resource. It also provides an area for traditional public use in the ACE Basin, helping meet the
objectives of the refuge and the ACE Basin Joint Venture, a flagship project of the North
American Waterfowl Management Plan.
AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES:
Annual youth-only turkey hunt administration costs, including salary, equipment, law
enforcement, brochures, collection of hunt data and analysis of biological information, etc., for
EFH ACE Basin NWR totals approximately $7,500. EFH ACE Basin NWR funds will be used
to conduct youth turkey hunts on the Barrelville, Grove, Bonny Hall and Upper Combahee Units.
Funding specifically for the youth-only turkey hunts has not been allocated, although funds are
available through annual refuge management capability funding allocations.
Funding and Staffing Requirements
Identifier
Cost
Staff: maintenance workers, wildlife refuge specialist, and refuge manager
$3,000
Maintain roads, parking lots, trails*
$1,000
News releases, fact sheets, reports for Hunt Program
$500
Maintain hunting signs
$500
Law Enforcement
$2,500
Total Annual Cost
$7,500
43
*Refuge trails and roads are maintained for a variety of activities. Costs shown are a
percentage of total costs for trail/road maintenance on the refuge and are reflective of the
percentage of trail/road use for hunting and fishing. Volunteers account for some
maintenance hours and help to reduce overall cost of the program.
Off-setting Revenue: There are no offsetting revenues for youth turkey hunts.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE USE:
The refuge prepared a draft hunt plan and associated environmental assessment (USFWS 2021).
Anticipated impacts were identified and evaluated based on best professional judgment and
published scientific papers. Many of the impacts associated with turkey hunting are similar to
those considered for other public use activities, such as wildlife viewing and photography, with
the exception of direct mortality to wild turkeys, short-term changes in the distribution and
abundance of wild turkey, and travel through the hunt area.
The Youth-Only turkey hunts will be conducted after the departure of the majority of wintering
migratory waterfowl; therefore, minimal disturbance to migratory waterfowl is anticipated. Use
of lead shot is allowed for turkey hunting but, considering the separation between the
predominately upland hunt and wetland habitat, the ingestion of lead shot by migratory birds
should be minimal. The Youth-Only turkey hunt will occur well after the existing white-tailed
deer and feral hog primitive weapons hunt in the fall of the year and therefore should pose no
conflict. Fishing opportunities on the refuge coincide with the Youth Turkey Hunt but occur in
different habitats so should pose little to no impact on one another. The walk/bicycle-in youth
turkey hunters will use existing fire breaks and roads for access. No soil compaction or
vegetation disturbance is expected. No impacts to endangered species or archaeological or
cultural resources is anticipated as a result of the Youth-Only turkey hunt. Parking will occur in
established parking areas and temporary sites already designated along existing fire lines and
roads.
Public (Youth-Only) turkey hunting will be very limited in scope and will, therefore, have
minimal impact on resident turkeys which are abundant on the refuge hunt units. Only five
hunters will be allowed to hunt at any given time due to the limited space and the goal to
minimize impact to turkeys during peak breeding periods (Wakefield et al. 2019, Speake 1991),
and those hunts will be restricted to only occur on Saturdays in the month of April.
Hunting turkeys on the refuge will make the birds more skittish and prone to disturbance, reduce
the amount of time they spend in courtship, foraging and resting, and alter their habitat usage
patterns (Wakefield et al. 2019, Gerrits et al. 2017). Disturbance to non-target birds and resident
wildlife will likely occur from turkey hunting and associated hunter activity but will be short-
term and temporary. Overall, the effects on migratory birds are expected to be minimal.
Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts on the environment result from incremental impacts of a proposed action
when these are added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. While
cumulative impacts may result from individually minor actions, they may, viewed as a whole,
become substantial over time. The refuge hunt program, including the “Youth-Only” spring
turkey hunt, is designed to be sustainable through time, given relatively stable conditions,
44
particularly because of close coordination with the SCDNR.
The cumulative impacts of “Youth-Only” hunting on eastern wild turkey populations at the
refuge will be negligible. The proportion of the refuge’s potential harvest of these species will be
negligible when compared to local, regional, and statewide populations and harvest.
No direct or indirect cumulative impacts on resident wildlife, migratory birds and non-hunted
wildlife are expected by allowing hunting on the refuge because of the regulatory process for
harvest management in place within the Service, the setting of hunting seasons largely outside of
the breeding seasons of resident and migratory wildlife, the ability of individual refuge hunt
programs to adapt refuge-specific hunting regulations to changing local conditions, and the wide
geographic separation of individual refuges.
PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT:
The Service provided public notice of the proposal through local and national public notice of
the availability of the draft Hunt Plan, Environmental Assessment, and draft Hunting
Compatibility Determination for Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR,
refuge) for public review and comment. Local public notice included a Public Information
Bulletin and information and documents posted on the refuge’s website. National public notice
was provided through the Federal Register (Volume 86, Number 84; 86 FR 23794; Docket No.
FWS-HQ-NWRS-2021-0027, FXRS12610900000-212-FF09R20000; pages 23794-23842)
which was published on May 4, 2021. Public comments on the proposal were received by the
Service during the public review and comment period (April 15, 2021 through July 6, 2021)
from three members of the public (one with several signatures), and the Choctaw Nation of
Oklahoma. The Service’s responses to comments received through the Federal Register
rulemaking process were published in the final rule in the Federal Register. The Service’s
responses to comments received locally and refuge-specific comments received through the
Federal Register can be found in Appendix D of this document.
DETERMINATION (CHECK ONE BELOW):
______ Use is not compatible
___X__ Use is compatible, with the following stipulations
STIPULATIONS NECESSARY TO ENSURE COMPATIBILITY:
To ensure compatibility with refuge purposes and the Refuge System mission, “Youth-Only”
turkey hunting can occur at EFH ACE Basin NWR in accordance with state and Federal
regulations and special refuge-specific regulations. These regulations and restrictions will ensure
that wildlife and habitat management goals are achieved and that the program is providing a safe
experience for participants.
The following stipulations are necessary to ensure compatibility:
45
A. Only shotguns will be allowed for use. The use of buckshot, slugs and all other weapons
or methods are prohibited.
B. Hunting will be permitted within designated areas of the refuge, including the
Grove Tract, Barrelville Tract, Bonny Hall Tract and Upper Combahee Unit .
C. Hunters may be accompanied by one assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older who
may participate in the hunt (calling, etc.), but may not personally carry a firearm (except
as authorized by a concealed carry permit), harvest nor attempt to harvest a turkey.
D. All youth hunters age 16 or 17 must have a valid South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources Hunting License. Youth hunters age 16 or age 17 that have successfully
completed a State of South Carolina-approved hunter education course may hunt without
an assistant, parent or guardian. All other youth hunters (age 15 and younger) must
complete a state approved hunter education course and must be accompanied by an
assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older.
E. Hunters and assistants, parents or guardians may enter the hunt units on or after 5:00 am
and must exit the hunt units not later than one hour after official sunset. Legal shooting
hours are from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour after official
sunset.
F. Youth Hunter Bag Limit: One male turkey.
G. Turkeys must be tagged with youth hunter’s state-issued tags in accordance with state
law.
50 CFR Part 32 outlines refuge-specific regulations; 50 CFR Part 26 outlines Public Entry and
Use, including specific regulations for EFH ACE Basin NWR; and 50 CFR Part 27 outlines
prohibited acts. The refuge hunt brochure will provide important information and requirements
for hunting on the refuge. Seasons will be set annually and will be published in the refuge’s hunt
brochure for the specified year. Key requirements and prohibitions are listed.
• Fires on the refuge – open fires are not permitted on the refuge.
• Reporting Harvest – Hunters will be required to report their harvest
to refuge staff.
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), golf carts and any
other off-road vehicles are prohibited.
• Use or possession of electronic game calls is prohibited.
• Destroying or cutting vegetation is prohibited.
• Access within the hunting areas will be restricted to foot and/or bicycle only.
• To eliminate the disturance resulting from boat traffic, watercraft access to and
within the hunt units where turkey hunting occurs is prohibited.
• Any area in which substantial use or nesting by endangered species occurs in
April will be closed to hunting.
JUSTIFICATION:
Hunting is a priority wildlife-dependent use for the Refuge System through which the public can
develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife. Service policy is to provide expanded opportunities
for wildlife-dependent uses when compatible and consistent with sound fish and wildlife
management and ensure that they receive enhanced attention during planning and management.
46
Hunting satisfies a recreational need, but hunting on national wildlife refuges is also an
important, proactive management action that can prevent overpopulation and the deterioration of
habitat. Disturbance to other species will occur, but this disturbance is generally short-term.
Suitable habitat exists on refuge lands to support hunting as proposed.
Development of hunting opportunities fulfills both the Refuge System mission as well as the
refuge’s goals. Controlled, limited hunting, as described in the refuge’s Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (USFWS 2009), is compatible with specific refuge objectives (Goal 3-
Objective 3.A, Goal 10-Objective 10.A), sound wildlife management, and in the public’s interest
on the EFH ACE Basin NWR. As a management objective, hunting provides the public with an
opportunity to utilize a renewable resource. It will also provide an area for traditional public use
in the ACE Basin, helping meet not only the objectives of the refuge, but also of the ACE Basin
Joint Venture, a flagship project of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
This activity will not conflict with any of the other priority public uses or adversely impact
biological resources. Therefore, through this compatibility determination process, we have
determined that “Youth-Only” turkey hunting on the refuge, in accordance with the stipulations
provided above, is a compatible use that will not materially interfere with, or detract from, the
fulfillment of the Refuge System mission or the purposes of the refuge.
NEPA COMPLIANCE FOR REFUGE USE (Check one below):
____ Categorical Exclusion Without Environmental Action Statement
____ Categorical Exclusion and Environmental Action Statement
__X__ Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact
____ Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision
47
REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED:
Kohlsaat, T., L. Quattro, and J. Rinehart. 2005. South Carolina Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy 2005-2010. Columbia, SC. South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources.
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 2016. Establishing Opening Dates for
Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons. Baton Rouge, LA.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Consideration for Holding a Fall Turkey
Season in South Carolina. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Setting Spring Hunting Seasons by
Timing Peak Gobbling, Peak Breeding and Peak Incubation. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Spring Gobbler Bag Limits in South
Carolina. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Map of Wild Turkey Density
Distribution in South Carolina. Columbia, SC.
Chamberlain, M.J., P.H. Whitman, B.S. Cohen, B.A. Collier. 2018. Gobbling Activity of Eastern
Wild Turkeys Relative to Male Movements and Female Nesting Phenology in South
Carolina. Wildlife Society Bulletin 42(4): 632-642
Wightman, P.H., J.C. Kilgo, M. Vukovich, J.R. Cantrell, C.R. Ruth, B.S. Cohen, M.J.
Chamberlin, B.A. Collier. 2018. Gobbling Chronology of Eastern Wild Turkeys in South
Carolina. The Journal of Wildlife Management 83(2): 325-333; Athens, GA. Warnell
School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia.
Wakefield, C.T., P.H. Wightman, J.A. Martin, B.T. Bond, D.K. Lowrey, B.S. Cohen, B.A.
Collier, M.J. Chamberlain. 2019. Hunting and Nesting Phenology Influence Gobbling of
Wild Turkeys. The Journal of Wildlife Management 84(3):448-457; Social Circle, GA.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Gerrits, A.P., P.H. Wightman, J.R. Cantrell, C. Ruth, M.J. Chamberlain, B.A. Collier. 2019.
Movement Ecology of Spring Wild Turkey Hunters on Public Lands in South Carolina,
USA. Wildlife Society Bulletin 1-11.
Collier, B.A., P. Wightman, M.J. Chamberlain, J. Cantrell, C. Ruth. 2017. Hunting Activity and
Male Wild Turkey Movements in South Carolina. Journal of the Southeastern
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 4:85-93
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2018. Wild Turkey Resources in South
Carolina with Recommendations on Seasons and Bag Limits. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Eastern Wild Turkey Age and Sex
Determination. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2020. Turkey Regulations. Columbia, SC.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 1997. Wildlife Management Guide-Wild
Turkey. Columbia, SC.
Healy, W.M. and S.M. Powell. 2000. Wild Turkey Harvest Management: Biology, Strategies,
and Techniques. Sheperdstown, WV. U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife
Service.
Baumann, D.P. 1985. Evaluation of Genetic Relationships of Wild Turkey Populations in South
Carolina.
48
Carlton, R.L. 1987. Selected Practices and Plantings for Wildlife. Athens, GA. The University of
Georgia College of Agriculture.
Speake, D. 1991. Turkey Reproduction-The Key to Success. Auburn, AL. Auburn University.
Shipes, D.A. 1993. The utilization of wildlife resources by hunters licensed to hunt in South
Carolina during 1991-1992 as determined by a postal survey. South Carolina Wildlife
and Marine Resources Department, Columbia, South Carolina.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-
associated Recreation: State Overview. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009. Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge:
Comprehensive Conservation Plan. Atlanta, GA. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and
Wildlife Service. Southeast Region.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2021. Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Draft Hunt Plan and Environmental Assessment. Atlanta, GA. U.S. Department of the
Interior. Fish and Wildlife Service. Southeast Region.
49
SIGNATURE:
Refuge Manager __________________________________________________
Signature Date
CONCURRENCE:
Area Supervisor:_____________________________________________________
NWRS, Interior Regions 2 and 4 Signature Date
Compatibility Coordinator ____________________________________________________
NWRS, Interior Regions 2 and 4 Signature Date
Regional Refuge Chief_______________________________________________
NWRS, Interior Regions 2 and 4 Signature Date
MANDATORY 15-YEAR RE-EVALUATION DATE: 2036
August 5, 2021
ANITRA FIRMENICH
Digitally signed by ANITRA
FIRMENICH
Date: 2021.08.10 13:21:51 -06'00'
Digitally signed by Pamala J. Wingrove
Date: 2021.08.10 16:23:17 -04'00'
BRETT HUNTER
Digitally signed by BRETT HUNTER
Date: 2021.08.12 08:23:38 -04'00'
50
Appendix C. Intra-Service Section 7 Biological Evaluation
SOUTHEAST REGION
INTRA-SERVICE SECTION 7 BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION FORM
Originating Person: Mark A. Purcell
Telephone Number: (843)-889-3084 E-Mail: [email protected]
Date:
PROJECT NAME (Grant Title/Number): Hunting Plan Amendment for Ernest F. Hollings
ACE Basin NWR-Youth Turkey Hunt
I. Service Program:
___ Ecological Services
___ Federal Aid
___ Clean Vessel Act
___ Coastal Wetlands
___ Endangered Species Section 6
___ Partners for Fish and Wildlife
___ Sport Fish Restoration
___ Wildlife Restoration
___ Fisheries
_X_ Refuges/Wildlife
II. State/Agency: SC / USFWS
III. Station Name: Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin NWR (EFH ACE Basin NWR)
IV. Description of Proposed Action (attach additional pages as needed):
In February 1993, a sport hunting decision document package was approved for opening
the ACE Basin NWR to big game hunting (white-tailed deer only), upland/small game
hunting (in general), and migratory bird hunting (goose and duck only). In April 2006,
the approved hunting plan was amended to add feral hog and wild turkey to big game
hunting, add eastern gray squirrel and raccoon to upland hunting, add coot to migratory
game bird hunting, address the Refuge name change and add the Barrelville tract
acquisition acres to the hunt area.
As referenced in the EFH ACE Basin NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan approved
in September 2009, “additional special hunts will be considered for small game, turkey,
and deer/hogs within designated areas of the refuge”. Accordingly, in consideration of
the negligible impact and disturbance to targeted game animals (eastern wild turkey) and
51
other non-targeted species, the Refuge seeks to establish a limited-quota Youth Turkey
Hunt annually in the month of April. Therefore, the purpose of the current proposed
action is to amend the existing hunt plan for the EFH ACE Basin NWR to add eastern
wild turkey to big game hunting (YOUTH ONLY) on the Barrelville Tract, Grove Tract,
Bonny Hall Tract and Upper Combahee Unit.
As provided in the original hunt plan, disturbance to non-targeted species would be
minimized and refuge overall biological values of the refuge would be protected; these
concepts are still valid and have not changed. Additionally, the Section 7 evaluation,
approved in 1993 for the original plan, addressed and approved the opening of the refuge
generally to big game, upland/small game, and migratory bird hunting. The section 7
evaluation, approved in 2006 for the 2006 Hunting Plan Amendment, addressed adding
feral hog and wild turkey to big game hunting, eastern gray squirrel and raccoon to
upland hunting, and coot to migratory game bird hunting. The current proposal seeks to
implement an opportunity for youth only hunting for eastern wild turkey on refuge hunt
units.
V. Pertinent Species and Habitat:
A. Include species/habitat occurrence map:
Complete the following table:
SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
STATUS
1
Wood stork, Mycertia americana T
Eastern Black Rail, Laterallus jamaicensis T
West Indian Manatee, Trichechus manatus T
Northern Long-eared Bat, Myotis septentrionalis T
Bachmans Warbler, Vermivoria bachmanii E
Piping Plover, Charadrius melodus T
Red Knot, Calldris cantus rufa T
Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Picoides borealis E
Frosted Flatwoods Salamander, Ambystoma cingulatum T
American Chaffseed, Schwalbea americana E
52
SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
STATUS
1
Camby’s Dropwort, Oxypolis canbyl E
Pondberry, Lindera melissifolia E
Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas T
Leatherback Sea Turtle, Dermochelys corlacea E
Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Caretta caretta T
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, Lepidochelys kempii E
Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippu C
1
STATUS: E=endangered, T=threatened, PE=proposed endangered, PT=proposed threatened, CH=critical habitat,
PCH=proposed critical habitat, C=candidate species
Identify listed, proposed and candidate species as well as designated and proposed critical habitat within
the action area and their status. The action area includes the immediate area where the proposed action will
occur, as well as any other areas where direct or indirect impacts of the action may be expected. For
example, effects of an action in the headwaters of a stream may affect endangered fish that occur 20 miles
downstream. A compilation of species or critical habitats that possibly occur in the action area may be
generated by the Project Leader, or it may be requested from the appropriate Ecological Services Office.
Note: All experimental populations of listed species are treated as threatened species. However, for the
purposes of intra-Service section 7 consultation, they are treated as species proposed for listing if they
occur off National Wildlife Refuge or National Park System lands and they are classed as "non-essential"
experimental populations.
List all listed, proposed or candidate species and designated or proposed critical habitat that may occur
within the action area. This informs the reviewer what species have been considered.
53
VI. Location (attach map): See attached map.
54
A. Ecoregion Number and Name: Ecoregion #33, Savannah-Santee-Pee Dee
B. County and State: Charleston, Colleton, Beaufort, Hampton Co., SC
B. Section, township, and range (or latitude and longitude): Lat. 32°40’00”
Long. 80°23’00”
D. Distance (miles) and direction to nearest town: 35 miles south of Charleston,
SC
C. Species/habitat occurrence:
Listed species and habitat occurrence on the refuge are based on the expert opinion of Service
biologists, supplemented with information from the Environmental Conservation Online System
(ECOS, https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/) and Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC,
https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/) databases.
Since research activities are ongoing in this area and since the ECOS and IPaC databases are
regularly updated, approximately every 90 days, it is possible that the specific threatened and
endangered species identified as present on or near the refuge may change between the
finalization of this Biological Evaluation and its publication. The IPaC database also identifies
multiple species that are not actually present within the hunt units; for these species our
determination is that any hunting actions on these units will have no effect to species not
occurring on these units.
VII. Determination of Effects:
A. Explanation of effects of the action on species and critical habitats in item V.
B (attach additional pages as needed):
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
IMPACTS TO SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
Wood stork, Mycertia
americana
Not likely to have adverse effects. The limited quota youth turkey
hunt addition to the hunting program is expected to have
negligible impacts to nesting or feeding wood stork. Due to the
extreme difficulty associated with harvesting wild turkeys,
shooting on the refuge is anticipated to be so minimal that noise
impacts to listed species from gun shots are also expected to be
unmeasurable and discountable. These birds temporarily relocate
and consistently move to other areas to forage when disturbance
occurs. Lead shot can be used during the hunting season. The
amount of lead introduced to the environment because of turkey
55
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
IMPACTS TO SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
hunting, however, is negligible given the limited scope and timing
of the hunt. The bioaccumulation of lead is a potential concern,
but it does not present a significant issue for this activity on this
refuge because turkey carcasses will be removed from the refuge,
which removes the lead shot contained in the carcasses before it
can enter the environment or food chain. There are no anticipated
biologically significant adverse impacts to this species through
direct consumption or bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of
this proposal. The proposed action is not likely to adversely
impact this species.
Black rail, Laterallus
jamaicensis
This transient species would only be found in emergent freshwater
habitats in the spring or fall. The limited quota youth turkey hunt
addition to the hunting program would occur on uplands and have
minimal, if any, impacts to black rail because the species is not
present in the hunting area. The activities associated with a limited
youth turkey hunt will not alter black rail habitat. The limited
exposure to gunfire would not be likely to alarm this species.
Lead shot can be used during the hunting season. The amount of
lead introduced to the environment because of turkey hunting,
however, is negligible given the limited scope and timing of the
hunt. Turkey carcasses will be removed from the refuge.
Additionally, the only lead ammunition allowed on the refuge
would likely be too large to be ingested by a small bird like a
black rail. This species is not likely to be affected by use of lead
ammunition due to the low occurrence of lead that could possibly
bioaccumulate in insects or other food they eat. The refuge’s
hunting program is not likely to adversely affect this species.
West Indian Manatee,
Trichechus manatus
There will be no effect from hunting because this species is only
present outside of the action area and is an aquatic species. Due to
the extreme difficulty associated with harvesting wild turkeys,
shooting on the refuge is anticipated to be so minimal that noise
impacts to listed species from gun shots are also expected to be
unmeasurable and discountable. Lead shot can be used during the
hunting season. This mammal is only present in waterways that
are not hunted. Increased hunting could potentially introduce an
additional minimal amount of lead into the environment, but the
amount of lead is negligible given low participation. This species
is not a scavenge animal on prey that bio accumulation or direct
consumption could occur. Therefore, there are no anticipated
biologically significant adverse impacts to this species through
56
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
IMPACTS TO SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
direct consumption or bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of
this proposal.
Northern Long-eared
Bat, Myotis
septentrionalis
There is no anticipated effect from hunting because this species is
only present outside of the action area. Due to the extreme
difficulty associated with harvesting wild turkeys, shooting on the
refuge is anticipated to be so minimal that noise impacts to listed
species from gun shots are also expected to be unmeasurable and
discountable. Human presence and related noise during hunting
activities have not been included among the activities interfering
or affecting this species, especially during the dusk and evening
hours when the bat feeds and hunters may allowed on the refuge.
Lead shot can be used during the hunting season. The amount of
lead introduced to the environment because of turkey hunting,
however, is negligible given low participation Turkey carcasses
will be removed from the refuge. The bioaccumulation of lead is a
potential concern, but it does not present a significant issue for
this activity on this refuge because this species would not have the
opportunity to ingest lead associated with this action. This species
is not a scavenge animal on prey that lead bio accumulation or
direct consumption could occur. Therefore, there are no
anticipated biologically significant adverse impacts to this species
through direct consumption or bioaccumulation uptake of lead
because of this proposal. The proposed action in unlikely to
adversely impact this species.
Bachman's Warbler,
Vermivoria bachmanii
There will be no effect on this species from hunting because it is
not been documented on the refuge nor contains critical habitat for
this species. Due to the extreme difficulty associated with
harvesting wild turkeys, shooting on the refuge is anticipated to be
so minimal that noise impacts to listed species from gun shots are
also expected to be unmeasurable and discountable. Lead shot can
be used during the hunting season. The amount of lead introduced
to the environment because of turkey hunting, however, is
negligible given low participation. Turkey carcasses will be
removed from the refuge. The bioaccumulation of lead is a
potential concern, but it does not present a significant issue for
this activity on this refuge because this species is not present on
the refuge. Additionally, the only lead ammunition allowed on the
refuge would likely be too large to be ingested by a small bird like
a Bachman’s warbler. This species is not likely to be affected by
use of lead ammunition due to the low occurrence of lead that
could possibly bioaccumulate in insects or other food they eat.
The refuge’s hunting program is not likely to adversely affect this
57
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
IMPACTS TO SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
species.
Piping Plover,
Charadrius melodus
Hunting will have no effect because the species is outside of the
action area. Lead shot can be used during the hunting season. The
amount of lead introduced to the environment because of turkey
hunting, however, is negligible given low participation. Turkey
carcasses will be removed from the refuge. The bioaccumulation
of lead is a potential concern, but it does not present a significant
issue for this activity on this refuge because this species is not
present on the refuge. Additionally, the only lead ammunition
allowed on the refuge would likely be too large to be ingested by a
small bird like a piping plover. This species is not likely to be
affected by use of lead ammunition due to the low occurrence of
lead that could possibly bioaccumulate in insects or other food
they eat. Therefore, there are no anticipated biologically
significant adverse impacts to this species through direct
consumption or bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of this
proposal.
Red Knot, Calldris
cantus rufa
Hunting will have no effect because the species is outside of the
action area. Lead shot can be used during the hunting season. The
amount of lead introduced to the environment because of turkey
hunting, however, is negligible given low participation. Turkey
carcasses will be removed from the refuge. The bioaccumulation
of lead is a potential concern, but it does not present a significant
issue for this activity on this refuge because this species is not
present on the refuge. Additionally, the only lead ammunition
allowed on the refuge would likely be too large to be ingested by a
small bird like a red knot. This species is not likely to be affected
by use of lead ammunition due to the low occurrence of lead that
could possibly bioaccumulate in insects or other food they eat.
The refuge’s hunting program is not likely to adversely affect this
species. Therefore, there are no anticipated biologically significant
adverse impacts to this species through direct consumption or
bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of this proposal.
Red-cockaded
There would be no effect on this species from hunting. Though
58
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
IMPACTS TO SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
Woodpecker, Picoides
borealis
occurring on adjacent lands, red-cockaded woodpeckers are not
documented nesting on the refuge. Due to the extreme difficulty
associated with harvesting wild turkeys, shooting on the refuge is
anticipated to be so minimal that noise impacts to listed species
from gun shots are also expected to be unmeasurable and
discountable. Lead shot can be used during the hunting season.
Increased hunting could potentially introduce an additional
minimal amount of lead into the environment, but the amount of
lead is negligible given low participation. Although
bioaccumulation could occur over time, the size of lead shot
allowed, where allowed, is of a significant size to not be ingested
by this species. This species is not a scavenge animal, but
exclusively forages on insects. Therefore, there are no anticipated
biologically significant adverse impacts to this species through
direct consumption or bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of
this proposal.
Frosted Flatwoods
Salamander, Ambystoma
cingulatum
Hunting will have no effect on this species because it has never
been documented on the refuge. Due to the extreme difficulty
associated with harvesting wild turkeys, shooting on the refuge is
anticipated to be so minimal that noise impacts to listed species
from gun shots are also expected to be unmeasurable and
discountable. If this species is ever documented on the refuge,
efforts will be made to educate the public of its location in order to
reduce the risk of injuring the species while hunting. Lead shot
can be used during the hunting season The amount of lead
introduced to the environment because of turkey hunting,
however, is negligible given the limited scope and timing of the
hunt and the use of shot expended during the hunt. Turkey
carcasses will be removed from the refuge. The bioaccumulation
of lead is a potential concern, but it does not present a significant
issue for this activity on this refuge because this species is not
present on the refuge. Moreover, the lead introduced on this
refuge will have no effect on the frosted flatwoods salamander
because the species is not present on the refuge.
American Chaffseed,
Schwalbea americana
Hunting will have no effect on this species because it has never
been documented on the refuge. Existing refuge regulations
prohibit the cutting or manipulation of vegetation for the purpose
of hunting. However, there is the potential that a hunter could
step on this plant while in the act of hunting or pursuing game. If
this plant is ever documented on the refuge, efforts will be made
to educate the public of its location and what the plant looks like
in order to reduce the risk of injuring the plant while hunting.
Lead shot can be used during the hunting season The amount of
59
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
IMPACTS TO SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
lead introduced to the environment because of turkey hunting,
however, is negligible given the limited scope and timing of the
hunt and the use of shot expended during the hunt. Turkey
carcasses will be removed from the refuge. The bioaccumulation
of lead is a potential concern, but it does not present a significant
issue for this activity on this refuge because this species is not
present on the refuge. Moreover, the lead introduced on this
refuge will have no effect on the American chaffseed because the
species is not present on the refuge.
Camby’s Dropwort,
Oxypolis canbyl
Hunting will have no effect on this species because it has never
been documented on the refuge. Existing refuge regulations
prohibit the cutting or manipulation of vegetation for the purpose
of hunting. However, there is the potential that a hunter could
step on this plant while in the act of hunting or pursuing game. If
this plant is ever documented on the refuge, efforts will be made
to educate the public of its location and what the plant looks like
in order to reduce the risk of injuring the plant while hunting.
Lead shot can be used during the hunting season The amount of
lead introduced to the environment because of turkey hunting,
however, is negligible given the limited scope and timing of the
hunt and the use of shot expended during the hunt. Turkey
carcasses will be removed from the refuge. The bioaccumulation
of lead is a potential concern, but it does not present a significant
issue for this activity on this refuge because this species is not
present on the refuge. Moreover, the lead introduced on this
refuge will have no effect on the Camby’s dropwort because the
species is not present on the refuge.
Pondberry, Lindera
melissifolia
Hunting will have no effect on this species because it has never
been documented on the refuge. Existing refuge regulations
prohibit the cutting or manipulation of vegetation for the purpose
of hunting. However, there is the potential that a hunter could
step on this plant while in the act of hunting or pursuing game. If
this plant is ever documented on the refuge, efforts will be made
to educate the public of its location and what the plant looks like
in order to reduce the risk of injuring the plant while hunting.
Lead shot can be used during the hunting season The amount of
lead introduced to the environment because of turkey hunting,
however, is negligible given the limited scope and timing of the
hunt and the use of shot expended during the hunt. Turkey
carcasses will be removed from the refuge. The bioaccumulation
of lead is a potential concern, but it does not present a significant
issue for this activity on this refuge because this species is not
present on the refuge. Moreover, the lead introduced on this
60
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
IMPACTS TO SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
refuge will have no effect on the pondberry because the species is
not present on the refuge.
Green Sea Turtle,
Chelonia mydas
Hunting will have no effect because the species is outside of the
action area and aquatic. Turkey hunters will not enter the waters in
which sea turtles are present. Lead shot can be used during the
hunting season. The amount of lead introduced to the environment
because of turkey hunting, however, is negligible given low
participation. Turkey carcasses will be removed from the refuge.
The bioaccumulation of lead is a potential concern, but it does not
present a significant issue for this activity on this refuge because
this species would not have the opportunity to ingest lead
associated with this action. This species is not a scavenge animal
on prey that bio accumulation or direct consumption could occur.
Therefore, there are no anticipated biologically significant adverse
impacts to this species through direct consumption or
bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of this proposal.
Leatherback Sea Turtle,
Dermochelys corlacea
Hunting will have no effect because the species is outside of the
action area and aquatic. Turkey hunters will not enter the waters in
which sea turtles are present. Lead shot can be used during the
hunting season. The amount of lead introduced to the environment
because of turkey hunting, however, is negligible given low
participation. Turkey carcasses will be removed from the refuge.
The bioaccumulation of lead is a potential concern, but it does not
present a significant issue for this activity on this refuge because
this species would not have the opportunity to ingest lead
associated with this action. This species is not a scavenge animal
on prey that bio accumulation or direct consumption could occur.
Therefore, there are no anticipated biologically significant adverse
impacts to this species through direct consumption or
bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of this proposal.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle,
Caretta caretta
Hunting will have no effect because the species is outside of the
action area and aquatic. Turkey hunters will not enter the waters in
which sea turtles are present. Lead shot can be used during the
hunting season. The amount of lead introduced to the environment
because of turkey hunting, however, is negligible given low
participation. Turkey carcasses will be removed from the refuge.
The bioaccumulation of lead is a potential concern, but it does not
present a significant issue for this activity on this refuge because
this species would not have the opportunity to ingest lead
associated with this action. This species is not a scavenge animal
on prey that bio accumulation or direct consumption could occur.
Therefore, there are no anticipated biologically significant adverse
61
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
IMPACTS TO SPECIES/CRITICAL HABITAT
impacts to this species through direct consumption or
bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of this proposal.
Kemp’s Ridley Sea
Turtle, Lepidochelys
kempii
Hunting will have no effect because the species is outside of the
action area and aquatic. Turkey hunters will not enter the waters in
which sea turtles are present. Lead shot can be used during the
hunting season. The amount of lead introduced to the environment
because of turkey hunting, however, is negligible given low
participation. Turkey carcasses will be removed from the refuge.
The bioaccumulation of lead is a potential concern, but it does not
present a significant issue for this activity on this refuge because
this species would not have the opportunity to ingest lead
associated with this action. This species is not a scavenge animal
on prey that bio accumulation or direct consumption could occur.
Therefore, there are no anticipated biologically significant adverse
impacts to this species through direct consumption or
bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of this proposal.
Monarch Butterfly,
Danaus plexippus
Hunting is not likely to have adverse effects on this species
because of its transitory presence on the refuge. Milkweed host
plants would also be expected to have minimal impacts due to
limited foot travel access for hunting activities. Although
additional foot traffic may cause foot strikes to milkweed or cause
the butterflies to move temporarily, the additional possible strikes
would be minimal. Increased hunting could potentially introduce
an additional minimal amount of lead into the environment, but
the amount of lead is negligible given low participation. This
species is not a scavenge animal on prey that bio accumulation or
direct consumption could occur. Monarch butterfly forages
exclusively on nectar from milkweed, bioaccumulation of lead
would not affect this species due to their position in the food
chain. Therefore, there are no anticipated biologically significant
adverse impacts to this species through direct consumption or
bioaccumulation uptake of lead because of this proposal. The
proposed action is not likely to adversely impact this species.
B. Explanation of actions to be implemented to reduce adverse effects:
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
ACTIONS TO MINIMIZE IMPACTS
Wood stork, Mycertia
americana
Youth turkey hunt addition to the hunting program will not be
allowed within or immediately adjacent to areas during the time
when wood storks are involved in foraging or nesting in those
62
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
ACTIONS TO MINIMIZE IMPACTS
areas, if nesting should occur on the refuge in the future. Youth
Turkey Hunts will be limited to Saturdays in April with a limited
draw-quota hunt process. Honor recovery plan guidelines.
Black rail, Laterallus
jamaicensis
Youth turkey hunt addition to the hunting program will not be
allowed within or immediately adjacent to areas known or
suspected to harbor black rail. No Youth Turkey Hunts are to be
held on Jehossee Island. Honor recovery plan guidelines.
West Indian Manatee,
Trichechus manatus
No actions necessary.
Northern Long-eared Bat,
Myotis septentrionalis
No actions necessary.
Bachman's Warbler,
Vermivoria bachmanii
No actions necessary.
Piping Plover, Charadrius
melodus
No actions necessary.
Red Knot, Calldris cantus
rufa
No actions necessary.
Red-cockaded
Woodpecker, Picoides
borealis
No actions necessary.
Frosted Flatwoods
Salamander, Ambystoma
cingulatum
No actions necessary.
American Chaffseed,
Schwalbea americana
No actions necessary.
Camby’s Dropwort,
Oxypolis canbyl
No actions necessary.
Pondberry, Lindera
melissifolia
No actions necessary.
Green Sea Turtle,
Chelonia mydas
No actions necessary.
Leatherback Sea Turtle,
Dermochelys corlacea
No actions necessary.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle,
Caretta caretta
No actions necessary.
Kemp’s Ridley Sea
Turtle, Lepidochelys
kempii
No actions necessary.
Monarch Butterfly,
Danaus plexippus
No actions necessary.
63
Lead ammunition can be used during the youth turkey hunt. The amount of lead introduced to
the environment as a result of this activity, however, is negligible and, the above listed species
are only transiently present on the refuge as they move between areas of better habitats. We also
encourage the use of non-toxic ammunition and fishing tackle and educate hunters and anglers
about lead. As a result, there are no anticipated adverse impacts to any of the above listed
species.
VIII. Effect Determination and Response Requested:
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
DETERMINATION
1
RESPONSE
1
REQUESTED
NE
NA
AA
Wood stork
X
Concurrence
Black rail
X
Concurrence
West Indian Manatee, Trichechus
manatus
X
Concurrence
Northern Long-eared Bat, Myotis
septentrionalis
X
Concurrence
Bachman's Warbler, Vermivoria
bachmanii
X
Concurrence
Piping Plover, Charadrius melodus
X
Concurrence
Red Knot, Calldris cantus rufa
X
Concurrence
Red-cockaded Woodpecker,
Picoides borealis
X
Concurrence
Frosted Flatwoods Salamander,
Ambystoma cingulatum
X
Concurrence
American Chaffseed, Schwalbea
americana
X
Concurrence
Camby’s Dropwort, Oxypolis canbyl
X
Concurrence
Pondberry, Lindera melissifolia
X
Concurrence
64
SPECIES/
CRITICAL HABITAT
DETERMINATION
1
RESPONSE
1
REQUESTED
NE
NA
AA
Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas
X
Concurrence
Leatherback Sea Turtle,
Dermochelys corlacea
X
Concurrence
Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Caretta
caretta
X
Concurrence
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle,
Lepidochelys kempii
X
Concurrence
Monarch Butterfly, Danaus
plexippus
X
Concurrence
1
DETERMINATION/ RESPONSE REQUESTED:
NE = no effect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed action will not directly, indirectly, or cumulatively impact, either
positively or negatively, any listed, proposed, candidate species or designated/proposed critical habitat. Response Requested is
optional but a AConcurrence@ is recommended for a complete Administrative Record.
NA = not likely to adversely affect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed action is not likely to adversely impact any
listed, proposed, candidate species or designated/proposed critical habitat or there may be beneficial effects to these resources.
Response Requested is a@Concurrence@.
AA = likely to adversely affect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed action is likely to adversely impact any listed,
proposed, candidate species or designated/proposed critical habitat. Response Requested for listed species is AFormal Consultation@.
Response requested for proposed and candidate species is AConference@.
_July 23, 2021__
Signature (originating station) Date
IX. Reviewing Ecological Services Office Evaluation:
A. Concurrence __X____ Nonconcurrence _______
B. Formal consultation required _______
C. Conference required _______
D. Informal conference required ________
E. Remarks (attach additional pages as needed):
66
Appendix D. Summary of Public Comments and Response from the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, Service) appreciates interest in future management
and hunting opportunities on national wildlife refuges (NWRs, refuges). The Service provided
public notice of the proposal through local and national public notice of the availability of the
draft Hunt Plan, Environmental Assessment, and draft Hunting Compatibility Determination for
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, refuge) for public review and
comment. Local public notice included a Public Information Bulletin and information and
documents posted on the refuge’s website. National public notice was provided through the
Federal Register (Volume 86, Number 84; 86 FR 23794; Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2021-
0027, FXRS12610900000-212-FF09R20000; pages 23794-23842) which was published on May
4, 2021. Public comments on the proposal were received by the Service during the public review
and comment period (April 15, 2021 through July 6, 2021) from three members of the public
(one with several signature), and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The Service’s responses to
comments received through the Federal Register rulemaking process were published in the final
rule in the Federal Register. The Service’s responses to comments received locally and refuge-
specific comments received through the Federal Register are published here.
Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Service must respond to substantive
comments. For purposes of this planning process, a substantive comment is one that was
submitted during the public review and comment period, which was within the scope of the
proposed action, was specific to the proposed action, had a direct relationship to the proposed
action, and included reasons for the Service to consider it. (For example, a substantive comment
could be that the document referenced 500 individuals of a particular species, but that current
research found 600. In such a case, the Service would likely update the document to reflect the
600, citing the current research. While a comment that would not be considered substantive
would be, “We love the proposal.”) Comments outside the scope of the proposal were not
addressed.
Comment: “As a resident of Charleston County and native of the ACE Basin region in South
Carolina, I wholeheartedly support the USFWS proposal to allow turkey hunting on the Ernest F.
Hollings NWR. Public hunting opportunities for turkey are somewhat limited south of
Charleston on state operated wildlife management areas, and the addition of this tract would be
greatly welcomed.”
Service’s Response to Comment: The Service appreciates your interest in future management
and hunting opportunities at ACE Basin NWR. Working in coordination with the State, the
Service believes adding opportunities for turkey hunting will have minor to negligible impacts
and is an important aspect of the Service’s roles and responsibilities as outlined in the legislation
establishing the National Wildlife Refuge System. We did not make any changes to the
proposed action as a result of these comments.
Comment: Several commenters wanted the use of crossbows during the all hunts.
Service’s Response to Comment: Though the refuge did not address this method of take for the
youth turkey hunt plan amendment, the use of crossbows will be analyzed in a separate NEPA
process. We did not make any changes to the proposed action as a result of these comments.
67
Appendix E. Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision to Implement The
2021 Big Game Hunting Plan at Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National
Wildlife Refuge
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will open new Eastern Wild Turkey “youth-
only” hunting opportunities for the Ernest F. Hollings (EFH) ACE Basin National Wildlife
Refuge (EFH ACE Basin NWR or refuge) in addition to current hunting seasons all in
accordance with the refuge’s 2021-22 Hunt Plan which is stepped-down from the 2009 EFH
ACE Basin NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) (USFWS 2009) and amends the
1993 Sport Hunting Plan and Environmental Assessment (USFWS 1993). In an effort to become
more aligned with the State of South Carolina’s regulations and seasons, ACE Basin NWR is
proposing to open these new hunting opportunities in addition to current seasons.
This additional hunt offers the best opportunity for public hunting that would result in a minimal
impact on physical and biological resources, while meeting the Service’s mandates under the
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) and Secretarial Order 3356,
and aligning with the State of South Carolina’s regulations and seasons.
Selected Action
Alternative B—Proposed Action Alternative:
Under the Proposed Action Alternative, in addition to the current white-tailed deer, feral hog,
goose, coot, teal and duck hunting, spring turkey hunting (Youth-Only Hunting) will occur
in the Edisto Unit and Combahee Unit on the refuge that includes the following tracts: The
Grove Tract, Barrelville Tract, the Bonny Hall Tract, and Upper Combahee Tract. Turkey
hunting would be in accordance with state regulations. More restrictive refuge-specific
regulations would apply for consistency with nearby State of South Carolina Wildlife
Management Areas and their Youth Hunter programs and also due to limited acreage
of huntable upland and forested wetlands. Refuge-specific regulations that may apply include
season length, bag limit, and quotas on number of permitted youth hunters. High public demand
and the large acreage of land required for turkey hunting would limit the number of hunters
allowed in order to ensure a safe hunt. Initially, as recommended by the South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR; S. Chappelear, personal communication, August 04,
2020) the proposed Youth Hunt for wild turkey would occur on the Saturdays (to not conflict
with school attendance by the youth hunters) in the month of April and be limited to 5 hunters
per each Saturday hunt, for a total of 20- 25 eligible youth hunters (depending each year on the
number of Saturdays in April). The youth hunters would be drawn by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB)-approved lottery application at no charge to the applicants. The youth
applicants must be age 17 or younger on the date of the hunt for which they are successfully
drawn. Hunters may be accompanied by one assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older who
may participate in the hunt (calling, etc.), but may not personally carry a firearm (except as
authorized by a concealed carry permit), harvest nor attempt to harvest a turkey. All youth
hunters age 16 or 17 must have a valid SCDNR Hunting License. Youth hunters age 16 or age 17
that have successfully completed a State of South Carolina-approved hunter education course
68
may hunt without an assistant, parent or guardian. All other youth hunters (age 15 and younger)
must be accompanied by an assistant, parent or guardian age 21 or older.
This alternative was selected over the other alternatives because it offers the best opportunity for
public hunting that would result in a minimal impact on physical and biological resources, while
meeting the Service’s mandates under the NWRSAA and Secretarial Order 3356, and aligns
more fully with the State of South Carolina’s hunting regulations.
Other Alternatives Considered and Analyzed
Alternative A—[No Action Alternative]
Under Alternative A, only white-tailed deer, feral hog, goose, coot, teal and duck hunting would
continue to be allowed on most of the refuge. Compatible wildlife-dependent public recreational
opportunities would be limited to existing levels. There would be no change in current refuge
implementation of this priority, compatible wildlife-dependent public use that is
allowed. Opportunities to create additional outdoor recreation experiences by adding additional
species would be lost. In addition, the Refuge’s ability to connect with certain segments of the
public would potentially be diminished since hunting for some popular game species would not
be permitted. Hunters would pursue these species off-refuge and thus the Refuge’s ability to
reach those members of the public and promote natural resources conservation, environmental
education and natural resources stewardship may be more limited.
This alternative was not selected, because the existing hunting program at refuge did not align
with the State of South Carolina’s hunting season structure. Additionally, this alternative does
not fully fulfill the Service’s mandates under the NWRSAA and Secretarial Order 3356.
Summary of Effects of the Selected Action
An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared in compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide decision-making framework that 1) explored a
reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluated potential issues and
impacts to the refuge, resources and values, and 3) identified mitigation measures to lessen the
degree or extent of these impacts. The EA provided more detailed analysis of the potentially
affected natural resources and visitor use and experience with no or negligible impacts
anticipated for geology and soils, air quality, water quality, floodplains, Wilderness, cultural
resources, refuge management and operations, and socioeconomics. The EA is incorporated as
part of this finding.
Implementation of the agency’s decision would be expected to result in the environmental,
social, and economic effects summarized in the EA, particularly tables 2 through 6.
Minor beneficial impacts would be expected for visitor use and experience under Alternative
B. The refuge would expect to experience neutral to minor decreases in the depredation rates of
songbirds, plants, invertebrates, small mammals, deer fawn, turtles, and other reptiles and
amphibians through potential decreases in invasive species and predators. The proposed hunting
69
activities would be expected to support healthy wildlife populations. Further, an Endangered
Species Act Section 7 consultation (Appendix C in the 2021-22 Hunting Package) was
developed with the determination that the Proposed Action would not adversely affect
the recovery and/or protection of these species or critical habitat. The refuge limit or exclude
hunting activities where there are biological concerns. To meet the requirements of
compatibility, the Service could limit or exclude hunting activities on additional portions of the
refuges to avoid conflicts related to biological resources, such as threatened or endangered
species, if necessary. Special hunts could also be used to manage hunting pressure, provide
increased opportunities, and manage overall take at appropriate levels.
This alternative would allow new opportunities as described in the hunting plan within the
Refuge by expanding open areas, seasons and species hunted. These new hunting opportunities
will attract hunters currently not using the Refuge, thus affording an opportunity for the Refuge
to engage new segments of the public to promote natural resources conservation, environmental
education and natural resources stewardship. Opportunities to create additional outdoor
recreation experiences would be consistent with goals and priority uses identified by the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and Secretarial Orders 3347 and 3356. The
Service has determined that these changes in the Hunting Plan are compatible with the purposes
of the EFH ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge and the mission of the NWRS.
The Refuge Manager may establish specific regulations for individual species or portions of the
Refuge depending on conflicts with other wildlife dependent recreation priorities. Permanent or
periodic hunting closures for specific species or closures of portions of the Refuge may be
necessary if the Refuge Manager determines that there is specific habitat, wildlife protection
and/or public safety requirements. The need to implement mitigation measures will be
evaluated annually. All hunting and fishing would be conducted in accordance with all
applicable State, Refuge and federal regulations. Coordination with the public and Refuge
stakeholders including the State will promote continuity and understanding of Refuges and
Service resource goals and objectives, and will help assure that the decision-making process
takes into account all interests.
Measures to Mitigate and Minimize Adverse Effects
Measures to mitigate and/or minimize adverse effects have been incorporated into the selected
action. These measures include:
BIOLOGICAL CONFLICTS
The Refuge minimizes conflict related to biological resources by adopting a “wildlife first”
principle explicitly stated in the Refuge Improvement Act. Staff monitors species population
trends to ensure that target species can be hunted on the Refuge without adversely affecting the
species. These monitoring activities include direct observation of populations, consultation with
State and Service species specialists, and review of current species survey information and
research.
PUBLIC USE CONFLICTS
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In an effort to minimize conflicts with priority non-hunting recreational uses outlined in the
Refuge Improvement Act, and for public safety, the Refuge designates areas open to hunting and
enforces Refuge-specific regulations. Areas administratively closed to hunting are clearly
marked with “No Hunting Zone” or “Area beyond This Sign Closed” signs and/or illustrated in
the Refuge hunting brochure map. Overall, hunting impacts to visitor services/recreation
opportunities are considered short-term, minor and local. Past conflicts have been minimal and
we anticipate future conflicts to be about the same.
Specific measures taken to avoid conflict with non-hunting Refuge visitors include the
following. As public use levels on the refuge expand across time, unanticipated conflicts
between user groups may occur. The Refuge Visitor Service program will be adjusted as needed
to eliminate or minimize each problem and provide quality wildlife dependent recreational
opportunities that include promoting public safety. Overall, the cumulative impact of hunting on
other wildlife-dependent recreation or public safety at the Refuge is expected to be minor.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFLICTS
There is potential for conflict to occur between the hunting public and management activities on
the Refuge. During heavy hunter presence periods, Refuge staff (other than law enforcement
personnel) typically avoid working in locations where hunters are present. Another potential
conflict associated with hunting on the Refuge is between adjacent landowners and the hunting
public. Portions of the Refuge are closed to all hunting. These no hunting zones and are clearly
illustrated on the Refuges hunting brochure map and marked with “No Hunting Zone” signs. In
locations where hunting is allowed the boundaries are posted with refuge boundary signs. Law
enforcement personnel work closely with Refuge neighbors on illegal trespass issues and
violations of hunting within 100 yards of public dwellings to mitigate these conflicts.
Public Review
The proposal has been thoroughly coordinated with all interested and/or affected parties. The
Service sent letters regarding the Draft Hunting and Fishing Plans, draft hunting and
fishing compatibility determinations, regulations, and EA to the state of South Carolina on in
October 2020 and April 2021. Refuge staff will continue to coordinate with SCDNR to address
annual implementation of hunting activities. The Service also sent letters requesting comments
and consultation in October 2020 and follow up emails in April 2021 to:
• Catawba Nation
• Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
• Shawnee Tribe
• Absentee-Shawnee
The Service provided public notice of the proposal through local and national public notice of
the availability of the draft Hunt Plan, Environmental Assessment, and draft Hunting
Compatibility Determination for EFH ACE Basin NWR for public review and comment. Local
public notice included a Public Information Bulletin and information and documents posted on
the refuge’s website. National public notice was provided through the Federal Register (Volume
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86, Number 84; 86 FR 23794; Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2021-0027, FXRS12610900000-
212-FF09R20000; pages 23794-23842) which was published on May 4, 2021. Public comments
on the proposal were received by the Service during the public review and comment
period (April 15, 2021 through July 6, 2021) from three members of the public (one with several
signatures), and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The Service’s responses to comments
received through the Federal Register rulemaking process were published in the final rule in the
Federal Register. The Service’s responses to comments received locally and refuge-specific
comments received through the Federal Register can be found in Appendix D of this document.
Finding of No Significant Impact
While refuges, by their nature, are unique areas protected for conservation of fish, wildlife and
habitat, the proposed action will not have a significant impact on refuge resources and uses for
several reasons, as listed.
• In the context of local/State/refuge hunting/fishing programs, the proposed action will
only result in a harvest of less than 1% of additional species. The Service works closely with
the State to ensure that additional species harvested on a refuge are within the limits set by
the State to ensure healthy populations of the species for present and future generations of
Americans.
• The action will result in beneficial impacts to the human environment, including the
biodiversity and ecological integrity of the refuge, as well as the wildlife-dependent
recreational opportunities and socioeconomics of the local economy, with only negligible
adverse impacts to the human environment as discussed above.
• The adverse direct and indirect effects of the proposed action on air, water, soil, habitat,
wildlife, aesthetic/visual resources, and wilderness values are expected to be minor and short-
term. The benefits to long-term ecosystem health that these efforts will accomplish far
outweigh any of the short-term adverse impacts discussed in this document.
• The NWRS uses an adaptive management approach to all wildlife management on
refuges, monitoring and re-evaluating the hunting and fishing opportunities on the refuge on
an annual basis. This ensures the hunting and fishing programs continue to contribute to the
biodiversity and ecosystem health of the refuge and these opportunities do not contribute to
any cumulative impacts to habitat or wildlife from climate change, population growth and
development, or local, State, or regional wildlife management.
• The action, along with proposed mitigation measures, will ensure that there is low danger
to the health and safety of refuge staff, visitors, and the hunters/fishers themselves.
• The action is not in an ecologically sensitive area;
• The action will not impact any candidate, threatened, or endangered species; or any
Federally-designated critical habitat;
• The action will not impact any cultural or historical resources;
• The action will not impact any wilderness areas;
• There is no scientific controversy over the impacts of this action and the impacts of the
proposed action are relatively certain.
• The proposal is not expected to have any significant adverse effects on wetlands and
floodplains, pursuant to Executive Orders 11990 and 11988 because: The areas proposed for
expanding hunting already are open to some form of hunting. This proposed package only
expands the list of species available to be taken.
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Based upon a review and evaluation of the information contained in the EA as well as other
documents and actions of record affiliated with this proposal, the Service has determined that the
proposals to implement the 2021-22 Hunting Plan on the EFH ACE Basin NWR do not
constitute major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment
under the meaning of section 102 (2) (c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as
amended). As such, an environmental impact statement is not required.
Decision
The Service has decided to implement the 2021-22 Hunting Package for the EFH ACE
Basin NWR.
This action is compatible with the purposes of the refuges and the mission of the National
Wildlife Refuge System. See the attached compatibility determination for EFH ACE
Basin NWR (Appendix B in the 2021-22 Hunt Package).
The action is consistent with applicable laws and policies.
_________________________________________________________________
Refuge Chief Signature/Date
BRETT HUNTER
Digitally signed by BRETT HUNTER
Date: 2021.08.12 08:26:09 -04'00'
