Sabine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is seeking comment on Draft Compatibility Determination for Jefferson Davis Electric Cooperative (JDEC) Utility Right-of-Way on the Sabine NWR.

This use would involve allowing JDEC to use and possibly alter the landscape through the construction, maintenance, and operation of power lines, towers, and other utility equipment for rebuilding, upgrading, and maintaining its electrical transmission line infrastructure that was destroyed during Hurricane Laura in 2020.

JDEC is seeking to replace and upgrade its pre-storm 69kV transmission infrastructure to higher 230kV lines with larger, more resilient poles and footings that would be more resilient against wind and storm damage and would be located in the approximate location of the pre-storm 69kV line. This use would require approximately 9.3 miles of the upgraded transmission line and associated equipment to be situated on Sabine NWR along and adjacent to the State Highway 27 corridor.

The Service proposes to adopt the Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) “Jefferson Davis Electric Cooperative, Inc. Hurricane Laura Repair, Replacement, And Restoration Program Cameron And Calcasieu Parishes, Louisiana fema-4559-Dr-La Environmental Assessment” as part of our Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

The draft compatibility determination and associated documents will be made available for public review and comment for 14 calendar days; electronically on the refuge website (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sabine) and on the Refuge Complex Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestLouisianaComplex/).

The document will also be distributed by email to potentially interested stakeholders via refuge email list. Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format; contact: swlrcomplex@fws.gov for assistance.

Comments submitted by U.S. mail should be sent to: Sabine National Wildlife Refuge c/o Refuge Manager, 3000 Holly Beach Highway, Hackberry LA 70645.

Comments submitted by email should be sent to: swlrcomplex@fws.gov. Concerns expressed during the public comment period would be addressed in the final compatibility determination.

Across the country, national wildlife refuges work closely with state and Federal agencies, Native American Tribes, local governments, non-governmental organizations, private partners, and the public, to engage them in refuge management activities and proposals.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.