The plan calls for the following expenditures: for acquisition and restoration of new public lands, $3 million; for invasive species control, $300,000; for enhancement of vernal wetlands, $200,000; for improved public access, $500,000; for removal of dilapidated structures, $150,000; and for protection of off-refuge wetlands, $350,000.

Responding to the call for public comment, GSWA recommended allocating even more than the $3 million earmarked for property acquisition, arguing that:

• "The amount of available property that is contiguous to the Refuge is continually dwindling. Given the present pace of development, there will be no such properties available for acquisition within the next 10 to 20 years.

• "The cost of property continues to outpace the overall rate of inflation by several times. Accordingly, given the two options, it is more economical to spend available money on acquisition now and to complete needed restoration activities later.

• "The Refuge already possesses both the personnel and equipment necessary to complete most restoration activities and could therefore complete such activities as part of routine Refuge work."

These recommendations were submitted in February after review by GSWA’s Local Issues Committee. A number of other organizations and individuals also commented on the plan. As Across the Watershed went to press, the comments were being reviewed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.