PART n. DESCRIPTION OF REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES 



A. No Action Alternative 



If FWP does not purchase the private tract on Morris Island, the private landowner will sell to 

 another private entity. Land use on the major portion of the island could change. Habitat values 

 would be altered if timber is harvested or human develc^ments are added. Visual impacts 

 associated witfi human developments would increase. Public recreational opportunities may be 

 foreclosed. In addition, FWP would loose the opportunity to utilize the Riparian/Wedand 

 Conservation program to meet mitigation goals. 



B. DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND DISMISSED 



1. Purchase of a Conservation Easement 



Purchase of a conservation easement is not an option for the private landowners. 



2. Purchase Conservation Easement from nert landowners 



No otiier conservation group has the funds to purchase this island. If sold on the private 

 market, most buyers would probably want the island for some type of personal gain: 

 timber, cabin site, private recreation ground, or some type of commercial adventure. 

 Under this scenario, FWP would have a more difficult time negotiating conservation 

 easement terms which maximize tiie wildlife values of the island. In addition, diere is no 

 guarantee diat tiie new landowner(s) would be interested in working witii FWP. The feet 

 that the island is not presentiy used and functions as a wildlife refuge makes purchase the 

 best option. 



3. 



The landowners have no interest in leasing die island. 



