23 Transparency The US Fish & Wildlife Service shouldn’t force local communities to follow a complicated rulebook that is difficult to understand when establishing and managing the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moving forward, we want a clear and transparent process with ample opportunities for public input and decision-making power from local residents. Likewise, we expect a transparent method for hearing from US Fish & Wildlife Service about their plans, timelines, and goals. Appropriate Stewardship of Refuge Lands Given the concerns expressed in this report, it is very important that US Fish & Wildlife Service only commit to refuge lands they can manage well. It is important the agency stay on top of maintenance needs and actively work toward management goals to lessen the negative impacts on farmer neighbors. Responsiveness and Good Faith Mitigation When Problems Arise US Fish & Wildlife Service has not always met the needs of their neighbors when adjacent lands are negatively impacted by the refuge. That must change going forward. Again, that cannot be dependent on the personality of the refuge manager, but rather must be incorporated into agency policy and procedures. Neighbor needs must be respected and addressed. Regularly Scheduled Discussions and Meetings with Farm Bureau and Elected Officials Discussions between Farm Bureau, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and elected officials must continue into the future at regularly scheduled intervals. These discussions bring a level of accountability that was previously absent.