Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Hyde County, NC, 80421-80423 [E8-31120]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 251 / Wednesday, December 31, 2008 / Notices requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act. Documents will be available for public inspection, by appointment only, during normal business hours at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Ave., SW., Room 6034, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Please refer to the respective permit number for each application when submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Jacobsen, Chief, Endangered Species Division, P.O. Box 1306, Room 4102, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103, (505) 248–6920. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Permit TE–819477 Applicant: Parametrix, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Applicant requests an amendment to a current permit for research and recovery purposes to conduct presence/ absence surveys of the following species: Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus), lesser longnosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae), Mexican long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis), and Pima pineapple cactus (Coryphantha robustispina) within New Mexico and Arizona. Permit TE–195991 Applicant: Bonnie Doggett, Austin, Texas. Applicant requests a new permit for research and recovery purposes to conduct presence/absence surveys of golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) within Texas. Permit TE–198059 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Applicant: Christopher Taylor, Plano, Texas. Applicant requests a new permit for research and recovery purposes to conduct presence/absence surveys of the following species: Northern aplomado falcon (Falco femeralis), black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla), and golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) within Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:41 Dec 30, 2008 Jkt 217001 Permit TE–198057 Applicant: Blackbird Environmental, LLC, Norman, Oklahoma. Applicant requests a new permit for research and recovery purposes to conduct presence/absence surveys of American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) within Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Permit TE–195191 Applicant: Baer Engineering and Environmental Consultants, Inc., Austin, Texas. Applicant requests a new permit for research and recovery purposes to conduct presence/absence surveys of black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla) and golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) within Texas. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: December 4, 2008. Thomas L. Nauer, Regional Director, Southwest Region, Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E8–31119 Filed 12–30–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2008–N0245; 40136–1265– 0000–S3] Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Hyde County, NC AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: Final comprehensive conservation plan and finding of no significant impact. SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage this refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: A copy of the CCP may be obtained by writing to: Mr. Bruce Freske, Refuge Manager, Mattamuskeet NWR, 38 Mattamuskeet Road, Swan Quarter, NC 27885. The CCP may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service’s Internet site: https:// southeast.fws.gov/planning. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bruce Freske, Refuge Manager, Mattamuskeet NWR; Telephone: 252/ 926–4021; fax: 252/926–1743; e-mail: bruce_freske@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 80421 Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Mattamuskeet NWR. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register on February 7, 2001 (66 FR 9353). For more about the process, see that notice. Mattamuskeet NWR was established in 1934, and conserves 50,180 acres of habitats around Lake Mattamuskeet, including the lake itself. At 40,000 acres, Lake Mattamuskeet is North Carolina’s largest natural lake. The refuge supports significant wintering populations of ducks, Canada geese, snow geese, and tundra swans. Concentrations of bald eagles and other raptors, wading birds, and shorebirds occur seasonally. Significant fishery resources including largemouth bass, sunfish (bream), white perch, crappie, alewives (herring), and blue crabs are associated with Lake Mattamuskeet and canals. Habitats consist of open water (40,000 acres), freshwater marsh (3,640 acres), forested wetlands (3,503 acres), managed wetlands or impoundments (2,600 acres), croplands (400 acres), and forested uplands/administrative lands (37 acres). Popular recreation uses at Mattamuskeet NWR include hunting, sport fishing, and wildlife observation and photography. Quota hunting for white-tailed deer and waterfowl is allowed on portions of the refuge. The Service selects hunters through a random drawing of applicants for deer and resident goose hunting. The State of North Carolina receives application requests for waterfowl hunting on the refuge through their special hunts program. Hunting for white-tailed deer and resident Canada geese is primarily conducted to control population levels. Mattamuskeet NWR receives 18,000 anglers annually. Most people fish along canal banks, bridges, or the Highway 94 Causeway. Boaters mostly use the lake in the spring and fall when water depths in the shallow lake are generally the highest. Boat fishermen generally seek largemouth and striped bass, while bank fishermen mostly seek catfish, white perch, and crappie. Crappie fishing is especially popular in the spring when spawning fish move into the deeper canals attached to the lake. During the fall and winter, concentrations of Canada geese, tundra swans, and ducks of many species delight both wildlife observers and photographers. The formerly threatened bald eagle may also be observed during the fall, winter, and early spring. During the summer months, many species of songbirds and marsh birds are a common sight. Occasionally, broods of E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 80422 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 251 / Wednesday, December 31, 2008 / Notices pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES black and wood ducks can be observed in the canals and around the lake’s edge. Osprey, wood duck, and bald eagle nests are occasionally visible. Yearround residents include the white-tailed deer, marsh and cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels, and many other mammals, as well as amphibians and reptiles. Species less observed are the bobcat and river otter. The black bear population in northeastern North Carolina is one of the largest on the east coast and lucky visitors to the refuge occasionally glimpse a wild bear. We announce our decision and the availability of the final CCP and FONSI for Mattamuskeet NWR in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment, which we included in the draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA). The CCP will guide us in managing and administering Mattamuskeet NWR for the next 15 years. Alternative B, as we described, is the foundation for the CCP. The compatibility determinations for (1) Animal control; (2) bicycling, jogging, walking, walking dogs, horseback riding; (3) boating—power boats; (4) boating—non-motorized; (5) dredge or fill; (6) environmental education and interpretation; (7) farming; (8) fishing—recreational and tournament; (9) fishing—guided; (10) hunting—big game; (11) hunting— waterfowl; (12) photography; (13) photography—commercial; (14) small public gatherings; (15) research; (16) tree harvest—firewood—other; and (17) wildlife observation—guiding or outfitting, are also available in the CCP. Background The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) (Improvement Act), which amended the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose for developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:41 Dec 30, 2008 Jkt 217001 wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Improvement Act. Comments Approximately 150 copies of the Draft CCP/EA were made available for a 30day public review period as announced in the Federal Register on July 18, 2008 (73 FR 41371). Nineteen written comments were received from private citizens, four North Carolina state agencies, and the Hyde County Chamber of Commerce. Members of the public were broadly supportive of the proposed plan, although several commented that they would have preferred Alternative C, which would have expanded management, programs, visitor services, and public use even more than the alternative selected by the Service. The four state agencies that commented were the North Carolina Office of Geospatial and Technology Management; Aquifer Protection Section, Washington Regional Office, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources; North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources; and North Carolina Division of Coastal Management. Representatives of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission participated in preparing the CCP but did not provide written comments on the Draft CCP/EA. Selected Alternative After considering the comments we received, we have selected Alternative B for implementation. This choice is reflected in the CCP. While each of the alternatives offered benefits for wildlife, habitat, and public use, Alternative B was more ambitious than Alternative A and more feasible and realistic than Alternative C. Alternative B provides an effective management action to meet the purposes of Mattamuskeet NWR by optimizing habitat management and visitor services. This long-term management plan enhances or slightly expands various aspects of current management. For wintering waterfowl, objectives for tundra swan and northern pintail are the same, but the Canada goose objective is 5,000 higher and the duck objective is 40,000 to 60,000 higher than current management. The CCP replicates most elements and expands upon other aspects of current fisheries management. The CCP also expands upon current management of raptors, passerine birds, shorebirds, marsh and wading birds, PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 mammals, and reptiles and amphibians. It re-initiates nest counts of ospreys, ground surveys for marsh and wading birds, and implements passerine point counts. Furthermore, the refuge will evaluate alternative management strategies for moist-soil units as to their benefit for spring and fall migration of shorebirds. The CCP expands on current management’s habitat objectives. It investigates the desirability and feasibility of restoring Salyer’s Ridge pinewoods and considers new management options for the Conservation Reserve Program cropland. The CCP expands resource protection by increasing control of invasive plant and animal species such as common reed, alligatorweed, and nutria. The refuge will also prepare and begin to implement a Cultural Resources Management Plan. To enhance law enforcement, the refuge will add one full-time law enforcement officer dedicated solely to Mattamuskeet NWR. To better support public use, the refuge will prepare and implement a Visitor Services’ Plan. Existing hunts will continue and the refuge will explore how to increase youth hunting opportunities for deer and waterfowl and cooperate with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to conduct activities promoting hunter recruitment and retention. Fishing opportunities will increase by adding one boat ramp to support an additional 5,000 angler visits annually. Nature Week will be re-instituted and the refuge will begin to host ten K–12 school programs annually. Interpretation opportunities will be expanded by adding kiosks, annually revised brochures, and interpretive signage along the wildlife drive and New Holland boardwalk trail. Opening and staffing the visitor contact station with volunteer(s) on weekends will also promote further interpretation. The refuge will reinstall an 8-mile canoe and kayak loop trail and construct one additional photo-blind. As under current management, the refuge will cooperate with partners to encourage commercial ecotours. Refuge management will also increase outreach. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 251 / Wednesday, December 31, 2008 / Notices Dated: September 17, 2008. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the Federal Register on December 24, 2008. [FR Doc. E8–31120 Filed 12–30–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [F–14824–A and F–14824–A2; AK–965– 1410–KC–P] Alaska Native Claims Selection AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of decision approving lands for conveyance. SUMMARY: As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to Kokarmuit Corporation. The lands are in the vicinity of Akiak, Alaska, and are located in: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Seward Meridian, Alaska T. 9 N., R. 65 W., Sec. 19; Secs. 25 to 28, inclusive; Secs. 33 to 36, inclusive. Containing approximately 5,575 acres. T. 8 N., R. 66 W., Secs. 22, 23, and 24. Containing approximately 1,747 acres. T. 9 N., R. 66 W., Secs. 1, 2, and 3; Secs. 11 to 14, inclusive; Secs. 23 and 24. Containing approximately 5,409 acres. T. 10 N., R. 66 W., Secs. 3 and 10; Secs. 15 and 22; Secs. 27 and 34. Containing approximately 3,126 acres. T. 11 N., R. 67 W., Secs. 6, 8, and 9; Secs. 14 to 19, inclusive; Secs. 22 and 23; Secs. 26 and 27; Secs. 34 and 35. Containing approximately 8,543 acres. T. 11 N., R. 68 W., Secs. 12, 13, and 24. Containing approximately 1,593 acres. Aggregating approximately 25,993 acres. 17:41 Dec 30, 2008 Jkt 217001 Gina A. Kendall, Land Law Examiner, Land Transfer Adjudication II. [FR Doc. E8–31158 Filed 12–30–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–JA–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM–920–1310–08); (OKNM 117608; OKNM 117609] Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Leases OKNM 117608; OKNM 117609 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of reinstatement of terminated oil and gas leases. The subsurface in these lands will be conveyed to Calista Corporation when the surface estate is conveyed to Kokarmuit Corporation. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in the Tundra Drums. VerDate Aug<31>2005 DATES: The time limits for filing an appeal are: 1. Any party claiming a property interest which is adversely affected by the decision shall have until January 30, 2009 to file an appeal. 2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal. Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR Part 4, Subpart E, shall be deemed to have waived their rights. ADDRESSES: A copy of the decision may be obtained from: Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, 222 West Seventh Avenue, #13, Anchorage, Alaska 99513–7504. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Bureau of Land Management by phone at 907–271–5960, or by e-mail at ak.blm.conveyance@ak.blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunication device (TTD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877– 8330, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to contact the Bureau of Land Management. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the provisions of 43 CFR 3108.2–3(b)(2), Capital Land Services, Inc. timely filed a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas leases OKNM 117608 and OKNM 117609 for lands in Woodward County, Oklahoma, and was accompanied by all required rentals and royalties accruing from March 1, 2008, the date of termination. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Becky C. Olivas, BLM, New Mexico State Office, (505) 438–7609. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: No valid lease has been issued affecting the lands. The lessee has agreed to new lease terms for rentals and royalties at rates of $10.00 per acre or fraction PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 80423 thereof and 162⁄3 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500.00 administrative fee and has reimbursed the Bureau of Land Management for the cost of this Federal Register notice. The lessee has met all the requirements for reinstatement of the leases as set out in Sections 31(d) and (e) of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate the leases effective March 1, 2008, subject to the original terms and conditions of the leases and the increased rentals and royalty rates cited above. Dated: December 19, 2008. Becky C. Olivas, Land Law Examiner, Fluids Adjudication Team 1. [FR Doc. E8–30772 Filed 12–30–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–FB–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Meeting National Park Service, Interior. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice is here given in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Appendix (1988), of a meeting of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). The Review Committee will meet on May 23–24, 2009, at The Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue, 1415 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Meeting sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. each day. The agenda for the meeting includes an update on National NAGPRA Program activities during the first half of fiscal year 2009; activity reports from the National NAGPRA Program as requested by the Review Committee; requests for recommendations regarding the disposition of culturally unidentifiable human remains; disputes; presentations by Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, museums, Federal agencies, and the public; and the selection of dates and a site for the spring 2010 meeting. A detailed agenda for this meeting will be posted on or before March 27, 2009, at https://www.nps.gov/history/ nagpra/. The Review Committee will consider the following requests: By anyone, to make a presentation; by museums and Federal agencies, to act on an agreement E:\FR\FM\31DEN1.SGM 31DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 251 (Wednesday, December 31, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80421-80423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-31120]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2008-N0245; 40136-1265-0000-S3]


Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Hyde County, NC

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: Final comprehensive conservation plan 
and finding of no significant impact.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and 
finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for Mattamuskeet National 
Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage 
this refuge for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the CCP may be obtained by writing to: Mr. Bruce 
Freske, Refuge Manager, Mattamuskeet NWR, 38 Mattamuskeet Road, Swan 
Quarter, NC 27885. The CCP may also be accessed and downloaded from the 
Service's Internet site: https://southeast.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bruce Freske, Refuge Manager, 
Mattamuskeet NWR; Telephone: 252/926-4021; fax: 252/926-1743; e-mail: 
bruce_freske@fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Mattamuskeet NWR. 
We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register on 
February 7, 2001 (66 FR 9353). For more about the process, see that 
notice.
    Mattamuskeet NWR was established in 1934, and conserves 50,180 
acres of habitats around Lake Mattamuskeet, including the lake itself. 
At 40,000 acres, Lake Mattamuskeet is North Carolina's largest natural 
lake. The refuge supports significant wintering populations of ducks, 
Canada geese, snow geese, and tundra swans. Concentrations of bald 
eagles and other raptors, wading birds, and shorebirds occur 
seasonally. Significant fishery resources including largemouth bass, 
sunfish (bream), white perch, crappie, alewives (herring), and blue 
crabs are associated with Lake Mattamuskeet and canals. Habitats 
consist of open water (40,000 acres), freshwater marsh (3,640 acres), 
forested wetlands (3,503 acres), managed wetlands or impoundments 
(2,600 acres), croplands (400 acres), and forested uplands/
administrative lands (37 acres).
    Popular recreation uses at Mattamuskeet NWR include hunting, sport 
fishing, and wildlife observation and photography. Quota hunting for 
white-tailed deer and waterfowl is allowed on portions of the refuge. 
The Service selects hunters through a random drawing of applicants for 
deer and resident goose hunting. The State of North Carolina receives 
application requests for waterfowl hunting on the refuge through their 
special hunts program. Hunting for white-tailed deer and resident 
Canada geese is primarily conducted to control population levels.
    Mattamuskeet NWR receives 18,000 anglers annually. Most people fish 
along canal banks, bridges, or the Highway 94 Causeway. Boaters mostly 
use the lake in the spring and fall when water depths in the shallow 
lake are generally the highest. Boat fishermen generally seek 
largemouth and striped bass, while bank fishermen mostly seek catfish, 
white perch, and crappie. Crappie fishing is especially popular in the 
spring when spawning fish move into the deeper canals attached to the 
lake.
    During the fall and winter, concentrations of Canada geese, tundra 
swans, and ducks of many species delight both wildlife observers and 
photographers. The formerly threatened bald eagle may also be observed 
during the fall, winter, and early spring. During the summer months, 
many species of songbirds and marsh birds are a common sight. 
Occasionally, broods of

[[Page 80422]]

black and wood ducks can be observed in the canals and around the 
lake's edge. Osprey, wood duck, and bald eagle nests are occasionally 
visible. Year-round residents include the white-tailed deer, marsh and 
cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels, and many other mammals, as well as 
amphibians and reptiles. Species less observed are the bobcat and river 
otter. The black bear population in northeastern North Carolina is one 
of the largest on the east coast and lucky visitors to the refuge 
occasionally glimpse a wild bear.
    We announce our decision and the availability of the final CCP and 
FONSI for Mattamuskeet NWR in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We 
completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment, 
which we included in the draft comprehensive conservation plan and 
environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA).
    The CCP will guide us in managing and administering Mattamuskeet 
NWR for the next 15 years. Alternative B, as we described, is the 
foundation for the CCP.
    The compatibility determinations for (1) Animal control; (2) 
bicycling, jogging, walking, walking dogs, horseback riding; (3) 
boating--power boats; (4) boating--non-motorized; (5) dredge or fill; 
(6) environmental education and interpretation; (7) farming; (8) 
fishing--recreational and tournament; (9) fishing--guided; (10) 
hunting--big game; (11) hunting--waterfowl; (12) photography; (13) 
photography--commercial; (14) small public gatherings; (15) research; 
(16) tree harvest--firewood--other; and (17) wildlife observation--
guiding or outfitting, are also available in the CCP.

Background

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Improvement Act), which amended the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, requires us to 
develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose for 
developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan for 
achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of 
fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our 
policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on 
conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Improvement Act.

Comments

    Approximately 150 copies of the Draft CCP/EA were made available 
for a 30-day public review period as announced in the Federal Register 
on July 18, 2008 (73 FR 41371). Nineteen written comments were received 
from private citizens, four North Carolina state agencies, and the Hyde 
County Chamber of Commerce. Members of the public were broadly 
supportive of the proposed plan, although several commented that they 
would have preferred Alternative C, which would have expanded 
management, programs, visitor services, and public use even more than 
the alternative selected by the Service.
    The four state agencies that commented were the North Carolina 
Office of Geospatial and Technology Management; Aquifer Protection 
Section, Washington Regional Office, North Carolina Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources; North Carolina Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources; and North Carolina Division of 
Coastal Management. Representatives of the North Carolina Wildlife 
Resources Commission participated in preparing the CCP but did not 
provide written comments on the Draft CCP/EA.

Selected Alternative

    After considering the comments we received, we have selected 
Alternative B for implementation. This choice is reflected in the CCP. 
While each of the alternatives offered benefits for wildlife, habitat, 
and public use, Alternative B was more ambitious than Alternative A and 
more feasible and realistic than Alternative C.
    Alternative B provides an effective management action to meet the 
purposes of Mattamuskeet NWR by optimizing habitat management and 
visitor services. This long-term management plan enhances or slightly 
expands various aspects of current management. For wintering waterfowl, 
objectives for tundra swan and northern pintail are the same, but the 
Canada goose objective is 5,000 higher and the duck objective is 40,000 
to 60,000 higher than current management. The CCP replicates most 
elements and expands upon other aspects of current fisheries 
management.
    The CCP also expands upon current management of raptors, passerine 
birds, shorebirds, marsh and wading birds, mammals, and reptiles and 
amphibians. It re-initiates nest counts of ospreys, ground surveys for 
marsh and wading birds, and implements passerine point counts. 
Furthermore, the refuge will evaluate alternative management strategies 
for moist-soil units as to their benefit for spring and fall migration 
of shorebirds.
    The CCP expands on current management's habitat objectives. It 
investigates the desirability and feasibility of restoring Salyer's 
Ridge pinewoods and considers new management options for the 
Conservation Reserve Program cropland. The CCP expands resource 
protection by increasing control of invasive plant and animal species 
such as common reed, alligatorweed, and nutria. The refuge will also 
prepare and begin to implement a Cultural Resources Management Plan. To 
enhance law enforcement, the refuge will add one full-time law 
enforcement officer dedicated solely to Mattamuskeet NWR.
    To better support public use, the refuge will prepare and implement 
a Visitor Services' Plan. Existing hunts will continue and the refuge 
will explore how to increase youth hunting opportunities for deer and 
waterfowl and cooperate with North Carolina Wildlife Resources 
Commission to conduct activities promoting hunter recruitment and 
retention. Fishing opportunities will increase by adding one boat ramp 
to support an additional 5,000 angler visits annually. Nature Week will 
be re-instituted and the refuge will begin to host ten K-12 school 
programs annually. Interpretation opportunities will be expanded by 
adding kiosks, annually revised brochures, and interpretive signage 
along the wildlife drive and New Holland boardwalk trail. Opening and 
staffing the visitor contact station with volunteer(s) on weekends will 
also promote further interpretation. The refuge will reinstall an 8-
mile canoe and kayak loop trail and construct one additional photo-
blind. As under current management, the refuge will cooperate with 
partners to encourage commercial ecotours. Refuge management will also 
increase outreach.

    Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 
105-57.


[[Page 80423]]


    Dated: September 17, 2008.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.

    Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the 
Federal Register on December 24, 2008.
 [FR Doc. E8-31120 Filed 12-30-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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