Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Antietam, Monocacy, Manassas White-Tailed Deer Management Plan, 44860-44861 [2014-17920]

Download as PDF 44860 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 148 / Friday, August 1, 2014 / Notices you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until the OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obliged to respond. Comments: On February 28, 2014 we published a Federal Register notice (79 FR 11461) announcing that we would submit this ICR to OMB for approval and soliciting comments. The comment period closed on April 22, 2014. We received no comments. III. Request for Comments We again invite comments concerning this ICR as to: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) how to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) how to minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Please note that comments submitted in response to this notice are a matter of public record. Before including your personal mailing address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personally identifiable information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask the OMB in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that it will be done. Richard Z. Poore, Center Director, USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center. [FR Doc. 2014–18148 Filed 7–31–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4311–AM–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–NCR–NACA–15266; PX.XDESC0047.00.1] tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Antietam, Monocacy, Manassas White-Tailed Deer Management Plan National Park Service, Interior. Notice of Availability. AGENCY: ACTION: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations, the SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 22:09 Jul 31, 2014 Jkt 232001 National Park Service (NPS) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the White-tailed Deer Management Plan (Plan), Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland; Monocacy National Battlefield, Maryland; and Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. The plan would manage white-tailed deer populations in order to support preservation of the natural and cultural landscape. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Antietam National Battlefield, Monocacy National Battlefield, and Manassas National Battlefield Park are all located in the NPS National Capital Region within about an hour’s drive from Washington, DC. The U.S. Congress set aside these park units to represent outstanding aspects of our natural and cultural heritage. All three battlefields commemorate one or more Civil War battles and the history associated with these battles. The purpose of the FEIS and Plan is to develop a deer management strategy that supports preservation of the natural and cultural landscape through the protection and restoration of native vegetation. Although relatively rare at the turn of the twentieth century, whitetailed deer have grown abundant in the Mid-Atlantic region during recent years. Current deer densities of 130–230 deer per square mile are substantially larger than commonly accepted sustainable densities for this region, estimated at about 15–25 deer per square mile. In addition, the NPS needs to plan for the potential threat posed by chronic wasting disease (CWD), which could spread to these park units. The NPS has developed the FEIS under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and consistent with laws, regulations, and policies applicable to NPS units, and with the purposes of these three parks. The FEIS describes and analyzes three action alternatives (B, C, and D) to guide management actions and strategies for white-tailed deer. The alternatives include lethal and non-lethal actions to manage and reduce the impacts of white-tailed deer. Included in the alternatives is the no-action alternative (alternative A), which would continue current deer management. Under Alternative A, the parks would also take no new actions with respect to CWD. Alternative B of the Plan provides a nonlethal deer reduction option to implement nonsurgical reproductive control of does when an acceptable reproductive control agent is available that meets NPS established criteria. Large constructed exclosures would also PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 protect 5–20% of the forested area of the parks to allow reforestation. Additional techniques include fencing of crops and woodlots, crop protection through sacrificial rows, and aversive conditioning. Alternative C of the Plan provides a lethal deer reduction option through the use of sharpshooting with firearms, possible capture and euthanasia to reduce deer populations to the target density and maintain that level. Donation of meat would also occur, subject to any concerns or restrictions related to CWD. Alternative D of the Plan provides a combined lethal and nonlethal deer reduction option through the use of sharpshooting with firearms, possible capture, and euthanasia to reduce deer populations to a desirable level and maintain that level. Once the target density has been reached, it may use nonsurgical reproductive control of does when an acceptable reproductive control agent is available that meets NPS established criteria. Under all three of the action alternatives (Alternatives B, C, and D), the parks would also implement a longterm CWD response plan. Under this plan, if CWD is confirmed in or within 5 miles of a park, the park would lethally reduce the deer population to decrease potential for CWD transmittal and spread. Deer populations could be reduced to 15–20 deer per square mile or as needed to cooperate with state programs and testing requirements, but would be reduced to no less than 10 deer per square mile. Deer will be tested for CWD. The FEIS evaluates potential environmental consequences of implementing the alternatives. Impact topics include the natural, cultural, and socioeconomic resources. The Draft EIS was released in July 2013 and was available for public and agency review and comment beginning with publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. Comments were accepted during the 60day public comment period. After this public review, NPS revised this document in response to public comments. The FEIS is now available. Interested persons and organizations may obtain the FEIS online at https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/anti. A 30-day no-action period will follow this Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. After this period, the selected alternative will be documented in a Record of Decision that will be signed by the Regional Director of the National Capital Region of the NPS. Notice of approval of the EIS would be published E:\FR\FM\01AUN1.SGM 01AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 148 / Friday, August 1, 2014 / Notices similarly. For further information contact Tracy Atkins at 303–969–2325. Date: June 10, 2014. Lisa A. Mendelson-Ielmini, Acting Regional Director, National Park Service, National Capital Region. [FR Doc. 2014–17920 Filed 7–31–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–DL–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management [MMAA104000] Extension of Comment Period for Request for Information and Comments on the Preparation of the 2017–2022 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior. ACTION: Extension of Comment Period. AGENCY: On June 16, 2014, BOEM published a Request for Information and Comments on the preparation of a new Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017– 2022, as required by section 18 of the OCS Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1344). The Act requires the Department of the Interior to invite and solicit information on all 26 OCS planning areas from interested and affected parties as the first step in the preparation of a Five Year OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program (Five Year Program). The June 16 notice provided for a 45day comment period, which is scheduled to end on July 31, 2014. BOEM has received requests from several coastal states to extend the comment period. To further the intent of the OCS Lands Act to collect information for future decision-making and provide ample opportunity for interested and affected parties to comment, BOEM is extending the comment period to August 15, 2014. See instructions for commenting below as they are simplified from the original notice as explained on the BOEM Five Year Web page. DATES: BOEM must receive all comments and information by August 15, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Five Year Program Manager, at (703) 787–1613. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: Public Comment Procedure BOEM will accept comments in one of two formats: internet commenting system or regular mail. BOEM’s preference is to receive comments via the internet commenting system. Comments should be submitted using VerDate Mar<15>2010 22:09 Jul 31, 2014 Jkt 232001 44861 only one of these formats, and include full name and address of the individual submitting the comment(s). Comments submitted by other means may not be considered. BOEM will not consider anonymous comments. BOEM will make available for public inspection in their entirety, all comments submitted by organizations and businesses, or by individuals identifying themselves as representatives of organizations or businesses. BOEM’s practice is to make comments, including the names and addresses of individuals, available for public review. An individual commenter may ask that BOEM withhold from the public record his or her name, home address, or both, and BOEM will honor such a request to the extent allowable by law. If individuals submit comments and desire withholding of such information, they must so state prominently at the beginning of their submission. Dated: July 29, 2014. L. Renee Orr, Acting Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Commenting via Internet SUMMARY: Internet comments should be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. BOEM requests that commenters follow these instructions to submit their comments via this Web site: To Comment Electronically (preferred method) 1. Go to Regulations.gov and enter BOEM–2014–0059–0001 in the Search box. 2. Click the blue ’Comment Now’ button to submit your comments. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site’s ‘‘User Tips’’ link. Commenting via Regular Mail Mail comments and information on the 2017–2022 Program to Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Five Year Program Manager, BOEM (HM–3120), 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170. Environmental comments relevant to oil and gas development on the OCS should be sent to Mr. James F. Bennett, Chief, Division of Environmental Assessment, BOEM (HM–3107), 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170. If commenters submit any privileged or proprietary information to be treated as confidential, they should mark the envelope ‘‘Contains Confidential Information.’’ PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2014–18269 Filed 7–31–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION United States and Mexico; United States Section Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Allowing Avian Hunting in Designated Areas Along the Rio Grande ˜ Canalization Project, Sierra and Dona Ana Counties, New Mexico United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico. ACTION: Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). AGENCY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Final Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508); and the United States Section, Operational Procedures for Implementing Section 102 of NEPA, published in the Federal Register September 2, 1981, (46 FR 44083); the United States Section hereby gives notice that the Final Environmental Assessment for Allowing Avian Hunting in Designated Areas Along the Rio Grande Canalization Project, Sierra and ˜ Dona Ana Counties, New Mexico is available. A notice of the draft EA was published in the Federal Register on July 25, 2013 (Federal Register Notice, Vol. 78, No. 143, Page 44969) and provided a thirty (30) day comment period. This EA analyzed the potential impacts of allowing migratory and game bird hunting within designated areas on ˜ USIBWC property in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, along the New Mexico portion of the Rio Grande Canalization Project, which extends from Percha Dam near Arrey, New Mexico downstream to American Dam in El Paso, Texas. The designated hunting areas were modified in the Final EA in response to public comments. An environmental impact statement will not be prepared. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Verdecchia, Natural Resources Specialist, Environmental Management Division; United States Section, International Boundary and Water Commission; 4171 N. Mesa, C–100; El E:\FR\FM\01AUN1.SGM 01AUN1

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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 148 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44860-44861]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-17920]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-NCR-NACA-15266; PX.XDESC0047.00.1]


Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Antietam, Monocacy, 
Manassas White-Tailed Deer Management Plan

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality 
regulations, the National Park Service (NPS) has prepared a Final 
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the White-tailed Deer 
Management Plan (Plan), Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland; 
Monocacy National Battlefield, Maryland; and Manassas National 
Battlefield Park, Virginia. The plan would manage white-tailed deer 
populations in order to support preservation of the natural and 
cultural landscape.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Antietam National Battlefield, Monocacy 
National Battlefield, and Manassas National Battlefield Park are all 
located in the NPS National Capital Region within about an hour's drive 
from Washington, DC. The U.S. Congress set aside these park units to 
represent outstanding aspects of our natural and cultural heritage. All 
three battlefields commemorate one or more Civil War battles and the 
history associated with these battles.
    The purpose of the FEIS and Plan is to develop a deer management 
strategy that supports preservation of the natural and cultural 
landscape through the protection and restoration of native vegetation. 
Although relatively rare at the turn of the twentieth century, white-
tailed deer have grown abundant in the Mid-Atlantic region during 
recent years. Current deer densities of 130-230 deer per square mile 
are substantially larger than commonly accepted sustainable densities 
for this region, estimated at about 15-25 deer per square mile. In 
addition, the NPS needs to plan for the potential threat posed by 
chronic wasting disease (CWD), which could spread to these park units.
    The NPS has developed the FEIS under section 102(2)(C) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and consistent with laws, 
regulations, and policies applicable to NPS units, and with the 
purposes of these three parks. The FEIS describes and analyzes three 
action alternatives (B, C, and D) to guide management actions and 
strategies for white-tailed deer. The alternatives include lethal and 
non-lethal actions to manage and reduce the impacts of white-tailed 
deer. Included in the alternatives is the no-action alternative 
(alternative A), which would continue current deer management. Under 
Alternative A, the parks would also take no new actions with respect to 
CWD.
    Alternative B of the Plan provides a nonlethal deer reduction 
option to implement nonsurgical reproductive control of does when an 
acceptable reproductive control agent is available that meets NPS 
established criteria. Large constructed exclosures would also protect 
5-20% of the forested area of the parks to allow reforestation. 
Additional techniques include fencing of crops and woodlots, crop 
protection through sacrificial rows, and aversive conditioning.
    Alternative C of the Plan provides a lethal deer reduction option 
through the use of sharpshooting with firearms, possible capture and 
euthanasia to reduce deer populations to the target density and 
maintain that level. Donation of meat would also occur, subject to any 
concerns or restrictions related to CWD.
    Alternative D of the Plan provides a combined lethal and nonlethal 
deer reduction option through the use of sharpshooting with firearms, 
possible capture, and euthanasia to reduce deer populations to a 
desirable level and maintain that level. Once the target density has 
been reached, it may use nonsurgical reproductive control of does when 
an acceptable reproductive control agent is available that meets NPS 
established criteria.
    Under all three of the action alternatives (Alternatives B, C, and 
D), the parks would also implement a long-term CWD response plan. Under 
this plan, if CWD is confirmed in or within 5 miles of a park, the park 
would lethally reduce the deer population to decrease potential for CWD 
transmittal and spread. Deer populations could be reduced to 15-20 deer 
per square mile or as needed to cooperate with state programs and 
testing requirements, but would be reduced to no less than 10 deer per 
square mile. Deer will be tested for CWD.
    The FEIS evaluates potential environmental consequences of 
implementing the alternatives. Impact topics include the natural, 
cultural, and socioeconomic resources.
    The Draft EIS was released in July 2013 and was available for 
public and agency review and comment beginning with publication of the 
Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. Comments were accepted 
during the 60-day public comment period. After this public review, NPS 
revised this document in response to public comments.
    The FEIS is now available. Interested persons and organizations may 
obtain the FEIS online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/anti. A 30-day 
no-action period will follow this Notice of Availability in the Federal 
Register. After this period, the selected alternative will be 
documented in a Record of Decision that will be signed by the Regional 
Director of the National Capital Region of the NPS. Notice of approval 
of the EIS would be published

[[Page 44861]]

similarly. For further information contact Tracy Atkins at 303-969-
2325.

    Date: June 10, 2014.
Lisa A. Mendelson-Ielmini,
Acting Regional Director, National Park Service, National Capital 
Region.
[FR Doc. 2014-17920 Filed 7-31-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-DL-P

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