Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment, 56090-56091 [2014-21667]

Download as PDF 56090 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 181 / Thursday, September 18, 2014 / Notices Refuge would remain closed to the public. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Selected Alternative for Each Refuge asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES During the review period for the draft CCP and EA, we received 13 letters containing over 85 comments. Comments focused on land tenure, Colorado River water history, water rights, water levels in the Salton Sea, groundwater availability in the Coachella Valley, cultural resource protection, water quality, geothermal development, restoration of Red Hill Bay, protection of nesting western gullbilled terns, and restoration and management of the Salton Sea. We incorporated comments we received into the CCP when appropriate, and we responded to the comments in an appendix to the CCP. In the FONSI, we selected Alternative B (restore and enhance habitat quality; expand opportunities for wildlife observation, environmental education, and interpretation) for implementation on the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR and Alternative B (expand management actions to support listed and sensitive species; expand public outreach) for implementation on the Coachella Valley NWR. The FONSI documents our decision and is based on information and analysis contained in the EA. The alternative we selected for each of the Refuges within the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR Complex was determined to be the alternative that would most effectively achieve Refuge purposes, goals, and objectives; contribute to the National Wildlife Refuge System mission; and be consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife management. Implementation of the selected alternative will be subject to the availability of funding and other resources, and may occur incrementally over the life of the 15-year plan. Based on the associated EA, the selected alternatives are not expected to result in significant environmental impacts and therefore do not require the preparation of an environmental impact statement. Alexandra Pitts, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. 2014–22272 Filed 9–17–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:27 Sep 17, 2014 Jkt 232001 [FWS–R1–R–2013–N221; 12560–0000–10137 S3] Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) for the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR or Refuge). In this CCP, we describe how we will manage the Refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the CCP and FONSI by any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy or a CD of the document. Agency Web Site: Download the CCP and FONSI at www.fws.gov/pacific/ planning or www.fws.gov/refuge/Rose_ Atoll/what_we_do/planning.html. Email: FW1PlanningComments@ fws.gov. Include ‘‘Rose Atoll NWR CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. Fax: Attn: Project Leader, (808) 792– 9586. Mail: Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 5–231, Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96813. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Marine National Monument, c/o National Park Service, Pago Pago, AS 96799. For more information on locations for viewing or obtaining documents, see ‘‘Public Availability of Documents’’ under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan White, Project Leader, phone (808) 792–9481. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Refuge. We started this process with a notice of intent published in the Federal Register (74 FR 57701; November 9, 2009). We released the Draft CCP/EA to the public in a notice of availability requesting comments published in the Federal Register (77 FR 61426; October 9, 2012). We announce the availability of the FONSI for the CCP/EA in accordance PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 with National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment in the Draft CCP/EA. Rose Atoll NWR, located in American Samoa, was established in 1973 to conserve and protect fish and wildlife resources. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative B in the Draft CCP/EA was selected for implementation. To address public comments received on the Draft CCP/ EA, changes and clarifications were made to the Final CCP where appropriate. A summary of the public comments we received is included in the Final CCP with our responses. Background The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (together referred to as the Refuge Administration Act) and other acts, 16 U.S.C. 668dd– 668ee, requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. We develop a CCP to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the National Wildlife Refuge System’s mission, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our policies. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act. Selected Alternative Under the selected alternative, refuge management will emphasize protecting, restoring and maintaining habitats including the lagoon, perimeter crustose coralline algal reef, ava (channel), beach strand, and littoral forest, as well as species that rely on these habitats (e.g., corals, fish, seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles, native plants, giant clams, and other invertebrates). Strategies for accomplishing the above include developing monitoring protocols, installing a remote camera system, increasing surveys, implementing a rapid response program to control existing and prevent new nonnative species, restoring native plants, and increasing applied research. Increasing the frequency of management trips to the Refuge and strengthening partnerships with the American Samoa Government, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and other partners are key components of our management direction. More frequent E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 181 / Thursday, September 18, 2014 / Notices visits will allow for improved law enforcement oversight and compliance. In addition to monitoring atoll species, a remote camera system will also provide better management and documentation of any unauthorized entry to the Refuge. The Refuge will remain closed to the general public, with entry only allowed via special use permit. Refuge staff will provide outreach and interpretation opportunities and develop an environmental education program focusing on ‘‘bringing the refuge to the people.’’ Appropriate cultural practices will also be facilitated through expanding refuge management activities related to cultural resources. We will work with the American Samoa Historical Preservation Office and other partners to conduct archaeological surveys at Rose Atoll NWR, integrate cultural resources into interpretation, and increase dialogue with the Office of Samoan Affairs and local villagers, among other activities. Public Availability of Documents In addition to any methods in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain documents at the Feleti Barstow Public Library, National Park Office in Ofu, the High School in Ta’u and other places of public access in American Samoa. Dated: July 30, 2014. Stephen J. Zylstra, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2014–21667 Filed 9–17–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request National Science Foundation. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request. AGENCY: ACTION: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104– 13 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is inviting the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on this proposed continuing information collection. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 79 FR 26779 and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice. The full submission may be asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:27 Sep 17, 2014 Jkt 232001 found at: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/ do/PRAMain. DATES: Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by OMB within 30 days of publication in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of NSF’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; or (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725—17th Street, NW. Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling (703) 292–7556. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, NSF Reports Clearance Officer at (703) 292–7556 or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877– 8339, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including Federal holidays). An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: Graduate Research Fellowship Application. OMB Control No.: 3145–0023. Abstract: Section 10 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), as amended, states that ‘‘The Foundation is authorized to award, within the limits of funds made PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56091 available . . . scholarships and graduate fellowships for scientific study or scientific work in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, social, and other sciences at accredited U.S. institutions selected by the recipient of such aid, for stated periods of time.’’ The Graduate Research Fellowship Program has two goals: • To select, recognize, and financially support individuals early in their careers with the demonstrated potential to be high achieving scientists and engineers; • To broaden participation in science and engineering of underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans. The list of GRFP Fellows sponsored by the Foundation may be found via FastLane through the NSF Web site: https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov. The GRF Program is described in the Solicitation available at: https://www.nsf.gov/ publications/pub_summ.jsp?WT.z_ pims_id=6201&ods_key=nsf14590. Estimate of Burden: This is an annual application program providing three years of support to individuals, usable over a five-year fellowship period. The application deadline is in early November. It is estimated that each submission is averaged to be 16 hours per respondent, which includes three references (on average) for each application. It is estimated that it takes two hours per reference for each applicant. Respondents: Individuals. Estimated Number of Responses: 15,000. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 240,000 hours. Frequency of Responses: Annually. Dated: September 12, 2014. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 2014–22241 Filed 9–17–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Request for Information (RFI)— National Privacy Research Strategy The National Coordination Office (NCO) for Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tomas Vagoun at vagoun@nitrd.gov or (703) 292–4873. DATES: To be considered, submissions must be received no later than October 17, 2014. E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 181 (Thursday, September 18, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56090-56091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21667]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2013-N221; 12560-0000-10137 S3]


Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa; 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact 
for Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of our comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding 
of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) 
for the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR or Refuge). In this 
CCP, we describe how we will manage the Refuge for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the CCP and FONSI by any of 
the following methods. You may request a hard copy or a CD of the 
document.
    Agency Web Site: Download the CCP and FONSI at www.fws.gov/pacific/planning or www.fws.gov/refuge/RoseAtoll/
whatwedo/planning.html.
    Email: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``Rose Atoll NWR CCP'' 
in the subject line of the message.
    Fax: Attn: Project Leader, (808) 792-9586.
    Mail: Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana 
Boulevard, Room 5-231, Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96813.
    In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/
Marine National Monument, c/o National Park Service, Pago Pago, AS 
96799.
    For more information on locations for viewing or obtaining 
documents, see ``Public Availability of Documents'' under SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan White, Project Leader, phone 
(808) 792-9481.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Refuge. We 
started this process with a notice of intent published in the Federal 
Register (74 FR 57701; November 9, 2009). We released the Draft CCP/EA 
to the public in a notice of availability requesting comments published 
in the Federal Register (77 FR 61426; October 9, 2012).
    We announce the availability of the FONSI for the CCP/EA in 
accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) 
requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human 
environment in the Draft CCP/EA.
    Rose Atoll NWR, located in American Samoa, was established in 1973 
to conserve and protect fish and wildlife resources. The CCP will guide 
us in managing and administering the Refuge for the next 15 years. 
Alternative B in the Draft CCP/EA was selected for implementation. To 
address public comments received on the Draft CCP/EA, changes and 
clarifications were made to the Final CCP where appropriate. A summary 
of the public comments we received is included in the Final CCP with 
our responses.

Background

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as 
amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 
(together referred to as the Refuge Administration Act) and other acts, 
16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, requires us to develop a CCP for each national 
wildlife refuge. We develop a CCP to provide refuge managers with a 15-
year plan for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the 
National Wildlife Refuge System's mission, consistent with sound 
principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal 
mandates, and our policies. We will review and update the CCP at least 
every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act.

Selected Alternative

    Under the selected alternative, refuge management will emphasize 
protecting, restoring and maintaining habitats including the lagoon, 
perimeter crustose coralline algal reef, ava (channel), beach strand, 
and littoral forest, as well as species that rely on these habitats 
(e.g., corals, fish, seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles, native plants, 
giant clams, and other invertebrates). Strategies for accomplishing the 
above include developing monitoring protocols, installing a remote 
camera system, increasing surveys, implementing a rapid response 
program to control existing and prevent new nonnative species, 
restoring native plants, and increasing applied research.
    Increasing the frequency of management trips to the Refuge and 
strengthening partnerships with the American Samoa Government, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, U.S. 
Geological Survey, and other partners are key components of our 
management direction. More frequent

[[Page 56091]]

visits will allow for improved law enforcement oversight and 
compliance. In addition to monitoring atoll species, a remote camera 
system will also provide better management and documentation of any 
unauthorized entry to the Refuge. The Refuge will remain closed to the 
general public, with entry only allowed via special use permit.
    Refuge staff will provide outreach and interpretation opportunities 
and develop an environmental education program focusing on ``bringing 
the refuge to the people.'' Appropriate cultural practices will also be 
facilitated through expanding refuge management activities related to 
cultural resources. We will work with the American Samoa Historical 
Preservation Office and other partners to conduct archaeological 
surveys at Rose Atoll NWR, integrate cultural resources into 
interpretation, and increase dialogue with the Office of Samoan Affairs 
and local villagers, among other activities.

Public Availability of Documents

    In addition to any methods in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain 
documents at the Feleti Barstow Public Library, National Park Office in 
Ofu, the High School in Ta'u and other places of public access in 
American Samoa.

    Dated: July 30, 2014.
Stephen J. Zylstra,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2014-21667 Filed 9-17-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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