Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, 9279-9280 [2015-03523]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 34 / Friday, February 20, 2015 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2013–N279; 1265–0000–10137– S3] Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce that our final comprehensive conservation plan and environmental impact statement (CCP/EIS) for the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is available. In the final CCP/EIS, we describe how we propose to manage the Refuge for 15 years. DATES: We will complete a record of decision 30 days after publication of this notice. ADDRESSES: The libraries providing public viewing of the final CCP/EIS are listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. You may view, obtain, or request CD–ROM copies of the final CCP/EIS by the following methods. Web site: https://www.fws.gov/deerflat/ refugeplanning.html. Email: deerflat@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Deer Flat Refuge draft CCP/EIS’’ in the subject line of the message. Fax: Attn: Refuge Manager, 208–467– 1019. U.S. Mail: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 13751 Upper Embankment Road, Nampa, ID 83686. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 208–467–9278 to make an appointment during regular business hours at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Refuge Manager, 208–467–9278 (phone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Introduction With this notice, we announce the availability of the Refuge’s final CCP/ EIS in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 40 CFR 1506.6(b) requirements. We started this process through a notice published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2010 (75 FR 41232). We released the draft CCP/EIS to the public, and requested public comments, in a notice of availability published in the Federal Register on March 15, 2013 (78 FR 16526). We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Feb 19, 2015 Jkt 235001 environment in the final CCP/EIS, and responded to public comments. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge for 15 years. Alternative 2, as we described in the Final CCP/EIS, is our preferred alternative. Background The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee (Refuge Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 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 (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, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act. CCP/EIS Alternatives We evaluated four alternatives for managing Deer Flat Refuge; Alternative 2 is our preferred alternative. Based on feedback on the draft CCP/EIS, some modifications have been made to Alternative 2 and are summarized below. A full description of all alternatives, including changes to our preferred alternative, can be found in the final CCP/EIS at the sources identified in ADDRESSES. Changes to Alternative 2 D A youth waterfowl hunt would be opened in all waterfowl hunt zones. D Ice fishing would be allowed in Fishing Areas A and B within 200 yards of the dams, subject to areas posted by the Bureau of Reclamation. D Sailing regattas would be allowed on Lake Lowell in April and May with stipulations. D Swimming would be encouraged in designated areas, and would continue to be allowed elsewhere in Lake Lowell with stipulations. D Organized group events (e.g., weddings, reunions) that are not PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9279 wildlife-dependent would be allowed at the Lower Dam Recreation Area with stipulations. Other Features of Alternative 2 Under Alternative 2, we would emphasize connecting families to nature by providing access to new recreational facilities and programs on the Refuge such as developing a visitor contact station, new trails, and a platform for fishing and wildlife observation at the Lower Dam Recreation Area. Nearly all existing upland and on-water recreation would continue. Fishing access would be promoted, and wildlife interpretation would be emphasized and integrated into all Refuge visitor activities. Other compatible wildlife-dependent public uses would continue, including wildlife observation, and waterfowl and upland game hunting. Gotts Point would be opened for automobiles after we complete a law enforcement cooperative agreement with Canyon County. Activities would be managed to protect wildlife, reduce conflicts between uses, and increase safety. Alternative 2 also includes protections and enhancements for Refuge wildlife. Seasonally closed areas and no-wake zones on Lake Lowell would protect heron rookeries, eagle nests, and grebe nesting colonies, and shoreline feeding and nesting habitats. Motorized boats would be allowed in no-wake zones, at speeds that do not create a wake (generally 5 mph or slower). The lake would continue to be closed October 1–April 14 each year. The no-wake zone on the lake’s southeast end would expand to include Gotts Point. A no-wake zone would be added in the Narrows, and a 200-yard no-wake zone would be added along the lake’s south side between Parking Lots 1 and 8. Habitat enhancement would increase. We would implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan to conduct more intensive and targeted invasive species removal and vegetation manipulation. We would increase wildlife and habitat research and assessments, to build a strong scientific base for future management decisions. On the Snake River Islands Unit, we would increase wildlife inventory and monitoring under Alternative 2, and implement an IPM plan to control invasive species and restore habitat. We would prioritize the islands’ management needs and manage accordingly. Management techniques would include prescribed fire and aerial application of herbicide and seed. Island closure dates would be adjusted to better protect nesting geese, wading birds, gulls, and terns. E:\FR\FM\20FEN1.SGM 20FEN1 9280 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 34 / Friday, February 20, 2015 / Notices Existing compatible public uses provided on the islands, including wildlife observation, deer hunting, and hunting for upland species and waterfowl, would continue on more than 1,200 acres. Most of the islands would be open for off-trail/free-roam activities June 15-January 31, including shoreline fishing. Heron and gullnesting islands (4–6 islands) would be open for free-roam activities July 1January 31. Public Availability of Documents Review the CCP/EIS at the following libraries, and sources under ADDRESSES. D Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St, Caldwell, ID 83605. D Homedale Public Library, 125 W Owyhee Ave, Homedale, ID 83628. D Lizard Butte District Library, 111 3rd Ave W, Marsing, ID 83639. D Nampa Public Library, 101 11th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651. D Payette Public Library, 24 S 10th St, Payette, ID 83661. D Ada County District Library, 10664 W Victory Rd, Boise, ID 83709. Comments We received comments on the draft CCP/EIS from 170 agencies, organizations, and individuals, and a petition with 426 signatures. We addressed the comments in the final CCP/EIS by making changes and clarifications to Alternative 2 as appropriate. The changes are explained in the final CCP/EIS, in Appendix H Public Involvement. Dated: February 11, 2015. Richard Hannan, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2015–03523 Filed 2–19–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [14XF5020LA FF01R05000 FVRS 8451 01 0000 0; IDI–29793] Public Land Order No. 7830; Extension of Public Land Order No. 7130; Idaho Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Public land order. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Idaho, which would otherwise expire on March 30, 2015. DATES: Effective Date: March 31, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cartwright, BLM Idaho State Office, 208–962–3680. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to reach the Bureau of Land Management contact. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. The purpose for which the withdrawal was first made requires this extension in order to continue to protect and reserve the lands for use as an administrative site—the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grays Lake Refuge Headquarters. The withdrawal extended by this order will expire on March 30, 2035, unless, as a result of a review conducted prior to the expiration date pursuant to Section 204(f) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, (43 U.S.C. 1714 (f)), the Secretary determines that the withdrawal shall be further extended. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Order By virtue of the authority vested in the Secretary of the Interior by Section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, (43 U.S.C. 1714), it is ordered as follows: Public Land Order No. 7130 (60 FR 16585 (1995)), which transferred jurisdiction of 37.5 acres of public land withdrawn from settlement, sale, location or entry under the public land laws, including the United States mining laws, but not the mineral leasing laws, from the U.S. Forest Service to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife in order to protect the Grays Lake Refuge Headquarters, is hereby extended until March 30, 2035. Dated: February 7, 2015. Janice M. Schneider, Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. 2015–03508 Filed 2–19–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P This order extends Public Land Order No. 7130 for an additional 20-year period. This extension is necessary to continue to protect and reserve the lands for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grays Lake Refuge Headquarters in Bonneville County, SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Feb 19, 2015 Jkt 235001 Jeff PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Energy Management [Docket No. BOEM–2014–0078; MMAA104000] Outer Continental Shelf, Alaska OCS Region, Chukchi Sea Planning Area, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability of a Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. AGENCY: BOEM is announcing the availability of a Final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Chukchi Sea Planning Area, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 (Lease Sale 193). The Final Second SEIS (OCS EIS/EA BOEM 2014–669) provides new analysis in accordance with the United States District Court for the District of Alaska (District Court) Order remanding Lease Sale 193 to BOEM. The District Court’s order instructs BOEM to address the deficiency in the 2007 Final EIS (OCS EIS/EA MMS 2007–026) identified by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Ninth Circuit). The Ninth Circuit held that the EIS supporting the decision to hold Lease Sale 193 arbitrarily relied on a one billion barrel oil production estimate. The Final Second SEIS provides a revised exploration and development scenario and an accompanying analysis of potential impacts of the proposed action alternatives. The Final Second SEIS identifies Alternative IV (Corridor II Deferral) as BOEM’s preferred alternative. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Chukchi Sea OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 was held in February 2008. The Minerals Management Service (MMS) (predecessor to BOEM) received high bids totaling approximately $2.7 billion and issued 487 leases. The lease sale decision was challenged in the District Court. In 2010, the District Court remanded the case to the agency to remedy deficiencies pertaining to the agency’s compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). BOEM released a Final SEIS in August 2011 and the Secretary of the Interior reaffirmed the lease sale in October 2011. In February 2012, the District Court ruled the Department of the Interior had met its NEPA obligations on remand. In April 2012, the plaintiffs appealed the District Court’s decision to the Ninth Circuit. In a January 22, 2014, opinion, the Ninth Circuit found MMS’ ‘‘reliance in SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\20FEN1.SGM 20FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 34 (Friday, February 20, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9279-9280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03523]



[[Page 9279]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2013-N279; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and 
Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Final Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 
that our final comprehensive conservation plan and environmental impact 
statement (CCP/EIS) for the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) 
is available. In the final CCP/EIS, we describe how we propose to 
manage the Refuge for 15 years.

DATES: We will complete a record of decision 30 days after publication 
of this notice.

ADDRESSES: The libraries providing public viewing of the final CCP/EIS 
are listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. You may view, obtain, or 
request CD-ROM copies of the final CCP/EIS by the following methods.
    Web site: https://www.fws.gov/deerflat/refugeplanning.html.
    Email: deerflat@fws.gov. Include ``Deer Flat Refuge draft CCP/EIS'' 
in the subject line of the message.
    Fax: Attn: Refuge Manager, 208-467-1019.
    U.S. Mail: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 13751 Upper 
Embankment Road, Nampa, ID 83686.
    In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 208-467-9278 to make an 
appointment during regular business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Refuge Manager, 208-467-9278 (phone).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we announce the availability of the Refuge's 
final CCP/EIS in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) 40 CFR 1506.6(b) requirements. We started this process through a 
notice published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2010 (75 FR 
41232). We released the draft CCP/EIS to the public, and requested 
public comments, in a notice of availability published in the Federal 
Register on March 15, 2013 (78 FR 16526). We completed a thorough 
analysis of impacts on the human environment in the final CCP/EIS, and 
responded to public comments.
    The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge for 
15 years. Alternative 2, as we described in the Final CCP/EIS, is our 
preferred alternative.

Background

The CCP Process

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee (Refuge Administration Act), as amended by the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 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 (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 and 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Refuge Administration Act.

CCP/EIS Alternatives

    We evaluated four alternatives for managing Deer Flat Refuge; 
Alternative 2 is our preferred alternative. Based on feedback on the 
draft CCP/EIS, some modifications have been made to Alternative 2 and 
are summarized below. A full description of all alternatives, including 
changes to our preferred alternative, can be found in the final CCP/EIS 
at the sources identified in ADDRESSES.

Changes to Alternative 2

    [ssquf] A youth waterfowl hunt would be opened in all waterfowl 
hunt zones.
    [ssquf] Ice fishing would be allowed in Fishing Areas A and B 
within 200 yards of the dams, subject to areas posted by the Bureau of 
Reclamation.
    [ssquf] Sailing regattas would be allowed on Lake Lowell in April 
and May with stipulations.
    [ssquf] Swimming would be encouraged in designated areas, and would 
continue to be allowed elsewhere in Lake Lowell with stipulations.
    [ssquf] Organized group events (e.g., weddings, reunions) that are 
not wildlife-dependent would be allowed at the Lower Dam Recreation 
Area with stipulations.

Other Features of Alternative 2

    Under Alternative 2, we would emphasize connecting families to 
nature by providing access to new recreational facilities and programs 
on the Refuge such as developing a visitor contact station, new trails, 
and a platform for fishing and wildlife observation at the Lower Dam 
Recreation Area. Nearly all existing upland and on-water recreation 
would continue. Fishing access would be promoted, and wildlife 
interpretation would be emphasized and integrated into all Refuge 
visitor activities. Other compatible wildlife-dependent public uses 
would continue, including wildlife observation, and waterfowl and 
upland game hunting. Gotts Point would be opened for automobiles after 
we complete a law enforcement cooperative agreement with Canyon County. 
Activities would be managed to protect wildlife, reduce conflicts 
between uses, and increase safety.
    Alternative 2 also includes protections and enhancements for Refuge 
wildlife. Seasonally closed areas and no-wake zones on Lake Lowell 
would protect heron rookeries, eagle nests, and grebe nesting colonies, 
and shoreline feeding and nesting habitats. Motorized boats would be 
allowed in no-wake zones, at speeds that do not create a wake 
(generally 5 mph or slower). The lake would continue to be closed 
October 1-April 14 each year. The no-wake zone on the lake's southeast 
end would expand to include Gotts Point. A no-wake zone would be added 
in the Narrows, and a 200-yard no-wake zone would be added along the 
lake's south side between Parking Lots 1 and 8.
    Habitat enhancement would increase. We would implement an 
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan to conduct more intensive and 
targeted invasive species removal and vegetation manipulation. We would 
increase wildlife and habitat research and assessments, to build a 
strong scientific base for future management decisions.
    On the Snake River Islands Unit, we would increase wildlife 
inventory and monitoring under Alternative 2, and implement an IPM plan 
to control invasive species and restore habitat. We would prioritize 
the islands' management needs and manage accordingly. Management 
techniques would include prescribed fire and aerial application of 
herbicide and seed. Island closure dates would be adjusted to better 
protect nesting geese, wading birds, gulls, and terns.

[[Page 9280]]

    Existing compatible public uses provided on the islands, including 
wildlife observation, deer hunting, and hunting for upland species and 
waterfowl, would continue on more than 1,200 acres. Most of the islands 
would be open for off-trail/free-roam activities June 15-January 31, 
including shoreline fishing. Heron and gull-nesting islands (4-6 
islands) would be open for free-roam activities July 1-January 31.

Public Availability of Documents

    Review the CCP/EIS at the following libraries, and sources under 
ADDRESSES.
    [ssquf] Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St, Caldwell, ID 
83605.
    [ssquf] Homedale Public Library, 125 W Owyhee Ave, Homedale, ID 
83628.
    [ssquf] Lizard Butte District Library, 111 3rd Ave W, Marsing, ID 
83639.
    [ssquf] Nampa Public Library, 101 11th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651.
    [ssquf] Payette Public Library, 24 S 10th St, Payette, ID 83661.
    [ssquf] Ada County District Library, 10664 W Victory Rd, Boise, ID 
83709.

Comments

    We received comments on the draft CCP/EIS from 170 agencies, 
organizations, and individuals, and a petition with 426 signatures. We 
addressed the comments in the final CCP/EIS by making changes and 
clarifications to Alternative 2 as appropriate. The changes are 
explained in the final CCP/EIS, in Appendix H Public Involvement.

    Dated: February 11, 2015.
Richard Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2015-03523 Filed 2-19-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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