Availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Summary for Kern and Pixley National Wildlife Refuges, Kern and Tulare Counties, CA, 8108-8109 [05-3073]

Download as PDF 8108 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 32 / Thursday, February 17, 2005 / Notices Status of the Proposed Information Collection: Extension of currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended. Dated: February 10, 2005. Michael Liu, Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. [FR Doc. 05–3007 Filed 2–16–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–33–M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Summary for Kern and Pixley National Wildlife Refuges, Kern and Tulare Counties, CA Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Kern and Pixley Refuges’ Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Summary are available for distribution. The CCP, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act as amended, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the Service will manage the two Refuges for the next 15 years. The compatibility determinations for waterfowl hunting, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation, research, grazing and mosquito control are also available with the CCP. DATES: The Final CCP and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) are available now. The FONSI was signed on September 30, 2004. Implementation of the CCP may begin immediately. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final CCP, FONSI, or Summary may be obtained by writing to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Mark Pelz, California/ Nevada Refuge Planning Office, Room W–1916, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California, 95825. Copies of the CCP may be viewed at this address or at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters, 10811 Corcoran Road, Delano, California, 93216. The Final CCP is also available online for viewing and downloading at https:// pacific.fws.gov/planning. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Pelz, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California/Nevada Refuge Planning Office, Room W–1916, 2800 VerDate jul<14>2003 14:41 Feb 16, 2005 Jkt 205001 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California, 95825; telephone 916–414–6500; fax 916–414–6512. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Kern National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southern portion of California’s San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County. It was established in 1960, to provide wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Kern Refuge consists of a 11,249-acre unit, owned by the Service. Kern Refuge’s seasonal wetlands are an important wintering area for Pacific Flyway waterfowl and a popular destination for southern California hunters. The Refuge’s grassland, alkali scrub, and riparian communities support four endangered species and several other special status species. Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is located northeast of Kern Refuge in Tulare County. Pixley Refuge was set aside in 1959, to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds. Later, it was expanded to protect habitat for the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard and Tipton kangaroo rat. The Pixley Refuge acquisition boundary contains about 10,300 acres, of which, about 62 percent is owned by the Federal government. Pixley Refuge protects mostly grassland and smaller amounts of alkali playa, saltbush scrub, vernal pools, and riparian habitats. Pixley Refuge also has 756 acres of moist soil wetlands that are managed for wintering waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and other migratory birds. The availability of the Draft CCP and Environmental Assessment (EA) for a 30-day public review and comment period was published in the Federal Register on Friday, June 25, 2004 in Volume 69, Number 122. The Draft CCP/EA identified and evaluated four alternatives for managing the Refuges for the next 15 years. Alternative A was the no-action alternative which described current Refuge management activities. Under Alternative B, improvements at Kern Refuge would have focused on improving habitat for migratory waterfowl and increasing waterfowl hunting opportunities. Changes at Pixley Refuge under Alternative B would have focused on improving and expanding the Refuge’s existing threatened and endangered species management and environmental education and interpretation programs. Under Alternative C (the selected plan), Kern Refuge’s focus will continue to emphasize providing wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds, and also contributing to the recovery of PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 targeted special status species. Management programs for all wildlifedependant public uses will improve and expand. Changes at Pixley Refuge under Alternative C will be similar to those under Alternative B with additional improvements in sandhill crane management. Under Alternative D, management of both Kern and Pixley Refuges would have changed to maximize native biodiversity. The Service would have substantially modified management of moist soil units at both Refuges to encourage native waterfowl food plants and improve habitat for shorebirds. The Service received thirteen comment letters on the Draft CCP and EA. The comments received were incorporated into the CCP, when appropriate, and are responded to in an appendix to the CCP. Alternative C was selected for implementation and is the basis for the Final CCP. With the management program described in the Final CCP, the Service will continue existing management of moist soil units at Kern and Pixley Refuges and seasonal marsh units at Kern Refuge. In addition, the Service will rehabilitate 1,330 acres of seasonal marsh units at Kern Refuge to improve habitat conditions and water management efficiency. One of the objectives of the CCP is eradicating 90 percent of the salt cedar on Kern Refuge within five years, using flooding and mechanical removal. To provide sanctuary for wintering birds and other wildlife, the existing flexible closed zone will be maintained. Pixley Refuge will remain closed to hunting. The Service will continue to maintain water through most of the summer in the eastern portion of unit 1 to provide nesting habitat for tricolor blackbirds, white-faced ibis, and other colonial nesting birds. In addition, a 272-acre grain unit will be developed on Pixley Refuge to provide forging habitat for sandhill cranes and geese. Under the selected plan, the Service will continue to use cattle grazing on Kern and Pixley Refuge’s upland habitats as a vegetation management tool to improve conditions for the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard and Tipton kangaroo rat. In addition, a grassland management plan will be developed that will explore various options for managing plant cover and improving habitat conditions for these two species. The Service will also pursue acquisition of the remaining natural lands within Pixley Refuge’s approved boundary from willing sellers. The Service will continue to maintain 215 acres of existing riparian habitat at Kern Refuge by periodically flooding it. E:\FR\FM\17FEN1.SGM 17FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 32 / Thursday, February 17, 2005 / Notices In addition, the Service will plant and maintain 15 acres of new riparian habitat at Kern Refuge and 10 acres at Pixley Refuge. Herbicides will be used to treat salt cedar on Kern Refuge through foliar spray or cut stump application with a goal of removing 90 percent within 10 years. In addition, the Service will restore 400 acres of valley sink scrub on Kern Refuge. Under the selected plan, hunting opportunities at Kern Refuge will be increased by opening an additional 540 acres to hunting, and constructing nine new hunting blinds. Other new visitor services projects at Kern Refuge include: developing new interpretive signs and displays, and a new refuge brochure; enhancing the pond at the refuge entrance and constructing a new kiosk and boardwalk; constructing a new 4.3mile tour route (open every day); and constructing two new photo blinds. In addition, the environmental education program will be expanded and a visitor services plan will be developed. At Pixley Refuge, a new wildlife viewing area and interpretive displays will be constructed on the Turkey Tract adjacent to State Highway 43. Full implementation of the selected plan will be subject to available funding and staffing. Dated: February 11, 2005. Steve Thompson, Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office, Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. 05–3073 Filed 2–16–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P Bureau of Land Management [NMNM 91985, NMNM 91986] Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Public land order. This order withdraws 140 acres of National Forest System lands from location and entry under the United States mining laws for 20 years to protect the Gallinas Peak and West Turkey Cone Electronic Sites. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 17, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Irene Gonzales, BLM Roswell Field Office, 2909 West Second Street, Roswell, New Mexico 88201, 505–627– 0287. SUMMARY: 14:41 Feb 16, 2005 Cibola National Forest New Mexico Principal Meridian Gallinas Peak Electronic Site T. 1 S., R.11 E., Sec. 4, S1⁄2SW1⁄4NW1⁄4SE1⁄4, N1⁄2SW1⁄4SE1⁄4, S1⁄2NE1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4, and W1⁄2SE1⁄4SE1⁄4; Sec. 9, NW1⁄4NE1⁄4NE1⁄4. West Turkey Cone Electronic Site T. 1 S., R. 11 E., Sec. 4, S1⁄2S1⁄2NE1⁄4SW1⁄4, N1⁄2SW1⁄4SW1⁄4, N1⁄2S1⁄2SW1⁄4SW1⁄4, and W1⁄2NW1⁄4SE1⁄4SW1⁄4; Sec. 5, S1⁄2S1⁄2NE1⁄4SE1⁄4, E1⁄2SE1⁄4SE1⁄4, and N1⁄2NW1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4. The areas described aggregate 140 acres in Lincoln County. 2. This withdrawal will expire 20 years from the effective date of this order unless, as a result of a review conducted before the expiration date pursuant to section 204(f) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, 43 U.S.C. 1714(f) (2000), the Secretary determines that the withdrawal shall be extended. BILLING CODE 3410–11–P Public Land Order No. 7625; Withdrawal of National Forest System Lands for the Gallinas Peak and West Turkey Cone Electronic Sites; New Mexico VerDate jul<14>2003 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 (2000), it is ordered as follows: 1. Subject to valid existing rights, the following described National Forest System lands are hereby withdrawn from location and entry under the United States mining laws, 30 U.S.C. ch. 2 (2000), to protect the Gallinas Peak and West Turkey Cone Electronic Sites: Dated: January 24, 2005. Rebecca W. Watson, Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Management. [FR Doc. 05–3053 Filed 2–16–05; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AGENCY: Order Jkt 205001 INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [USITC SE–05–005] Sunshine Act Meeting AGENCY HOLDING THE MEETING: International Trade Commission. TIME AND DATE: March 3, 2005 at 11 a.m. PLACE: Room 101, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, Telephone: (202) 205–2000. STATUS: Open to the public. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: 1. Agenda for future meetings: none. 2. Minutes. 3. Ratification List. 4. Inv. No. 731–TA–1089 (Preliminary) (Certain Orange Juice from PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8109 Brazil)—briefing and vote. (The Commission is currently scheduled to transmit its determination to the Secretary of Commerce on March 7, 2005; Commissioners’ opinions are currently scheduled to be transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce on or before March 14, 2005.) 5. Outstanding action jackets: none. In accordance with Commission policy, subject matter listed above, not disposed of at the scheduled meeting, may be carried over to the agenda of the following meeting. Issued: February 14, 2005. By order of the Commission. Marilyn R. Abbott, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. 05–3145 Filed 2–15–05; 11:12 am] BILLING CODE 7020–02–P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Notice of Lodging Proposed Consent Decree In accordance with Departmental Policy, 28 CFR 50.7, notice is hereby given that a proposed consent decree in United States v. Demetra Arvanitis, et al., (Case No. 02 C 50371, was lodged with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 7, 2005. This proposed Consent Decree concerns a complaint filed by the United States against the Defendants pursuant to Section 301(a) of the Clean Water Act (‘‘CWA’’), 33 U.S.C. 1311(a), to obtain injunctive relief from and impose civil penalties against the Defendants for filling wetlands on their property without a permit. The proposed Consent Decree requires the defendants to pay a civil penalty, pay for wetland restoration, and donate the wetland property to a local conservation district. The Department of Justice will accept written comments relating to this proposed Consent Decree for thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice. Please address comments to Jonathan Haile, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s office, 5th Floor, 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604 and refer to United States v. Demetra Arvanitis, et. al., Case No. 02 C 50371, including the USAO # 1999V01339. The proposed Consent Decree may be examined at the Clerk’s Office, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois. In addition, the proposed Consent Decree may be E:\FR\FM\17FEN1.SGM 17FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 32 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8108-8109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3073]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and 
Summary for Kern and Pixley National Wildlife Refuges, Kern and Tulare 
Counties, CA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Kern and 
Pixley Refuges' Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Summary 
are available for distribution. The CCP, prepared pursuant to the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act as amended, and in 
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 
describes how the Service will manage the two Refuges for the next 15 
years. The compatibility determinations for waterfowl hunting, wildlife 
observation and photography, environmental education and 
interpretation, research, grazing and mosquito control are also 
available with the CCP.

DATES: The Final CCP and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) are 
available now. The FONSI was signed on September 30, 2004. 
Implementation of the CCP may begin immediately.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final CCP, FONSI, or Summary may be obtained 
by writing to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Mark Pelz, 
California/Nevada Refuge Planning Office, Room W-1916, 2800 Cottage 
Way, Sacramento, California, 95825. Copies of the CCP may be viewed at 
this address or at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex 
Headquarters, 10811 Corcoran Road, Delano, California, 93216. The Final 
CCP is also available online for viewing and downloading at https://
pacific.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Pelz, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, California/Nevada Refuge Planning Office, Room W-1916, 2800 
Cottage Way, Sacramento, California, 95825; telephone 916-414-6500; fax 
916-414-6512.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Kern National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southern portion of 
California's San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County. It was established in 
1960, to provide wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory 
birds in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Kern Refuge consists of a 
11,249-acre unit, owned by the Service. Kern Refuge's seasonal wetlands 
are an important wintering area for Pacific Flyway waterfowl and a 
popular destination for southern California hunters. The Refuge's 
grassland, alkali scrub, and riparian communities support four 
endangered species and several other special status species.
    Pixley National Wildlife Refuge is located northeast of Kern Refuge 
in Tulare County. Pixley Refuge was set aside in 1959, to provide 
wintering habitat for migratory birds. Later, it was expanded to 
protect habitat for the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard and 
Tipton kangaroo rat. The Pixley Refuge acquisition boundary contains 
about 10,300 acres, of which, about 62 percent is owned by the Federal 
government. Pixley Refuge protects mostly grassland and smaller amounts 
of alkali playa, saltbush scrub, vernal pools, and riparian habitats. 
Pixley Refuge also has 756 acres of moist soil wetlands that are 
managed for wintering waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and other migratory 
birds.
    The availability of the Draft CCP and Environmental Assessment (EA) 
for a 30-day public review and comment period was published in the 
Federal Register on Friday, June 25, 2004 in Volume 69, Number 122. The 
Draft CCP/EA identified and evaluated four alternatives for managing 
the Refuges for the next 15 years. Alternative A was the no-action 
alternative which described current Refuge management activities. Under 
Alternative B, improvements at Kern Refuge would have focused on 
improving habitat for migratory waterfowl and increasing waterfowl 
hunting opportunities. Changes at Pixley Refuge under Alternative B 
would have focused on improving and expanding the Refuge's existing 
threatened and endangered species management and environmental 
education and interpretation programs. Under Alternative C (the 
selected plan), Kern Refuge's focus will continue to emphasize 
providing wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds, 
and also contributing to the recovery of targeted special status 
species. Management programs for all wildlife-dependant public uses 
will improve and expand. Changes at Pixley Refuge under Alternative C 
will be similar to those under Alternative B with additional 
improvements in sandhill crane management. Under Alternative D, 
management of both Kern and Pixley Refuges would have changed to 
maximize native biodiversity. The Service would have substantially 
modified management of moist soil units at both Refuges to encourage 
native waterfowl food plants and improve habitat for shorebirds.
    The Service received thirteen comment letters on the Draft CCP and 
EA. The comments received were incorporated into the CCP, when 
appropriate, and are responded to in an appendix to the CCP. 
Alternative C was selected for implementation and is the basis for the 
Final CCP.
    With the management program described in the Final CCP, the Service 
will continue existing management of moist soil units at Kern and 
Pixley Refuges and seasonal marsh units at Kern Refuge. In addition, 
the Service will rehabilitate 1,330 acres of seasonal marsh units at 
Kern Refuge to improve habitat conditions and water management 
efficiency. One of the objectives of the CCP is eradicating 90 percent 
of the salt cedar on Kern Refuge within five years, using flooding and 
mechanical removal. To provide sanctuary for wintering birds and other 
wildlife, the existing flexible closed zone will be maintained. Pixley 
Refuge will remain closed to hunting. The Service will continue to 
maintain water through most of the summer in the eastern portion of 
unit 1 to provide nesting habitat for tricolor blackbirds, white-faced 
ibis, and other colonial nesting birds. In addition, a 272-acre grain 
unit will be developed on Pixley Refuge to provide forging habitat for 
sandhill cranes and geese.
    Under the selected plan, the Service will continue to use cattle 
grazing on Kern and Pixley Refuge's upland habitats as a vegetation 
management tool to improve conditions for the endangered blunt-nosed 
leopard lizard and Tipton kangaroo rat. In addition, a grassland 
management plan will be developed that will explore various options for 
managing plant cover and improving habitat conditions for these two 
species. The Service will also pursue acquisition of the remaining 
natural lands within Pixley Refuge's approved boundary from willing 
sellers.
    The Service will continue to maintain 215 acres of existing 
riparian habitat at Kern Refuge by periodically flooding it.

[[Page 8109]]

In addition, the Service will plant and maintain 15 acres of new 
riparian habitat at Kern Refuge and 10 acres at Pixley Refuge. 
Herbicides will be used to treat salt cedar on Kern Refuge through 
foliar spray or cut stump application with a goal of removing 90 
percent within 10 years. In addition, the Service will restore 400 
acres of valley sink scrub on Kern Refuge.
    Under the selected plan, hunting opportunities at Kern Refuge will 
be increased by opening an additional 540 acres to hunting, and 
constructing nine new hunting blinds. Other new visitor services 
projects at Kern Refuge include: developing new interpretive signs and 
displays, and a new refuge brochure; enhancing the pond at the refuge 
entrance and constructing a new kiosk and boardwalk; constructing a new 
4.3-mile tour route (open every day); and constructing two new photo 
blinds. In addition, the environmental education program will be 
expanded and a visitor services plan will be developed. At Pixley 
Refuge, a new wildlife viewing area and interpretive displays will be 
constructed on the Turkey Tract adjacent to State Highway 43. Full 
implementation of the selected plan will be subject to available 
funding and staffing.

    Dated: February 11, 2005.
Steve Thompson,
Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office, Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Sacramento, California.
[FR Doc. 05-3073 Filed 2-16-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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