Notice of Availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, AL, 75471-75472 [05-24240]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 20, 2005 / Notices (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Information Collection Requirement Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on December 14, 2005. Lisa S. Dean, Privacy Officer. [FR Doc. E5–7557 Filed 12–19–05; 8:45 am] VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:23 Dec 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, AL Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: Title: Application for Participation in Biometric Device Performance Qualification Testing Program. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection. OMB Control Number: 1652–0031. Forms(s): Biometric Product Qualification Application Form. Affected Public: Biometric Device Manufacturers. Abstract: Section 4011—Provision for the Use of Biometric or Other Technology, of Title IV—Transportation Security, in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108–458, 118 Stat. 3638, 3712, Dec. 17, 2004), directs TSA to issue guidance for use of biometric technology in airport access control systems including a list of qualified biometric device products and vendors by March 31, 2005. In compliance, TSA has developed a process that examines the fitness of the technology for application to airport access control systems. TSA will ask biometric device manufacturers, who wish to have their devices considered for use in airport access control systems, to submit an application containing detailed information describing their devices. TSA intends to make the forms, which provide the basis for the device manufacturer’s application to this process, widely available to the interested manufacturers through ‘‘Current Announcements’’ in the ‘‘Business Opportunities’’ link within the TSA website: https://www.tsa.gov/ public. The online application will be made via that website. TSA will use the information to evaluate the products’ readiness for performance testing. Number of Respondents: 100. Estimated Annual Burden Hours: An estimated 800 hours annually. BILLING CODE 4910–62–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is available for distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and describes how the refuge will be managed for the next 15 years. The compatibility determinations for wildlife observation, photography, and hiking; swimming and beach use; recreational fishing; environmental education and interpretation; and scientific research are also available within the plan. ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be obtained by writing to Robert Cail, Refuge Manager, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, 12295 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542; or by calling 251/540–7720; fax 251/540– 7301. The plan may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service’s Web site https://southeast.fws.gov/planning/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Gulf coast of Alabama, 8 miles west of the city of Gulf Shores in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. The planning study area was divided into five separate management units along the Fort Morgan Peninsula and Little Dauphin Island. Although the refuge was established in 1980, to date, only 6,978 acres have been acquired within the 12,570-acre acquisition boundary, including the 575 acres leased from the State of Alabama. The Service has management jurisdiction along the shoreline above mean high tide, except on Little Dauphin Island, which contains 560 acres of submerged bottoms. The potential wildlife habitat values of beach/dune, maritime forest, and estuarine habitat provided the impetus to purchase the properties. Management efforts since 1985 have emphasize acquiring land, securing staff to operate the refuge, and initiating conservation programs that benefit endangered wildlife species. However, Service acquisition of key properties, such as inholdings and beach/dune PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 75471 habitat, may not be realized within the 15-year planning period due to budget constraints and landowner preferences. The five units within the acquisition boundary have a significant ‘‘edge,’’ which contributes to the predation of birds, sea turtles, and beach mice. Edge effect is the tendency of a transitional zone between communities to contain a greater variety of species and more dense populations of species than any surrounding communities. Implementing the comprehensive conservation plan will enable the refuge to fulfill its critical role in the conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources along coastal Alabama, and to provide quality environmental education and wildlifedependent recreation opportunities for refuge visitors. The Service analyzed four alternatives for managing the refuge and selected Alternative D to guide management direction over the next 15 years. Under alternative D, fishing will continue with greater emphasis on the quality of the experience. Education and interpretation will be promoted with regular programs and partnerships with local schools. Wildlife observation and photography opportunities will be expanded, including a kayak trail and observation towers, highlighting refuge management programs and unique wildlife habitats. A user fee and permit system will be implemented to facilitate night fishing at Mobile Point. Depending upon the availability of funds, a visitor center and headquarters office will be constructed, which will include space for interpretation and environmental education. Also based on the availability of funds, a biological technician, outdoor recreation planner, seasonal maintenance worker, and fulltime law enforcement officer will be added to accomplish objectives outlined in the plan. Research studies on the refuge will be fostered and partnerships developed with agencies and universities, providing needed resources and equipment sites, all while meeting the needs of the refuge’s wildlife and habitat management programs. Research will also benefit conservation efforts throughout the central Gulf coast to preserve, enhance, restore, and manage coastal barrier island habitat. New surveys on birds, reptiles, and amphibians will be initiated to develop baseline information. Under this alternative, the refuge will continue to seek acquisition of all lands within the present acquisition boundary. Pristine lands that provide quality habitat and connectivity to existing refuge lands will be priority E:\FR\FM\20DEN1.SGM 20DEN1 75472 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 20, 2005 / Notices acquisitions. Equally important acquisition tools to be used include: transfer lands, partnerships with conservation organizations, conservation easements with adjacent landowners, and leases/cooperative agreements with state agencies. Public comments were requested, considered, and incorporated throughout the planning process. Public outreach included open houses, public meetings, technical workgroups, planning update mailings, and Federal Register notices. During the comment period on the draft document, the Service received a total of 30 comments. All substantive issues raised have been addressed either through revisions of the final comprehensive conservation plan or in responses contained in the appendix dealing with public comments. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Dated: August 24, 2005. Jeffrey M. Fleming, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. 05–24240 Filed 12–19–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Issuance of Permits Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of issuance of permits for endangered species and/or marine mammals. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The following permits were issued. Documents and other information submitted with these applications are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, by any party who submits a written request for a copy of such documents to: ADDRESSES: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, Virginia 22203; fax (703) 358–2281. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Division of Management Authority, telephone (703) 358–2104. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that on the dates below, as authorized by the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and/ or the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Fish and Wildlife Service issued the requested permit(s) subject to certain conditions set forth therein. For each permit for an endangered species, the Service found that (1) the application was filed in good faith, (2) the granted permit would not operate to the disadvantage of the endangered species, and (3) the granted permit would be consistent with the purposes and policy set forth in Section 2 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. ENDANGERED SPECIES Permit No. 111397 110435 109575 110014 110044 Applicant .............. .............. .............. .............. .............. Receipt of application Federal Register notice Donald S. Priest .................................................... David C. West ....................................................... Louis A. Souza ...................................................... Stephen W. Mayes ............................................... Raymond T. Cuppy ............................................... 70 70 70 70 70 FR FR FR FR FR 62321; 58736; 58736; 58736; 58736; October October October October October 31, 2005 ........................... 7, 2005 ............................. 7, 2005 ............................. 7, 2005 ............................. 7, 2005 ............................. Permit issuance date November November November November November 15, 14, 14, 14, 14, 2005. 2005. 2005. 2005. 2005. ENDANGERED MARINE MAMMALS AND MARINE MAMMALS Permit No. Applicant Receipt of application Federal Register notice 100361 .............. 106376 .............. 110049 .............. Mote Marine Laboratory ........................................ Paul W. Prudler ..................................................... Michael J. Vorst .................................................... 70 FR 51839; August 31, 2005 ............................ 70 FR 46183; August 9, 2005 .............................. 70 FR 58736; October 7, 2005 ............................. Dated: December 9, 2005. Michael L. Carpenter, Senior Permit Biologist, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. E5–7536 Filed 12–19–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P endangered species and/or marine mammals. Written data, comments or requests must be received by January 19, 2006. DATES: Documents and other information submitted with these applications are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, by any party who submits a written request for a copy of such documents within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, Virginia 22203; fax 703/358–2281. ADDRESSES: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Receipt of Applications for Permit Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of applications for permit. AGENCY: The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with SUMMARY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:23 Dec 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Permit issuance date November 10, 2005. October 3, 2005. November 28, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Division of Management Authority, telephone (703) 358–2104. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Endangered Species The public is invited to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Written data, comments, or requests for copies of these complete applications should be submitted to the Director (address above). PRT–115741 Applicant: Winston C. Stalcup, Alpharetta, GA. E:\FR\FM\20DEN1.SGM 20DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 243 (Tuesday, December 20, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75471-75472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-24240]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation 
Plan for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Baldwin and Mobile 
Counties, AL

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge 
is available for distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in 
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and 
describes how the refuge will be managed for the next 15 years. The 
compatibility determinations for wildlife observation, photography, and 
hiking; swimming and beach use; recreational fishing; environmental 
education and interpretation; and scientific research are also 
available within the plan.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be obtained by writing to Robert 
Cail, Refuge Manager, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, 12295 State 
Highway 180, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542; or by calling 251/540-7720; 
fax 251/540-7301. The plan may also be accessed and downloaded from the 
Service's Web site https://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is 
located on the Gulf coast of Alabama, 8 miles west of the city of Gulf 
Shores in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. The planning study area was 
divided into five separate management units along the Fort Morgan 
Peninsula and Little Dauphin Island. Although the refuge was 
established in 1980, to date, only 6,978 acres have been acquired 
within the 12,570-acre acquisition boundary, including the 575 acres 
leased from the State of Alabama. The Service has management 
jurisdiction along the shoreline above mean high tide, except on Little 
Dauphin Island, which contains 560 acres of submerged bottoms. The 
potential wildlife habitat values of beach/dune, maritime forest, and 
estuarine habitat provided the impetus to purchase the properties.
    Management efforts since 1985 have emphasize acquiring land, 
securing staff to operate the refuge, and initiating conservation 
programs that benefit endangered wildlife species. However, Service 
acquisition of key properties, such as inholdings and beach/dune 
habitat, may not be realized within the 15-year planning period due to 
budget constraints and landowner preferences. The five units within the 
acquisition boundary have a significant ``edge,'' which contributes to 
the predation of birds, sea turtles, and beach mice. Edge effect is the 
tendency of a transitional zone between communities to contain a 
greater variety of species and more dense populations of species than 
any surrounding communities.
    Implementing the comprehensive conservation plan will enable the 
refuge to fulfill its critical role in the conservation and management 
of fish and wildlife resources along coastal Alabama, and to provide 
quality environmental education and wildlife-dependent recreation 
opportunities for refuge visitors. The Service analyzed four 
alternatives for managing the refuge and selected Alternative D to 
guide management direction over the next 15 years.
    Under alternative D, fishing will continue with greater emphasis on 
the quality of the experience. Education and interpretation will be 
promoted with regular programs and partnerships with local schools. 
Wildlife observation and photography opportunities will be expanded, 
including a kayak trail and observation towers, highlighting refuge 
management programs and unique wildlife habitats. A user fee and permit 
system will be implemented to facilitate night fishing at Mobile Point. 
Depending upon the availability of funds, a visitor center and 
headquarters office will be constructed, which will include space for 
interpretation and environmental education. Also based on the 
availability of funds, a biological technician, outdoor recreation 
planner, seasonal maintenance worker, and full-time law enforcement 
officer will be added to accomplish objectives outlined in the plan.
    Research studies on the refuge will be fostered and partnerships 
developed with agencies and universities, providing needed resources 
and equipment sites, all while meeting the needs of the refuge's 
wildlife and habitat management programs. Research will also benefit 
conservation efforts throughout the central Gulf coast to preserve, 
enhance, restore, and manage coastal barrier island habitat. New 
surveys on birds, reptiles, and amphibians will be initiated to develop 
baseline information.
    Under this alternative, the refuge will continue to seek 
acquisition of all lands within the present acquisition boundary. 
Pristine lands that provide quality habitat and connectivity to 
existing refuge lands will be priority

[[Page 75472]]

acquisitions. Equally important acquisition tools to be used include: 
transfer lands, partnerships with conservation organizations, 
conservation easements with adjacent landowners, and leases/cooperative 
agreements with state agencies.
    Public comments were requested, considered, and incorporated 
throughout the planning process. Public outreach included open houses, 
public meetings, technical workgroups, planning update mailings, and 
Federal Register notices. During the comment period on the draft 
document, the Service received a total of 30 comments. All substantive 
issues raised have been addressed either through revisions of the final 
comprehensive conservation plan or in responses contained in the 
appendix dealing with public comments.

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

    Dated: August 24, 2005.
Jeffrey M. Fleming,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 05-24240 Filed 12-19-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M

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