Supplement to the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin; Extension of Comment Period, 2561-2562 [E6-378]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2006 / Notices sroberts on PROD1PC69 with NOTICES • Restore, enhance, and maintain the health and biodiversity of brackish marsh, forests, and other habitats to ensure optimum ecological productivity and to protect the water quality of Currituck Sound and Back Bay. • Provide the public with safe, quality wildlife-dependent recreational and educational opportunities that focus on the wildlife and habitats of the refuge and the National Wildlife Refuge System. • Protect refuge resources by limiting the adverse impacts of human activities and development. • Acquire and manage adequate funding, human resources, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure to accomplish the other refuge goals. Also available for review are draft compatibility determinations for recreational hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Alternatives Alternative 1 proposes to maintain the status quo. The refuge would manage very intensively the water levels of the impoundments and the vegetation to create optimum habitat for migrating waterfowl. It would also manage marshes with prescribed fire. The staff would survey waterfowl on a routine basis. The refuge would allow the six priority public use activities: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The staff would conduct environmental education and interpretation on a request basis only. There would be seven staff members stationed at Mackay Island Refuge. They would spend 4.15 full-time equivalent staff years at Mackay Island Refuge and 2.85 full-time equivalent staff years at Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. Alternative 2, the preferred alternative, proposes moderate program increases. The refuge would develop a habitat management plan and manage all habitats on the refuge. It would survey a wide range of wildlife on the refuge. The refuge would continue to allow the six priority public use activities, but would have the capacity to increase the number of opportunities. The staff would conduct regularly scheduled environmental education and interpretation programs. The Service would build an environmental education center. There would be fifteen staff members, eleven of whom would be stationed at Mackay Island Refuge and four of whom would be stationed at Currituck Refuge. They would spend 7.8 full-time equivalent staff years at VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:57 Jan 13, 2006 Jkt 208001 Mackay Island Refuge and 7.2 full-time equivalent staff years at Currituck Refuge. The staff would include a biologist and public use specialist. Alternative 3 proposes substantial program increases. The refuge would develop a habitat management plan and manage all habitats on the refuge. The staff would survey all wildlife on the refuge. The refuge would increase further the number of public use opportunities. The Service would build an environmental education center. There would be twenty-four staff members, seventeen of whom would be stationed at Mackay Island Refuge and seven of whom would be stationed at Currituck Refuge. They would spend 11.25 full-time equivalent staff years at Mackay Island Refuge and 12.75 fulltime equivalent staff years at Currituck Refuge. The staff would include separate law enforcement officers and public use specialists for Mackay Island and Currituck Refuges. Actions Common to All Alternatives All three alternatives share the following concepts and techniques for achieving the goals of the refuge: • Cooperating with local, State, and Federal agencies, as well as nongovernmental organizations, to administer refuge programs; • Utilizing volunteers to execute the public use, biological, and maintenance programs on the refuge; • Monitoring populations of waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds, and vegetation in the refuge impoundments; • Maintaining vegetation in the marsh with prescribed fire; and • Encouraging scientific research on the refuge. Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, in northeastern North Carolina, consists of 8,219 acres, of which 4,251 acres are brackish marsh, 1,515 acres are coastal fringe evergreen forest, 995 acres are managed wetlands (impoundments), and 298 acres are cropland. These habitats support a variety of wildlife species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, marsh birds, neotropical migratory songbirds, and deer. The refuge hosts more than seventy five thousand visitors annually, who participate in hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2561 Dated: April 29, 2005. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register January 11, 2006. [FR Doc. 06–370 Filed 1–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Supplement to the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin; Extension of Comment Period Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of extension of comment period. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Supplement to the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released to the public on December 5, 2005, (70 FR 72462, December 5, 2005) for a 60-day review and comment period ending February 3, 2006. Due to public and elected official requests, the comment period for the Supplement is being extended 30 days. DATES: Comments on the Supplement to the Draft CCP/EIS received by March 6, 2006, will be considered in the preparation of the Final CCP/EIS. ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Attention: CCP Supplement Comment, 51 East 4th Street, Room 101, Winona, Minnesota 55987, or direct e-mail to r3planning@fws.gov. Comments may also be submitted through the Service’s regional Web site at: https:// www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ uppermiss/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Hultman, at (507) 452–4232. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge encompasses 240,000 acres along 261 miles of Mississippi River floodplain in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. The Refuge was established by Congress in 1924 to provide a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds, fish, other wildlife, and plants. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the Supplement to the Draft CCP/EIS for the refuge on December 5, E:\FR\FM\17JAN1.SGM 17JAN1 2562 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2006 / Notices 2005, for a 60-day comment period. The Supplement to the Draft CCP/EIS was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years. Upon release of the Supplement, citizen groups and elected officials requested an extension of the comment period. They cited the importance of the plan to the citizens affected, the commitments of the holidays, and the need for the public to be able to incorporate in their comments what they hear and learn at nine public meetings scheduled for January 2006. Given the above, an extension of 30 days will help ensure full public review and comment. Dated: January 4, 2006. Charles M. Wooley, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, Minnesota. [FR Doc. E6–378 Filed 1–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P 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 endangered species and/or marine mammals. SUMMARY: Written data, comments or requests must be received by February 16, 2006. ADDRESSES: 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Division of Management Authority, telephone (703) 358–2104. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: sroberts on PROD1PC69 with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:57 Jan 13, 2006 Jkt 208001 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). Applicant: James R. Brann, Houston, TX, PRT–112828. The applicant requests a permit to import the sport-hunted trophy of one male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Applicant: Robert E. Mann, Kingwood, TX, PRT–114026. The applicant requests a permit to import the sport-hunted trophy of one male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Applicant: Paul Page, Midland, TX, PRT–115656. The applicant requests a permit to import the sport-hunted trophy of one male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Applicant: Hawthorn Corporation, Grayslake, IL, PRT–087703, 016881, 088950, 088955, 088956, 088957, 088958, 088959, and 088960. The applicant requests renewal of permits to export captive born tigers (Panthera tigris) to worldwide locations for the purpose of enhancement of the species through conservation education. The permit numbers and animals are: 087703, Massey; 016881, Terra; 088950, China; 088955, Diego; 088956, Frieda; 088957, Shaman; 088958, Shiua; 088959, Natari; and 088960, Darsha. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a threeyear period and the import of any potential progeny born while overseas. Applicant: Jacksonville Zoological Society, Jacksonville, FL, PRT–080458. The applicant requests a permit to import three harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja) from the government of Guyana, for the purpose of enhancement of the species through captive PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 propagation and conservation education. Dated: December 16, 2005. Michael L. Carpenter, Senior Permit Biologist, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. E6–359 Filed 1–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P 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: SUMMARY: The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. DATES: Written data, comments or requests must be received by February 16, 2006. ADDRESSES: 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. 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). Applicant: William G. Hatcher, Augusta, GA, PRT–113778. The applicant requests a permit to import the sport-hunted trophy of one male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. E:\FR\FM\17JAN1.SGM 17JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2561-2562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-378]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Supplement to the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Mississippi River National 
Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin; 
Extension of Comment Period

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of extension of comment period.

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

SUMMARY: The Supplement to the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
(CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released to the 
public on December 5, 2005, (70 FR 72462, December 5, 2005) for a 60-
day review and comment period ending February 3, 2006. Due to public 
and elected official requests, the comment period for the Supplement is 
being extended 30 days.

DATES: Comments on the Supplement to the Draft CCP/EIS received by 
March 6, 2006, will be considered in the preparation of the Final CCP/
EIS.

ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to Upper Mississippi 
National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Attention: CCP Supplement Comment, 
51 East 4th Street, Room 101, Winona, Minnesota 55987, or direct e-mail 
to r3planning@fws.gov. Comments may also be submitted through the 
Service's regional Web site at: https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/
uppermiss/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Hultman, at (507) 452-4232.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Upper Mississippi River National 
Wildlife and Fish Refuge encompasses 240,000 acres along 261 miles of 
Mississippi River floodplain in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and 
Illinois. The Refuge was established by Congress in 1924 to provide a 
refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds, fish, other wildlife, 
and plants.
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the Supplement to the 
Draft CCP/EIS for the refuge on December 5,

[[Page 2562]]

2005, for a 60-day comment period. The Supplement to the Draft CCP/EIS 
was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency 
intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.
    Upon release of the Supplement, citizen groups and elected 
officials requested an extension of the comment period. They cited the 
importance of the plan to the citizens affected, the commitments of the 
holidays, and the need for the public to be able to incorporate in 
their comments what they hear and learn at nine public meetings 
scheduled for January 2006. Given the above, an extension of 30 days 
will help ensure full public review and comment.

    Dated: January 4, 2006.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort 
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E6-378 Filed 1-13-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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