Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties, Wisconsin and Fox River NWR in Marquette County, Wisconsin, 42411-42412 [E6-11921]

Download as PDF sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 143 / Wednesday, July 26, 2006 / Notices 43647). The DPS was determined to be recovered and no longer in need of the protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) due to robust population growth and amelioration of threats to its survival (see July 24, 2003, 68 FR 43647). The Columbia River DPS remains listed as endangered. Section 4(g)(1) of the ESA requires the Service to implement a system, in cooperation with the States, to monitor effectively for not less than 5 years the status of all species which have been removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants due to recovery. The purpose of post-delisting monitoring is to verify that a species delisted due to recovery remains secure from risk of extinction after it has been removed from the protections of the ESA. To fulfill the requirement of section 4(g)(1) of the ESA, we developed a postdelisting monitoring plan for the Douglas County DPS of the Columbian white-tailed deer in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management. The monitoring plan describes the methods that are being used to monitor the status of the Douglas County DPS of the Columbian white-tailed deer and its habitat for a 5year period, from 2003 (at the time of delisting) to 2008. The monitoring plan also provides a strategy for identifying and responding to unexpected population declines and habitat alteration, as well as disease outbreaks. A draft of this post-delisting monitoring plan was peer reviewed by two scientific experts familiar with the biology of the Columbian white-tailed deer and was made available for public comment from November 23, 2005, through December 23, 2005 (70 FR 70876). Information submitted during the comment period has been considered in the preparation of the final post-delisting monitoring plan and is summarized in Appendix 2 of the plan. A combined annual report for the first 3 years of post-delisting monitoring (2003, 2004, and 2005) is currently available on the World Wide Web at: https://www.fws.gov/ oregonfwo/Species/ ESA-Actions/CWTDPage.asp. Annual reports will continue to be compiled by the Service, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management, until the end of the 5-year monitoring period in 2008, and will be made available at the above Internet address. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:16 Jul 25, 2006 Jkt 208001 References Cited A complete list of all references cited herein is available, upon request, from the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES). Author The primary author of this document is Cat Brown, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES). Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: July 3, 2006. David J. Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E6–11922 Filed 7–25–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties, Wisconsin and Fox River NWR in Marquette County, Wisconsin Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for Horicon and Fox River NWRs, Wisconsin. The CCP 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. Comments on the Draft CCP/EA must be received on or before August 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Draft CCP/EA are available on compact disk or hard copy. You may obtain a copy by writing to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Conservation Planning, BHW Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111–4056, or you may access and download a copy via the planning Web site at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ horicon. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42411 All comments should be addressed to Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Attention: CCP Comment, W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, Wisconsin 53050, or by 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/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patti Meyers, (920) 387–2658. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EA evaluates three different approaches, or alternatives, to the future management of Horicon NWR, and two alternatives for Fox River NWR. The plan also identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public. The preferred alternative for Horicon includes increased opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation. Landscape and watershed involvement by staff and partners would be increased to reduce sedimentation rate and improve water quality in the Horicon Marsh. Habitat management efforts would seek to reestablish a braided river system flowing into the north end of the Horicon Marsh. Refuge uplands would continue to be restored and maintained as open grasslands and oak savanna, which is typical of habitat types prior to European settlement and represents a declining and rare habitat type. The preferred alternative for Fox River would include an increased deer harvest, the initiation of a fishing program, new wildlife observation and photography opportunities, and the beginning of an environmental education and interpretation program. Habitat restoration and management would continue to perpetuate a variety of native plant and wildlife species, especially those of priority to the Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee et seq.), requires the Service to develop a CCP for each National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction for conserving wildlife and their habitats, the CCP identifies wildlife-dependent recreational E:\FR\FM\26JYN1.SGM 26JYN1 42412 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 143 / Wednesday, July 26, 2006 / Notices opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update these CCPs at least every 15 years in accordance with 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 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370d). Dated: June 9, 2006. Charles M. Wooley, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, Minnesota. [FR Doc. E6–11921 Filed 7–25–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability, Draft Natural Resource Restoration Plan and National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Assessment for the W.R. Grace Superfund Site, Wayne Township, Passaic County, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), on behalf of the Department of the Interior (DOI) as a Natural Resource Trustee (Trustee), announces the release for public review of the Draft Natural Resource Restoration Plan and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (RP/EA) for the W.R. Grace Superfund Site, Wayne Township, Passaic County, New Jersey. The Draft RP/EA describes the DOI’s proposal to restore natural resources injured as a result of contamination at the W.R. Grace Superfund Site. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 25, 2006. ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the Draft RP/EA may be made by mail or in person to: Clay Stern, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey Field Office, 927 North Main Street, Pleasantville, New Jersey, 08232. Written comments or materials regarding the Draft RP/EA should be sent to the same address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clay Stern, Environmental Contaminants Branch, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey Field Office, 927 North Main Street, Pleasantville, New Jersey, 08232. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:16 Jul 25, 2006 Jkt 208001 Interested parties may also call 609– 646–9310, extension 27 or electronic mail to clay_stern@fws.gov for further information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 as amended (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), commonly known as Superfund, ‘‘* * *[Trustees] may assess damages to natural resources resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance * * * and may seek to recover those damages.’’ Natural resource damage assessments are separate from the cleanup actions undertaken at a hazardous waste site, and provide a process whereby the Trustees can determine the proper compensation to the public for injury to natural resources. At the W.R. Grace Superfund Site in Wayne Township, Passaic County, New Jersey, DOI was the sole natural resource trustee involved in the Federal Government’s settlement with W.R. Grace & Company—Connecticut (Civil Action No. 98–2045). The Service, acting on behalf of the DOI, determined that the primary injuries to trust resources resulting from site-related contamination and response actions were reduced quality and quantity of habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Trust resources that utilize these habitats were adversely affected through pathways such as food source contamination or reduced abundance and diversity of food supply due to impacts on the Sheffield Brook benthic community. The settlement of $270,000 was designated for restoration, replacement, or acquisition of the equivalent natural resources injured by the release of contaminants at the site. The Draft RP/EA is being released in accordance with the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Regulations found at 43 CFR, part II. The Draft RP/EA describes several natural resource restoration, acquisition, and protection alternatives identified by the DOI, and evaluates each of the possible alternatives based on all relevant considerations. The DOI’s Preferred Alternative is to use the settlement funds to acquire and manage wildlife habitat in perpetuity which is similar to habitat injured at the Grace Superfund Site. Details regarding the proposed projects are contained in the Draft RP/ EA. Interested members of the public are invited to review and comment on the Draft RP/EA. All comments received on the Draft RP/EA will be considered and a response provided either through PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 revision of this Draft RP/EA and incorporation into the Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment, or by letter to the commenter. Author The primary author of this notice is Clay Stern. Authority: The authority for this action is the CERCLA of 1980 as amended (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), and implementing Natural Resource Damage Assessment Regulations found at 15 CFR part 990. Dated: June 26, 2006. Marvin E. Moriarty, Regional Director, Region 5, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DOI Authorized Official, U.S. Department of the Interior. [FR Doc. E6–11910 Filed 7–25–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in Volusia and Lake Counties, Florida. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and its implementing regulations. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge mangers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, plans identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. E:\FR\FM\26JYN1.SGM 26JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42411-42412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11921]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental 
Assessment for Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Dodge and Fond 
du Lac Counties, Wisconsin and Fox River NWR in Marquette County, 
Wisconsin

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that a Draft 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) 
is available for Horicon and Fox River NWRs, Wisconsin.
    The CCP 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.

DATES: Comments on the Draft CCP/EA must be received on or before 
August 28, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Draft CCP/EA are available on compact disk or 
hard copy. You may obtain a copy by writing to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Division of Conservation Planning, BHW Federal Building, 1 
Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056, or you may access 
and download a copy via the planning Web site at https://www.fws.gov/
midwest/planning/horicon.
    All comments should be addressed to Horicon National Wildlife 
Refuge, Attention: CCP Comment, W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, 
Wisconsin 53050, or by 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/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patti Meyers, (920) 387-2658.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EA evaluates three different approaches, 
or alternatives, to the future management of Horicon NWR, and two 
alternatives for Fox River NWR. The plan also identifies wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public.
    The preferred alternative for Horicon includes increased 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and 
photography, environmental education and interpretation. Landscape and 
watershed involvement by staff and partners would be increased to 
reduce sedimentation rate and improve water quality in the Horicon 
Marsh. Habitat management efforts would seek to re-establish a braided 
river system flowing into the north end of the Horicon Marsh. Refuge 
uplands would continue to be restored and maintained as open grasslands 
and oak savanna, which is typical of habitat types prior to European 
settlement and represents a declining and rare habitat type.
    The preferred alternative for Fox River would include an increased 
deer harvest, the initiation of a fishing program, new wildlife 
observation and photography opportunities, and the beginning of an 
environmental education and interpretation program. Habitat restoration 
and management would continue to perpetuate a variety of native plant 
and wildlife species, especially those of priority to the Service.
    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as 
amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 
(16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee et seq.), requires the Service to develop a CCP 
for each National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is 
to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge 
purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife 
Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife 
management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In 
addition to outlining broad management direction for conserving 
wildlife and their habitats, the CCP identifies wildlife-dependent 
recreational

[[Page 42412]]

opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for 
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update 
these CCPs at least every 15 years in accordance with 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 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d).

    Dated: June 9, 2006.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort 
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E6-11921 Filed 7-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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