Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, 47511-47512 [E6-13558]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 159 / Thursday, August 17, 2006 / Notices support to the protection and restoration of all its components and adjacent habitats that directly affect the vitality and viability of the ecosystem.’’ • Wildlife Observation: A suggestion was made to develop a through-swamp canoe/kayak trail. This suggestion was adopted. A through-swamp canoe/kayak trail will be developed in Washington Ditch from the existing parking area to Lake Drummond and then via the Feeder Ditch to the Dismal Swamp Canal, and a partnership will be sought to oversee maintenance of the trail. • Road Improvements: A number of comments about the amount of road paving that was proposed were received. The refuge decided to reduce the amount of paving. The proposed auto tour route and the access to Lake Drummond will remain as gravel roads. Paving will only occur on highest use access roads at Washington Ditch and Jericho Ditch. Dated: July 26, 2006. Michael G. Thabault, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, Massachusetts. [FR Doc. E6–13553 Filed 8–16–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA). It describes how we intend to manage Rachel Carson NWR during the next 15 years. We prepared this Draft CCP/EA in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended. The Draft CCP/EA is available for public review and comment. We must receive your comments on or before September 18, 2006. During the 30-day comment period, we plan to host public meetings in the local area. We will post the details of each meeting at least 2 weeks in advance to our project mailing list in local papers, at the refuge, and at rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:36 Aug 16, 2006 Jkt 208001 our Web site, https://www.fws.gov/ northeast/rachelcarsonrefuge/. ADDRESSES: You may obtain copies of the draft CCP/EA on compact disk or in print by writing to Carl Melberg, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Regional Office, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035– 9589, or e-mailing northeastplanning@fws.gov. You may also view the draft on the Web at https://library.fws.gov/ccps.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Melberg, 413–253–8521. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 et seq.), requires the Service to develop a CCP for each refuge. The purpose of developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing to the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), in conformance with the sound principles of fish and wildlife science, natural resources conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental interpretation and education. The Service will review and update each CCP at least once every 15 years, in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370d) (NEPA). This Draft CCP/EA identifies goals, long-range objectives, and strategies for achieving the purposes for which this refuge was established. The document poses three management alternatives: Alternative A (Current Management): This alternative is the no action alternative required by NEPA. Alternative A defines our current management activities, including those planned, funded, or under way, and serves as the baseline against which to compare the other two action alternatives. It would maintain our present levels of approved refuge staffing and the biological and visitor programs now in place. Three new facilities are incorporated in this alternative to support current and approved management, staffing, and administrative obligations. The refuge would continue to acquire the 3,833 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 47511 acres remaining within its current approved boundary. Alternative B (the Service-preferred alternative): This alternative represents the combination of actions that we believe will most effectively achieve the purposes and goals of the refuge and address the major issues. It builds on the programs identified under current management. Funding and staffing would need to increase to adequately support the program expansions we propose. We propose to expand the refuge by 5,558 acres beyond its current approved boundary of 9,126 acres. We would add acreage to Brave Boat Harbor, Upper Wells, Spurwink, Biddeford, Mousam River, Little River, and Moody Divisions, and we would establish a new York River Division, encompassing the largest undeveloped salt marsh south of Portland. Alternative B also includes removing 101 parcels totaling 164 acres from the current approved boundary that are no longer suitable for Service acquisition. The refuge would continue to acquire the 3,833 acres remaining within its current approved boundary. This proposal increases the protection and management of migratory wildlife, endangered and threatened species, and other species of concern by protecting additional aquatic and upland habitat. It includes expanded management and additional public use opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation such as hunting and fishing, as well as wildlife observation, photography, and interpretation. A new administrative complex, including office space, maintenance facilities, and visitor contact station, will be built. This alternative includes combining the Moody, Lower Wells, Upper Wells, and Mousam River Divisions into one, the Wells Bay Division. This alternative will also increase the number and quality of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, and allow us to use Rachel Carson NWR’s proximity to Portland and urban communities to better promote NWRS principles and improve public support for national wildlife refuges. Alternative C is the same as alternative B, however, it proposes to expand the refuge by 11,397 acres beyond the current approved boundary. That 11,397-acre expansion includes the 5,558 acres in Alternative B. It would add acreage to Brave Boat Harbor, Upper Wells, Spurwink, Biddeford, and Moody Divisions, and would establish a new York River Division, encompassing the largest undeveloped salt marsh south of Portland. This alternative will also increase the number and quality of wildlife-dependent recreational E:\FR\FM\17AUN1.SGM 17AUN1 47512 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 159 / Thursday, August 17, 2006 / Notices opportunities, especially hunting and fishing, further protect threatened and endangered species, and control invasive species. After the 30-day review and comment period ends, we will analyze, address, and consider all comments received and prepare a final CCP. Availability of the final CCP will be published in the Federal Register. The Director must approve the proposed refuge boundary expansion before the Regional Director considers approving the expansion. All comments, including names and addresses, become part of the official public record. Requests for the public record of this plan will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, the Council on Environmental Quality’s NEPA regulations, and other Service and Departmental policies and procedures. Dated: August 11, 2006. Marvin E. Moriarty, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA 01035–9589. [FR Doc. E6–13558 Filed 8–16–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM–952–06–1420–BJ] Notice of Filing of Plats of Survey; NM Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The plats of survey described below are scheduled to be officially filed in the New Mexico State Office, Bureau of Land Management, Santa Fe, New Mexico, (30) thirty calendar days from the date of this publication. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES New Mexico Principal Meridian, New Mexico The plat representing the dependent resurvey and survey and subdivision of sections in Township 7 North, Range 10 West, accepted April 24, 2006, for Group 1032 New Mexico. The plat representing the dependent resurvey and subdivision of sections for Township 9 North, Range 4 West, accepted July 20, 2006 for Group 1048 New Mexico. The plat representing the dependent resurvey and survey of certain Lots in Section 10 (Including The Retracement of a portion of the West Boundry of San Miguel Del Bado Grant, Tract 2 and portions of the subdivisional lines) for Township 13 North, Range 14 West, VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:36 Aug 16, 2006 Jkt 208001 accepted July 21, 2006 for Group 1049 New Mexico. The plat representing the dependent resurvey for Township 29 North, Range 11 West, accepted August 7, 2006 for Group 1053 New Mexico. The plat representing the resurvey and subdivision of sections for Township 7 North, Range 9 West, accepted July 24, 2006 for Group 1041 New Mexico. The Town of Tejon Grant and San Antonio De Las Huertas Grant, representing the corrective resurvey, dependent resurvey and survey accepted July 21, 2006 for New Mexico. Indian Meridian, Oklahoma The plat in two sheets, representing the dependent resurvey and survey for Township 9 North, Range 14 East, accepted May 9, 2006 for Group 116 Oklahoma. Sixth Principle Meridian, Kansas The supplemental plat, representing the subdivision of sections for Township 33 South, Range 40 West, accepted July 24, 2006, for Kansas. The supplemental plat, representing the subdivision of sections for Township 33 South, Range 41 West, accepted July 24, 2006, for Kansas. The supplemental plat, representing the subdivision of sections for Township 34 South, Range 41 West, accepted July 24, 2006, for Kansas. The supplemental plat, representing the subdivision of sections for Township 34 South, Range 40 West, accepted July 24, 2006, for Kansas. If a protest against a survey, as shown on any of the above plats is received prior to the date of official filing, the filing will be stayed pending consideration of the protest. A plat will not be officially filed until the day after all protests have been dismissed. A person or party who wishes to protest against any of these surveys must file a written protest with the New Mexico State Director, Bureau of Land Management, stating that they wish to protest. A statement of reasons for a protest may be filed with the notice of protest to the State Director, or the statement of reasons must be filed with the State Director within thirty days after the protest is filed. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: These plats will be available for inspection in the New Mexico State Office, Bureau of Land Management, and P.O. Box 27115, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502–0115. Copies may be obtained from this office upon payment of $1.10 per sheet. PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: July 8, 2006. Stephen W. Beyerlein, Acting Chief Cadastral Surveyor, New Mexico. [FR Doc. 06–6972 Filed 8–16–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–FB–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Nomination Solicitation AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee; Notice of Nomination Solicitation. ACTION: SUMMARY: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IS SOLICITING NOMINATIONS FOR TWO MEMBERS OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN GRAVES PROTECTION AND REPATRIATION REVIEW COMMITTEE. THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR WILL APPOINT ONE MEMBER FROM NOMINATIONS SUBMITTED BY INDIAN TRIBES, NATIVE HAWAIIAN ORGANIZATIONS, AND TRADITIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS. THIS PARTICULAR APPOINTEE IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE A TRADITIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS LEADER. THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR WILL ALSO APPOINT ONE MEMBER FROM NOMINATIONS SUBMITTED BY NATIONAL MUSEUM ORGANIZATIONS AND SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATIONS. Nominations must include the following information.1. Nominations by Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations: Nominations must be submitted on official tribal or organization letterhead with the nominator’s original signature and daytime telephone number. The nominator must be the official authorized by the tribe or organization to submit nominations in response to this solicitation. The nomination must include a statement that the nominator is so authorized. 2. Nominations by traditional religious leaders: Nominations must be submitted with the nominator’s original signature and daytime telephone number. The nominator must explain how he or she meets the definition of traditional religious leader. 3. Nominations by national museum organizations and scientific organizations: Nominations must be submitted on organization letterhead with the nominator’s original signature and daytime telephone number. The nominator must be the official authorized by the organization to submit nominations in response to this solicitation. The nomination must E:\FR\FM\17AUN1.SGM 17AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 159 (Thursday, August 17, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47511-47512]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13558]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: draft comprehensive conservation plan 
and environmental assessment.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Draft 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment 
(EA). It describes how we intend to manage Rachel Carson NWR during the 
next 15 years. We prepared this Draft CCP/EA in conformance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Wildlife 
Refuge System Administration Act, as amended.

DATES: The Draft CCP/EA is available for public review and comment. We 
must receive your comments on or before September 18, 2006. During the 
30-day comment period, we plan to host public meetings in the local 
area. We will post the details of each meeting at least 2 weeks in 
advance to our project mailing list in local papers, at the refuge, and 
at our Web site, https://www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarsonrefuge/.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain copies of the draft CCP/EA on compact disk or 
in print by writing to Carl Melberg, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Northeast Regional Office, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, 
Massachusetts 01035-9589, or e-mailing northeastplanning@fws.gov. You 
may also view the draft on the Web at https://library.fws.gov/ccps.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Melberg, 413-253-8521.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 et seq.), requires the 
Service to develop a CCP for each refuge. The purpose of developing a 
CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving 
refuge purposes and contributing to the mission of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), in conformance with the sound principles 
of fish and wildlife science, natural resources conservation, legal 
mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad 
management direction on conserving wildlife and habitats, CCPs identify 
wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, 
including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and 
photography, and environmental interpretation and education. The 
Service will review and update each CCP at least once every 15 years, 
in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act 
of 1997 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321-4370d) (NEPA).
    This Draft CCP/EA identifies goals, long-range objectives, and 
strategies for achieving the purposes for which this refuge was 
established. The document poses three management alternatives:
    Alternative A (Current Management): This alternative is the no 
action alternative required by NEPA. Alternative A defines our current 
management activities, including those planned, funded, or under way, 
and serves as the baseline against which to compare the other two 
action alternatives. It would maintain our present levels of approved 
refuge staffing and the biological and visitor programs now in place. 
Three new facilities are incorporated in this alternative to support 
current and approved management, staffing, and administrative 
obligations. The refuge would continue to acquire the 3,833 acres 
remaining within its current approved boundary.
    Alternative B (the Service-preferred alternative): This alternative 
represents the combination of actions that we believe will most 
effectively achieve the purposes and goals of the refuge and address 
the major issues. It builds on the programs identified under current 
management. Funding and staffing would need to increase to adequately 
support the program expansions we propose. We propose to expand the 
refuge by 5,558 acres beyond its current approved boundary of 9,126 
acres. We would add acreage to Brave Boat Harbor, Upper Wells, 
Spurwink, Biddeford, Mousam River, Little River, and Moody Divisions, 
and we would establish a new York River Division, encompassing the 
largest undeveloped salt marsh south of Portland. Alternative B also 
includes removing 101 parcels totaling 164 acres from the current 
approved boundary that are no longer suitable for Service acquisition. 
The refuge would continue to acquire the 3,833 acres remaining within 
its current approved boundary. This proposal increases the protection 
and management of migratory wildlife, endangered and threatened 
species, and other species of concern by protecting additional aquatic 
and upland habitat. It includes expanded management and additional 
public use opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation such as 
hunting and fishing, as well as wildlife observation, photography, and 
interpretation. A new administrative complex, including office space, 
maintenance facilities, and visitor contact station, will be built. 
This alternative includes combining the Moody, Lower Wells, Upper 
Wells, and Mousam River Divisions into one, the Wells Bay Division. 
This alternative will also increase the number and quality of wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities, and allow us to use Rachel Carson 
NWR's proximity to Portland and urban communities to better promote 
NWRS principles and improve public support for national wildlife 
refuges.
    Alternative C is the same as alternative B, however, it proposes to 
expand the refuge by 11,397 acres beyond the current approved boundary. 
That 11,397-acre expansion includes the 5,558 acres in Alternative B. 
It would add acreage to Brave Boat Harbor, Upper Wells, Spurwink, 
Biddeford, and Moody Divisions, and would establish a new York River 
Division, encompassing the largest undeveloped salt marsh south of 
Portland. This alternative will also increase the number and quality of 
wildlife-dependent recreational

[[Page 47512]]

opportunities, especially hunting and fishing, further protect 
threatened and endangered species, and control invasive species.
    After the 30-day review and comment period ends, we will analyze, 
address, and consider all comments received and prepare a final CCP. 
Availability of the final CCP will be published in the Federal 
Register. The Director must approve the proposed refuge boundary 
expansion before the Regional Director considers approving the 
expansion.
    All comments, including names and addresses, become part of the 
official public record. Requests for the public record of this plan 
will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, the 
Council on Environmental Quality's NEPA regulations, and other Service 
and Departmental policies and procedures.

    Dated: August 11, 2006.
Marvin E. Moriarty,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA 01035-
9589.
[FR Doc. E6-13558 Filed 8-16-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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