Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, 63343-63344 [06-8954]

Download as PDF 63343 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 209 / Monday, October 30, 2006 / Notices Number of respondents Form sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 7–FW–100 7–FW–101 7–FW–102 7–FW–103, ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... a, b ............................................................................................... Abstract: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Protocol Amendment (1995) (Amendment) provides for the customary and traditional use of migratory birds and their eggs for subsistence use by indigenous inhabitants of Alaska. The Amendment, however, states that its intent is not to cause significant increases in the take of species of migratory birds relative to their continental population sizes. A May 20, 1996, submittal letter from the Department of State to the White House accompanied the Amendment and specified the need for harvest monitoring. The letter stated that the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Native organizations cooperatively would collect harvest estimates within the subsistence eligible areas. Harvest survey data help ensure that customary and traditional use of migratory birds and their eggs for subsistence use by indigenous inhabitants of Alaska does not significantly increase the take of species of migratory birds relative to their continental population sizes. From 1989 to 2004, we monitored subsistence harvest in Alaska through the use of annual household surveys in the most heavily used subsistence harvest areas; e.g., Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. In 2004, we began monitoring subsistence harvest in subsistence eligible areas Statewide. We presently rotate survey areas due to budget constraints. This monitoring enables us to track significant changes or trends in levels of harvest and user participation. We gather information on the annual subsistence harvest of 54 species of birds (including geese, ducks, swans, cranes, loons, seabirds, shorebirds, and upland game birds) through surveys of households in the subsistence eligible areas of Alaska. Annually, local village resident surveyors produce lists of all households in each village and provide survey forms to randomly selected households. We combine the estimates of harvest per household with the complete list of households in the subsistence-eligible areas to obtain estimates of the total annual harvest. We use four forms to collect the harvest information. We will aggregate all information collected and use it only for statistical purposes. We do not arrange VerDate Aug<31>2005 02:16 Oct 28, 2006 Jkt 211001 23,000 182 14,000 11,500 or retrieve forms by a personal identifier. Comments: On June 21, 2006, we published in the Federal Register (71 FR 35690) a notice of our intent to request that OMB renew approval for this information collection. In that notice, we solicited comments for 60 days, ending on August 21, 2006. One comment was received in response to this notice. The commenter did not believe that the information provided by respondents was truthful and objected to the use of taxpayer dollars for the surveys. We collect this information from people who are part of subsistencebased, Alaska Native cultures, whose ancestors have relied on migratory birds for food for thousands of years to sustain them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These birds continue to be an important part of the Alaska Native diet in nonroaded, remote parts of Alaska, particularly in springtime. We believe that the information is basically honest and truthful, because: (1) The reported bird species harvest information corresponds to the species actually known to be in the areas surveyed; (2) The harvest information is relatively consistent from year to year, by time period and region, and the harvest trends have generally tracked the bird population trends; and (3) People have an incentive to accurately report their harvests, because they know the information is used to manage the birds they depend on for food. They also know that documenting their customary and traditional dependence on birds is important, especially in times of resource shortage. Harvest survey information aids in promulgating regulations that help protect the birds. Therefore, taxpayer dollars that pay for harvest surveys are helping protect birds that people depend on for food as well as for enjoyment by present and future generations. We did not make any changes to our information collection as a result of this comment. We again invite comments concerning this information collection on: (1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary, including PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Annual number of responses Average time/ response (minutes) 23,000 182 14,000 34,500 Total annual burden hours 1 30 5 5 383 91 1,167 2,875 whether or not the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information; (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents. Comments submitted in response to this notice are a matter of public record. Dated: October 16, 2006. Hope Grey, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E6–18149 Filed 10–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Indian River County, Florida. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge are 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. It describes how the refuge will be managed for the next 15 years. The compatibility determinations for fishing, environmental education and interpretation, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, research, mosquito control, interim citrus grove management, and commercial ecotour operations are also available within the plan. ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be obtained by writing to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. The E:\FR\FM\30OCN1.SGM 30OCN1 63344 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 209 / Monday, October 30, 2006 / Notices plan may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service’s Web site https://southeast.fws.gov/planning/. Dated: April 10, 2006. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Indian River County, Florida, is adjacent to the city of Sebastian and along the east coast of Florida. The refuge is over 5,400 acres in size within an acquisition boundary of about 6,184 acres. Primarily comprised of lagoonal waters, the refuge includes aquatic, transitional, and upland habitats supporting a diversity of species, including 14 federally listed species. This complex ecological system also supports hundreds of species of birds, fish, plants, and mammals, as well as important bird rookeries, key fish spawning and settlement sites, and a globally important juvenile sea turtle nursery. The availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for a 60-day public review and comment period was announced in the Federal Register on July 27, 2005 (70 FR 43446). The plan and environmental assessment identified and evaluated three alternatives for managing the refuge over the next 15 years. Alternative A, the No Action Alternative, would have continued current management of the refuge. Alternative B would have minimally expanded certain refuge management programs. Alternative C, the Proposed Alternative, would have moderately expanded refuge management activities to a level more in keeping with the resources protected in the developed and developing landscapes that surround the refuge. Based on the environmental assessment and the comments received, the Service adopted Alternative C as its Preferred Alternative. This alternative was considered to be the most effective for meeting the purposes of the refuge and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Further, Alternative C best pursues national, ecosystem, and refuge-specific goals. Editorial note: This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register October 25, 2006. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri Ehrhardt, Natural Resource Planner, telephone: 321/861–2368; fax: 321/861–1276; e-mail: PelicanIslandCCP@fws.gov; or address: Pelican Island NWR CCP, P.O. Box 6504, Titusville, Florida 32782–6504. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. VerDate Aug<31>2005 02:16 Oct 28, 2006 Jkt 211001 [FR Doc. 06–8954 Filed 10–27–06; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge Located Off the Coast of Darien, GA, in McIntosh County Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment for Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, 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 is developing a comprehensive conservation plan 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 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. The purpose of this notice is to achieve the following: (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document. DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received no later than December 29, 2006. Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 The comprehensive conservation planning process will consider many elements, including wildlife and habitat management, public recreational activities, and cultural resource protection. Public input to the planning process is essential. Special mailings, newspaper articles, and other media announcements will be used to inform the public and state and local government agencies of meeting dates and opportunities for input throughout the planning process. All comments received from individuals become part of the official public record. Requests for such comments will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and the Council on Environmental Quality’s NEPA regulations [40 CFR 1506.6(f)]. Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge is approximately 12 miles off the coast of Darien, Georgia, in McIntosh County, and was established on April 3, 1930, to provide protection and habitat for migratory birds. The barrier island refuge consists of Wolf Island and two smaller islands, Egg and Little Egg. More than 75 percent of the refuge’s 5,126 acres are composed of saltwater marsh. Wolf Island Refuge was designated a National wilderness Area in 1975. In addition to providing protection for migratory birds, it also is a refuge for such threatened and endangered species as the loggerhead sea turtle and the piping plover. Due to its status as a Wilderness Area, no public use facilities are planned for the refuge. Although the refuge’s saltwaters are open to a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing and crabbing, its beach, marsh, and upland areas are closed to the public. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 4310–55–M PO 00000 Address comments, questions, and requests for more information to Jane Griess, Project Leader, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 1000 Business Center Drive, Suite 10, Savannah, Georgia 31405. ADDRESSES: Sfmt 4703 Jane Griess; Telephone: 912/652–4030, Extension 101; Fax: 912/652–4385; email: jane_griess@fws.gov; or mail (write to Project Leader at address in ADDRESSES section). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Dated: September 21, 2006. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. 06–8953 Filed 10–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 310–55–M E:\FR\FM\30OCN1.SGM 30OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 209 (Monday, October 30, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63343-63344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-8954]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation 
Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Pelican Island National 
Wildlife Refuge in Indian River County, Florida.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact 
for Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge are 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. It describes how the refuge 
will be managed for the next 15 years. The compatibility determinations 
for fishing, environmental education and interpretation, wildlife 
observation, wildlife photography, research, mosquito control, interim 
citrus grove management, and commercial ecotour operations are also 
available within the plan.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be obtained by writing to the Pelican 
Island National Wildlife Refuge, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 
32960. The

[[Page 63344]]

plan may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service's Web site 
https://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in 
Indian River County, Florida, is adjacent to the city of Sebastian and 
along the east coast of Florida. The refuge is over 5,400 acres in size 
within an acquisition boundary of about 6,184 acres. Primarily 
comprised of lagoonal waters, the refuge includes aquatic, 
transitional, and upland habitats supporting a diversity of species, 
including 14 federally listed species. This complex ecological system 
also supports hundreds of species of birds, fish, plants, and mammals, 
as well as important bird rookeries, key fish spawning and settlement 
sites, and a globally important juvenile sea turtle nursery.
    The availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and 
Environmental Assessment for a 60-day public review and comment period 
was announced in the Federal Register on July 27, 2005 (70 FR 43446). 
The plan and environmental assessment identified and evaluated three 
alternatives for managing the refuge over the next 15 years. 
Alternative A, the No Action Alternative, would have continued current 
management of the refuge. Alternative B would have minimally expanded 
certain refuge management programs. Alternative C, the Proposed 
Alternative, would have moderately expanded refuge management 
activities to a level more in keeping with the resources protected in 
the developed and developing landscapes that surround the refuge.
    Based on the environmental assessment and the comments received, 
the Service adopted Alternative C as its Preferred Alternative. This 
alternative was considered to be the most effective for meeting the 
purposes of the refuge and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System. Further, Alternative C best pursues national, ecosystem, and 
refuge-specific goals.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri Ehrhardt, Natural Resource 
Planner, telephone: 321/861-2368; fax: 321/861-1276; e-mail: 
PelicanIslandCCP@fws.gov; or address: Pelican Island NWR CCP, P.O. Box 
6504, Titusville, Florida 32782-6504.

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

    Dated: April 10, 2006.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.

    Editorial note: This document was received at the Office of the 
Federal Register October 25, 2006.

[FR Doc. 06-8954 Filed 10-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M

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