Souris River Basin National Wildlife Refuges, North Dakota, 5080-5081 [E7-1712]

Download as PDF 5080 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 22 / Friday, February 2, 2007 / Notices accommodate WGFD vaccination of elk and bison for brucellosis on the refuge as long as it was logistically feasible and safe for wildlife. 8. Public education component. Alternative 4 would include the initiation of a public education effort to build understanding of natural elk and bison behavior, ecology, distribution, disease implications, and effects to other species. All substantive issues raised in the comments were addressed in the final Plan/EIS. Responses to comments are included as a companion document to the final Plan/EIS. Public comments and hearing testimony are also available for review at the National Elk Refuge Headquarters, 675 East Broadway, Jackson, Wyoming 83001, during normal business hours. All information provided voluntarily by mail, phone, or at public meetings becomes part of the official public record (i.e., names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded during meetings). If requested under the Freedom of Information Act by a private citizen or organization, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may provide copies of such information. The environmental review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the NEPA Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); Council on Environmental Quality NEPA Regulations); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; Executive Order 12996; the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. Document Review sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Final Plan/EIS A copy of the final Plan/EIS may be obtained by writing to: Jackson Bison and Elk Management Planning Office, P.O. Box 510, Jackson, Wyoming 83001; by telephone: 307–733–9212; by e-mail: bisonelk_planning@fws.gov; or by download from the project Web site: https://bisonandelkplan.fws.gov. The final Plan/EIS will be available for reading at the following main branch libraries: State of Wyoming: Albany County—Laramie; Fremont County— Dubois, Lander, and Riverton; Laramie County—Cheyenne; Lincoln County— Afton; Park County—Cody; Natrona County—Casper; Sheridan County— Sheridan; Sublette County—Pinedale and Big Piney; Sweetwater County— Rock Springs; and Teton County— Jackson and Alta. State of Idaho: Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Swan Valley and Victor. State of Montana: Bozeman, Livingston, VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Feb 01, 2007 Jkt 211001 Missoula, and Ennis. State of Colorado: Denver and Fort Collins. It will also be available at the following colleges and universities: State of Wyoming: Casper College Library, Casper; Central Wyoming College Library, Riverton; University of Wyoming Library, Laramie; Northwest College Library, Powell; Sheridan College Library, Sheridan; and Western Wyoming College Library, Rock Springs. State of Montana: Montana State University Library, Bozeman; and the University of Montana Library, Missoula. State of Idaho: Albertsons Library, Boise State University, Boise; University of Idaho Library, Moscow. State of Colorado: Colorado State University Library, Fort Collins. Dated: November 9, 2006. James J. Slack, Deputy Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, Colorado. [FR Doc. E7–1605 Filed 2–1–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Souris River Basin National Wildlife Refuges, North Dakota Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Souris River Basin National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges) is available. This draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage these Refuges for the next 15 years. We request public comment. DATES: We must receive written comments on the draft CCP/EA by March 19, 2007. Submit comments by one of the methods under ADDRESSES. ADDRESSES: Please provide written comments to Toni Griffin, Planning Team Leader, Division of Refuge Planning, Branch of Comprehensive Conservation Planning, MountainPrairie Region, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225–0486, or electronically to toni_griffin@fws.gov. A copy of the CCP may be obtained by writing to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Planning, 134 Union Boulevard, Suite 300, Lakewood, Colorado 80228; or by download from https://mountainprairie.fws.gov/planning. PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Toni Griffin, 303–236–4378 (phone); 303– 236–4792 (fax); toni_griffin@fws.gov (e-mail). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Souris River Basin is home to three national wildlife refuges: The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, located along 28 miles of the Des Lacs River; the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, located along 50 miles of the Souris River; and the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, located along 35 miles of the upper Souris River. The Refuges are collectively known as the Souris River Basin National Wildlife Refuges. The Refuges were established by Executive Order in 1935. The purpose of each Refuge is for a ‘‘refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.’’ The Refuges are located in a critical area of the Central Flyway, providing nesting and breeding habitat for migrating and nesting waterfowl. The J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, in particular, has developed into one of the most important duck production areas in the United States. The American Bird Conservancy recognizes all three Refuges as ‘‘Globally Important Bird Areas.’’ In addition, J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge is designated as a regional shorebird site in the ‘‘Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.’’ Lake Darling, located on Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, is designated as a critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover. Representing a comprehensive collection of all North Dakota plant communities, these Refuges could contain the only remaining representatives of drift plain prairie, considered a threatened resource. This draft CCP/EA identifies and evaluates four alternatives for managing the Refuges for the next 15 years. Alternative A, the No Action alternative, reflects the current management of the Refuges. It provides the baseline against which to compare the other alternatives. Refuge habitats would continue to be managed on an opportunistic schedule that may maintain—or most likely would result in further decline in—the diversity of vegetation and wildlife species. Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge and J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge would continue to perform only limited research and would monitor only long-term vegetation change. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge would continue to perform no scientific research or monitoring. Outreach, partnerships, and priority public uses FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\02FEN1.SGM 02FEN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 22 / Friday, February 2, 2007 / Notices (fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation) would continue at present levels. Alternative B is the Service’s proposed action and basis for the draft CCP. This alternative would prioritize habitats with high probability of restoration for management. Other habitats may only be partially restored or minimally managed. Research and monitoring would increase, and scientific knowledge required to restore upland and wetland plant and animal communities would be shared (with the public and other resource managers). Some visitor services would be expected to decrease as some staff and funding shift to habitat restoration. Environmental education would increase. In Alternative C, waterfowl habitat management and waterfowl production would be emphasized over other refuge programs. Research and monitoring would focus on actions that enhance waterfowl habitat, increase waterfowl nest densities, and increase nest and brood survival. Visitor service programs that use or enhance waterfowl-related activities, such as hunting, wildlife viewing, or environmental education, would be emphasized over other activities. Management under Alternative D would restore, to the fullest extent, ecological processes, vegetation communities, and wildlife characteristic of the presettlement period. Research and monitoring efforts would focus on strategies that enhance native plant and animal communities. Public uses that are compatible with or that support restoration efforts would be emphasized. Interpretation and environmental education would be expanded, with an emphasis on natural plant and animal communities, ecological processes, and restoration. The proposed action (Alternative B) was selected because it best meets the purpose and goals of the Refuges, as well as the goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The proposed action will also benefit federally listed species, shore birds, migrating and nesting waterfowl, and neotropical migrants. Environmental education and partnerships will result in improved wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. Cultural and historical resources as well as federally listed species will be protected. Opportunity for public input will be provided at a public meeting to be scheduled soon. The specific date and time for the public meeting is yet to be determined, but will be announced via local media and a newsletter. All VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Feb 01, 2007 Jkt 211001 information provided voluntarily by mail, by phone, or at public meetings (e.g., names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded during meetings) becomes part of the official public record. If requested under the Freedom of Information Act by a private citizen or organization, the Service may provide copies of such information. The environmental review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; Executive Order 12996; the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; and Service policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. Dated: October 3, 2006. James J. Slack, Deputy Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, CO. Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register on January 30, 2007. [FR Doc. E7–1712 Filed 2–1–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [MT–029–1310–DS 050E] Notice of Availability of the Draft Supplement to the Statewide Oil and Gas Final Environmental Impact Statement and Amendment of the Powder River and Billings Resource Management Plans (RMPs), Montana Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: SUMMARY: By Order of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Supplement to the Statewide Oil and Gas Final Environmental Impact Statement and will amend the Powder River and Billings RMPs (Draft SEIS/Amendment). DATES: The 90-day public comment period will begin the date the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes their Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. Tentative public meetings to gather comments on the draft will be held in Montana at the PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5081 following locations: Billings, March 26, 2007; Hardin, March 27, 2007; Lame Deer, March 28, 2007; Broadus, March 29, 2007; and Miles City, March 30, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods (your name and mailing address must be submitted as part of your comments): • Web Site: https://www.blm.gov/eis/ mt/milescity_seis/. • Fax: (406) 233–2921. • Mail: CBNG Draft SEIS Comments, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 219, Miles City, Montana 59301 or deliver to 111 Garryowen Road, Miles City, Montana. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Bloom, Project Manager, BLM, (406) 233–2852. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Powder River and Billings RMP areas comprise 1,506,011 acres of BLM managed surface and 5,009,784 acres of BLM managed mineral estate. There are 3,185,016 acres of BLM managed oil and gas. The Powder River RMP area includes Powder River and Treasure Counties; and portions of Big Horn, Carter, Custer, and Rosebud Counties. The Billings RMP area includes Carbon, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Wheatland, and Yellowstone Counties and the remaining portion of Big Horn County. This Draft SEIS is supplementing the 2003 Statewide Oil and Gas Final Environmental Impact Statement and Amendment of the Powder River and Billings RMPs (Statewide Document). The Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2003, and the Record of Decision was approved on April 30, 2003. Several lawsuits were filed against the BLM decision immediately following the publication of the Record of Decision. Two of the lawsuits resulted in an April 5, 2005, ruling by the U.S. District Court ordering the BLM to prepare a Supplemental EIS to consider a phased development alternative for coal bed natural gas (CBNG) production in the Billings and Powder River RMP areas of Montana. Topics addressed in the Draft SEIS/ Amendment include those provided or recommended by the U.S. District Court: Phased CBNG development; the inclusion of the proposed Tongue River Railroad in the cumulative impact analysis; and a discussion on how private water well mitigation agreements help alleviate the impacts of methane migration and groundwater drawdown. The BLM published the Notice of Intent to plan for the SEIS/ Amendment in the Federal Register on E:\FR\FM\02FEN1.SGM 02FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 22 (Friday, February 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5080-5081]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1712]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Souris River Basin National Wildlife Refuges, North Dakota

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that 
the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental 
Assessment (EA) for the Souris River Basin National Wildlife Refuges 
(Refuges) is available. This draft CCP/EA describes how the Service 
intends to manage these Refuges for the next 15 years. We request 
public comment.

DATES: We must receive written comments on the draft CCP/EA by March 
19, 2007. Submit comments by one of the methods under ADDRESSES.

ADDRESSES: Please provide written comments to Toni Griffin, Planning 
Team Leader, Division of Refuge Planning, Branch of Comprehensive 
Conservation Planning, Mountain-Prairie Region, P.O. Box 25486, Denver 
Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225-0486, or electronically to 
toni_griffin@fws.gov. A copy of the CCP may be obtained by writing to 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Planning, 134 Union 
Boulevard, Suite 300, Lakewood, Colorado 80228; or by download from 
https://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Toni Griffin, 303-236-4378 (phone); 
303-236-4792 (fax); toni_griffin@fws.gov (e-mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Souris River Basin is home to three 
national wildlife refuges: The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, 
located along 28 miles of the Des Lacs River; the J. Clark Salyer 
National Wildlife Refuge, located along 50 miles of the Souris River; 
and the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, located along 35 miles 
of the upper Souris River. The Refuges are collectively known as the 
Souris River Basin National Wildlife Refuges.
    The Refuges were established by Executive Order in 1935. The 
purpose of each Refuge is for a ``refuge and breeding ground for 
migratory birds and other wildlife.''
    The Refuges are located in a critical area of the Central Flyway, 
providing nesting and breeding habitat for migrating and nesting 
waterfowl. The J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, in particular, 
has developed into one of the most important duck production areas in 
the United States.
    The American Bird Conservancy recognizes all three Refuges as 
``Globally Important Bird Areas.'' In addition, J. Clark Salyer 
National Wildlife Refuge is designated as a regional shorebird site in 
the ``Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.'' Lake Darling, 
located on Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, is designated as a 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.
    Representing a comprehensive collection of all North Dakota plant 
communities, these Refuges could contain the only remaining 
representatives of drift plain prairie, considered a threatened 
resource.
    This draft CCP/EA identifies and evaluates four alternatives for 
managing the Refuges for the next 15 years. Alternative A, the No 
Action alternative, reflects the current management of the Refuges. It 
provides the baseline against which to compare the other alternatives. 
Refuge habitats would continue to be managed on an opportunistic 
schedule that may maintain--or most likely would result in further 
decline in--the diversity of vegetation and wildlife species. Des Lacs 
National Wildlife Refuge and J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge 
would continue to perform only limited research and would monitor only 
long-term vegetation change. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge 
would continue to perform no scientific research or monitoring. 
Outreach, partnerships, and priority public uses

[[Page 5081]]

(fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, 
environmental education, and interpretation) would continue at present 
levels.
    Alternative B is the Service's proposed action and basis for the 
draft CCP. This alternative would prioritize habitats with high 
probability of restoration for management. Other habitats may only be 
partially restored or minimally managed. Research and monitoring would 
increase, and scientific knowledge required to restore upland and 
wetland plant and animal communities would be shared (with the public 
and other resource managers). Some visitor services would be expected 
to decrease as some staff and funding shift to habitat restoration. 
Environmental education would increase.
    In Alternative C, waterfowl habitat management and waterfowl 
production would be emphasized over other refuge programs. Research and 
monitoring would focus on actions that enhance waterfowl habitat, 
increase waterfowl nest densities, and increase nest and brood 
survival. Visitor service programs that use or enhance waterfowl-
related activities, such as hunting, wildlife viewing, or environmental 
education, would be emphasized over other activities.
    Management under Alternative D would restore, to the fullest 
extent, ecological processes, vegetation communities, and wildlife 
characteristic of the presettlement period. Research and monitoring 
efforts would focus on strategies that enhance native plant and animal 
communities. Public uses that are compatible with or that support 
restoration efforts would be emphasized. Interpretation and 
environmental education would be expanded, with an emphasis on natural 
plant and animal communities, ecological processes, and restoration.
    The proposed action (Alternative B) was selected because it best 
meets the purpose and goals of the Refuges, as well as the goals of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System. The proposed action will also benefit 
federally listed species, shore birds, migrating and nesting waterfowl, 
and neotropical migrants. Environmental education and partnerships will 
result in improved wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. 
Cultural and historical resources as well as federally listed species 
will be protected.
    Opportunity for public input will be provided at a public meeting 
to be scheduled soon. The specific date and time for the public meeting 
is yet to be determined, but will be announced via local media and a 
newsletter. All information provided voluntarily by mail, by phone, or 
at public meetings (e.g., names, addresses, letters of comment, input 
recorded during meetings) becomes part of the official public record. 
If requested under the Freedom of Information Act by a private citizen 
or organization, the Service may provide copies of such information. 
The environmental review of this project will be conducted in 
accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA 
Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other appropriate Federal laws 
and regulations; Executive Order 12996; the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997; and Service policies and procedures for 
compliance with those laws and regulations.

    Dated: October 3, 2006.
James J. Slack,
Deputy Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, CO.

    Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the 
Federal Register on January 30, 2007.

 [FR Doc. E7-1712 Filed 2-1-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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