Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuges in the U.S. Virgin Islands, 11046-11047 [E7-4369]

Download as PDF 11046 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 47 / Monday, March 12, 2007 / Notices supervisors, and designated approving officials, as well as records supplied by the National Business Center’s identity management system, other Federal agencies issuing HSPD–12 compliant cards, and HSPD–12 compliant cards carried by individuals seeking access to Departmental and other Federal facilities occupied by agency employees. EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED FOR THE SYSTEM: None. [FR Doc. E7–4414 Filed 3–9–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–RK–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Post-delisting Monitoring Plan for Eggert’s Sunflower (Helianthus eggertii) Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of document availability. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Post-delisting Monitoring Plan for Eggert’s sunflower (Helianthus eggertii) (Monitoring Plan). The status of Eggert’s sunflower will be monitored over a 5-year period from 2006 through 2010, through annual evaluation of information routinely being collected by seven agencies that have entered into long-term management agreements with us covering 27 populations of Eggert’s sunflowers, combined with a total census of these populations during the second and fifth year of the monitoring period. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Monitoring Plan are available by request from the Field Supervisor, Fish and Wildlife Service, 446 Neal Street, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501 (telephone 931–528– 6481; fax: 931–528–7074). This Monitoring Plan is also available on the World Wide Web at https://www.fws.gov/ cookeville. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Geoff Call, Recovery Coordinator, at the above Cookeville address, at geoff_call@fws.gov, or at 931/528–6481, extension 213. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Background Eggert’s sunflower is a perennial member of the aster family (Asteraceae) known only from Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The species is commonly associated with the barrens/ woodland ecosystem. It occurs on rolling-to-flat uplands and in full sun or VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Mar 09, 2007 Jkt 211001 partial shade. It is often found in open fields or in thickets along woodland borders and with other tall herbs and small trees. It persists in, and may even invade, roadsides, power line rights-ofway, or fields that have suitable open habitat. Eggert’s sunflower was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (Act) on May 22, 1997 (62 FR 27973). At the time of listing, there were 34 known Eggert’s sunflower sites occurring in 1 site in 1 county in Alabama, 13 sites in 5 counties in Kentucky, and 20 sites in 8 counties in Tennessee. When the Recovery Plan for this species was finalized in 1999, there was 1 known site in Alabama, 27 sites in 6 counties in Kentucky, and 203 sites in 12 counties in Tennessee. Presently, there are 287 known Eggert’s sunflower sites distributed across 3 counties in Alabama, 9 counties in Kentucky, and 15 counties in Tennessee. On August 18, 2005, we published a final rule removing Eggert’s sunflower from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (70 FR 48482). Our decision to delist this species was based on a review of all available data, which indicated that the species was more widespread and abundant than was documented at the time of listing, was more resilient and less vulnerable to certain activities than previously thought, and is now protected on Federal, State, and county lands. Section 4(g)(1) of the Act requires that we implement a system, in cooperation with the States, to monitor all species that have been delisted, or removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, due to recovery for at least 5 years following delisting. The purpose of this postdelisting monitoring is to verify that a species delisted due to recovery remains secure from risk of extinction after it no longer has the protections of the Act. In keeping with that mandate, we developed this Monitoring Plan in cooperation with the States of Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. We are responsible for compliance with section 4(g) and must remain actively engaged in all phases of the post-delisting monitoring. The Draft Post-delisting Monitoring Plan for Eggert’s sunflower was available for public comment from August 18, 2005 through September 19, 2005 (70 FR 48577). The only response we received was from the State of Tennessee, which supported the plan. Since we had no additional information provided to us during the comment period, we have finalized the Post- PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 delisting Monitoring Plan with no changes from the draft. The Monitoring Plan is designed to track the population status of Eggert’s sunflower by using information routinely collected by our partners on a yearly basis as well as a total population census during the second and fifth years of the monitoring period for the 27 populations that occur on public lands. We will also annually evaluate the effectiveness of the Cooperative Management Agreements in protecting Eggert’s sunflower populations on these public lands. If we determine at the end of the 5year post-delisting monitoring period that ‘‘recovered’’ status is still appropriate and factors that led to the listing of Eggert’s sunflower, or any new factors, remain sufficiently reduced or eliminated, monitoring may be reduced or terminated. If data show that the species is declining or if one or more factors that have the potential to cause a decline are identified, we will continue monitoring beyond the 5-year period and may modify the Monitoring Plan based on an evaluation of the results of the initial Monitoring Plan, or reinitiate listing if necessary. Author The primary author of this proposed rule is Geoff Call (see ADDRESSES section). Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: December 19, 2006. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. E7–4367 Filed 3–9–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuges in the U.S. Virgin Islands Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, intend to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and associated environmental documents for Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 47 / Monday, March 12, 2007 / Notices National Wildlife Refuges. We furnish this notice in compliance with our comprehensive conservation planning policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning process. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by April 11, 2007. ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information to Ms. Susan Silander, Refuge Manager, Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, P.O. Box 510, ´ Boqueron, PR 00622; Telephone: 787/ 851–7258; or electronically to: susan_silander@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this notice, we initiate the process for developing a comprehensive conservation plan for Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuges with headquarters in ´ Boqueron, Puerto Rico. 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), 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 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. We establish each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System with specific purposes. We use these purposes to develop and prioritize management goals and objectives within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to guide which public uses will occur on these refuges. The planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives for the best possible conservation efforts of these important wildlife habitats, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with each refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Mar 09, 2007 Jkt 211001 We will conduct a comprehensive conservation planning process that will provide opportunity for Tribal, State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public to participate in issue scoping and public comment. We request input for issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the management of the Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife ´ Refuges, with headquarters in Boqueron, Puerto Rico. We invite anyone interested to respond to the following two questions: 1. What problems or issues do you want to see addressed in the comprehensive conservation plan? 2. What improvements would you recommend for the Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuges? We have provided the above questions for your optional use; you are not required to provide information to us. Our Planning Team developed these questions to gather information about individual issues and ideas concerning these refuges. Our Planning Team will use comments it receives as part of the planning process; however, we will not reference individual comments in our reports or directly respond to them. We will also give the public an opportunity to provide input at an open house and public scoping meetings during 2007, to identity issues to be addressed in the plan. These events will be advertised through local media outlets. You may also submit comments anytime during the planning process by writing to the address in the ADDRESSES section. All information provided voluntarily by mail, phone, or at public meetings becomes part of our official record (i.e., names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded during meeting). We will conduct the environmental review of this project in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with those regulations. All comments we receive on our environmental assessment become part of the official public record. We will handle requests for such comments in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, NEPA [40 CFR 1506.6(f)], and other Departmental and Service policies and procedures. When we receive a request, we generally will provide comment letters with the names and addresses of the individuals who wrote the comments. PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11047 Buck Island Refuge was established in 1969, and consists of 45 acres. It is an unstaffed refuge administered as part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The island was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service due to its ‘‘value for migratory birds.’’ However, little nesting occurs due to the presence of introduced rates. Visitors to the refuge may see red-billed tropic birds, frigate birds, terns, laughing gulls, and other species in the vicinity of the island. Green Cay Refuge was established in 1977, and consists of 14 acres. It is an unstaffed refuge administered as part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The island provides critical habitat for one of only two remaining natural populations of the endangered St. Croix ground lizard. Its extirpation from the mainland of St. Croix is generally attributed to the introduction of the small Indian mongoose. Outcrops of lava, tuffs, and breccias are prominent geological features. The island is closed to the public due to fragile habitat and easily disturbed wildlife, such as the St. Croix ground lizard. Sandy Point Refuge was established in 1984, and consists of 360 acres. It is a staffed refuge administered as part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The island hosts the largest nesting population of endangered leatherback sea turtles under United States jurisdiction. Approximately 11,000 people visit the refuge annually. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Dated: February 8, 2007. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. E7–4369 Filed 3–9–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, ´ Boqueron, PR Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, intend to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and associated E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 47 (Monday, March 12, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11046-11047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-4369]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuges 
in the U.S. Virgin Islands

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan 
and environmental assessment; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, intend to gather 
information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and 
associated environmental documents for Buck Island, Green Cay, and 
Sandy Point

[[Page 11047]]

National Wildlife Refuges. We furnish this notice in compliance with 
our comprehensive conservation planning policy to advise other agencies 
and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and 
information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning 
process.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by April 11, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information to Ms. 
Susan Silander, Refuge Manager, Caribbean Islands National Wildlife 
Refuge Complex, P.O. Box 510, Boquer[oacute]n, PR 00622; Telephone: 
787/851-7258; or electronically to: susan_silander@fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this notice, we initiate the process 
for developing a comprehensive conservation plan for Buck Island, Green 
Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuges with headquarters in 
Boquer[oacute]n, Puerto Rico.
    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), 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 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 wildlife-dependent recreational 
opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for 
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation.
    We establish each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System with 
specific purposes. We use these purposes to develop and prioritize 
management goals and objectives within the National Wildlife Refuge 
System mission, and to guide which public uses will occur on these 
refuges. The planning process is a way for us and the public to 
evaluate management goals and objectives for the best possible 
conservation efforts of these important wildlife habitats, while 
providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are 
compatible with each refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of 
the National Wildlife Refuge System.
    We will conduct a comprehensive conservation planning process that 
will provide opportunity for Tribal, State, and local governments; 
agencies; organizations; and the public to participate in issue scoping 
and public comment. We request input for issues, concerns, ideas, and 
suggestions for the management of the Buck Island, Green Cay, and Sandy 
Point National Wildlife Refuges, with headquarters in Boquer[oacute]n, 
Puerto Rico. We invite anyone interested to respond to the following 
two questions:
    1. What problems or issues do you want to see addressed in the 
comprehensive conservation plan?
    2. What improvements would you recommend for the Buck Island, Green 
Cay, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuges?
    We have provided the above questions for your optional use; you are 
not required to provide information to us. Our Planning Team developed 
these questions to gather information about individual issues and ideas 
concerning these refuges. Our Planning Team will use comments it 
receives as part of the planning process; however, we will not 
reference individual comments in our reports or directly respond to 
them.
    We will also give the public an opportunity to provide input at an 
open house and public scoping meetings during 2007, to identity issues 
to be addressed in the plan. These events will be advertised through 
local media outlets. You may also submit comments anytime during the 
planning process by writing to the address in the ADDRESSES section. 
All information provided voluntarily by mail, phone, or at public 
meetings becomes part of our official record (i.e., names, addresses, 
letters of comment, input recorded during meeting).
    We will conduct the environmental review of this project in 
accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA Regulations (40 
CFR parts 1500-1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; 
and our policies and procedures for compliance with those regulations. 
All comments we receive on our environmental assessment become part of 
the official public record. We will handle requests for such comments 
in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, NEPA [40 CFR 
1506.6(f)], and other Departmental and Service policies and procedures. 
When we receive a request, we generally will provide comment letters 
with the names and addresses of the individuals who wrote the comments.
    Buck Island Refuge was established in 1969, and consists of 45 
acres. It is an unstaffed refuge administered as part of the Caribbean 
Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The island was transferred to 
the Fish and Wildlife Service due to its ``value for migratory birds.'' 
However, little nesting occurs due to the presence of introduced rates. 
Visitors to the refuge may see red-billed tropic birds, frigate birds, 
terns, laughing gulls, and other species in the vicinity of the island.
    Green Cay Refuge was established in 1977, and consists of 14 acres. 
It is an unstaffed refuge administered as part of the Caribbean Islands 
National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The island provides critical habitat 
for one of only two remaining natural populations of the endangered St. 
Croix ground lizard. Its extirpation from the mainland of St. Croix is 
generally attributed to the introduction of the small Indian mongoose. 
Outcrops of lava, tuffs, and breccias are prominent geological 
features. The island is closed to the public due to fragile habitat and 
easily disturbed wildlife, such as the St. Croix ground lizard.
    Sandy Point Refuge was established in 1984, and consists of 360 
acres. It is a staffed refuge administered as part of the Caribbean 
Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The island hosts the largest 
nesting population of endangered leatherback sea turtles under United 
States jurisdiction. Approximately 11,000 people visit the refuge 
annually.

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

    Dated: February 8, 2007.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. E7-4369 Filed 3-9-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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