Record of Decision for the Bair Island Restoration and Management Plan and a Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Bair Island State Ecological Reserve, San Mateo County, CA, 32678-32679 [E7-11392]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 113 / Wednesday, June 13, 2007 / Notices
Management Officer, QDAM,
Department of Housing and Urban
Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20410; e-mail
Lillian_L._Deitzer@HUD.gov or
telephone (202) 708–2374. This is not a
toll-free number. Copies of available
documents submitted to OMB may be
obtained from Ms. Deitzer or from
HUD’s Web site at: https://
www5.hud.gov:63001/po/i/icbts/
collectionsearch.cfm.
This
notice informs the public that the
Department of Housing and Urban
Development has submitted to OMB a
request for approval of the information
collection described below. This notice
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
is soliciting comments from members of
the public and affecting agencies
concerning the proposed collection of
information to: (1) Evaluate whether the
proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility; (2) Evaluate the
accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of
information; (3) Enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and (4) Minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on those who are to respond; including
through the use of appropriate
automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submission of
responses. This notice also lists the
following information:
Title of Proposal: Doctoral
Dissertation Research Grant Program.
OMB Approval Number: 2528–0213.
Form Numbers: SF–424, SF–424
Supplement, HUD–424–CB, SFLLL,
HUD–27300, HUD–2880, HUD–2993,
HUD–2944–A, HUD–96010, HUD–
96011.
Description of the Need For the
Information and Its Proposed Use:
Doctoral students will receive grants to
complete their dissertation on related to
HUD subjects.
Frequency of Submission: On
occasion, Semi-annually, Other Final
Report.
Number of
respondents
Annual
responses
50
2.5
Reporting Burden ..............................................................................
Total Estimated Burden Hours: 1780.
Status: Extension of a currently
approved collection.
Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as
amended.
Dated: June 7, 2007.
Lillian L. Deitzer,
Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act
Officer, Office of the Chief Information
Officer
[FR Doc. E7–11336 Filed 6–12–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Record of Decision for the Bair Island
Restoration and Management Plan and
a Final Environmental Impact
Statement/Environmental Impact
Report, Don Edwards San Francisco
Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the
Bair Island State Ecological Reserve,
San Mateo County, CA
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) announces the
decision and availability of the Record
of Decision (ROD) for the Bair Island
Restoration and Management Plan and
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay
National Wildlife Refuge. A thorough
analysis of the environmental, social,
and economic considerations was
completed and presented in the Final
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:30 Jun 12, 2007
Jkt 211001
EIS. The Final EIS was released to the
public and a Notice of Availability was
published in the Federal Register on
July 28, 2006. The ROD documents the
Service’s decision to adopt and
implement Alternative 1, Tidal Marsh
Restoration with Moderate Public
Access for the Bair Island Restoration
and Management Plan.
DATES: The ROD was signed by the
Acting Manager, California/Nevada
Operations, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service on May 22, 2007.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the ROD may be
obtained by writing to: Clyde Morris,
Manager, Don Edwards San Francisco
Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 9500
Thornton Avenue, Newark, California
94560 or by e-mailing
clyde_morris@fws.gov. A copy of the
Final ROD and EIS is available at the
following Web site address: https://
southbayrestoration.org/bair.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Clyde Morris, Refuge Manager, at the
above street and e-mail address or via
telephone at (510) 792–0222 extension
25, or by fax at (510) 792–5828.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Bair
Island is a 3,000 acre former commercial
salt pond complex on San Francisco Bay
in Redwood City, California. The U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and
the California Department of Fish and
Game are preparing to restore and
manage the 1,400 acres of Bair Island
that are still contained within the
former salt pond levees to tidal
wetlands.
The Bair Island Complex is divided
into three distinct areas separated by
slough channels: Inner, Middle, and
PO 00000
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×
Hours per
response
14.24
=
Burden hours
1780
Outer Bair. Inner Bair Island is
connected to the mainland with access
from Whipple Avenue and U.S.
Highway 101. Inner Bair Island is
separated from Middle Bair by Smith
Slough, which is separated from Outer
Bair by Corkscrew Slough.
Historically, Bair Island was part of a
large complex of tidal marshes and mud
flats within the drainage of San
Francisco Bay, Redwood Creek and
Steinberger Slough. Bair Island was
diked in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s
for agricultural purposes. It was
converted to commercial salt ponds in
1946 and remained in production until
1965. The lands were then drained and
sold to a series of real estate
development companies. A local
referendum in the City of Redwood City
halted development plans for Bair
Island. The California Department of
Fish and Game (CDFG) and the Don
Edwards San Francisco Bay National
Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) both acquired
portions of Bair Island over time. The
Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased
the majority of the remaining portions of
Bair Island in 1999 and their interests
were acquired by these agencies.
Five alternatives for restoration and
management of Bair Island and the
consequences of implementing each
alternative were described in detail in
the Draft and Final EIS. The Draft EIS
was distributed on August 27, 2004 and
a public meeting to accept comments on
the draft document was held on
September 22, 2004. The Service
received 31 comment letters from
organizations or individuals. All
substantive issues raised in these
comments were addressed through
E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM
13JNN1
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 113 / Wednesday, June 13, 2007 / Notices
changes incorporated into the Final Bair
Island Restoration and Management
Plan and EIS and/or through responses
to the comments, which are included in
the Final EIS.
The ROD for the Bair Island
Restoration and Management Plan has
been prepared by the Service in
compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA), as amended. It documents the
decision of the Service, based on the
information contained in the Final Bair
Island Restoration and Management
Plan EIS and the entire Administrative
Record. The Service adopted and plans
to implement Alternative 1, Tidal Marsh
Restoration with Moderate Public
Access. This alternative has been
identified by the Service as the
alternative that would best achieve the
goal of the restoration plan, the refuge
purposes, and contribute toward the
mission of the National Wildlife Refuge
System, consistent with sound
principles of fish and wildlife science,
conservation, legal mandates, and
Service policies. The selected
alternative would restore Bair Island to
a tidal salt marsh to provide habitat for
endangered species and other native
wildlife as well as to enhance the
public’s appreciation and awareness of
the unique resources at Bair Island.
Once restored, the site will assist with
the preservation and recovery of both
the California clapper rail and the salt
marsh harvest mouse. These two species
were listed by the Fish and Wildlife
Service as endangered species on
October 13, 1970.
The restoration of Bair Island would
take place in phases. The first phase
would be breaching of Outer Bair Island
at two locations on Steinberger Slough
near its entrance to San Francisco Bay.
The second phase would be restoration
of Inner and Middle Bair Island by
breaching their former commercial salt
pond levees after constructing a flow
restrictor in Corkscrew Slough and
reestablishing the historic meander of
Smith Slough on Inner Bair Island.
Dredge and/or fill material would raise
the bottom elevation of Inner Bair Island
to quicken the establishment of
vegetated marsh. The third phase,
which could take place during or after
the first two phases, would be the
construction of wildlife oriented public
use facilities on Inner Bair Island and a
portage with wildlife viewing platform
on Outer Bair Island. Inner Bair Island
improvements would include a new
pedestrian bridge from the existing
Refuge parking lot, a 1.8 mile public
trail, and two wildlife viewing platforms
with interpretive signage.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:30 Jun 12, 2007
Jkt 211001
The Service considered the
environmental and relevant concerns
presented by agencies, organizations,
and individuals and believes that
implementing Alternative 1 is the best
way to achieve the vision and goals of
the restoration project. The selected
alternative is also the most consistent
with the purposes of the Refuge, the
mission of the National Wildlife Refuge
System, and the recovery actions
proposed for the federally listed species
found in the area. This alternative
recognizes the need to restore habitat
essential to the recovery of listed
species as well as other tidal wetland
dependent native species. The selected
alterative also includes appropriate
types and levels of recreational access
for the public to experience and enjoy
the resources being protected.
Dated: June 7, 2007.
Ken McDermond,
Deputy Manager, California/Nevada
Operations Office, Sacramento, California.
[FR Doc. E7–11392 Filed 6–12–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[WO–300–9131–PP]
Notice of Intent To Prepare a
Programmatic Environmental Impact
Statement for Leasing of Geothermal
Resources
AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management,
Interior; and U.S. Forest Service,
Agriculture.
ACTION: Notice of Intent to Prepare a
Programmatic Environmental Impact
Statement for Leasing of Geothermal
Resources.
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321), the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and
the United States Forest Service (USFS)
will prepare a joint Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS)
to analyze the leasing of BLM- and
USFS-administered lands with
moderate to high potential for
geothermal resources in eleven western
states and Alaska.
DATES: This notice initiates the public
scoping process for the PEIS. The BLM
and the USFS will accept written
comments on the scope of the PEIS
postmarked by August 13, 2007, and
electronic or faxed comments received
by August 13, 2007. Public scoping
meetings to obtain comments for the
PEIS will be held in Anchorage, Alaska;
PO 00000
Frm 00074
Fmt 4703
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32679
Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colorado;
Missoula, Montana; Phoenix, Arizona;
Portland, Oregon; Reno, Nevada;
Sacramento, California; Salt Lake City,
Utah; and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Times
and locations of the scoping meetings
will be announced at least 15 days prior
to the meetings in the local news media
and on the project Web site: https://
www.blm.gov/Geothermal_EIS. Public
scoping will be open until August 13,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any of the following methods:
• E-mail: geothermal_EIS@blm.gov.
• Fax: 1–866–625–0707.
• U.S. Mail: Geothermal
Programmatic EIS, c/o EMPS Inc., 182
Howard Street, Suite 110, San
Francisco, CA 94105.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
further information, including
information on how to comment, you
may contact Jack G. Peterson, Bureau of
Land Management at 208–373–4048,
Jack_G_Peterson@blm.gov, or Tracy
Parker, Forest Service at 703–605–4796,
tparker03@fs.fed.us or visit the
Programmatic EIS Web site at https://
www.blm.gov/Geothermal_EIS.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM
and the USFS will prepare a joint PEIS
for geothermal leasing on BLM- and
USFS-administered lands in the western
United States (including Alaska) with
moderate to high potential for
geothermal resources. The U.S.
Department of Energy plans to
participate as a cooperating agency in
view of its special expertise, and may
adopt the PEIS to help it more
efficiently meet its NEPA review
obligations. The analysis area includes
BLM- and USFS-administered lands in
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado,
Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Montana,
Oregon, Utah, Washington, and
Wyoming. This PEIS will not include
congressionally withdrawn lands,
Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic
Rivers, or lands not administered by the
BLM or the USFS. For more information
related to areas in these states with
potential for geothermal resources see
the public Web site: https://
www.blm.gov/Geothermal_EIS. This
Web site will include links to many
source documents including United
States Geological Survey Circular 790
and the Western Governor’s Association
Geothermal Task Force Report. Source
information will continue to be updated
and expanded as a result of this scoping
process. The PEIS will be prepared in
accordance with applicable Council on
Environmental Quality regulations at 40
CFR 1500–1508, and applicable BLM
and USFS regulations.
E:\FR\FM\13JNN1.SGM
13JNN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 113 (Wednesday, June 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32678-32679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11392]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Record of Decision for the Bair Island Restoration and Management
Plan and a Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact
Report, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the
Bair Island State Ecological Reserve, San Mateo County, CA
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the
decision and availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Bair
Island Restoration and Management Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) for the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife
Refuge. A thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic
considerations was completed and presented in the Final EIS. The Final
EIS was released to the public and a Notice of Availability was
published in the Federal Register on July 28, 2006. The ROD documents
the Service's decision to adopt and implement Alternative 1, Tidal
Marsh Restoration with Moderate Public Access for the Bair Island
Restoration and Management Plan.
DATES: The ROD was signed by the Acting Manager, California/Nevada
Operations, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on May 22, 2007.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the ROD may be obtained by writing to: Clyde
Morris, Manager, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife
Refuge, 9500 Thornton Avenue, Newark, California 94560 or by e-mailing
clyde_morris@fws.gov. A copy of the Final ROD and EIS is available at
the following Web site address: https://southbayrestoration.org/bair.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clyde Morris, Refuge Manager, at the
above street and e-mail address or via telephone at (510) 792-0222
extension 25, or by fax at (510) 792-5828.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Bair Island is a 3,000 acre former
commercial salt pond complex on San Francisco Bay in Redwood City,
California. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the
California Department of Fish and Game are preparing to restore and
manage the 1,400 acres of Bair Island that are still contained within
the former salt pond levees to tidal wetlands.
The Bair Island Complex is divided into three distinct areas
separated by slough channels: Inner, Middle, and Outer Bair. Inner Bair
Island is connected to the mainland with access from Whipple Avenue and
U.S. Highway 101. Inner Bair Island is separated from Middle Bair by
Smith Slough, which is separated from Outer Bair by Corkscrew Slough.
Historically, Bair Island was part of a large complex of tidal
marshes and mud flats within the drainage of San Francisco Bay, Redwood
Creek and Steinberger Slough. Bair Island was diked in the late 1800's
and early 1900's for agricultural purposes. It was converted to
commercial salt ponds in 1946 and remained in production until 1965.
The lands were then drained and sold to a series of real estate
development companies. A local referendum in the City of Redwood City
halted development plans for Bair Island. The California Department of
Fish and Game (CDFG) and the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National
Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) both acquired portions of Bair Island over
time. The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased the majority of the
remaining portions of Bair Island in 1999 and their interests were
acquired by these agencies.
Five alternatives for restoration and management of Bair Island and
the consequences of implementing each alternative were described in
detail in the Draft and Final EIS. The Draft EIS was distributed on
August 27, 2004 and a public meeting to accept comments on the draft
document was held on September 22, 2004. The Service received 31
comment letters from organizations or individuals. All substantive
issues raised in these comments were addressed through
[[Page 32679]]
changes incorporated into the Final Bair Island Restoration and
Management Plan and EIS and/or through responses to the comments, which
are included in the Final EIS.
The ROD for the Bair Island Restoration and Management Plan has
been prepared by the Service in compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended. It documents the
decision of the Service, based on the information contained in the
Final Bair Island Restoration and Management Plan EIS and the entire
Administrative Record. The Service adopted and plans to implement
Alternative 1, Tidal Marsh Restoration with Moderate Public Access.
This alternative has been identified by the Service as the alternative
that would best achieve the goal of the restoration plan, the refuge
purposes, and contribute toward the mission of the National Wildlife
Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife
science, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. The
selected alternative would restore Bair Island to a tidal salt marsh to
provide habitat for endangered species and other native wildlife as
well as to enhance the public's appreciation and awareness of the
unique resources at Bair Island. Once restored, the site will assist
with the preservation and recovery of both the California clapper rail
and the salt marsh harvest mouse. These two species were listed by the
Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered species on October 13, 1970.
The restoration of Bair Island would take place in phases. The
first phase would be breaching of Outer Bair Island at two locations on
Steinberger Slough near its entrance to San Francisco Bay. The second
phase would be restoration of Inner and Middle Bair Island by breaching
their former commercial salt pond levees after constructing a flow
restrictor in Corkscrew Slough and reestablishing the historic meander
of Smith Slough on Inner Bair Island. Dredge and/or fill material would
raise the bottom elevation of Inner Bair Island to quicken the
establishment of vegetated marsh. The third phase, which could take
place during or after the first two phases, would be the construction
of wildlife oriented public use facilities on Inner Bair Island and a
portage with wildlife viewing platform on Outer Bair Island. Inner Bair
Island improvements would include a new pedestrian bridge from the
existing Refuge parking lot, a 1.8 mile public trail, and two wildlife
viewing platforms with interpretive signage.
The Service considered the environmental and relevant concerns
presented by agencies, organizations, and individuals and believes that
implementing Alternative 1 is the best way to achieve the vision and
goals of the restoration project. The selected alternative is also the
most consistent with the purposes of the Refuge, the mission of the
National Wildlife Refuge System, and the recovery actions proposed for
the federally listed species found in the area. This alternative
recognizes the need to restore habitat essential to the recovery of
listed species as well as other tidal wetland dependent native species.
The selected alterative also includes appropriate types and levels of
recreational access for the public to experience and enjoy the
resources being protected.
Dated: June 7, 2007.
Ken McDermond,
Deputy Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office, Sacramento,
California.
[FR Doc. E7-11392 Filed 6-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
