Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge, Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Territories, 53260-53261 [E7-18331]

Download as PDF 53260 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 18, 2007 / Notices of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701u) and HUD’s implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135, which require that, to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for training and employment be given to low-income persons residing within the unit of local government for the metropolitan area (or nonmetropolitan county) in which the project is located. Dated: September 11, 2007. ´ Nelson R. Bregon, General Deputy Assistant, Secretary for Community Planning and Development. [FR Doc. E7–18386 Filed 9–17–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge, Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Territories Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of draft comprehensive conservation plans and associated environmental assessments. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Environmental Assessments (Draft CCPs/EAs) for public review and comments, for Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge, Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge. These three national wildlife refuges are unincorporated U.S. territories located in the central Pacific Ocean, hereinafter collectively called Refuges. These Draft CCPs/EAs describe the Service’s proposal for management of the Refuges over the next 15 years. DATES: Written comments must be received at the address below by October 30, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments on the Draft CCPs/EAs should be addressed to: Donald Palawski, Refuge Manager, Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5–231, Honolulu, HI 96717. Comments may also be submitted via electronic mail to FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Please use Pacific Island NWR CCPs, in the subject line. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Palawski, Refuge Manager, phone number (808) 792–9560. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:28 Sep 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 The CCPs/ EAs were prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Proposed changes to refuge management include more frequent biological surveys, attraction of two rare seabird species to the refuges, and increased scientific research opportunities. No public uses of the Refuges are proposed. Copies of the Draft CCPs/EAs may be obtained by writing to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Charles Pelizza, Refuge Conservation Planner, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Refuges, c/o Oahu NWR Complex, 66–590 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712. The Draft CCPs/EAs will also be available for viewing and downloading online at https://pacific.fws.gov/planning. Copies of the Draft CCPs/EAs may be viewed at the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex Office during the regular business working hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is located in the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building at 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5–231, Honolulu, HI. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Refuges are located near the Equator between 1,300 and 1,700 nautical miles south to southwest from their administrative office in Honolulu, HI. These Refuges are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System (System) which is managed by the Service. We are developing individual Draft CCPs/EAs for each of the Refuges, however, we are developing them under one planning process, because they are part of the same ecosystem and share many of the same issues and management opportunities. These Refuges were established in 1974, when the Secretary of the Interior transferred responsibility for the islands, and their territorial seas outward to the 3-nautical-mile limit, from the Office of Territorial Affairs to the Service. The islands range in size from 648 to 1,273 acres with total acreage for the Refuges ranging from 31,909 to 37,487 acres. The purpose for establishing the Refuges is ‘‘the restoration and preservation of the complete ecosystem, terrestrial and marine.’’ Special emphasis is placed on the protection, restoration, and preservation of nesting seabirds. Because of the physical characteristics of these islands, landings and access are extremely hazardous; therefore, the Refuges have been closed to public PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 entry since establishment, to protect wildlife values and human safety. Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the CCPs is to provide a coherent, integrated set of management actions to help attain the purposes and objectives of the Refuges. The CCPs identify the conservation role of the Refuges, explain the Service’s proposed management actions, and provide a basis for Refuge budget requests. Alternatives Four alternatives for managing the Refuges for the next 15 years are identified and evaluated in the Draft CCPs/EAs. The preferred alternative in each CCP/EA is to implement Alternative B. Alternative B achieves the Refuges’ purposes, and goals; contributes to the System mission; addresses significant issues and relevant mandates; and is consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife management. The Refuges are currently closed to all public use activities and will remain closed under each alternative. Alternative A (No Action Alternative). Alternative A provides a baseline from which to compare the action alternatives (Alternatives B, C, and D). Under Alternative A, management practices already underway or funded would continue. These activities include routine biological surveys, inspection of entrance signs, monitoring for the presence of invasive species, and collection of marine debris. Visits would occur once every 2 years and would be arranged through, and dependent upon, partner agencies and organizations, as is current practice. Alternative B. Alternative B is the Service’s preferred alternative. Under Alternative B, the frequency of the activities described in Alternative A would increase and occur annually. There would be no increase in the scope or complexity of management activities. The collection of scientific data and assessment of habitat conditions would continue to occur. Additional management activities that would occur under Alternative B include a project to attract two rare seabird species to the Refuges and a project to conduct additional marine habitat exploration. Alternative C. This alternative includes a substantial increase in the frequency of visits, and also increases the scale and scope of management activities conducted during site visits. A Service owned or chartered research vessel, and crew members and their operational needs are required components of this alternative. E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 18, 2007 / Notices Monitoring wildlife populations and habitats, restoring habitats, and other management activities could occur yearround. Year-round or seasonal field camps would be rotated among the Refuges so that a more complete understanding of annual cycles and fluctuations in wildlife populations would be possible. Alternative D. Under Alternative D, a year-round field camp and would be rotated among the Refuges. A Service owned and operated vessel would be an integral and required component of this alternative. Surveys and monitoring activities under this alternative would provide the greatest understanding and most effective management of refuge resources. Scientific research would be encouraged and enhanced, with an opportunity for the Refuges to serve as baseline sites for global climate change research. Public Comments pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Public comments are requested, considered, and incorporated throughout the planning process. A previous notice was published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2005 (70 FR 54401) announcing the development of these Draft CCPs/EAs. After the review and comment period ends for these documents, comments will be analyzed by the Service and addressed in revised planning and NEPA documents. All comments received from individuals, including names and addresses, become part of the official public record and may be released. Requests for such comments will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, the Council on Environmental Quality’s NEPA regulations [40 CFR 1506.6(f)], and Service and Departmental policies and procedures. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available in accordance with law. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, Federal public disclosure requirements may apply. Dated: July 16, 2007. David J. Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. E7–18331 Filed 9–17–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:28 Sep 17, 2007 Jkt 211001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of permit applications; request for comment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. DATES: Comments on these permit applications must be received on or before October 18, 2007. ADDRESSES: Written data or comments should be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chief, Endangered Species, Ecological Services, 911 NE., 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232– 4181 (telephone: 503–231–2063; fax: 503–231–6243). Please refer to the respective permit number for each application when submitting comments. All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the official administrative record and may be made available to the public. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Belluomini, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, at the above Portland address (telephone: 503–231–2063; fax: 503– 231–6243). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following applicants have applied for scientific research permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (‘‘we’’) solicits review and comment from local, State, and Federal agencies, and the public on the following permit requests. Permit No. 160691 Applicant: Brian Meiering, Eugene, Oregon. The applicant request a permit to take (capture and translocate) the Oregon chub (Oregonichthys crameri) in conjunction with salvage operations in the State of Oregon for the purpose of enhancing its survival. Public Review of Comments We solicit public review and comment on this recovery permit application. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53261 you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Comments and materials received will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above address. Dated: July 23, 2007. David Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E7–18317 Filed 9–17–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [Docket No. WO–310–1310–PB–24 1A] Extension of Approved Information Collection, OMB Control Number 1004– 0196 Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend an existing approval to collect information from operators and operating rights owners who apply for designation of National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA) unit agreements. We collect nonform information to determine whether to grant approval to operate under a unit plan for NPRA Federal lands. We require operators to retain and provide information to determine whether proposed unit agreements meet the requirements for unitized exploration and development of oil and gas resources of the NPRA. DATES: You must submit your comments to BLM at the address below on or before November 19, 2007. BLM will not necessarily consider any comments received after the above date. ADDRESSES: You may send comments to the OMB, Interior Department Desk Officer (1004–0196), at OMB–OIRA via e-mail OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov or via facsimile at (202) 395–6566. Also please send a copy of your comments to BLM via Internet and include your name, address, and ATTN: 1004–0196 in your Internet message to comments_washington@blm.gov or via mail to: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Mail Stop 401LS, 1849 C Street, NW., ATTN: E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM 18SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 18, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53260-53261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18331]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge, Baker Island National 
Wildlife Refuge, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. 
Territories

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of draft comprehensive conservation 
plans and associated environmental assessments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans and 
Environmental Assessments (Draft CCPs/EAs) for public review and 
comments, for Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge, Baker Island 
National Wildlife Refuge, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge. 
These three national wildlife refuges are unincorporated U.S. 
territories located in the central Pacific Ocean, hereinafter 
collectively called Refuges. These Draft CCPs/EAs describe the 
Service's proposal for management of the Refuges over the next 15 
years.

DATES: Written comments must be received at the address below by 
October 30, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the Draft CCPs/EAs should be addressed to: 
Donald Palawski, Refuge Manager, Pacific Remote Islands National 
Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5-231, Honolulu, HI 
96717. Comments may also be submitted via electronic mail to 
FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Please use Pacific Island NWR CCPs, in the 
subject line.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Palawski, Refuge Manager, phone 
number (808) 792-9560.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The CCPs/EAs were prepared pursuant to the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended 
by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Proposed changes to 
refuge management include more frequent biological surveys, attraction 
of two rare seabird species to the refuges, and increased scientific 
research opportunities. No public uses of the Refuges are proposed.
    Copies of the Draft CCPs/EAs may be obtained by writing to the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Charles Pelizza, Refuge Conservation 
Planner, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Refuges, c/o Oahu NWR Complex, 
66-590 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712. The Draft CCPs/EAs will 
also be available for viewing and downloading online at https://
pacific.fws.gov/planning. Copies of the Draft CCPs/EAs may be viewed at 
the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex Office 
during the regular business working hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday 
through Friday. The office is located in the Prince Jonah Kuhio 
Kalanianaole Federal Building at 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5-231, 
Honolulu, HI.

Background

    The Refuges are located near the Equator between 1,300 and 1,700 
nautical miles south to southwest from their administrative office in 
Honolulu, HI. These Refuges are part of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System (System) which is managed by the Service. We are developing 
individual Draft CCPs/EAs for each of the Refuges, however, we are 
developing them under one planning process, because they are part of 
the same ecosystem and share many of the same issues and management 
opportunities.
    These Refuges were established in 1974, when the Secretary of the 
Interior transferred responsibility for the islands, and their 
territorial seas outward to the 3-nautical-mile limit, from the Office 
of Territorial Affairs to the Service. The islands range in size from 
648 to 1,273 acres with total acreage for the Refuges ranging from 
31,909 to 37,487 acres. The purpose for establishing the Refuges is 
``the restoration and preservation of the complete ecosystem, 
terrestrial and marine.'' Special emphasis is placed on the protection, 
restoration, and preservation of nesting seabirds. Because of the 
physical characteristics of these islands, landings and access are 
extremely hazardous; therefore, the Refuges have been closed to public 
entry since establishment, to protect wildlife values and human safety.

Purpose and Need for Action

    The purpose of the CCPs is to provide a coherent, integrated set of 
management actions to help attain the purposes and objectives of the 
Refuges. The CCPs identify the conservation role of the Refuges, 
explain the Service's proposed management actions, and provide a basis 
for Refuge budget requests.

Alternatives

    Four alternatives for managing the Refuges for the next 15 years 
are identified and evaluated in the Draft CCPs/EAs. The preferred 
alternative in each CCP/EA is to implement Alternative B. Alternative B 
achieves the Refuges' purposes, and goals; contributes to the System 
mission; addresses significant issues and relevant mandates; and is 
consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife management. The 
Refuges are currently closed to all public use activities and will 
remain closed under each alternative.
    Alternative A (No Action Alternative). Alternative A provides a 
baseline from which to compare the action alternatives (Alternatives B, 
C, and D). Under Alternative A, management practices already underway 
or funded would continue. These activities include routine biological 
surveys, inspection of entrance signs, monitoring for the presence of 
invasive species, and collection of marine debris. Visits would occur 
once every 2 years and would be arranged through, and dependent upon, 
partner agencies and organizations, as is current practice.
    Alternative B. Alternative B is the Service's preferred 
alternative. Under Alternative B, the frequency of the activities 
described in Alternative A would increase and occur annually. There 
would be no increase in the scope or complexity of management 
activities. The collection of scientific data and assessment of habitat 
conditions would continue to occur. Additional management activities 
that would occur under Alternative B include a project to attract two 
rare seabird species to the Refuges and a project to conduct additional 
marine habitat exploration.
    Alternative C. This alternative includes a substantial increase in 
the frequency of visits, and also increases the scale and scope of 
management activities conducted during site visits. A Service owned or 
chartered research vessel, and crew members and their operational needs 
are required components of this alternative.

[[Page 53261]]

Monitoring wildlife populations and habitats, restoring habitats, and 
other management activities could occur year-round. Year-round or 
seasonal field camps would be rotated among the Refuges so that a more 
complete understanding of annual cycles and fluctuations in wildlife 
populations would be possible.
    Alternative D. Under Alternative D, a year-round field camp and 
would be rotated among the Refuges. A Service owned and operated vessel 
would be an integral and required component of this alternative. 
Surveys and monitoring activities under this alternative would provide 
the greatest understanding and most effective management of refuge 
resources. Scientific research would be encouraged and enhanced, with 
an opportunity for the Refuges to serve as baseline sites for global 
climate change research.

Public Comments

    Public comments are requested, considered, and incorporated 
throughout the planning process. A previous notice was published in the 
Federal Register on September 14, 2005 (70 FR 54401) announcing the 
development of these Draft CCPs/EAs. After the review and comment 
period ends for these documents, comments will be analyzed by the 
Service and addressed in revised planning and NEPA documents. All 
comments received from individuals, including names and addresses, 
become part of the official public record and may be released. Requests 
for such comments will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of 
Information Act, the Council on Environmental Quality's NEPA 
regulations [40 CFR 1506.6(f)], and Service and Departmental policies 
and procedures.
    Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available in accordance with law. 
While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal 
identifying information from public review, Federal public disclosure 
requirements may apply.

    Dated: July 16, 2007.
David J. Wesley,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. E7-18331 Filed 9-17-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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