Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Wilderness Stewardship Plan for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in Pima and Yuma Counties, AZ, 54281-54283 [07-4715]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 184 / Monday, September 24, 2007 / Notices rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES comment letters with the names and addresses of the individuals who wrote them. However, to the extent permissible by law, we will not provide the telephone numbers of those individuals. Supawna Meadows NWR Supawna Meadows NWR currently includes more than 3,000 acres of marsh, grassland, shrubland, and forest habitats. The approved refuge acquisition boundary encompasses 4,500 acres along the Upper Delaware Bay and Salem River in Pennsville Township, New Jersey. The refuge boundaries are defined by the Delaware Bay, Salem River, and Fort Mott Road. Supawna Meadows NWR was originally established as the Goose Pond addition to the Killcohook NWR (currently termed Killcohook Dredge Spoil Disposal Area), which was established by Executive Order 6582 on February 3, 1934. The refuge was renamed Supawna Meadows NWR and officially separated from Killcohook on April 10, 1974, by the Service. On October 30, 1998, the Service’s jurisdiction over Killcohook was revoked. Supawna Meadows NWR was established as a ‘‘* * *refuge and breeding ground for wild birds and animals;’’ ‘‘* * *for particular value in carrying out the national migratory bird management program;’’ ‘‘* * *for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds;’’ and as a refuge ‘‘* * *suitable for (1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (2) the protection of natural resources, (3) the conservation of endangered species or threatened species* * *’’ The refuge is located in the Atlantic Flyway, where birds migrating from interior Canada and the coastal Provinces merge to form the main stem of the flyway. The area not only serves as an important migration area, but also provides wintering habitat for large numbers of waterfowl. Recent midwinter waterfowl inventory flights for the Salem River watershed averaged more than 2,000 dabbling ducks and more than 17,000 Canada geese. Supawna Meadows NWR provides critical foraging habitat for more than 6,000 pairs of 9 species of wading birds that nest on Pea Patch Island, one of the largest rookeries on the east coast. Pea Patch Island and the surrounding area, including the refuge, have been designated a Special Management Area by the States of New Jersey and Delaware, in accordance with the Coastal Zone Management Act. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:43 Sep 21, 2007 Jkt 211001 Supawna Meadows NWR receives significant use by shorebirds during both spring and fall migrations. The refuge and adjacent marshes are currently being investigated for potential inclusion in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. It also provides habitat for the bald eagle, as well as State-listed endangered and threatened species and species of conservation concern. A maternity colony of more than 1,500 bats, primarily the little brown bat, roosts in a dilapidated barn on the refuge. The federally endangered Indiana bat is known to form small colonies within large little brown bat colonies. Indiana bats have been documented within the Highlands region of New Jersey, but little survey work has taken place within the southern portion of the State, and it is not yet known if the species is present within the Coastal Plain. Reptile and amphibian species of conservation concern at Supawna Meadows NWR include northern diamondback terrapin, eastern box turtle, spotted turtle, and Fowler’s toad. The predominant public uses of the refuge are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography. There are two walking trails and one boating trail to facilitate those uses. Portions of the refuge are open to deer hunting and waterfowl hunting per State regulations. There is an historic lighthouse on the refuge, the Finns Point Rear Range Light, which draws a number of visitors. Dated: September 18, 2007. Thomas J. Healy, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, Massachusetts. [FR Doc. E7–18740 Filed 9–21–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Wilderness Stewardship Plan for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in Pima and Yuma Counties, AZ Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of record of decision. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce our decision and availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), Wilderness Stewardship Plan (WSP) and Environmental Impact PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54281 Statement (EIS) for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. ADDRESSES: The ROD and Final CCP/ WSP/EIS may be viewed at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters at 1611 North Second Street, Ajo, Arizona 85321. You may obtain a copy of the ROD at the Planning Division Web site at https:// www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/Plan/ completeplans.html or by writing to the following address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, Southwest Region, Planning Division, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Slown at (505) 248–7458 or e-mail: john_slown@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce our decision and availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), Wilderness Stewardship Plan (WSP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.6(b). We completed a thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations, which we included in the Final CCP/WSP/EIS. We released the Final CCP/WSP/EIS to the public and published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register (72 FR, 20132– 20133, April 23, 2007). The ROD documents the selection of Alternative D, the Preferred Alternative in the Final CCP/WSP/EIS. The ROD was signed by the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwest Region, on July 19, 2007. The CCP/WSP/EIS for the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge will provide management guidance for conservation of Refuge resources and public use activities during the next 15 years. Five alternatives and their consequences were described in detail in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements. Under all alternatives the recovery plan for the Sonoran pronghorn would be implemented, wilderness resources would be protected and the Refuge would work cooperatively with the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Patrol, to protect Sonoran Desert resources while securing the Nation’s border. Alternative 1—No Action. No change from present management practices. The No Action alternative is a status quo scenario in which current conditions and trends would continue. This E:\FR\FM\24SEN1.SGM 24SEN1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES 54282 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 184 / Monday, September 24, 2007 / Notices alternative served as the baseline to compare and contrast with the other alternatives. Under existing conditions the Refuge would continue to offer a limited desert bighorn sheep hunt each year in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Refuge staff would continue to maintain and supply supplemental water to existing developed waters in desert bighorn sheep habitat. Alternative 2—Minimum Intervention. Under this alternative the primary focus of Refuge management is avoidance or limitation of management interventions within Refuge wilderness. Under this alternative, developed wildlife waters in sheep habitat within the Refuge wilderness would not be maintained or supplied with supplemental water. Sonoran pronghorn recovery activities would continue to be implemented, but any new developed waters, forage enhancements or radio collaring capture operations would be restricted to the refuge non-wilderness. The desert bighorn sheep hunt would also be discontinued. The use of horses by Refuge visitors would be prohibited, visitor party size would be limited to eight individuals and the maximum length of stay would be limited to seven (7) consecutive days. Collecting firewood on the Refuge would be prohibited. Only one vehicle-accessible developed campsite would be retained. Alternative 3—Restrained Intervention. The theme of this alternative is increased levels of active habitat and wildlife management above that of Alternative 2, with management activities focused on the non-wilderness portion of the Refuge. Under this alternative, the Refuge would supply supplemental water to developed waters in sheep habitat within Refuge wilderness only during periods of severe drought. Sonoran pronghorn recovery activities would continue to be implemented, but any new developed waters, forage enhancements or radio collaring capture operations would be restricted to the Refuge non-wilderness. The desert bighorn sheep hunt would be continued, but no hunting would be allowed during years of severe drought. The use of horses by Refuge visitors would be allowed subject to special use permit. Visitor party size would be limited to eight individuals and the maximum length of stay would be seven (7) consecutive days. Collecting firewood on the Refuge would be prohibited. Only one vehicle-accesible developed campsite would be retained. Alternative 4—Active Management (the Service’s Preferred Alternative). The theme of this alternative is active intervention, as justifiable, throughout VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:43 Sep 21, 2007 Jkt 211001 the Refuge to recover the Sonoran pronghorn and maintain a target population level for the Refuge’s desert bighorn sheep. Under this alternative, maintenance and water supply to existing developed waters in sheep habitat within Refuge wilderness would continue and projects to increase the water collection efficiency of such waters would be implemented. Sonoran pronghorn recovery activities and developments would occur wherever determined best suited for species recovery, subject to minimum requirements analysis in wilderness. The Refuge desert bighorn sheep hunt program would continue unchanged under this alternative. The use of horses by Refuge visitors would be allowed subject to special use permit. Visitor party size would be limited to eight individuals or four vehicles and the maximum length of stay would be fourteen (14) consecutive days. Collecting dead and down firewood would be allowed for visitors traveling in the Refuge backcountry (hiking away from the access roads). Three existing vehicle-accessible developed campsites would be retained. Alternative 5—Maximum Effort. This alternative focuses on maximizing both the provision of visitor services and Refuge population levels of desert bighorn sheep. Under this alternative all existing developed waters in Refuge wilderness would be maintained and supplied with water, and new developed waters would be created. In addition to developed waters, the Refuge would develop forage enhancements in suitable areas of desert bighorn sheep habitat to provide forage for a larger desert bighorn sheep population. The desert bighorn sheep hunt program would continue unchanged under this alternative. Horses would be allowed on the Refuge for visitors, restrictions of collection of firewood would be eliminated and two additional developed campsites would be developed along the non-wilderness access roads. No visitor party size limitations would be imposed, and the maximum length of stay would be fourteen (14) consecutive days. We have selected Alternative 4, the Preferred Alternative, for implementation at the Refuge. Alternative 4 addresses the key issues identified during the planning process and will best achieve the purposes and goals of the Refuge as well as the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This decision includes adoption of Comprehensive Conservation Plan Chapters (Appendix PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 M of the Final CCP/WSP/EIS). Implementation of the CCP will occur over the next 15 years and will depend on future staffing levels and funding. The Service’s Basis for the Decision: Based on a review of the environmental consequences of each alternative, we judged Alternative 4 to be the environmentally preferable alternative. Alternative 4 is also expected to lead to more overall public support and a more appropriate level of public use opportunities than the other alternatives. Alternative 1 was not considered for selection as it describes current management and was presented primarily as a baseline against which to compare the proposed alternatives. Alternatives 2 and 3 were not selected primarily because their spatial restrictions of management activity would likely lead to inefficient and suboptimal sampling and recovery implementation for the Sonoran pronghorn. Alternative 5 was not selected because its level of management intervention within wilderness to manage a larger population of desert bighorn sheep on the Refuge would create excessive impacts to wilderness character. The increased levels of public use anticipated under Alternative 5 and the absence of any restrictions on firewood collection, visitor horse use and visitor party size would likely create localized adverse impacts to habitat and wildlife populations. The rationale for choosing the selected alternative as the best alternative for the CCP/WSP/EIS is based on the impact of this alternative on the issues and concerns that surfaced during the planning process. Because all practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental harm have been incorporated into the preferred alternative, no mitigation measures have been identified. Public Comments on Final CCP/WSP/ EIS: During the 30-day waiting period, we received three written comments. The comments did not raise any issues not addressed in the Final CCP/WSP/ EIS, and the comments did not result in changes to the analysis of environmental consequences or affect our response to similar comments in the Final EIS. All written comments received during the 30-day waiting period are available for review at the Refuge headquarters in Ajo, Arizona (see ADDRESSES). E:\FR\FM\24SEN1.SGM 24SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 184 / Monday, September 24, 2007 / Notices Dated: July 19, 2007. Benjamin N. Tuggle, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. 07–4715 Filed 9–21–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [UT–090–06–1220–PM] Revision of Recreation Use Restrictions for Indian Creek Canyon Corridor: Off-Highway Vehicle Use Restrictions Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management. ACTION: Notice of OHV use restrictions. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that, effective immediately, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Monticello Field Office, is restricting off-highway vehicle (OHV) travel to existing roads and trails on approximately 100,000 acres of public lands in the Indian Creek Canyon area near Monticello, UT. The public lands affected by this restriction are located in portions of T. 29 S., R. 19–21 E; T. 30 S., R. 19–22 E.; T. 31 S., R. 20–22 E; T. 32 S., R. 20–22 E. The Indian Creek Management boundary is depicted on the attached map. The purpose of this restriction is to protect riparian, soils, riparian, vegetation, visual and cultural resources that have been adversely impacted, or are at risk of being adversely impacted by crosscountry OHV travel. The restriction will remain in effect until the Monticello Resource Management Plan Revision is completed. Nick Sandberg, Acting Field Office Manager, Monticello Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 7, Monticello, Utah, 84535; (435) 587–1500. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BLM is implementing this action on approximately 100,000 acres of public land in the Indian Creek Corridor area in San Juan County, which is located in southeast Utah. BLM’s Monticello Field Office has observed and documented considerable adverse effects from crosscountry OHV use in this area to soils, riparian, vegetation, visual and cultural resources. Based on this information, BLM’s authorized officer has determined that cross-country OHV use in this area is causing, or will cause, considerable adverse effects upon soils, riparian, vegetation, visual and cultural resources. Consequently, OHV travel in rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:43 Sep 21, 2007 Jkt 211001 this area is being limited to existing roads and trails. A map showing the restriction area is available for public inspection at the BLM’s Monticello Field Office, at the above address. OHV use on the remainder of the public lands in San Juan County, Utah administered by BLM will be managed according to existing Federal Register orders and the 1991 San Juan Resource Area Resource Management Plan. This restriction order does not apply to: (1) Any federal, state or local government law enforcement officer engaged in enforcing this closure order or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force while in the performance of an official duty. (2) Any Bureau of Land Management employee, agent, contractor, or cooperator while in the performance of an official duty. This order shall not be construed as a limitation on BLM’s future planning efforts and/or management of OHV use on the public lands. BLM will periodically monitor resource conditions and rends in the restriction area and may modify this order or implement additional limitations or closures as necessary. The authority for this order is 43 CFR 8342.1. Dated: September 14, 2007. Sherwin N. Sandberg, Field Office Manager. [FR Doc. E7–18621 Filed 9–21–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–DQ–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of a reinstatement of an information collection (1010–0082). AGENCY: SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 281, Leasing for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas and Sulphur in the Outer Continental Shelf. Submit written comments by November 23, 2007. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54283 You may submit comments by any of the following methods listed below. Please use the Information Collection Number 1010–0082 as an identifier in your message. • E-mail MMS at rules.comments@mms.gov. Identify with Information Collection Number 1010– 0082 in the subject line. • Fax: 703–787–1093. Identify with Information Collection Number 1010– 0082. • Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the Interior; Minerals Management Service; Attention: Cheryl Blundon; 381 Elden Street, MS–4024; Herndon, Virginia 20170–4817. Please reference ‘‘Information Collection 1010– 0082’’ in your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Blundon, Regulations and Standards Branch at (703) 787–1607. You may also contact Cheryl Blundon to obtain a copy, at no cost, of the regulations that require the subject collection of information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: 30 CFR Part 281, Leasing for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur in the Outer Continental Shelf. OMB Control Number: 1010–0082. Abstract: Section 8(k) of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1337), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to grant to the qualified persons offering the highest cash bonuses on a basis of competitive bidding leases of any mineral other than oil, gas, and sulphur. This applies to any area of the Outer Continental Shelf not then under lease for such mineral upon such royalty, rental, and other terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe at the time of offering the area for lease. The Secretary is to administer the leasing provisions of the Act and prescribe the rule and regulations necessary to carry out those provisions. Regulations at 30 CFR Part 281 implement these statutory requirements. However, there has been no activity in the OCS for minerals other than oil, gas, and sulphur for many years and no information collected since we allowed the OMB approval to expire in 1991. Nevertheless, because these are regulatory requirements, the potential exists for information to be collected and we are requesting that OMB reinstate this collection of information. We use the information required by 30 CFR Part 281 to determine if statutory requirements are met prior to the issuance of a lease. Specifically, MMS uses the information to: • Evaluate the area and minerals requested by the lessee to assess the viability of offering leases for sale. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\24SEN1.SGM 24SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 184 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54281-54283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-4715]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan, 
Wilderness Stewardship Plan for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge 
in Pima and Yuma Counties, AZ

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of record of decision.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce our decision 
and availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), Wilderness Stewardship Plan 
(WSP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Cabeza Prieta 
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.

ADDRESSES: The ROD and Final CCP/WSP/EIS may be viewed at Cabeza Prieta 
National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters at 1611 North Second Street, Ajo, 
Arizona 85321. You may obtain a copy of the ROD at the Planning 
Division Web site at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/Plan/
completeplans.html or by writing to the following address: U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, Southwest 
Region, Planning Division, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 
87103.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Slown at (505) 248-7458 or e-
mail: john_slown@fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
announce our decision and availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) 
for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), Wilderness 
Stewardship Plan (WSP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for 
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in accordance with 40 CFR 
1506.6(b). We completed a thorough analysis of the environmental, 
social, and economic considerations, which we included in the Final 
CCP/WSP/EIS. We released the Final CCP/WSP/EIS to the public and 
published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register (72 FR, 
20132-20133, April 23, 2007). The ROD documents the selection of 
Alternative D, the Preferred Alternative in the Final CCP/WSP/EIS. The 
ROD was signed by the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Southwest Region, on July 19, 2007. The CCP/WSP/EIS for the 
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge will provide management guidance 
for conservation of Refuge resources and public use activities during 
the next 15 years. Five alternatives and their consequences were 
described in detail in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact 
Statements. Under all alternatives the recovery plan for the Sonoran 
pronghorn would be implemented, wilderness resources would be protected 
and the Refuge would work cooperatively with the Department of Homeland 
Security, Customs and Border Patrol, to protect Sonoran Desert 
resources while securing the Nation's border.
    Alternative 1--No Action. No change from present management 
practices. The No Action alternative is a status quo scenario in which 
current conditions and trends would continue. This

[[Page 54282]]

alternative served as the baseline to compare and contrast with the 
other alternatives. Under existing conditions the Refuge would continue 
to offer a limited desert bighorn sheep hunt each year in cooperation 
with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Refuge staff would continue 
to maintain and supply supplemental water to existing developed waters 
in desert bighorn sheep habitat.
    Alternative 2--Minimum Intervention. Under this alternative the 
primary focus of Refuge management is avoidance or limitation of 
management interventions within Refuge wilderness. Under this 
alternative, developed wildlife waters in sheep habitat within the 
Refuge wilderness would not be maintained or supplied with supplemental 
water. Sonoran pronghorn recovery activities would continue to be 
implemented, but any new developed waters, forage enhancements or radio 
collaring capture operations would be restricted to the refuge non-
wilderness.
    The desert bighorn sheep hunt would also be discontinued. The use 
of horses by Refuge visitors would be prohibited, visitor party size 
would be limited to eight individuals and the maximum length of stay 
would be limited to seven (7) consecutive days. Collecting firewood on 
the Refuge would be prohibited. Only one vehicle-accessible developed 
campsite would be retained.
    Alternative 3--Restrained Intervention. The theme of this 
alternative is increased levels of active habitat and wildlife 
management above that of Alternative 2, with management activities 
focused on the non-wilderness portion of the Refuge. Under this 
alternative, the Refuge would supply supplemental water to developed 
waters in sheep habitat within Refuge wilderness only during periods of 
severe drought. Sonoran pronghorn recovery activities would continue to 
be implemented, but any new developed waters, forage enhancements or 
radio collaring capture operations would be restricted to the Refuge 
non-wilderness.
    The desert bighorn sheep hunt would be continued, but no hunting 
would be allowed during years of severe drought. The use of horses by 
Refuge visitors would be allowed subject to special use permit. Visitor 
party size would be limited to eight individuals and the maximum length 
of stay would be seven (7) consecutive days. Collecting firewood on the 
Refuge would be prohibited. Only one vehicle-accesible developed 
campsite would be retained.
    Alternative 4--Active Management (the Service's Preferred 
Alternative). The theme of this alternative is active intervention, as 
justifiable, throughout the Refuge to recover the Sonoran pronghorn and 
maintain a target population level for the Refuge's desert bighorn 
sheep.
    Under this alternative, maintenance and water supply to existing 
developed waters in sheep habitat within Refuge wilderness would 
continue and projects to increase the water collection efficiency of 
such waters would be implemented. Sonoran pronghorn recovery activities 
and developments would occur wherever determined best suited for 
species recovery, subject to minimum requirements analysis in 
wilderness.
    The Refuge desert bighorn sheep hunt program would continue 
unchanged under this alternative. The use of horses by Refuge visitors 
would be allowed subject to special use permit. Visitor party size 
would be limited to eight individuals or four vehicles and the maximum 
length of stay would be fourteen (14) consecutive days. Collecting dead 
and down firewood would be allowed for visitors traveling in the Refuge 
backcountry (hiking away from the access roads). Three existing 
vehicle-accessible developed campsites would be retained.
    Alternative 5--Maximum Effort. This alternative focuses on 
maximizing both the provision of visitor services and Refuge population 
levels of desert bighorn sheep. Under this alternative all existing 
developed waters in Refuge wilderness would be maintained and supplied 
with water, and new developed waters would be created. In addition to 
developed waters, the Refuge would develop forage enhancements in 
suitable areas of desert bighorn sheep habitat to provide forage for a 
larger desert bighorn sheep population.
    The desert bighorn sheep hunt program would continue unchanged 
under this alternative. Horses would be allowed on the Refuge for 
visitors, restrictions of collection of firewood would be eliminated 
and two additional developed campsites would be developed along the 
non-wilderness access roads. No visitor party size limitations would be 
imposed, and the maximum length of stay would be fourteen (14) 
consecutive days.
    We have selected Alternative 4, the Preferred Alternative, for 
implementation at the Refuge. Alternative 4 addresses the key issues 
identified during the planning process and will best achieve the 
purposes and goals of the Refuge as well as the mission of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System. This decision includes adoption of 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Chapters (Appendix M of the Final CCP/
WSP/EIS). Implementation of the CCP will occur over the next 15 years 
and will depend on future staffing levels and funding.
    The Service's Basis for the Decision: Based on a review of the 
environmental consequences of each alternative, we judged Alternative 4 
to be the environmentally preferable alternative. Alternative 4 is also 
expected to lead to more overall public support and a more appropriate 
level of public use opportunities than the other alternatives. 
Alternative 1 was not considered for selection as it describes current 
management and was presented primarily as a baseline against which to 
compare the proposed alternatives. Alternatives 2 and 3 were not 
selected primarily because their spatial restrictions of management 
activity would likely lead to inefficient and sub-optimal sampling and 
recovery implementation for the Sonoran pronghorn. Alternative 5 was 
not selected because its level of management intervention within 
wilderness to manage a larger population of desert bighorn sheep on the 
Refuge would create excessive impacts to wilderness character. The 
increased levels of public use anticipated under Alternative 5 and the 
absence of any restrictions on firewood collection, visitor horse use 
and visitor party size would likely create localized adverse impacts to 
habitat and wildlife populations.
    The rationale for choosing the selected alternative as the best 
alternative for the CCP/WSP/EIS is based on the impact of this 
alternative on the issues and concerns that surfaced during the 
planning process. Because all practicable means to avoid or minimize 
environmental harm have been incorporated into the preferred 
alternative, no mitigation measures have been identified.
    Public Comments on Final CCP/WSP/EIS: During the 30-day waiting 
period, we received three written comments. The comments did not raise 
any issues not addressed in the Final CCP/WSP/EIS, and the comments did 
not result in changes to the analysis of environmental consequences or 
affect our response to similar comments in the Final EIS. All written 
comments received during the 30-day waiting period are available for 
review at the Refuge headquarters in Ajo, Arizona (see ADDRESSES).


[[Page 54283]]


    Dated: July 19, 2007.
Benjamin N. Tuggle,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New 
Mexico.
[FR Doc. 07-4715 Filed 9-21-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M
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