Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Vieques, PR, 1228-1229 [E8-5]

Download as PDF 1228 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 4 / Monday, January 7, 2008 / Notices preferred alternative. This alternative was considered to be the most effective for meeting the purposes of the refuge by conserving, restoring, and managing the bottomland hardwood forest, grassland, and moist-soil habitats and associated wildlife. Alternative B best achieves national, ecosystem, and refuge-specific goals and objectives and positively addresses significant issues and concerns expressed by the public. Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1958, primarily as a wintering area for migratory waterfowl. The refuge, located in east-central LaSalle Parish and west-central Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, about 30 miles northeast of Alexandria and 12 miles east of Jena, now totals 25,242 acres. The 6,671-acre Headquarters Unit borders nine miles of the northeast shore of Catahoula Lake, a 26,000-acre natural wetland renowned for its large concentrations of migratory waterfowl. The 18,571-acre Bushley Bayou Unit, located 8 miles west of Jonesville, was established in May 2001. The acquisition was made possible through a partnership agreement between The Conservation Fund, American Electric Power, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge consists of a complex of bottomland hardwood forests, moist-soil areas, and dirt access roads and trails. The six priority public uses of the refuge are fishing, hunting, wildlife photography, wildlife observation, and environmental education and interpretation. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Dated: August 16, 2007. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register on January 2, 2008. [FR Doc. E8–4 Filed 1–4–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Vieques, PR Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: Record of decision. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the decision and availability of the Record of Decision VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:05 Jan 04, 2008 Jkt 214001 (ROD) for the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We completed a thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations and presented it in the Final CCP/EIS. The availability of the Final CCP/EIS was announced in the Federal Register on August 22, 2007. The ROD documents our decision to adopt and implement Alternative C. DATES: The Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, signed the ROD on October 24, 2007. ADDRESSES: A copy of the ROD may be obtained from Mr. Matthew Connolly, Refuge Manager, Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Vieques Office Park, Road 200, KM 0.04, Vieques, PR 00765, or you may call Mr. Connolly at 787/ 741–2138. The Final CCP/EIS and a copy of the ROD are available for viewing and downloading at the Service’s Web site: https:// southeast.fws.gov/planning. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Matthew Connolly, Refuge Manager, Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, at the address in the ADDRESSES section. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we complete the CCP process for Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, begun as announced in the Federal Register on September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52418). We released the Draft CCP/EIS to the public for a 60-day review and comment period on February 28, 2007 (72 FR 9018). We announced the availability of the Final CCP/EIS on August 22, 2007 (72 FR 47063). Vieques National Wildlife Refuge was created from former Navy managed lands by congressional actions in 2001 and 2003. It consists of approximately 17,771 acres—3,100 acres on western Vieques and 14,671 acres on eastern Vieques. The transferred lands are to be managed in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (as amended). The refuge lands were historically used for agricultural purposes and more recently for military training activities. As a result, the wildlife habitats and communities are significantly altered and non-native invasive species are common along with remnants of native habitats. As a result of the military training, portions of the refuge contain unexploded ordnance and other contaminants. These areas have been classified as a ‘‘superfund site’’ under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Act (CERCLA). Cleanup of these portions of the refuge is being conducted by the Navy in accordance with CERCLA. In addition, a Federal Facilities Agreement between the Navy, Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will help to guide the cleanup process. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements, this notice announces our decision and the availability of the ROD for the Final CCP/EIS. We completed a thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations, which we included in the Final CCP/EIS. The ROD documents our selection of Alternative C, the preferred alternative. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering Vieques National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative C is the foundation for the CCP. Background The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) (Improvement Act), which amended the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan 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 our policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction to conserve wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Improvement Act and NEPA. CCP Alternatives and Selected Alternative Our Draft CCP and NEPA document addressed several priority issues raised by us, other governmental partners, and the public. To address these priority issues, we developed and evaluated three alternatives during the planning process. Alternative A would have provided for a continuation of the existing level of management. Alternative B would have focused on E:\FR\FM\07JAN1.SGM 07JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 4 / Monday, January 7, 2008 / Notices wildlife and habitat management but maintained the existing visitor programs and public uses. After considering the comments we received, we have chosen Alternative C. This alternative will direct the refuge toward a realistic and achievable level of both habitat management and public use, and will provide a management program to address the needs of the resources and, where appropriate and compatible with the refuge purposes, the needs of the community. This alternative will provide for increases in management efforts to restore the refuge habitats without diminishing the wildlife values associated with the current conditions. There will also be a focus on management activities to benefit threatened and endangered species. This alternative will best achieve the purposes and goals of the refuge, as well as the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Included in the Final CCP/EIS are the goals, objectives, and strategies under each alternative, mitigation measures incorporated in each alternative, and a listing of the approved compatibility determinations. Alternative C incorporates several components addressing a variety of needs, including providing emergency access to the area of Puerto Ferro during hurricane watches and warnings; continuing to work with the Navy, Environmental Protection Agency, Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, and the community to ensure that cleanup of contaminants and unexploded ordnance from former military activities is completed; developing fire suppression capabilities and agreements to ensure that refuge resources and the adjacent communities are protected; managing the former ‘‘Live Impact Area’’ as a wilderness in accordance with the legislation that established the refuge; seeking agreements with Commonwealth agencies and non-governmental organizations to ensure conservation of historic and archaeological sites; and removing unused former Navy structures to provide a refuge atmosphere. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Dated: December 3, 2007. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. E8–5 Filed 1–4–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:05 Jan 04, 2008 Jkt 214001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Gaming Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Deemed Approved Tribal–State Class III Gaming Compact. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice publishes the Deemed Approved Compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State of Florida. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 7, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George T. Skibine, Director, Office of Indian Gaming, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary—Policy and Economic Development, Washington, DC 20240, (202) 219–4066. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under Section 11 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA) Public Law 100–497, 25 U.S.C. 2710, the Secretary of the Interior shall publish in the Federal Register notice of approved Tribal–State compacts for the purpose of engaging in Class III gaming activities on Indian lands. The compact authorizes the Seminole Tribe to operate slot machines, any banking or banked card game, poker, any devices or games that are authorized under State law to Florida State lottery and any new game authorized by Florida law. The term of the compact is 25 years. The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, through his delegated authority, is publishing notice that the Compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State of Florida is now in effect. Dated: December 31, 2007. Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. E7–25628 Filed 1–4–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–4N–P INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation Nos. 731–TA–1140–1142 (Preliminary)] Uncovered Innerspring Units From China, South Africa, and Vietnam United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Institution of antidumping duty investigations and scheduling of preliminary phase investigations. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Commission hereby gives notice of the institution of investigations and commencement of preliminary PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1229 phase antidumping duty investigations Nos. 731–TA–1140–1142 (Preliminary) under section 733(a) (19 U.S.C. 1673b(a)) to determine whether there is a reasonable indication that an industry in the United States is materially injured or threatened with material injury, or the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded, by reason of imports from China, South Africa, and Vietnam of uncovered innerspring units provided for in statistical reporting number statistical reporting number 9404.29.9010 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that are alleged to be sold in the United States at less than fair value. Unless the Department of Commerce extends the time for initiation pursuant to section 732(c)(1)(B) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1673a(c)(1)(B)), the Commission must reach preliminary determinations in antidumping duty investigations in 45 days, or in this case by February 14, 2008. The Commission’s views are due at Commerce within five business days thereafter, or by February 22, 2008. For further information concerning the conduct of these investigations and rules of general application, consult the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, part 201, subparts A through E (19 CFR part 201), and part 207, subparts A and B (19 CFR part 207). EFFECTIVE DATE: December 31, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim McClure (202–205–3191), Office of Investigations, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20436. Hearingimpaired persons can obtain information on this matter by contacting the Commission’s TDD terminal on 202– 205–1810. Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202–205–2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server (https:// www.usitc.gov). The public record for these investigations may be viewed on the Commission’s electronic docket (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background.—These investigations are being instituted in response to a petition filed on December 31, 2007, by Leggett & Platt Inc., Carthage, MO. Participation in the investigations and public service list.—Persons (other than petitioners) wishing to participate in the investigations as parties must file an entry of appearance with the Secretary to the Commission, as provided in sections 201.11 and 207.10 of the E:\FR\FM\07JAN1.SGM 07JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 4 (Monday, January 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1228-1229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Vieques, PR

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: Record of decision.

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

SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the decision and 
availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Vieques National 
Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We completed a thorough analysis 
of the environmental, social, and economic considerations and presented 
it in the Final CCP/EIS. The availability of the Final CCP/EIS was 
announced in the Federal Register on August 22, 2007. The ROD documents 
our decision to adopt and implement Alternative C.

DATES: The Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast 
Region, signed the ROD on October 24, 2007.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the ROD may be obtained from Mr. Matthew Connolly, 
Refuge Manager, Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Vieques Office Park, 
Road 200, KM 0.04, Vieques, PR 00765, or you may call Mr. Connolly at 
787/741-2138. The Final CCP/EIS and a copy of the ROD are available for 
viewing and downloading at the Service's Web site: https://
southeast.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Matthew Connolly, Refuge Manager, 
Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, at the address in the ADDRESSES 
section.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we complete the CCP process for Vieques National 
Wildlife Refuge, begun as announced in the Federal Register on 
September 3, 2003 (68 FR 52418). We released the Draft CCP/EIS to the 
public for a 60-day review and comment period on February 28, 2007 (72 
FR 9018). We announced the availability of the Final CCP/EIS on August 
22, 2007 (72 FR 47063).
    Vieques National Wildlife Refuge was created from former Navy 
managed lands by congressional actions in 2001 and 2003. It consists of 
approximately 17,771 acres--3,100 acres on western Vieques and 14,671 
acres on eastern Vieques. The transferred lands are to be managed in 
accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act 
(as amended).
    The refuge lands were historically used for agricultural purposes 
and more recently for military training activities. As a result, the 
wildlife habitats and communities are significantly altered and non-
native invasive species are common along with remnants of native 
habitats. As a result of the military training, portions of the refuge 
contain unexploded ordnance and other contaminants. These areas have 
been classified as a ``superfund site'' under the Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). 
Cleanup of these portions of the refuge is being conducted by the Navy 
in accordance with CERCLA. In addition, a Federal Facilities Agreement 
between the Navy, Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife 
Service, and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will help to guide the cleanup 
process.
    In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 
CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements, this notice announces our decision and the 
availability of the ROD for the Final CCP/EIS. We completed a thorough 
analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations, 
which we included in the Final CCP/EIS. The ROD documents our selection 
of Alternative C, the preferred alternative.
    The CCP will guide us in managing and administering Vieques 
National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative C is the 
foundation for the CCP.

Background

The CCP Process

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Improvement Act), which amended the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, requires us to 
develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in 
developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan 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 our 
policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction to 
conserve wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-dependent 
recreational opportunities available to the public, including 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Improvement Act and NEPA.

CCP Alternatives and Selected Alternative

    Our Draft CCP and NEPA document addressed several priority issues 
raised by us, other governmental partners, and the public. To address 
these priority issues, we developed and evaluated three alternatives 
during the planning process. Alternative A would have provided for a 
continuation of the existing level of management. Alternative B would 
have focused on

[[Page 1229]]

wildlife and habitat management but maintained the existing visitor 
programs and public uses. After considering the comments we received, 
we have chosen Alternative C. This alternative will direct the refuge 
toward a realistic and achievable level of both habitat management and 
public use, and will provide a management program to address the needs 
of the resources and, where appropriate and compatible with the refuge 
purposes, the needs of the community. This alternative will provide for 
increases in management efforts to restore the refuge habitats without 
diminishing the wildlife values associated with the current conditions. 
There will also be a focus on management activities to benefit 
threatened and endangered species. This alternative will best achieve 
the purposes and goals of the refuge, as well as the mission of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System. Included in the Final CCP/EIS are the 
goals, objectives, and strategies under each alternative, mitigation 
measures incorporated in each alternative, and a listing of the 
approved compatibility determinations.
    Alternative C incorporates several components addressing a variety 
of needs, including providing emergency access to the area of Puerto 
Ferro during hurricane watches and warnings; continuing to work with 
the Navy, Environmental Protection Agency, Puerto Rico Environmental 
Quality Board, and the community to ensure that cleanup of contaminants 
and unexploded ordnance from former military activities is completed; 
developing fire suppression capabilities and agreements to ensure that 
refuge resources and the adjacent communities are protected; managing 
the former ``Live Impact Area'' as a wilderness in accordance with the 
legislation that established the refuge; seeking agreements with 
Commonwealth agencies and non-governmental organizations to ensure 
conservation of historic and archaeological sites; and removing unused 
former Navy structures to provide a refuge atmosphere.

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

    Dated: December 3, 2007.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. E8-5 Filed 1-4-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.