Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Pacific County, WA, 19238-19239 [E8-7452]

Download as PDF 19238 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 9, 2008 / Notices Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Applicants: Bureau of Land Management, Kanab Field Office, Kanab, Utah, TE– 057401; and Colorado Division of Wildlife, Region 5, Durango, Colorado, TE–067482. The applicants request a renewed permit to take Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species’ range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. Applicants: Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Fisheries and Wildlife, Blacksburg, Virginia, TE–103272; and, Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, TE–070027. The applicants request a renewed permit to take Interior least terns (Sternula antillarum) and piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species’ range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. Applicants: Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Cheyenne, Wyoming, TE– 067397; National Park Service, Badlands National Park, Interior, South Dakota, TE– 067734; Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Prairie Management Program, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, TE–069539; and, U.S. Forest Service, Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, Wall, South Dakota, TE–069553. The applicants request a renewed permit to take black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species’ range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. Applicant: Montana State University, Western Transportation Institute, Bozeman, Montana, TE–150365. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Topeka shiners (Notropis topeka) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species’ range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. Applicant: National Park Service, Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, Utah, TE– 064680. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Barneby reed-mustard (Schoenocrambe barnebyi) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species’ range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. Applicant: University of Nebraska, Department of Entomology, Lincoln, Nebraska, TE–121912. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana) in VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:06 Apr 08, 2008 Jkt 214001 conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species’ range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlie Stenvall, Project Leader, phone (360) 484–3482. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: March 4, 2008. James J. Slack, Deputy Regional Director, Denver, Colorado. [FR Doc. E8–7435 Filed 4–8–08; 8:45 am] Introduction With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for Willapa Refuge. This notice complies with our CCP policy and National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct detailed planning on this Refuge, and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider during development of the CCP/EIS. BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–NWRS–2008–N0061; 1265–0000– 10137–S3] Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Pacific County, WA Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and associated environmental impact statement; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) located in Pacific County, Washington. An environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluating effects of various CCP alternatives will also be prepared. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other government agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning and environmental review process. We are also requesting public comments. See DATES and ADDRESSES for details. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by May 16, 2008. We will announce opportunities for public input throughout the planning process. ADDRESSES: Additional information concerning the Willapa Refuge is available on the following Internet site: https://www.fws.gov/willapa/ WillapaNWR. Send your comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods. E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@ fws.gov. Please include Willapa Refuge in the subject. Fax: Attn: Charlie Stenvall, (360) 484– 3109. U.S. Mail: Charlie Stenvall, Project Leader, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3888 SR 101, Ilwaco, WA 98624–9707. PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 for 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 for conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Improvement Act. Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the basis for developing and prioritizing the management goals, objectives, and potential public uses for each refuge. The planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives, and determine the best possible approach for conserving important wildlife habitat, while providing wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities compatible with a refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Our CCP process provides participation opportunities for Tribal, State, and local governments; agencies; E:\FR\FM\09APN1.SGM 09APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 9, 2008 / Notices organizations; and the public. At this time we encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of the Refuge. We will prepare the EIS for this project in accordance with the requirements NEPA; NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. During the CCP planning process, many elements will be considered including: wildlife and habitat management and public use opportunities. Public input into the planning process is essential. The CCP for Willapa Refuge will describe desired conditions for the Refuge and how the Service will implement management strategies over the next 15 years. Until the CCP is completed, Refuge management will continue to be guided by official Refuge purposes; Federal legislation regarding management of National Wildlife Refuges; and other legal, regulatory, and policy guidance. Willapa National Wildlife Refuge The Willapa Refuge was established as the Willapa Harbor Migratory Bird Refuge by Executive Order No. 7541 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on January 11, 1937. Under Executive Order No. 7721, signed October 8, 1937, the Refuge boundary was enlarged and the name was changed to Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge was established to protect migrating and wintering populations of brant, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other migratory birds. The goals of the Refuge, revised in 1997, are to: (1) Protect and restore tideland habitat and associated migratory bird species representative of the native biological diversity of Willapa Bay; (2) preserve and protect unique ecosystems associated with Willapa Bay; (3) manage for the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species in their natural ecosystem; and (4) provide opportunities for wildlife and wildlanddependent recreation, education, and research. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities The FWS has identified the following preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities for consideration, additional issues may be identified during public scoping: Tidal Restoration. Is tidal restoration a desirable action, and if so, which refuge units should be considered? VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:06 Apr 08, 2008 Jkt 214001 Which units if any should remain under current management practices? Land Acquisition. Should expansion of the Refuge’s boundary be considered, and if so, why, and which properties should be proposed for Refuge expansion? Recovery of the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover. What management actions should be implemented to better protect the Western Snowy Plover from disturbance and predation, while measures to protect and restore habitat are occurring? Elk Management. What management actions should be implemented to alleviate threats to rare plants and animals, from elk, on the Leadbetter Unit? Forest Management. What forest management practices should be implemented to restore forest complexity and biodiversity? Wildlife-Dependent Recreational Uses. Should the current wildlifedependent recreational uses on the Refuge be expanded? If so, what opportunities are feasible and compatible with the Refuge’s purposes that would satisfy the needs of the public? As part of the CCP planning process, a full range of alternatives will be developed that address the issues and associated management strategies. The alternatives’ environmental effects will be evaluated in the environmental impact statement. Comments we receive will be taken into consideration in developing goals, key issues and management strategies, and draft alternatives. Additional opportunities for public participation will occur throughout the CCP process, which is expected to be completed in early 2010. Public Availability of Comments 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 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. 19239 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R9–FHC–2008–N0053; 94410–1342– 0000–N3–N5] Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Meeting Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting topics are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. DATES: The ANS Task Force will meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, and Wednesday, April 30, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2008. ADDRESSES: The ANS Task Force meeting will take place at the Sheraton North Charleston Hotel, 4770 Goer Drive, North Charleston, SC 29406; (843) 747–1900. You may inspect minutes of the meeting at the office of the Chief, Division of Fish and Wildlife Management and Habitat Restoration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. You may also view the minutes on the ANS Task Force Web site at: https:// anstaskforce.gov/meetings.php. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Benjamin, Branch of Invasive Species, at (703) 358–2018, or by e-mail at Darren _Benjamin@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), this notice announces meetings of the ANS Task Force. The ANS Task Force was established by the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. Topics the ANS Task Force plans to cover during the meetings include: Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel presentations, Regional Panel ANS issues and recommendations, and consideration for approval of state ANS management plans. The agenda and other related meeting information are on the ANS Task Force Web site at: https://anstaskforce.gov/meetings.php. Date: April 2, 2008. Renne R. Lohoefener, Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. E8–7452 Filed 4–8–08; 8:45 am] Dated: March 7, 2008. Gary Frazer, Co-Chair, Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, Assistant Director—Fisheries & Habitat Conservation. [FR Doc. E8–7442 Filed 4–8–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P BILLING CODE 4310–55–P PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\09APN1.SGM 09APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 9, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19238-19239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-7452]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-NWRS-2008-N0061; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Pacific County, WA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

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

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to 
prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Willapa 
National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) located in Pacific County, 
Washington. An environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluating effects 
of various CCP alternatives will also be prepared. We provide this 
notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other government 
agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions 
and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning 
and environmental review process. We are also requesting public 
comments. See DATES and ADDRESSES for details.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by May 16, 2008. We will announce opportunities for public input 
throughout the planning process.

ADDRESSES: Additional information concerning the Willapa Refuge is 
available on the following Internet site: https://www.fws.gov/willapa/
WillapaNWR. Send your comments or requests for more information by any 
of the following methods.
    E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Please include Willapa Refuge 
in the subject.
    Fax: Attn: Charlie Stenvall, (360) 484-3109.
    U.S. Mail: Charlie Stenvall, Project Leader, Willapa National 
Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3888 SR 101, Ilwaco, WA 98624-9707.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlie Stenvall, Project Leader, 
phone (360) 484-3482.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for 
Willapa Refuge. This notice complies with our CCP policy and National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.) to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the 
public of our intention to conduct detailed planning on this Refuge, 
and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to 
consider during development of the CCP/EIS.

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 for 
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 for 
conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Improvement Act.
    Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established 
for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the basis for 
developing and prioritizing the management goals, objectives, and 
potential public uses for each refuge. The planning process is a way 
for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives, and 
determine the best possible approach for conserving important wildlife 
habitat, while providing wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities 
compatible with a refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System.
    Our CCP process provides participation opportunities for Tribal, 
State, and local governments; agencies;

[[Page 19239]]

organizations; and the public. At this time we encourage input in the 
form of issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future 
management of the Refuge.
    We will prepare the EIS for this project in accordance with the 
requirements NEPA; NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other 
appropriate Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and 
procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations.
    During the CCP planning process, many elements will be considered 
including: wildlife and habitat management and public use 
opportunities. Public input into the planning process is essential. The 
CCP for Willapa Refuge will describe desired conditions for the Refuge 
and how the Service will implement management strategies over the next 
15 years. Until the CCP is completed, Refuge management will continue 
to be guided by official Refuge purposes; Federal legislation regarding 
management of National Wildlife Refuges; and other legal, regulatory, 
and policy guidance.

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

    The Willapa Refuge was established as the Willapa Harbor Migratory 
Bird Refuge by Executive Order No. 7541 signed by President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt on January 11, 1937. Under Executive Order No. 7721, signed 
October 8, 1937, the Refuge boundary was enlarged and the name was 
changed to Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge was established 
to protect migrating and wintering populations of brant, waterfowl, 
shorebirds, and other migratory birds. The goals of the Refuge, revised 
in 1997, are to: (1) Protect and restore tideland habitat and 
associated migratory bird species representative of the native 
biological diversity of Willapa Bay; (2) preserve and protect unique 
ecosystems associated with Willapa Bay; (3) manage for the conservation 
and recovery of threatened and endangered species in their natural 
ecosystem; and (4) provide opportunities for wildlife and wildland-
dependent recreation, education, and research.

Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

    The FWS has identified the following preliminary issues, concerns, 
and opportunities for consideration, additional issues may be 
identified during public scoping:
    Tidal Restoration. Is tidal restoration a desirable action, and if 
so, which refuge units should be considered? Which units if any should 
remain under current management practices?
    Land Acquisition. Should expansion of the Refuge's boundary be 
considered, and if so, why, and which properties should be proposed for 
Refuge expansion?
    Recovery of the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover. What 
management actions should be implemented to better protect the Western 
Snowy Plover from disturbance and predation, while measures to protect 
and restore habitat are occurring?
    Elk Management. What management actions should be implemented to 
alleviate threats to rare plants and animals, from elk, on the 
Leadbetter Unit?
    Forest Management. What forest management practices should be 
implemented to restore forest complexity and biodiversity?
    Wildlife-Dependent Recreational Uses. Should the current wildlife-
dependent recreational uses on the Refuge be expanded? If so, what 
opportunities are feasible and compatible with the Refuge's purposes 
that would satisfy the needs of the public?
    As part of the CCP planning process, a full range of alternatives 
will be developed that address the issues and associated management 
strategies. The alternatives' environmental effects will be evaluated 
in the environmental impact statement. Comments we receive will be 
taken into consideration in developing goals, key issues and management 
strategies, and draft alternatives. Additional opportunities for public 
participation will occur throughout the CCP process, which is expected 
to be completed in early 2010.

Public Availability of Comments

    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 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.

    Date: April 2, 2008.
Renne R. Lohoefener,
Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
 [FR Doc. E8-7452 Filed 4-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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