Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, Barbour and Russell Counties, AL, and Stewart and Quitman Counties, GA, 32349-32352 [E8-12713]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 110 (Friday, June 6, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32349-32352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-12713]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2008-N0015; 40136-1265-0000-S3]


Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, Barbour and Russell Counties, 
AL, and Stewart and Quitman Counties, GA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: draft comprehensive conservation plan 
and environmental assessment; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and 
environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Eufaula National Wildlife 
Refuge for public review and comment. In this Draft CCP/EA, we describe 
the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge for the 15 
years following approval of the Final CCP.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by July 21, 2008. We will hold a public meeting. We will announce the 
upcoming meeting in the local news media.

ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the Draft CCP/EA should be addressed 
to Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, 367 Highway 165, Eufaula, AL 
36027-8187; Telephone 334/687-4065. The Draft CCP/EA may also be 
accessed and downloaded from the Service's Internet Web site https://
southeast.fws.gov/planning. Comments on the Draft CCP/EA may be 
submitted to the above address or via electronic mail to mike_
dawson@fws.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Dawson, Refuge Planner, Jackson, 
MS; 601/965-4903, extension 20.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Eufaula National 
Wildlife Refuge. We started the process through a notice in the Federal 
Register on January 26, 2006 (71 FR 4373).

Background

The CCP Process

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), 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 on conserving 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, Including Our Proposed Alternative

    We developed four alternatives for managing the refuge and chose 
Alternative D as the proposed alternative. Each alternative would 
pursue the same four broad refuge goals. These goals are: (1) Wildlife; 
(2) habitat; (3) public use; and (4) refuge administration.

Alternatives

    A full description of each alternative is in the Draft CCP/EA. We 
summarize each alternative below.

Alternative A--Current Management (No Action)

    In general, Alternative A would maintain current management 
direction, that is, the refuge's habitats and wildlife populations 
would continue to be managed as they have in recent years. Public use 
patterns would remain relatively unchanged from those that exist at 
present.
    We would conserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife populations 
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including 
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered 
species.
    We would provide a complex of habitats, both moist-soil and grain 
crops, to meet the foraging needs of 15,000 wintering ducks. This would 
assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in meeting its 
goals. We would also provide adequate open space (upland crop fields) 
for winter utilization and feeding of at least 350 geese and cranes. In 
addition, staff and/or volunteers would maintain 100 wood duck boxes on 
the refuge.
    We would continue forest management at current levels and 
intensity. We would maintain 175 acres of grassland habitat for the 
benefit of grassland birds. In addition, we would use various tools to 
maintain tall emergent vegetation sufficient to support a population of 
10 king rails and to benefit other species of marsh birds.
    For the benefit of wading birds, known rookeries would be protected 
but there would be no active management of foraging habitat for herons 
and egrets. Likewise, no active management for shorebirds would take 
place. However, we would provide protective conservation measures for 
Federal or State listed species and habitats for future ecological 
existence.
    We would employ sound scientific principles to manage healthy 
populations of resident wildlife species. We would control domestic, 
feral, or

[[Page 32350]]

pest animals, especially feral hogs, removing an average of 65 hogs 
annually.
    We would provide suitable habitats for native wildlife populations 
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including 
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered 
species.
    We would utilize farming on 500 acres to provide food, cover, and 
sanctuary areas for wildlife and other species, as well as manage 
approximately 2,600 acres that are forestland to provide benefits for 
forest-dependent wildlife.
    We would use fire as a management tool on approximately 300 acres 
annually in suitable habitats for species and habitat conservation. We 
would also continue management of moist-soil wetlands (approximately 
1,175 acres), with emphasis on providing for waterfowl and other 
aquatic birds' foraging and life-history requirements.
    We would continue to control invasive plant species at current 
levels of approximately 25 miles of shoreline and 750 acres annually 
(aquatic plants), and preventive and maintenance control of upland 
invasive species (500 acres annually in croplands).
    We would provide the public with quality wildlife-dependent 
recreation and environmental education and interpretation that lead to 
greater understanding and enjoyment of fish, wildlife, and their 
habitats.
    The refuge hunting program would continue to be carried out in 
accordance with Service policy and State and Federal laws, including 
seasons for deer, waterfowl, squirrels, rabbits, and mourning doves. 
Incidental management and enforcement of fishing regulations would 
occur. We would maintain existing wildlife observation facilities for 
visitors, including two observation platforms, the wildlife drive, and 
the interpretive trail. We would also continue to provide an 
environmental education program on- and off-refuge, without a public 
use specialist, and limited interpretation at the headquarters and on 
the interpretive trail.
    We would continue to plan but would not build a visitor center. 
Visitor contact would take place at the new refuge office/headquarters. 
The refuge staff presently consists of six positions: refuge manager, 
assistant refuge manager, wildlife biologist, office assistant, 
maintenance worker, and engineering equipment operator. There would 
continue to be limited management of cultural resources based on known 
locations of identified cultural, historical, and archaeological 
resources. We would follow standard procedures to protect cultural 
resources whenever projects involving excavation were undertaken.

Alternative B--Enhanced Wildlife and Habitat Management

    We would intensify and expand wildlife and habitat management on 
the refuge, thereby increasing benefits for wildlife species and 
fulfilling the refuge purposes and goals. Public use opportunities 
would remain approximately the same as they are now.
    We would conserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife populations 
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including 
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered 
species.
    We would provide a complex of habitats, both moist-soil and grain 
crops, to meet the foraging needs of 25,000 wintering ducks. This would 
assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in meeting its 
goals. We would also provide adequate open space (upland crop fields) 
for winter utilization and feeding of at least 500 geese and cranes. In 
addition, staff and/or volunteers would maintain 200 wood duck boxes.
    We would provide forest habitat conditions conducive to supporting 
both priority pine and hardwood associated bird species by 2010. By 
2008, we would provide high-quality grassland habitat to support 
grassland bird species on as many acres as possible, while achieving 
priority waterfowl objectives. In addition, by 2010, this alternative 
would promote tall emergent vegetation sufficient to support a 
population of 10-40 king rails and to benefit other species of marsh 
birds.
    For the benefit of wading birds, by 2010, we would provide for both 
secure nesting sites and ample foraging habitat. Also by 2010, we would 
furnish at least two areas of up to 20 acres each for shorebirds, 
during both northbound and southbound movements. We would provide 
protective conservation measures for Federal or State listed species 
and habitats for future ecological existence.
    We would expand our capability and effort to implement sound 
scientific principles to better manage healthy populations of resident 
wildlife species. We would control domestic, feral, or pest animals, 
especially feral hogs, removing an average of 100-plus hogs annually, 
or as needed.
    We would provide suitable habitats for native wildlife populations 
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including 
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered 
species. We would work toward achieving several objectives to fulfill 
this habitat goal.
    We would gradually reduce cooperative farmer cropland acreage to 
300 acres (from 500 acres at present) over the 15-year life of the CCP. 
Additionally, we would cultivate crops on 100 acres to provide food, 
cover, and sanctuary areas for wildlife and other species.
    We would employ silvicultural treatments to improve 2,800 acres of 
forestland to provide benefits to forest-dependent wildlife. We would 
also use fire as a management tool on approximately 800-1,000 acres 
annually in suitable habitats for species and habitat conservation. 
Management of moist-soil wetlands (approximately 1,200 acres) would be 
intensified, with emphasis on waterfowl and other aquatic birds' 
foraging and life-history requirements.
    We would aggressively control aquatic invasive plant species on 
approximately 25 miles of shoreline, or as needed, and 1,250 acres 
annually. We would also conduct preventive and maintenance control of 
upland invasive plant species.
    We would provide the public with quality wildlife-dependent 
recreation and environmental education and interpretation that lead to 
greater understanding and enjoyment of fish, wildlife, and their 
habitats. Because Alternative B emphasizes expanded habitat and 
wildlife management, as to public use matters Alternative B is very 
similar to Alternative A.
    We would continue to carry out the hunting program in accordance 
with Service policy and State and Federal laws, including seasons for 
deer, waterfowl, squirrels, rabbits, and mourning doves. By 2010, we 
would document the impact of sport fishing and fishing tournaments on 
sensitive wildlife and habitat resources to serve as a basis for 
discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers and Alabama and Georgia 
authorities on the possibility of establishing no-wake zones in 
sensitive areas. We would maintain existing wildlife observation 
facilities for visitors, including two observation platforms, the 
wildlife drive, and the interpretive trail. We would also continue to 
provide the existing environmental education program on- and off-
refuge, without a public use specialist, and limited interpretation at 
the headquarters and on the interpretive trail.
    We would provide for sufficient staffing, facilities, and 
infrastructure to

[[Page 32351]]

fulfill the refuge's purpose and the goals and objectives of the CCP. 
Under Alternative B, we would enlarge the current staff by adding three 
full-time positions: biological science technician, maintenance worker, 
and law enforcement officer.
    Within 15 years of CCP approval, we would develop and begin to 
implement a cultural resources management plan. In the meantime, there 
would continue to be limited management of cultural resources based on 
known locations of identified cultural, historical, and archaeological 
resources. We would follow standard procedures to protect cultural 
resources whenever projects involving excavation were undertaken.
    We would increase cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers and 
the States of Alabama and Georgia on invasives' management, and with 
the States on overall refuge management, including restoration of 
longleaf pine forests. We would work to establish a Friends group 
(support group) by 2022.
    We would continue to plan but would not build a visitor center. 
Visitor contact would take place at the new refuge office/headquarters.

Alternative C--Enhanced Wildlife-Dependent Public Use

    Alternative C would emphasize enhanced wildlife-dependent public 
use on the refuge. Additional efforts and expenditures would be made to 
expand the public use program, visitor facilities, and the overall 
level of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the 
public. Special emphasis would be placed on promoting the six priority 
public uses of the Refuge System (e.g., hunting, fishing, wildlife 
observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation) as identified in the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Improvement Act.
    We would conserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife populations 
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including 
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered 
species.
    We would provide a complex of habitats, both moist-soil and grain 
crops, to meet the foraging needs of 25,000 wintering ducks. This would 
assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in meeting its 
goal. We would also provide adequate open space (upland crop fields) 
for winter utilization and feeding of at least 500 geese and cranes. In 
addition, staff and/or volunteers would maintain 200 wood duck boxes.
    By 2010, we would provide forest habitat conditions conducive to 
supporting both priority pine and hardwood associated bird species. By 
2008, we would provide high-quality grassland habitat to support 
grassland bird species on as many acres as possible, while achieving 
priority waterfowl objectives. In addition, by 2010, we would promote 
tall emergent vegetation sufficient to support a population of 10-40 
king rails and to benefit other species of marsh birds.
    For the benefit of wading birds, by 2010, we would provide for both 
secure nesting sites and ample foraging habitat. Also by 2010, we would 
furnish at least two areas of up to 20 acres each for shorebirds, 
during both northbound and southbound movements. We would provide 
protective conservation measures for Federal or State listed species 
and habitats for future ecological existence.
    We would expand our capability and effort to implement sound 
scientific principles to better manage healthy populations of resident 
wildlife species. Domestic, feral, or pest animals, especially feral 
hogs, would be controlled, removing an average of 100-plus hogs 
annually, or as needed, by considering implementation of a feral hog 
hunting season.
    We would provide suitable habitats for native wildlife populations 
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including 
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered 
species.
    We would gradually reduce cooperative farmer cropland acreage to 
300 acres (from 500 acres at present) over the 15-year life of the CCP. 
Additionally, we would cultivate crops on 100 acres to provide food, 
cover, and sanctuary areas for wildlife and other species.
    We would manage approximately 2,600 acres of forestland to provide 
benefits to forest-dependent wildlife. Fire would be used as a 
management tool on approximately 300 acres annually in suitable 
habitats for species and habitat conservation. Management of moist-soil 
wetlands (approximately 1,200 acres) would be intensified, with 
emphasis on waterfowl and other aquatic birds foraging and life-history 
requirements.
    We would aggressively control aquatic invasive plant species on 
approximately 25 miles of shoreline, or as needed, and 1,250 acres 
annually. We would also conduct preventive and maintenance control of 
upland invasive plant species.
    We would provide the public with quality wildlife-dependent 
recreation and environmental education and interpretation that lead to 
greater understanding and enjoyment of fish and wildlife and their 
habitats. We would continue to work toward expanding overall public use 
opportunities.
    By 2012, in addition to maintaining all existing hunts and seasons, 
we would consider adding a youth wild turkey quota hunt and an 
alligator hunt on open water areas of the refuge. By 2010, boat launch 
facilities and bank fishing opportunities would be expanded. All 
existing wildlife observation and photography facilities would be 
maintained, and within 10 years of CCP approval, we would: (1) 
Designate a one-way loop in the Houston Bottoms, and add additional 
pull-offs to the existing wildlife drive; (2) improve existing 
interpretive trail and add foot trails between Lakepoint State Park and 
the refuge; and (3) add one photo blind in the Houston impoundment or 
goose pen impoundment.
    We would provide for sufficient staffing, facilities, and 
infrastructure to fulfill the refuge's purpose and the goals and 
objectives of the CCP. We would enlarge the current staff by adding 
four full-time positions: biological science technician, maintenance 
worker, park ranger (non-law enforcement), and law enforcement officer.
    There would continue to be limited management of cultural resources 
based on known locations of identified historical and archaeological 
resources. We would follow standard procedures to protect cultural 
resources whenever projects involving excavation were undertaken. We 
would cooperate with the Army Corps of Engineers and the States of 
Alabama and Georgia on management of invasive species, and with both 
States on overall refuge management.
    By 2022, or within 15 years of CCP approval, we would construct and 
begin to operate a visitor center east of U.S. Highway 431, adjacent to 
the Kennedy Unit. This center would serve as a focal point of public 
use opportunities.

Alternative D--Balanced Wildlife/Habitat Management and Public Use 
Activities (Proposed Alternative)

    The proposed action would expand both wildlife and habitat 
management efforts, as well as public use opportunities, in a balanced 
fashion.
    We would conserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife populations 
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including 
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered 
species.
    We would provide a complex of habitats, both moist-soil and grain

[[Page 32352]]

crops, to meet the foraging needs of 25,000 wintering ducks. This would 
assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in meeting its 
goal. We would also provide adequate open space (upland crop fields) 
for winter utilization and feeding of at least 500 geese and cranes. In 
addition, staff and/or volunteers would maintain 200 wood duck boxes on 
the refuge.
    By 2010, we would provide forest habitat conditions conducive to 
supporting both priority pine and hardwood associated bird species. By 
2008, we would provide high-quality grassland habitat to support 
grassland bird species on 220 to 300 acres, while achieving priority 
waterfowl objectives. This would include planting native warm season 
grass species on old farm fields. In addition, by 2010, this would 
promote tall emergent vegetation sufficient to support a population of 
10-20 king rails and to benefit other species of marsh birds.
    For the benefit of wading birds, by 2010, we would provide for both 
secure nesting sites and ample foraging habitat. Also by 2010, we would 
furnish at least two areas of up to 20 acres each for shorebirds, 
during both northbound and southbound movements. In addition, we would 
provide protective conservation measures for Federal or State listed 
species and habitats for future ecological existence.
    We would expand the capability and effort to implement sound 
scientific principles to better manage healthy populations of resident 
wildlife species. We would also control domestic, feral, or pest 
animals, especially feral hogs, removing an average of 100-plus hogs 
annually, or as needed.
    We would provide suitable habitats for native wildlife populations 
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including 
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered 
species.
    We would gradually reduce cooperative farmer cropland acreage to 
300 acres (from 500 acres at present) over the 15-year life of the CCP. 
Additionally, we would cultivate crops on 100 to 300 acres to provide 
food, cover, and sanctuary areas for wildlife and other species. This 
would provide adequate habitat for wintering waterfowl and provide 
quality dove hunting opportunities.
    We would employ silvicultural treatments to improve 2,800 acres of 
forestland to benefit forest-dependent wildlife. We would also use fire 
as a management tool on approximately 800-1,000 acres annually in 
suitable habitats for species and habitat conservation. Management of 
moist-soil wetlands (approximately 1,200 acres) would be intensified, 
with emphasis on waterfowl and other aquatic birds' foraging and life-
history requirements.
    We would aggressively control aquatic invasive plant species on 
approximately 25 miles of shoreline, or as needed, and 1,250 acres 
annually. We would also conduct preventive and maintenance control of 
upland invasive plant species.
    We would provide the public with quality wildlife-dependent 
recreation and environmental education and interpretation that lead to 
greater understanding and enjoyment of fish and wildlife and their 
habitats. We would work to expand overall public use opportunities.
    In addition to maintaining all existing hunts and seasons, we would 
consider adding a youth wild turkey quota hunt by 2015. Boat launch 
facilities and bank fishing opportunities would be expanded by 2015. 
Also by 2015, we would document the impact of sport fishing and fishing 
tournaments on sensitive wildlife and habitat resources to serve as a 
basis for discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers and Alabama and 
Georgia authorities on the possibility of establishing no-wake zones in 
sensitive areas.
    All existing wildlife observation and photography facilities would 
be maintained and within 10 years of CCP approval we would: (1) 
Designate a one-way loop in the Houston Bottoms and add additional 
pull-offs to the existing wildlife drive; (2) improve existing 
interpretive trail and add foot trails between Lakepoint State Park and 
the refuge; (3) add one photo blind in the Houston impoundment or goose 
pen impoundment; and (4) construct an observation platform adjacent to 
the hour glass impoundment on the wildlife drive and assess the need 
for an additional viewing platform in the area of Houston Bottoms.
    In terms of environmental education and interpretation, we would 
maintain existing opportunities and facilities, and by 2022, we would 
establish a new visitor center.
    We would provide for sufficient staffing, facilities, and 
infrastructure to fulfill the refuge's purpose and the goals and 
objectives of the CCP. We would enlarge the current staff by adding 
five full-time positions: biological science technician, maintenance 
worker, two park rangers (non-law enforcement), and law enforcement 
officer.
    Within 15 years of CCP approval, we would develop and begin to 
implement a cultural resources management plan. In the meantime, there 
would continue to be limited management of cultural resources based on 
known locations of historical and archaeological resources. We would 
follow standard procedures to protect cultural resources whenever 
projects involving excavation were undertaken.
    We would increase cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers and 
the States of Alabama and Georgia on invasives' management, and with 
both States on overall refuge management, including restoration of 
longleaf pine forests. We would work to establish a refuge Friends 
group (support group) by 2022.
    By 2022, or within 15 years of CCP approval, we would construct and 
begin to operate a visitor center east of U.S. Highway 431 adjacent to 
the Kennedy Unit. This center would serve as a focal point of public 
use opportunities on the refuge.

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.

Next Step

    After the comment period ends for the Draft CCP/EA, we will analyze 
the comments and address them in the form of a Final CCP and Finding of 
No Significant Impact.

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

     Dated: December 31, 2007.
Jon Andrew,
Acting Regional Director.

    Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the 
Federal Register on June 3, 2008.

[FR Doc. E8-12713 Filed 6-5-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P