Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Santa Cruz County, CA, 40360-40361 [E8-15916]

Download as PDF 40360 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 135 / Monday, July 14, 2008 / Notices Ms. Karen Goebel, Assistant Field Supervisor [see ADDRESSES] or call (760) 431–9440. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Availability of Documents You may obtain copies of these documents for review by contacting the above office. Documents also will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above address and at the San Bernardino County Libraries. Addresses for the San Bernardino County Libraries are: (1) 27167 Base Line, Highland, CA 92346; (2) 25581 Barton Rd, Loma Linda, CA 92354; (3) 1870 Mentone Boulevard, Mentone, CA 92359; and (4) 104 West Fourth Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415. Background Section 9 of the Act and Federal regulations prohibit the ‘‘take’’ of fish and wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened. Take of federally listed fish and wildlife is defined under the Act to include ‘‘harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.’’ The Service may, under limited circumstances, issue permits to authorize incidental take (i.e., take that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity). Regulations governing incidental take permits for threatened and endangered species are found in 50 CFR 17.32 and 17.22. The Applicant is proposing development of commercial facilities on an 8.4-acre site. The site is located southeast of the intersection of State Route 30 and Fifth Street (State Route 330) in the City of Highland, San Bernardino County, California. The proposed project site is bordered on the west by vacant land that has been permitted for construction of commercial facilities, on the north by 5th Street, on the east by vacant land and a public storage facility, and on the south by a berm separating the site from the Plunge Creek flood control basins, aggregate operations, and the Santa Ana Wash. Based on focused surveys and habitat assessments, 4.5 acres of the site are considered occupied by the SBKR. The Service has determined that the proposed development would result in incidental take of the SBKR. No other federally listed species are known to occupy the site. To mitigate take of SBKR on the project site, the Applicant has purchased credits towards conservation VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:08 Jul 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 in-perpetuity of thirteen (13) acres of conservation credits from the Cajon Creek Conservation Bank in eastern San Bernardino Valley. The conservation bank collects fees that fund a management endowment to ensure the permanent management and monitoring of sensitive species and habitats, including the SBKR. sooner than 60 days from the date of this notice. Dated: July 8, 2008. Richard F. Kearney, Acting Deputy Regional Director, California and Nevada Region, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. E8–16040 Filed 7–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P National Environmental Policy Act Proposed permit issuance triggers the need for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Accordingly, a draft NEPA document has been prepared. The Service is the Lead Agency responsible for compliance under NEPA. As NEPA lead agency, the Service is providing notice of the availability and is making available for public review the Environmental Assessment. The Service’s Environmental Assessment considers the environmental consequences of three alternatives, including: (1) The Proposed Project Alternative, which consists of issuance of the incidental take permit and implementation of the Plan; (2) the Alternate Site Layout Alternative, which consists of a reduced project footprint and conservation of SBKR within the proposed project site; and (3) the No Action Alternative, which would result in no impacts to SBKR and no conservation. Public Review The Service invites the public to review the Plan and Environmental Assessment during a 60-day public comment period (see DATES). 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. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(a) of the Act and the regulations for implementing NEPA, as amended (40 CFR 1506.6). We will evaluate the application, associated documents, and comments submitted thereon to determine whether the application meets the requirements of NEPA regulations and section 10(a) of the Act. If we determine that those requirements are met, we will issue a permit to the Applicant for the incidental take of the SBKR. We will make our final permit decision no PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–R–2008–N0101; 80230–1265– 0000–S3] Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Santa Cruz County, CA Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intend to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge located in Santa Cruz County of California. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by August 13, 2008. ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods. E-mail: sfbaynwrc@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Ellicott Slough CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. Fax: Attn: Winnie Chan, (510) 792– 5828. U.S. Mail: San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 9500 Thornton Avenue, Newark, California 94560. In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments during regular business hours at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Winnie Chan, Refuge Planner, or Diane Kodama, Refuge Manager, at (510) 792– 0222. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for Ellicott Slough NWR in Santa Cruz County, CA. E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 135 / Monday, July 14, 2008 / Notices This notice complies with our CCP policy to (1) Advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct detailed planning on this refuge and (2) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the environmental document and during development of the CCP. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 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 on 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. Congress established each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with each 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; organizations; and the public. We will be contacting identified stakeholders and individuals at this time for initial input. If you would like to meet with planning staff or would like to receive periodic updates, please contact us (see VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:08 Jul 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 40361 section). We anticipate holding a public meeting once alternative management scenarios have been identified. At this time we encourage comments in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of Ellicott Slough NWR. We will conduct the environmental review of this project in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); 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. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Jarbidge Field Office, Twin Falls District, Idaho, is extending the scoping period for the Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed China Mountain Wind Project, located in the Jarbidge Foothills, southwest of Rogerson, Idaho, and west of Jackpot, Nevada. The EIS will be prepared in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) (43 U.S.C. 1701), as amended; the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321), as amended; and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508). This notice extends the public scoping process to identify relevant issues associated with the proposed project. DATES: The scoping period is extended from June 21, 2008 to July 21, 2008. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Comments may be submitted using one of the methods listed below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: China Mountain Wind Project Manager, Jarbidge Field Office, 2536 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301, telephone (208) 732–7413. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • Web Site: https://www.blm.gov/id/st/ en/fo/jarbidge.html. • E-mail: id_chinamtn_eis@blm.gov. • Fax: (208) 736–2375 or (208) 735– 2076. • Mail: Project Manager, China Mountain EIS, Jarbidge Field Office, 2536 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. Comments can also be hand delivered to the Jarbidge Field Office at the address above. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Jarbidge Field Office. ADDRESSES Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1537) and the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 (16 U.S.C. 3901b). The nearly 300acre Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge, located in Santa Cruz County, California, consists of three noncontiguous units within and adjacent to Ellicott Slough and associated watersheds. The Refuge was established to protect the endangered Santa Cruz long-toed salamander by supporting two of the twenty known breeding populations of the salamander. Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, the Refuge is closed to the public. Through this CCP process, we will determine whether any wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities should be made available to the public. 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. Dated: July 7, 2008. Ken McDermond, Acting Regional Director, California and Nevada Region, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. E8–15916 Filed 7–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Bureau of Land Management [ID–210–5101–ER–D050, IDI–35183/NVN– 84663] Extension of Scoping Period for the Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed China Mountain Wind Project Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Extend Scoping Period for the Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed China Mountain Wind Project. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 135 (Monday, July 14, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40360-40361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-15916]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-R-2008-N0101; 80230-1265-0000-S3]


Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Santa Cruz County, CA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

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

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intend to 
prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental 
Assessment (EA) for the Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge 
located in Santa Cruz County of California. We provide this notice in 
compliance with our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State 
agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain 
suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the 
planning process.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by August 13, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any 
of the following methods.
    E-mail: sfbaynwrc@fws.gov. Include ``Ellicott Slough CCP'' in the 
subject line of the message.
    Fax: Attn: Winnie Chan, (510) 792-5828.
    U.S. Mail: San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 9500 
Thornton Avenue, Newark, California 94560.
    In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments during regular 
business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Winnie Chan, Refuge Planner, or Diane 
Kodama, Refuge Manager, at (510) 792-0222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for 
Ellicott Slough NWR in Santa Cruz County, CA.

[[Page 40361]]

This notice complies with our CCP policy to (1) Advise other Federal 
and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct 
detailed planning on this refuge and (2) obtain suggestions and 
information on the scope of issues to consider in the environmental 
document and during development of 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 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 on 
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.
    Congress established each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation 
for developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for 
each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to 
determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a 
way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives 
that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and 
habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation 
opportunities that are compatible with each 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; organizations; and the public. 
We will be contacting identified stakeholders and individuals at this 
time for initial input. If you would like to meet with planning staff 
or would like to receive periodic updates, please contact us (see 
ADDRESSES section). We anticipate holding a public meeting once 
alternative management scenarios have been identified. At this time we 
encourage comments in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and 
suggestions for the future management of Ellicott Slough NWR.
    We will conduct the environmental review of this project in 
accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); 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.

Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge

    Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1537) and the 
Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 (16 U.S.C. 3901b). The nearly 
300-acre Ellicott Slough National Wildlife Refuge, located in Santa 
Cruz County, California, consists of three non-contiguous units within 
and adjacent to Ellicott Slough and associated watersheds. The Refuge 
was established to protect the endangered Santa Cruz long-toed 
salamander by supporting two of the twenty known breeding populations 
of the salamander. Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, the Refuge is 
closed to the public. Through this CCP process, we will determine 
whether any wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities should be 
made available to the public.

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.

    Dated: July 7, 2008.
Ken McDermond,
Acting Regional Director, California and Nevada Region, Sacramento, 
California.
[FR Doc. E8-15916 Filed 7-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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