Notice of Decision and Availability of the Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties, WI, 46324-46325 [E8-18296]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 154 / Friday, August 8, 2008 / Notices
not interfere with the primary
purpose(s) of the refuge.
There are 389 national wildlife
refuges where we administer hunting
and/or fishing programs. We only
collect user information at about 20
percent of these refuges. Information
that we plan to collect will help us to:
(1) Administer and monitor hunting
and fishing programs on refuges.
(2) Distribute hunting and fishing
permits in a fair and equitable manner
to eligible participants.
We are proposing nine new
application and report forms associated
with hunting and fishing on refuges. We
may not allow all opportunities on all
refuges; therefore, we developed
different forms to simplify the process
and avoid confusion for applicants. Not
all refuges will use each form and some
refuges may collect the identical
information in a nonform format.
We will use the following application
forms when we assign areas, dates, and/
or types of hunts via a drawing because
of limited resources, high demand, or
when a permit is needed to hunt. We
will issue application forms for specific
periods, usually seasonally or annually.
(1) FWS Form 3-2354 (Quota Deer
Hunt Application).
(2) FWS Form 3-2355 (Waterfowl
Lottery Application).
(3) FWS Form 3-2356 (Big Game Hunt
Application).
(4) FWS Form 3-2357 (Migratory Bird
Hunt Application).
(5) FWS Form 3-2358 (Fishing/
Shrimping/Crabbing Application)
We plan to collect information on:
(1) Applicant (name, address, phone
number) so that we can notify
applicants of their selection.
(2) User preferences (dates, areas,
method) so that we can distribute users
equitably.
(3) Whether or not the applicant is
applying for a special opportunity for
disabled or youth hunters.
(4) Age of youth hunter(s) so that we
can establish eligibility.
We will ask users to report on their
success after their experience so that we
can evaluate hunting/fishing quality and
resource impacts. We will use the
following activity reports, which we
will distribute during appropriate
seasons, as determined by State or
Federal regulations.
(1) FWS Form 3-2359 (Big Game
Harvest Report).
(2) FWS Form 3-2360 (Fishing
Report).
(3) FWS Form 3-2361 (Migratory Bird
Hunt Report).
(4) FWS Form 3-2362 (Upland/Small
Game/Furbearer Report).
We plan to collect information on:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:25 Aug 07, 2008
Jkt 214001
(1) Names of users so we can
differentiate between responses.
(2) City and State of residence so that
we can better understand if users are
local or traveling.
(3) Dates, time, and number in party
so we can identify use trends to allocate
staff and resources.
(4) Details of success by species so
that we can evaluate quality of
experience and resource impacts.
Comments: On April 22, 2008, we
published a notice in the Federal
Register (72 FR 21640) announcing our
intent to request that OMB approve this
information collection. We solicited
public comment for 60 days, ending on
June 23, 2008. We did not receive any
comments in response to this notice.
We again invite comments concerning
this information collection on:
(1) whether or not the collection of
information is necessary, including
whether or not the information will
have practical utility;
(2) the accuracy of our estimate of the
burden for this collection of
information;
(3) ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
(4) ways to minimize the burden of
the collection of information on
respondents.
Comments that you submit in
response to this notice are a matter of
public record. 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 OMB in your comment to
withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that it will be done.
Dated: June 30, 2008
Hope Grey,
Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Fish and Wildlife Service.
FR Doc. E8–18339 Filed 8–7–08; 8:45 am
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R3–R–2008–N0186; 30136–1265–
0000–S3]
Notice of Decision and Availability of
the Record of Decision for the Final
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and
Environmental Impact Statement for
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge,
Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties, WI
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of decision and
availability of the record of decision.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service announces the decision and
availability of the Record of Decision
(ROD) for the Final Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (CCP) and
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for Trempealeau National Wildlife
Refuge (NWR) in Wisconsin. A thorough
analysis of the environmental, social,
and economic considerations was
completed and presented in the Final
CCP/EIS. The Final CCP/EIS was
released to the public and a Notice of
Availability was published in the
Federal Register on April 15, 2008, (73
FR 20329). The ROD documents the
selection of Alternative C, the Preferred
Alternative in the Final CCP/EIS, as the
CCP for Trempealeau National Wildlife
Refuge. The ROD was signed by the
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Midwest Region, on
June 17, 2008.
ADDRESSES: The ROD and Final CCP/EIS
may be viewed at Trempealeau National
Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. You may
obtain a copy of the ROD at the
planning website https://www.fws.gov/
midwest/planning/Trempealeau or by
writing to the following address: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of
Conservation Planning, Bishop Henry
Whipple Federal Building, 1 Federal
Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vickie Hirschboeck, (608) 539–2311
extension 12.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
CCP will provide management guidance
for conservation of Refuge resources and
public use activities during the next 15
years. Three alternatives and their
consequences were described in detail
in the Draft and Final Environmental
Impact Statement. Under all alternatives
threatened and endangered species will
be protected; cultural resources will be
protected; the Refuge’s Fire
Management Plan will guide prescribed
E:\FR\FM\08AUN1.SGM
08AUN1
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 154 / Friday, August 8, 2008 / Notices
fire and wildfire suppression; mosquito
control will only be allowed in cases of
a documented human health emergency;
appropriate control of fish and wildlife
disease will be undertaken if warranted,
feasible, and effective; an emergency
response plan and training will be
developed to address possible
contaminant spills; regulations
regarding harvesting of fruit, nuts, and
other plant parts will be clarified;
neighboring landowners will be
contacted frequently to discuss issues of
concern; an easement and rights-of-way
management plan will be developed;
and general public use regulations will
be annually reviewed and updated.
Alternative A. No Action. Present
management practices would continue
under this Alternative. The No Action
alternative is a status quo alternative
where current conditions and trends
continue. The alternative served as the
baseline to compare and contrast with
the other alternatives.
Alternative B. Wildlife and Habitat
Focus. Under this alternative there
would be minimal disturbance to
wildlife from public use and increased
level of effort on fish and wildlife
habitat management. Habitat
management would be a high priority.
Invasive species control in the forested
habitats would allow restoration of
prairie and oak savanna. Prescribed fire
and mowing would be used to manage
11 prairie units totaling 585 acres. Pine
plantations would be eliminated.
Additional dikes and water control
structures would be placed within
existing impoundments. The deer hunt
and furbearer management would
continue as in the past. Public use
opportunities would be reduced.
Environmental education programs
would be limited to those that explain
Refuge regulations. No waterfowl
hunting would be allowed. To reduce
disturbance to migrating birds, all pools
would be closed to water craft during
fall migration (from September 15
through November 15). The Refuge
would maintain its present entrance
road, which is open to all traffic except
for an average of 6 weeks each year
when the road is flooded. The Refuge
office would remain as is, but the 70year-old shop would be replaced. The
staff would include the addition of a
permanent full-time biologist and a
private lands biologist and a seasonal
biological technician and tractor
operator.
Alternative C. Integrated Public Use
and Wildlife and Habitat Focus
(Preferred Alternative). The Service has
selected Alternative C, the Preferred
Alternative, as the CCP for the Refuge.
Implementation of the CCP will occur
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:25 Aug 07, 2008
Jkt 214001
over the next 15 years and will depend
on future staffing levels and funding.
Under this alternative the focus will
be on returning upland areas to preEuropean settlement habitats, increasing
flexibility in wetland management
within impoundments, and increasing
public use opportunities. Prairie and
oak savanna restoration will be a high
priority. Increased efforts to control
invasive species will be made using
biological, mechanical, and chemical
methods. Prescribed fire and mowing
will be used to manage 11 prairie units
totaling 435 acres. Half of the trees in
the pine plantations will be removed
through selective thinning. Additional
dikes and water control structures will
be placed within existing
impoundments. The deer hunt and
furbearer management will continue as
in the past. Public use opportunities
will be expanded. Environmental
education programs will be promoted at
local schools and to community groups
and the general public. Waterfowl
hunting opportunities will be expanded
by opening the area west of the
Canadian National Railroad dike to a
limited hunt. Ski trails will be
maintained when conditions permit.
Options to alleviate flooding of the
entrance road to provide year-round
access to the Refuge will be explored.
Use of volunteers will be expanded in
all programs. A Trempealeau NWR
Friends Group will be started. A multipurpose Room will be added to the
office/visitor contact station to
accommodate larger groups and provide
a place for orientation. The staff will
include the addition of three seasonal
positions, including a biological
technician, a tractor operator, and a park
ranger. Law enforcement duties will be
covered by a new position shared with
the Winona District. A private lands
biologist will also be shared with the
Winona District.
Basis for the Decision
Alternative C is the most
environmentally preferable alternative.
Chapter 1 of the Final EIS identified
three broad needs: (1) Contribute to the
Refuge System mission; (2) fulfill the
purposes of the Refuge; and (3) achieve
Refuge goals. Alternative C meets these
needs through the most balanced and
integrated approach compared to the
other alternatives. The rationale for
choosing the selected alternative as the
best alternative for the Comprehensive
Conservation Plan is based on the
impact of this alternative on the issues
and concerns that surfaced during the
planning process. The environmental
impacts of the alternatives were
analyzed as to how they will impact: (1)
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
46325
Landscape; (2) wildlife and habitat; (3)
public use; (4) neighboring landowners
and community; and (5) administration
and operations. Alternative C has longterm benefits to the natural and human
environment. Alternative C will
increase water quality and more
effectively control invasive plants. This
alternative will ensure abundant
opportunity for all current recreational
uses (e.g., hunting, fishing, observation
and photography, interpretation and
environmental education). It will have a
positive economic impact and will
increase the capacity of the Refuge to
meet its purposes and mission of the
Refuge System. Alternative C is also
expected to lead to improved
communication and problem solving
with neighboring land owners.
Dated: July 22, 2008.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E8–18296 Filed 8–7–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Jicarilla Apache Nation Liquor
Ordinance
Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice publishes the
Jicarilla Apache Nation Amended
Liquor Ordinance. The amended
Ordinance regulates and controls the
possession, sale, and consumption of
liquor within the Jicarilla Apache
Nation. The Nation is located on trust
land and this amended Ordinance
allows for the possession and sale of
alcoholic beverages within the exterior
boundaries of the Jicarilla Indian
Reservation. This amended Ordinance
will increase the ability of the tribal
government to control the distribution
and possession of liquor within their
Reservation and at the same time will
provide an important source of revenue
and strengthening of the tribal
government and the delivery of tribal
services.
DATES: Effective Date: This Act is
effective as of September 8, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Iris
A. Drew, Tribal Government Services
Officer, Southwest Regional Office, 1001
Indian School Road, Albuquerque, New
Mexico 87104; Telephone (505) 563–
3530; Fax (505) 563–3060; or Elizabeth
Colliflower, Office of Tribal Services,
1849 C Street, NW., Mail Stop 4513–
E:\FR\FM\08AUN1.SGM
08AUN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 154 (Friday, August 8, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46324-46325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-18296]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R3-R-2008-N0186; 30136-1265-0000-S3]
Notice of Decision and Availability of the Record of Decision for
the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Buffalo and
Trempealeau Counties, WI
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of decision and availability of the record of decision.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the decision and
availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in
Wisconsin. A thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and
economic considerations was completed and presented in the Final CCP/
EIS. The Final CCP/EIS was released to the public and a Notice of
Availability was published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008,
(73 FR 20329). The ROD documents the selection of Alternative C, the
Preferred Alternative in the Final CCP/EIS, as the CCP for Trempealeau
National Wildlife Refuge. The ROD was signed by the Regional Director,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Region, on June 17, 2008.
ADDRESSES: The ROD and Final CCP/EIS may be viewed at Trempealeau
National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. You may obtain a copy of the ROD
at the planning website https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/Trempealeau
or by writing to the following address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Division of Conservation Planning, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal
Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vickie Hirschboeck, (608) 539-2311
extension 12.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge CCP
will provide management guidance for conservation of Refuge resources
and public use activities during the next 15 years. Three alternatives
and their consequences were described in detail in the Draft and Final
Environmental Impact Statement. Under all alternatives threatened and
endangered species will be protected; cultural resources will be
protected; the Refuge's Fire Management Plan will guide prescribed
[[Page 46325]]
fire and wildfire suppression; mosquito control will only be allowed in
cases of a documented human health emergency; appropriate control of
fish and wildlife disease will be undertaken if warranted, feasible,
and effective; an emergency response plan and training will be
developed to address possible contaminant spills; regulations regarding
harvesting of fruit, nuts, and other plant parts will be clarified;
neighboring landowners will be contacted frequently to discuss issues
of concern; an easement and rights-of-way management plan will be
developed; and general public use regulations will be annually reviewed
and updated.
Alternative A. No Action. Present management practices would
continue under this Alternative. The No Action alternative is a status
quo alternative where current conditions and trends continue. The
alternative served as the baseline to compare and contrast with the
other alternatives.
Alternative B. Wildlife and Habitat Focus. Under this alternative
there would be minimal disturbance to wildlife from public use and
increased level of effort on fish and wildlife habitat management.
Habitat management would be a high priority. Invasive species control
in the forested habitats would allow restoration of prairie and oak
savanna. Prescribed fire and mowing would be used to manage 11 prairie
units totaling 585 acres. Pine plantations would be eliminated.
Additional dikes and water control structures would be placed within
existing impoundments. The deer hunt and furbearer management would
continue as in the past. Public use opportunities would be reduced.
Environmental education programs would be limited to those that explain
Refuge regulations. No waterfowl hunting would be allowed. To reduce
disturbance to migrating birds, all pools would be closed to water
craft during fall migration (from September 15 through November 15).
The Refuge would maintain its present entrance road, which is open to
all traffic except for an average of 6 weeks each year when the road is
flooded. The Refuge office would remain as is, but the 70-year-old shop
would be replaced. The staff would include the addition of a permanent
full-time biologist and a private lands biologist and a seasonal
biological technician and tractor operator.
Alternative C. Integrated Public Use and Wildlife and Habitat Focus
(Preferred Alternative). The Service has selected Alternative C, the
Preferred Alternative, as the CCP for the Refuge. Implementation of the
CCP will occur over the next 15 years and will depend on future
staffing levels and funding.
Under this alternative the focus will be on returning upland areas
to pre-European settlement habitats, increasing flexibility in wetland
management within impoundments, and increasing public use
opportunities. Prairie and oak savanna restoration will be a high
priority. Increased efforts to control invasive species will be made
using biological, mechanical, and chemical methods. Prescribed fire and
mowing will be used to manage 11 prairie units totaling 435 acres. Half
of the trees in the pine plantations will be removed through selective
thinning. Additional dikes and water control structures will be placed
within existing impoundments. The deer hunt and furbearer management
will continue as in the past. Public use opportunities will be
expanded. Environmental education programs will be promoted at local
schools and to community groups and the general public. Waterfowl
hunting opportunities will be expanded by opening the area west of the
Canadian National Railroad dike to a limited hunt. Ski trails will be
maintained when conditions permit. Options to alleviate flooding of the
entrance road to provide year-round access to the Refuge will be
explored. Use of volunteers will be expanded in all programs. A
Trempealeau NWR Friends Group will be started. A multi-purpose Room
will be added to the office/visitor contact station to accommodate
larger groups and provide a place for orientation. The staff will
include the addition of three seasonal positions, including a
biological technician, a tractor operator, and a park ranger. Law
enforcement duties will be covered by a new position shared with the
Winona District. A private lands biologist will also be shared with the
Winona District.
Basis for the Decision
Alternative C is the most environmentally preferable alternative.
Chapter 1 of the Final EIS identified three broad needs: (1) Contribute
to the Refuge System mission; (2) fulfill the purposes of the Refuge;
and (3) achieve Refuge goals. Alternative C meets these needs through
the most balanced and integrated approach compared to the other
alternatives. The rationale for choosing the selected alternative as
the best alternative for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan is based
on the impact of this alternative on the issues and concerns that
surfaced during the planning process. The environmental impacts of the
alternatives were analyzed as to how they will impact: (1) Landscape;
(2) wildlife and habitat; (3) public use; (4) neighboring landowners
and community; and (5) administration and operations. Alternative C has
long-term benefits to the natural and human environment. Alternative C
will increase water quality and more effectively control invasive
plants. This alternative will ensure abundant opportunity for all
current recreational uses (e.g., hunting, fishing, observation and
photography, interpretation and environmental education). It will have
a positive economic impact and will increase the capacity of the Refuge
to meet its purposes and mission of the Refuge System. Alternative C is
also expected to lead to improved communication and problem solving
with neighboring land owners.
Dated: July 22, 2008.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E8-18296 Filed 8-7-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P