Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge, Benton County, AR, 52668-52670 [E8-20977]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 10, 2008 / Notices
Total Estimated Burden Hours:
283,912.
Status: Extension of a currently
approved collection.
Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as
amended.
Dated: September 3, 2008.
Lillian L. Deitzer,
Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act
Officer, Office of the Chief Information
Officer.
[FR Doc. E8–21023 Filed 9–9–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R4–R–2008–N0248; 40136–1265–
0000–S3]
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability of the
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan
and Finding of No Significant Impact for
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
in Manteo, North Carolina.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service
announces that a Final Comprehensive
Conservation Plan and Finding of No
Significant Impact for Alligator River
National Wildlife Refuge is available for
distribution. The plan was prepared
pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997, and
in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and
describes how the refuge will be
managed for the next 15 years. The
compatibility determinations for
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation
and photography, environmental
education and interpretation, and
trapping of selected furbearers are also
available in the plan.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be
obtained by writing to the Alligator
River National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box
1969, Manteo, North Carolina 27954.
The plan may also be accessed and
downloaded from the Service’s Web
site: https://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
availability of the Draft Comprehensive
Conservation Plan and Environmental
Assessment for a 45-day public review
and comment period was announced in
the Federal Register on May 30, 2006
(71 FR 30687). The plan and
environmental assessment identified
and evaluated three alternatives for
managing the refuge over the next 15
years. Alternative 1, the no-action
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:52 Sep 09, 2008
Jkt 214001
alternative, would have continued
current management of the refuge.
Alternative 3 would have resulted in
substantial program increases.
Based on the environmental
assessment and the comments received,
the Service adopted Alternative 2 as its
preferred alternative. Alternative 2
directs the development of programs to
best achieve the refuge purpose and
goals; emphasizes wildlife conservation
as our highest priority in refuge
management; collects habitat and
wildlife data; and ensures long-term
achievement of refuge and Service
objectives. At the same time, these
management actions provide balanced
levels of compatible public use
opportunities consistent with existing
laws, Service policies, and sound
biological principles. Alternative 2
provides the best mix of program
elements to achieve desired long-term
conditions.
Under this alternative, all lands under
the management and direction of the
refuge will be protected, maintained,
and enhanced to best achieve national,
ecosystem, and refuge-specific goals and
objectives within anticipated funding
and staffing levels. In addition, the
action positively addresses significant
issues and concerns expressed by the
public.
Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge is located in Dare and Hyde
Counties, North Carolina, about 3.5
hours east of Raleigh and 1.5 hours
south of the Virginia line. The refuge
covers a total of 153,017 acres within
the 239,800-acre acquisition boundary
and occupies the eastern-most portion
of the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula in
eastern North Carolina. The refuge is the
lead refuge in the North Carolina
Coastal Plain Refuge Complex and
consists of a variety of habitats,
including forested wetlands, shrub
wetlands, agricultural lands, moist-soil
areas, open waters, dirt/gravel access
roads and trails, and recently reforested
areas. Annually, more than 35,000
people visit the refuge.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bonnie Strawser, Wildlife Interpretive
Specialist, Alligator River National
Wildlife Refuge; telephone: 252–473–
1131; fax: 252–473–1668; e-mail:
bonnie_strawser@fws.gov; or by writing
to the Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge at the address in the ADDRESSES
section.
Authority: This notice is published under
the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997, Public
Law 105–57.
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Frm 00029
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Dated: March 30, 2007.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
Editorial Note: This document was
received in the Office of the Federal Register
on September 5, 2008.
[FR Doc. E8–20974 Filed 9–9–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R4–R–2008–N0163; 40136–1265–
0000–S3]
Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge,
Benton County, AR
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability: final
comprehensive conservation plan and
finding of no significant impact.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service), announce the
availability of our final comprehensive
conservation plan (CCP) and finding of
no significant impact (FONSI) for Logan
Cave National Wildlife Refuge. In the
final CCP, we describe how we will
manage this refuge for the next 15 years.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be
obtained by writing to: Holla Bend
National Wildlife Refuge, 10448 Holla
Bend Road, Dardanelle, AR 72834. The
CCP/FONSI may also be accessed and
downloaded from the Service’s Web site
https://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Durwin Carter, Refuge Manager, Holla
Bend National Wildlife Refuge;
Telephone: (479) 229–4300; Fax: (479)
229–4302.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we finalize the CCP
process for Logan Cave National
Wildlife Refuge. We started this process
through a notice in the Federal Register
on November 23, 2005 (70 FR 70878).
For more about the process, see that
notice.
Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge
was established in 1989 under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 to
protect cave inhabitants, including the
endangered gray bat (Myotis grisescens),
Benton cave crayfish (Cambarus
aculabrum), and the threatened Ozark
cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae). The cave
also has historically provided habitat for
the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis
sodalis). This 123-acre Ozark Mountain
refuge, which includes a limestone
solution cave with approximately 1.5
E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM
10SEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 10, 2008 / Notices
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
miles of passageways, is located 20
miles west of Fayetteville, Arkansas,
and approximately 2 miles north of U.S.
Highway 412. The ecology of Logan
Cave has been described as the highest
quality cave habitat in the entire Ozark
region. There are only two known entry
points for the cave: the sinkhole and
spring. The sinkhole consists of a steep
sided funnel shaped depression about
50 feet in diameter located on a forested
hillside. The spring entrance is located
on a hillside under an overhang rock
bluff. Most of the refuge consists of
hillsides, which support a mature
climax community of oak and hickory.
Groundwater surfacing within the
cave forms a stream that flows
throughout the cave and at the outfall
forms Logan Spring, which drains to
Osage Creek just south of the refuge.
Osage Creek is a major tributary of the
Illinois River, which is the main
drainage in southwestern Benton
County, and their confluence is about
1.2 miles south of the refuge. In past
years, spring water from the cave had a
measured flow of approximately 5
million gallons per day and supplied
the Logan community, a fish hatchery,
and 49 fish ponds.
We announce our decision and the
availability of the final CCP and FONSI
for Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge
in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40
CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We
completed a thorough analysis of
impacts on the human environment,
which we included in the draft
comprehensive conservation plan and
environmental assessment (Draft CCP/
EA). The CCP will guide us in managing
and administering Logan Cave Refuge
for the next 15 years.
The compatibility determinations for
environmental education and
interpretation, research, and monitoring
are available in the CCP.
Background
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-
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:52 Sep 09, 2008
Jkt 214001
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.
Comments
Approximately 120 copies of the Draft
CCP/EA were made available for a 30day public review period as announced
in the Federal Register on January 25,
2008 (73 FR 4615). A public meeting
was held on February 12, 2008, at 6
p.m., at the Logan Community Center.
Fifteen individuals were in attendance
at the meeting. Eight respondents
consisting of the Service; the State
Clearinghouse of Arkansas, Department
of Finance and Administration; the
Ozark Underground Laboratory, Inc.;
Natural Resources Conservation Service;
the Arkansas Natural Heritage
Commission; and local citizens
submitted written comments by mail or
e-mail.
Selected Alternative
We developed three alternatives for
management of the refuge and chose
Alternative 3 as the preferred
alternative. This alternative was
considered to be the most effective for
meeting the purposes of the refuge by
conserving, restoring, and managing the
refuge’s habitats and wildlife while
optimizing wildlife-dependent public
uses. Alternative 3 best achieves
national, ecosystem, and refuge-specific
goals and objectives and positively
addresses significant issues and
concerns expressed by the public.
Under Alternative 3, all refuge
management actions will be directed
toward achieving the refuge’s primary
purpose to properly administer,
conserve, and develop the 123-acre area
for protection of a unique cave
ecosystem that provides essential
habitat for the endangered gray bat,
endangered Benton cave crayfish, the
threatened Ozark cavefish, and other
significant cave dwelling wildlife
species, while contributing to other
national, regional, and state goals to
protect and restore karst habitats and
species.
The primary focus under this
alternative will be to add a staff person
and equipment in order to manage,
maintain, restore, and protect the
refuge’s habitats and wildlife species.
Wildlife and plant censuses and
inventory activities will be initiated and
maintained to obtain the biological
information needed to continue current
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52669
refuge management programs and
implement crucial management
programs on and off the refuge.
Active habitat management will be
implemented to maintain and enhance
water quality and quantity within the
cave system, the recharge zone
(groundwater recharge areas), and
waterways within the bat foraging areas
through best management practices,
easements, and partnerships with
private landowners and other federal
and state agencies. Continuous
groundwater quality monitoring is
crucial to the existence of the aquatic
species utilizing the cave stream and
groundwater corridors.
The Benton cave crayfish and Ozark
Cavefish populations will be maintained
at a minimum of 35 and 40 individuals,
respectively. A properly trained survey
team (no more than 4 observers) will
perform ocular surveys bi-annually in
January or February. During these
surveys, the occurrence of any Indiana
bats will be noted. The refuge will study
the micro-climate of the cave to
determine suitability for Indiana bats.
Gray bats will be counted annually
during July by exit counts. At least two
trained persons will count bats at the
same time on the same evening as the
bats emerge from the spring and
sinkhole entrances. Bat guano will be
measured each year as soon as possible
after the maternity colony has left the
cave. No more than three persons will
conduct guano measurements and this
will be done in conjunction with the
crayfish/cavefish surveys when
possible. The refuge will maintain all
other populations of karst species, such
as pseudoscorpions, isopods,
amphipods, beetles, collembolans, and
other blind insects, adapted to
subterranean habitats. The abundance of
the grotto salamander will also be
monitored.
The refuge will identify and
implement strategies to improve
conditions on and off refuge lands for
forest dwelling birds. The primary
purpose of this effort will be to work
with partners and private landowners to
provide a forest system of sufficient size
and carrying capacity to reach regional
objectives associated with area-sensitive
neotropical migratory birds. This will
also help protect and enhance foraging
area for the gray bats, especially along
Osage creek and its tributaries.
Wildlife-dependent recreation
activities, such as wildlife observation,
wildlife photography, and
environmental education and
interpretation will be provided.
Utilizing various partners, the refuge
will develop a small environmental
education program, focusing on karst
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52670
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 10, 2008 / Notices
environments. Although the cave is
gated and entrance is limited to
biological surveys, some cave
environmental education can still occur
(i.e., supervised visits by small groups
to observe emergence of gray bats from
a safe distance during the summer). The
refuge will develop a community-based
volunteer program by establishing a
Cave Steward or Friends program.
Volunteers will be educated on
management issues and utilized to help
complete wildlife and plant surveys,
maintenance projects, and to conduct
public recreation and education
programs.
Authority: This notice is published under
the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997, Public
Law 105–57.
Dated: July 1, 2008.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. E8–20977 Filed 9–9–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R4–R–2008–N00160; 40136–1265–
0000–S3]
Upper Ouachita and Handy Brake
National Wildlife Refuges, Morehouse,
Union, Richland, East Carroll, West
Carroll, Natchitoches, and Grant
Parishes, LA
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability: final
comprehensive conservation plan and
finding of no significant impact.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service), announce the
availability of our final comprehensive
conservation plan (CCP) and finding of
no significant impact (FONSI) for Upper
Ouachita and Handy Brake National
Wildlife Refuges. In the final CCP, we
describe how we will manage these
refuges for the next 15 years.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the CCP may be
obtained by writing to: North Louisiana
National Wildlife Refuge Complex,
11372 Highway 143, Farmerville, LA
71241. The CCP may also be accessed
and downloaded from the Service’s Web
site: https://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
George Chandler; Telephone: 318–726–
4222; Fax: 318–726–4667; e-mail:
george_chandler@fws.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:52 Sep 09, 2008
Jkt 214001
Introduction
With this notice, we finalize the CCP
process for Upper Ouachita and Handy
Brake National Wildlife Refuges. We
started this process through a notice in
the Federal Register on July 13, 2005
(70 FR 40396).
The Upper Ouachita and Handy Brake
National Wildlife Refuges, including 44
Farm Service Agency (FSA) lands,
ranging in size from 3 acres to 1,000
acres, are units of the North Louisiana
National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Upper Ouachita Refuge is in
northeastern Louisiana. The northern
boundary lies on the LouisianaArkansas state line. The refuge borders
both sides of the Ouachita River,
running north-south for 13.7 miles,
extending 3.3 miles to the east and 16
miles to the west. The southernmost
point on the refuge is approximately 20
miles north of Monroe, Louisiana. The
current acquisition area encompasses
61,633 acres of which 42,594 acres have
been purchased with 26,304 acres in
Union Parish and 16,290 acres in
Morehouse Parish.
Upper Ouachita Refuge was
established in November 1978. The
federally legislated purposes are ‘‘for
use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any
other management purpose, for
migratory birds’’ (Migratory Bird
Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 715d); and
for ‘‘* * * the conservation of the
wetlands of the nation in order to
maintain the public benefits they
provide and to help fulfill international
obligations contained in various
migratory bird treaties and conventions
* * *’’ (16 U.S.C. 3901(b)).
Upper Ouachita Refuge consists of
4,540 acres of pine and pine/hardwood
forests, 19,767 acres of bottomland
hardwood forests, 9,236 acres of
reforested bottomlands, 2,000 acres of
scrub/shrub, 1,182 acres of moist-soil
plantings, 2,541 acres of agricultural
fields, 418 acres of fallow agricultural
fields, and 2,910 acres of open water.
The USDA Farm Service Agency units
were established in 1990, in response to
growing Fish and Wildlife Service landbased responsibilities off of traditional
refuges. The Wetlands Office is
responsible for the administration of
wetland easements and fee title land
transfers from the Farm Service Agency
for conservation purposes (Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act, 7
U.S.C. 2002) and for the benefit of
endangered species, resident and
migratory waterfowl, neotropical
migratory birds, and other wildlife. The
units also include the first fee title tract
transfer from the Farm Service Agency
to the Service, with the establishment of
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Frm 00031
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge
in 1988. The units consist of 36 Farm
Service Agency easements, 7 fee title
tracts, and 1 lease, all concentrated in
northeastern Louisiana and
encompassing 6 parishes. These units
are spread across north Louisiana,
ranging in size from 3 acres to 1,000
acres.
Handy Brake Refuge is primarily a
permanent wetland of excellent habitat
for wintering waterfowl, wading birds,
and many other wetland-dependent
species. A free lease of 35 acres of
International Paper Company land
provides an upland area overlooking the
wetland. An observation deck in the
upland area provides wildlife viewing
opportunities into the wetlands. Habitat
management within these units focuses
primarily on reforestation of marginal
agricultural areas and development and
maintenance of moist-soil units. These
varied habitats provide for a diverse
array of wildlife. There is no hunting or
fishing permitted throughout these
units.
We announce our decision and the
availability of the final CCP and FONSI
for Upper Ouachita and Handy Brake
National Wildlife Refuges in accordance
with the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b))
requirements. We completed a thorough
analysis of impacts on the human
environment, which we included in the
draft comprehensive conservation plan
and environmental assessment (Draft
CCP/EA). The CCP will guide us in
managing and administering Upper
Ouachita and Handy Brake Refuges for
the next 15 years. Alternative B is the
foundation for the CCP.
The compatibility determinations for
(1) wildlife observation and
photography; (2) environmental
education and interpretation; (3) fishing;
and (4) cooperative farming are also
available within the CCP.
Background
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-
E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM
10SEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 176 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52668-52670]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-20977]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R4-R-2008-N0163; 40136-1265-0000-S3]
Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge, Benton County, AR
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability: final comprehensive conservation plan
and finding of no significant impact.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and
finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for Logan Cave National
Wildlife Refuge. In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage this
refuge for the next 15 years.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be obtained by writing to: Holla Bend
National Wildlife Refuge, 10448 Holla Bend Road, Dardanelle, AR 72834.
The CCP/FONSI may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service's
Web site https://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Durwin Carter, Refuge Manager,
Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge; Telephone: (479) 229-4300; Fax:
(479) 229-4302.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Logan Cave
National Wildlife Refuge. We started this process through a notice in
the Federal Register on November 23, 2005 (70 FR 70878). For more about
the process, see that notice.
Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 under
the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to protect cave inhabitants,
including the endangered gray bat (Myotis grisescens), Benton cave
crayfish (Cambarus aculabrum), and the threatened Ozark cavefish
(Amblyopsis rosae). The cave also has historically provided habitat for
the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). This 123-acre Ozark
Mountain refuge, which includes a limestone solution cave with
approximately 1.5
[[Page 52669]]
miles of passageways, is located 20 miles west of Fayetteville,
Arkansas, and approximately 2 miles north of U.S. Highway 412. The
ecology of Logan Cave has been described as the highest quality cave
habitat in the entire Ozark region. There are only two known entry
points for the cave: the sinkhole and spring. The sinkhole consists of
a steep sided funnel shaped depression about 50 feet in diameter
located on a forested hillside. The spring entrance is located on a
hillside under an overhang rock bluff. Most of the refuge consists of
hillsides, which support a mature climax community of oak and hickory.
Groundwater surfacing within the cave forms a stream that flows
throughout the cave and at the outfall forms Logan Spring, which drains
to Osage Creek just south of the refuge. Osage Creek is a major
tributary of the Illinois River, which is the main drainage in
southwestern Benton County, and their confluence is about 1.2 miles
south of the refuge. In past years, spring water from the cave had a
measured flow of approximately 5 million gallons per day and supplied
the Logan community, a fish hatchery, and 49 fish ponds.
We announce our decision and the availability of the final CCP and
FONSI for Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge in accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b))
requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human
environment, which we included in the draft comprehensive conservation
plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA). The CCP will guide us
in managing and administering Logan Cave Refuge for the next 15 years.
The compatibility determinations for environmental education and
interpretation, research, and monitoring are available in the CCP.
Background
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, 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.
Comments
Approximately 120 copies of the Draft CCP/EA were made available
for a 30-day public review period as announced in the Federal Register
on January 25, 2008 (73 FR 4615). A public meeting was held on February
12, 2008, at 6 p.m., at the Logan Community Center. Fifteen individuals
were in attendance at the meeting. Eight respondents consisting of the
Service; the State Clearinghouse of Arkansas, Department of Finance and
Administration; the Ozark Underground Laboratory, Inc.; Natural
Resources Conservation Service; the Arkansas Natural Heritage
Commission; and local citizens submitted written comments by mail or e-
mail.
Selected Alternative
We developed three alternatives for management of the refuge and
chose Alternative 3 as the preferred alternative. This alternative was
considered to be the most effective for meeting the purposes of the
refuge by conserving, restoring, and managing the refuge's habitats and
wildlife while optimizing wildlife-dependent public uses. Alternative 3
best achieves national, ecosystem, and refuge-specific goals and
objectives and positively addresses significant issues and concerns
expressed by the public.
Under Alternative 3, all refuge management actions will be directed
toward achieving the refuge's primary purpose to properly administer,
conserve, and develop the 123-acre area for protection of a unique cave
ecosystem that provides essential habitat for the endangered gray bat,
endangered Benton cave crayfish, the threatened Ozark cavefish, and
other significant cave dwelling wildlife species, while contributing to
other national, regional, and state goals to protect and restore karst
habitats and species.
The primary focus under this alternative will be to add a staff
person and equipment in order to manage, maintain, restore, and protect
the refuge's habitats and wildlife species. Wildlife and plant censuses
and inventory activities will be initiated and maintained to obtain the
biological information needed to continue current refuge management
programs and implement crucial management programs on and off the
refuge.
Active habitat management will be implemented to maintain and
enhance water quality and quantity within the cave system, the recharge
zone (groundwater recharge areas), and waterways within the bat
foraging areas through best management practices, easements, and
partnerships with private landowners and other federal and state
agencies. Continuous groundwater quality monitoring is crucial to the
existence of the aquatic species utilizing the cave stream and
groundwater corridors.
The Benton cave crayfish and Ozark Cavefish populations will be
maintained at a minimum of 35 and 40 individuals, respectively. A
properly trained survey team (no more than 4 observers) will perform
ocular surveys bi-annually in January or February. During these
surveys, the occurrence of any Indiana bats will be noted. The refuge
will study the micro-climate of the cave to determine suitability for
Indiana bats. Gray bats will be counted annually during July by exit
counts. At least two trained persons will count bats at the same time
on the same evening as the bats emerge from the spring and sinkhole
entrances. Bat guano will be measured each year as soon as possible
after the maternity colony has left the cave. No more than three
persons will conduct guano measurements and this will be done in
conjunction with the crayfish/cavefish surveys when possible. The
refuge will maintain all other populations of karst species, such as
pseudoscorpions, isopods, amphipods, beetles, collembolans, and other
blind insects, adapted to subterranean habitats. The abundance of the
grotto salamander will also be monitored.
The refuge will identify and implement strategies to improve
conditions on and off refuge lands for forest dwelling birds. The
primary purpose of this effort will be to work with partners and
private landowners to provide a forest system of sufficient size and
carrying capacity to reach regional objectives associated with area-
sensitive neotropical migratory birds. This will also help protect and
enhance foraging area for the gray bats, especially along Osage creek
and its tributaries.
Wildlife-dependent recreation activities, such as wildlife
observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and
interpretation will be provided. Utilizing various partners, the refuge
will develop a small environmental education program, focusing on karst
[[Page 52670]]
environments. Although the cave is gated and entrance is limited to
biological surveys, some cave environmental education can still occur
(i.e., supervised visits by small groups to observe emergence of gray
bats from a safe distance during the summer). The refuge will develop a
community-based volunteer program by establishing a Cave Steward or
Friends program. Volunteers will be educated on management issues and
utilized to help complete wildlife and plant surveys, maintenance
projects, and to conduct public recreation and education programs.
Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law
105-57.
Dated: July 1, 2008.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. E8-20977 Filed 9-9-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
