Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, Georgetown, Horry, and Marion Counties, SC, 64361-64363 [E8-25840]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 210 / Wednesday, October 29, 2008 / Notices become part of the official administrative record and may be made available to the public. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Marquez, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, see ADDRESSES, (telephone: 760–431–9440; fax: 760–431–9624). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following applicants have applied for scientific research permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (‘‘we’’) solicits review and comment from local, State, and Federal agencies, and the public on the following permit requests. 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. Permit No. TE–195251 Applicant: Christopher B. Clifford, Davis, California The applicant requests a permit to take (capture, collect, and kill) the Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio), the longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna), the Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus wootoni), the San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis), and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of each species in California for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE–195286 Applicant: Scott T. Cashen, Walnut Creek, California The applicant requests a permit to take (survey and set up remote camera systems) the Peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in conjunction with population and demographic research studies within Imperial County, California for the purpose of enhancing its survival. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Permit No. TE–195305 Applicant: Andres Aguilar, Merced, California The applicant requests a permit to take (capture, collect, and kill) the vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) in conjunction with surveys VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:17 Oct 28, 2008 Jkt 217001 and genetic research within Merced County, California for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE–195306 Applicant: Riley J. Swift, Rocklin, California The applicant requests a permit to take (capture, collect, and kill) the Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio), the longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna), the Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus wootoni), the San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis), and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of each species in California and within Jackson and Klamath Counties in Oregon for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE–195304 Applicant: Michael J. Farmer, Rancho Cordova, California The applicant requests a permit to take (capture, collect, and kill) the Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio), the longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna), the Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus wootoni), the San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis), and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of each species in California for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE–195891 The applicant requests a permit to remove/remove to possession the Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum (Contra Costa wallflower) from federal lands in conjunction with genetic sampling for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE–117947 Applicant: Kevin B. Clark, San Diego, California The applicant requests an amendment to take (play taped vocalizations) the lease Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) in conjunction with surveys and monitoring, and take (survey by pursuit) the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of each species within the jurisdiction of the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, in California for the purpose of enhancing its survival. Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Permit No. TE–807078 Applicant: Point Reyes Bird Observatory Conservation Services, Petaluma, California The applicant requests an amendment to take (locate/monitor nests) the California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) in conjunction with surveys and population monitoring studies within Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, and Contra Costa Counties, California, for the purpose of enhancing its survival. We solicit public review and comment on each of these recovery permit applications. Comments and materials we receive will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Dated: October 23, 2008. Michael Fris, Acting Regional Director, Region 8, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. E8–25772 Filed 10–28–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2008–N0195; 40136–1265– 0000–S3] Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, Georgetown, Horry, and Marion Counties, SC Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: final comprehensive conservation plan and finding of no significant impact. AGENCY: Applicant: Dr. Justen B. Whittall, Santa Clara, California PO 00000 64361 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 Waccamaw 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 CCP may be obtained by writing to: Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, 1601 North Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. The plan may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service’s Web site: https://southeast.fws.gov/planning. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Craig Sasser, Refuge Manager, Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge; Telephone: 843/527–8069; Fax: 843/ 527–8494. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\29OCN1.SGM 29OCN1 64362 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 210 / Wednesday, October 29, 2008 / Notices jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register on March 29, 2006 (71 FR 15757). For more about the process, see that notice. Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge is currently 18,251 acres in size (within an approved acquisition boundary of 54,000 acres), and was established in 1997 for the following purposes: (1) To protect and manage diverse habitat components within an important coastal river ecosystem for the benefit of threatened and endangered species, freshwater and anadromous fish, migratory birds, and forest wildlife, including a wide array of plants and animals associated with bottomland hardwood habitats; and (2) to provide compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The refuge acquisition boundary includes large sections of the Waccamaw and Great Pee Dee Rivers and a small section of the Little Pee Dee River. The wetland diversity of this refuge is what distinguishes it from most others found along the east coast. Wetland habitats range from historic, broken, and actively managed tidal rice fields, to black water and alluvial floodplain forested wetlands. These tidal freshwater wetlands are some of the most diverse freshwater wetland systems found in North America and they offer many important habitats for migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife. Over 400 species of animals are supported by the variety of habitats in the refuge acquisition area, including several endangered species. Birds, such as the swallow-tailed kite, osprey, wood stork, white ibis, prothonotary warbler, and many species of waterfowl, can be observed on a seasonal basis, while mammals, such as the American black bear, frequent the refuge’s forests yearround. Notably, the refuge acquisition area supports the highest density of nesting swallow-tailed kites in South Carolina and is the northernmost documented nesting area for this raptor within its range. Additionally, the refuge’s wetlands play a critical role in the filtration and storm water retention of the primary drinking water resource for the greater Grand Strand region. Popular recreation uses of the refuge include hunting and both recreational and commercial fishing. Wildlife VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:17 Oct 28, 2008 Jkt 217001 viewing and photography programs, as well as environmental education and interpretation, are also being developed on the refuge, especially in conjunction with a visitor center now under construction. We announce our decision and the availability of the final CCP and FONSI for Waccamaw 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 Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative C, as we described in the final CCP, is the foundation for the CCP. The compatibility determinations for (1) Hunting; (2) fishing; (3) wildlife observation and photography; (4) environmental education and interpretation; (5) bicycling; (6) commercial services; (7) commercial fishing; (8) research; (9) camping; (10) rights-of-way; and (11) forest management—commercial timber harvest are also available within the final 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 wildlifedependent 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 200 copies of the Draft CCP/EA were made available for a 30day public review period as announced in the Federal Register on February 13, PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2008 (73 FR 8343). Ninety-four written comments were received from private citizens and a number of nongovernmental organizations, including American Rivers, Baruch Marine Field Laboratory (University of South Carolina), Charleston Audubon, Coastal Conservation League, Coastal Expeditions, Five Rivers Coalition, Georgetown County League of Women Voters, Grand Strand Surfrider Foundation, Historic Charleston Foundation, Morgan Park Committee, National Rifle Association of America, The Nature Conservancy, Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Republican Women of Myrtle Beach, SEWEE Association, Swallow-tailed Kite Conservation Alliance, Waccamaw Watershed Academy (Coastal Carolina University), Waccamaw Audubon Society, and Winyah Rivers Foundation. Almost all commenters supported the Service’s proposed alternative, Alternative D. Selected Alternative After considering the comments we received, we have selected Alternative D for implementation. This alternative is judged to be the most effective management action for meeting the purposes of the refuge by optimizing habitat management and visitor services throughout the refuge. The Service would aim to improve wintering waterfowl habitat on approximately 600 acres on Unit 1 by restoring hydrology. We would also continue to conduct informal surveys on swallow-tailed kites and Swainson’s warblers on an occasional basis. Management of black bears would be stepped up, and would include annual surveys and enlisting public participation in gathering, recording, and compiling sightings. Management of threatened and endangered species would involve restoring the hydrology on Unit 1 to enhance the existing wood stork rookery, restoring wood stork feeding areas on Unit 3, and red-cockaded woodpecker nesting and foraging habitat on Unit 2. Recreational use of the refuge would continue. This alternative would expand on hunting opportunities for deer and hog by considering a hunt by mobility-impaired individuals. It would potentially include a youth waterfowl hunt on refuge management lands. Over the lifetime of the CCP, this alternative would call for reducing deer herd density to improve herd health and to improve habitat quality for other species. This alternative would identify the 4,600-acre Bull Island as a proposed Wilderness Study Area. The Service would maintain its wilderness E:\FR\FM\29OCN1.SGM 29OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 210 / Wednesday, October 29, 2008 / Notices character, and within 10 years of approval of the CCP, would prepare a wilderness study report and additional NEPA documentation on whether Bull Island should be formally designated by Congress as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The refuge would prepare and implement a Visitor Services’ Plan and expand most wildlife-dependent public uses in a number of ways. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Dated: July 22, 2008. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the Federal Register on October 24, 2008. [FR Doc. E8–25840 Filed 10–28–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2008–N0217; 40136–1265– 0000–S3] Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, Anson and Richmond Counties, NC Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: Final comprehensive conservation plan and finding of no significant impact. AGENCY: jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 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 Pee Dee 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 CCP may be obtained by writing to: Jeffrey Bricken, Refuge Manager, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, 5770 U.S. Highway 52 North, Wadesboro, NC 28170. The CCP may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service’s Internet Site: https:// southeast.fws.gov/planning. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Bricken; telephone: 704/694– 4424. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. We started this process through a notice of intent in the Federal Register on November 7, 2006 (71 FR 65122). For more about the process, see that notice. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:17 Oct 28, 2008 Jkt 217001 Established in 1963, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 48 miles east of Charlotte, North Carolina, in Anson and Richmond Counties. The 8,433-acre refuge includes a diversity of habitats consisting of bottomland hardwoods, upland pine forests, croplands, open fields, moist-soil units, and mixed-pine hardwoods. These areas support a variety of wildlife and plant species, including waterfowl and other migratory birds, as well as federal- and state-listed species. Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge straddles several miles of the Pee Dee River, and contains numerous creeks, lakes, and ponds. In addition, the refuge protects historical and archaeological sites. We announce our decision and the availability of the final CCP and FONSI for Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge in accordance with 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 Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative C, as we described in the final CCP, is the foundation for the CCP. The compatibility determinations for (1) boating; (2) deer and feral hog hunting; (3) turkey hunting; (4) small game hunting; (5) fishing; (6) wildlife observation and photography; (7) environmental education and interpretation; (8) bicycling and jogging; (9) horseback riding; (10) forest management/timber harvest; and (11) cooperative farming are also 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 wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 64363 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 We solicited comments on the Draft CCP/EA for a 30-day period as announced in the Federal Register on April 22, 2008 (73 FR 21641). All comments were analyzed and changes were made to the CCP where warranted. Selected Alternative The Draft CCP/EA identified and evaluated three alternatives for managing the refuge. After considering the comments we received and based on the professional judgment of the planning team, we have selected Alternative C for implementation. Under this alternative, refuge management will focus on maintaining biodiversity, restoring habitats, improving conditions for threatened and endangered species, and increasing public use opportunities. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Dated: August 25, 2008. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. E8–25778 Filed 10–28–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [UT–LLUT02000–08–14300000–FR0000– 241A.00; UTU–66588–02] Recreation & Public Purposes Act Classification; Utah Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Realty Action. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has determined that public lands in Tooele County, Utah have been examined and found suitable for classification for conveyance to the City of Wendover, Utah under the provisions of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 869). Comments regarding the proposed conveyance must be received by the BLM on or before December 15, 2008. Comments should reference the serial number UTU–66588–02. DATES: E:\FR\FM\29OCN1.SGM 29OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 210 (Wednesday, October 29, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64361-64363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-25840]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2008-N0195; 40136-1265-0000-S3]


Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, Georgetown, Horry, and Marion 
Counties, SC

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 Waccamaw 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 CCP may be obtained by writing to: Waccamaw 
National Wildlife Refuge, 1601 North Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 
29440. The plan may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service's 
Web site: https://southeast.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Craig Sasser, Refuge Manager, 
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge; Telephone: 843/527-8069; Fax: 843/
527-8494.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 64362]]

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Waccamaw National 
Wildlife Refuge. We started this process through a notice in the 
Federal Register on March 29, 2006 (71 FR 15757). For more about the 
process, see that notice.
    Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge is currently 18,251 acres in size 
(within an approved acquisition boundary of 54,000 acres), and was 
established in 1997 for the following purposes: (1) To protect and 
manage diverse habitat components within an important coastal river 
ecosystem for the benefit of threatened and endangered species, 
freshwater and anadromous fish, migratory birds, and forest wildlife, 
including a wide array of plants and animals associated with bottomland 
hardwood habitats; and (2) to provide compatible wildlife-dependent 
recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, wildlife 
observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation.
    The refuge acquisition boundary includes large sections of the 
Waccamaw and Great Pee Dee Rivers and a small section of the Little Pee 
Dee River. The wetland diversity of this refuge is what distinguishes 
it from most others found along the east coast. Wetland habitats range 
from historic, broken, and actively managed tidal rice fields, to black 
water and alluvial floodplain forested wetlands. These tidal freshwater 
wetlands are some of the most diverse freshwater wetland systems found 
in North America and they offer many important habitats for migratory 
birds, fish, and resident wildlife.
    Over 400 species of animals are supported by the variety of 
habitats in the refuge acquisition area, including several endangered 
species. Birds, such as the swallow-tailed kite, osprey, wood stork, 
white ibis, prothonotary warbler, and many species of waterfowl, can be 
observed on a seasonal basis, while mammals, such as the American black 
bear, frequent the refuge's forests year-round. Notably, the refuge 
acquisition area supports the highest density of nesting swallow-tailed 
kites in South Carolina and is the northernmost documented nesting area 
for this raptor within its range.
    Additionally, the refuge's wetlands play a critical role in the 
filtration and storm water retention of the primary drinking water 
resource for the greater Grand Strand region.
    Popular recreation uses of the refuge include hunting and both 
recreational and commercial fishing. Wildlife viewing and photography 
programs, as well as environmental education and interpretation, are 
also being developed on the refuge, especially in conjunction with a 
visitor center now under construction.
    We announce our decision and the availability of the final CCP and 
FONSI for Waccamaw 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 Waccamaw 
National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative C, as we 
described in the final CCP, is the foundation for the CCP.
    The compatibility determinations for (1) Hunting; (2) fishing; (3) 
wildlife observation and photography; (4) environmental education and 
interpretation; (5) bicycling; (6) commercial services; (7) commercial 
fishing; (8) research; (9) camping; (10) rights-of-way; and (11) forest 
management--commercial timber harvest are also available within the 
final 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 200 copies of the Draft CCP/EA were made available 
for a 30-day public review period as announced in the Federal Register 
on February 13, 2008 (73 FR 8343). Ninety-four written comments were 
received from private citizens and a number of non-governmental 
organizations, including American Rivers, Baruch Marine Field 
Laboratory (University of South Carolina), Charleston Audubon, Coastal 
Conservation League, Coastal Expeditions, Five Rivers Coalition, 
Georgetown County League of Women Voters, Grand Strand Surfrider 
Foundation, Historic Charleston Foundation, Morgan Park Committee, 
National Rifle Association of America, The Nature Conservancy, Palmetto 
Conservation Foundation, Republican Women of Myrtle Beach, SEWEE 
Association, Swallow-tailed Kite Conservation Alliance, Waccamaw 
Watershed Academy (Coastal Carolina University), Waccamaw Audubon 
Society, and Winyah Rivers Foundation. Almost all commenters supported 
the Service's proposed alternative, Alternative D.

Selected Alternative

    After considering the comments we received, we have selected 
Alternative D for implementation. This alternative is judged to be the 
most effective management action for meeting the purposes of the refuge 
by optimizing habitat management and visitor services throughout the 
refuge. The Service would aim to improve wintering waterfowl habitat on 
approximately 600 acres on Unit 1 by restoring hydrology. We would also 
continue to conduct informal surveys on swallow-tailed kites and 
Swainson's warblers on an occasional basis. Management of black bears 
would be stepped up, and would include annual surveys and enlisting 
public participation in gathering, recording, and compiling sightings.
    Management of threatened and endangered species would involve 
restoring the hydrology on Unit 1 to enhance the existing wood stork 
rookery, restoring wood stork feeding areas on Unit 3, and red-cockaded 
woodpecker nesting and foraging habitat on Unit 2. Recreational use of 
the refuge would continue. This alternative would expand on hunting 
opportunities for deer and hog by considering a hunt by mobility-
impaired individuals. It would potentially include a youth waterfowl 
hunt on refuge management lands. Over the lifetime of the CCP, this 
alternative would call for reducing deer herd density to improve herd 
health and to improve habitat quality for other species.
    This alternative would identify the 4,600-acre Bull Island as a 
proposed Wilderness Study Area. The Service would maintain its 
wilderness

[[Page 64363]]

character, and within 10 years of approval of the CCP, would prepare a 
wilderness study report and additional NEPA documentation on whether 
Bull Island should be formally designated by Congress as a unit of the 
National Wilderness Preservation System. The refuge would prepare and 
implement a Visitor Services' Plan and expand most wildlife-dependent 
public uses in a number of ways.

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

    Dated: July 22, 2008.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.

    Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the 
Federal Register on October 24, 2008.
 [FR Doc. E8-25840 Filed 10-28-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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