Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex, Brazoria and Matagorda Counties, TX, 29714-29715 [E9-14566]

Download as PDF 29714 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 119 / Tuesday, June 23, 2009 / Notices 292. White Mountain Apache Tribe 293. Wichita and Affiliated Tribes of Oklahoma 294. Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska 295. Wiyot Tribe of Table Bluff Reservation 296. Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma 297. Yankton Sioux Tribe 298. Yavapai Apache Nation of Camp Verde Indians 299. Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe 300. Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo of Texas 301. Yurok Tribe of Yurok Reservation Philip N. Hogen, Chairman, National Indian Gaming Commission. [FR Doc. E9–14655 Filed 6–22–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7565–02–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–R–2008–N0257; 20131–1265– 2CCP–S3] Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex, Brazoria and Matagorda Counties, TX 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 Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex (Complex). The Complex consists of the following refuges: Brazoria and San Bernard, located in Brazoria County, and Big Boggy in Matagorda County, Texas. Discontinuous refuge parcels and conservation easements, located primarily within the forested bottomlands of the Brazos River, San Bernard River, and Colorado River basins, in Brazoria, Wharton, and Fort Bend counties, are also part of the Complex. 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 September 21, 2009. We will hold open house meetings during the scoping phase of the Draft CCP development process. We will announce the dates, times, and places for all meetings in the local media. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:15 Jun 22, 2009 Jkt 217001 Comments, questions, and requests for more information regarding the planning process should be sent to: Carol Torrez, Biologist/Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103–1306. Comments may also be submitted via electronic mail to: carol_torrez@fws.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Sanchez, Project Leader, Telephone: 979–964–4011; Fax: 979– 964–4021, or Carol Torrez, Biologist/ Natural Resource Planner, Telephone: 505–248–6821, Fax: 505–248–6874. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Introduction With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for the Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex, which includes the following refuges: Brazoria and San Bernard, located in Brazoria County, and Big Boggy in Matagorda County, Texas. Discontinuous refuge parcels and conservation easements, located primarily within the forested bottomlands of the Brazos, San Bernard, and Colorado Rivers basins, are also part of the Complex. 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 these Refuges, 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 strategy 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 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 every 15 years in accordance with the Improvement Act. Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established 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 for the best possible conservation approach to this important wildlife habitat, 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. At this time we encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of the Complex. Special mailings, newspaper articles, and other media outlets will be used to announce opportunities for input throughout the planning process. We will conduct the EA 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. Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex The Complex is located along the upper Texas Gulf Coast and consists of three refuges (Brazoria, San Bernard, and Big Boggy NWRs), and parcels and conservation easements located throughout the Columbia Bottomlands region. All three of the Refuges are comprised largely of coastal marsh with tidal interchange along the Gulf of Mexico and were originally established for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds. These coastal marsh communities grade inland into coastal prairie, which gives way to bottomland forests along the rivers and bayous. The CCP will provide other agencies and the public with a clear understanding of the desired conditions for the Complex, and how the Service will implement management strategies for the conservation and development of these natural resources. We estimate that the draft environmental documents will be E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM 23JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 119 / Tuesday, June 23, 2009 / Notices available in 2010 for public review and comment. 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: May 1, 2009. Brian Millsap, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. E9–14566 Filed 6–22–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–ES–2009–N115; 10120–1113– 0000–F5] Endangered Wildlife and Plants; Permits AGENCY: Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of application for permit; request for comments. BILLING CODE 4310–55–P SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on the following application for a permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), which requires that we invite public comment on the permit application. DATES: We must receive your written data or comments by July 23, 2009. ADDRESSES: Program Manager, Endangered Species, Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 911 NE., 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232–4181. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Grant Canterbury, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, at the above address or by telephone (503–231–2071) or fax (503– 231–6243). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following applicant has applied for a scientific research permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). We solicit review and comment from local, State, and Federal agencies and the public. 16:15 Jun 22, 2009 Jkt 217001 Public Comments Please refer to the permit number for the application when submitting comments. We solicit public review and comment on this recovery permit application. 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. Comments and materials we receive will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above address. Dated: June 9, 2009. David J. Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E9–14668 Filed 6–22–09; 8:45 am] Fish and Wildlife Service, VerDate Nov<24>2008 Permit No.: TE188214. Applicant: Richard Pender. The applicant requests a scientific research permit to remove and reduce to possession Clermontia lindseyana (′oha wai) in conjunction with research in the State of Hawaii, for the purpose of enhancing its survival. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–R–2009–N0066; 80230–1265– 0000–S3] Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, and Sutter National Wildlife Refuges, Glenn, Colusa, and Sutter Counties, CA AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability: Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, and Sutter National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges). The CCP, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the Service will PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29715 manage the Refuges for the next 15 years. DATES: The CCP and FONSI are available now. The FONSI was signed On March 17, 2009. Implementation of the CCP may begin immediately. ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the final CCP and FONSI/EA by any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy or CD–ROM. Agency Web Site: Download a copy of the document(s) at https:// sacramentovalleyrefuges.fws.gov. E-mail: Jackie_Ferrier@fws.gov. Mail: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Jackie Ferrier, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 752 County Road 99W, Willows, CA 95988. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 530–934–2801 to make an appointment during regular business hours at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 752 County Road 99W, Willows, CA 95988. Local Library or Libraries: The document(s) are also available for review at the libraries listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Foerster, Project Leader at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex or Jackie Ferrier, Refuge Planner at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex 752 County Road 99W, Willows, CA 95988 or at (530) 934–2801 (telephone), or Jackie_Ferrier@fws.gov (e-mail). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, and Sutter National Wildlife Refuges are located in the Sacramento Valley of California, approximately 90 miles north of the city of Sacramento. The Refuges manage and protect wintering habitat for migratory birds and endangered and threatened species. The Refuges contain approximately 24,000 acres of critically important habitats for a great diversity of wildlife, particularly migratory birds. Over 40 percent of the Pacific Flyway waterfowl winters in the Sacramento Valley. The vast majority of wetlands in the Sacramento Valley have been converted to agricultural, industrial, and urban development. Remaining wetlands are intensively managed to optimize wildlife benefits. The Draft CCP and Environmental Assessment (EA) were available for a 54day public review and comment period, which was announced via several methods, including press releases; updates to constituents; and in the Federal Register (73 FR 42363, July 21, 2008). The Draft CCP/EA identified and evaluated four alternatives for managing E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM 23JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 119 (Tuesday, June 23, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29714-29715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14566]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R2-R-2008-N0257; 20131-1265-2CCP-S3]


Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex, Brazoria and Matagorda Counties, 
TX

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 Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex (Complex). The 
Complex consists of the following refuges: Brazoria and San Bernard, 
located in Brazoria County, and Big Boggy in Matagorda County, Texas. 
Discontinuous refuge parcels and conservation easements, located 
primarily within the forested bottomlands of the Brazos River, San 
Bernard River, and Colorado River basins, in Brazoria, Wharton, and 
Fort Bend counties, are also part of the Complex. 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 September 21, 2009. We will hold open house meetings during the 
scoping phase of the Draft CCP development process. We will announce 
the dates, times, and places for all meetings in the local media.

ADDRESSES: Comments, questions, and requests for more information 
regarding the planning process should be sent to: Carol Torrez, 
Biologist/Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306. 
Comments may also be submitted via electronic mail to: carol_torrez@fws.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Sanchez, Project Leader, 
Telephone: 979-964-4011; Fax: 979-964-4021, or Carol Torrez, Biologist/
Natural Resource Planner, Telephone: 505-248-6821, Fax: 505-248-6874.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for 
the Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex, which includes the following 
refuges: Brazoria and San Bernard, located in Brazoria County, and Big 
Boggy in Matagorda County, Texas. Discontinuous refuge parcels and 
conservation easements, located primarily within the forested 
bottomlands of the Brazos, San Bernard, and Colorado Rivers basins, are 
also part of the Complex.
    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 these Refuges, 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 strategy 
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.
    Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established 
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 
for the best possible conservation approach to this important wildlife 
habitat, 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. 
At this time we encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, 
and suggestions for the future management of the Complex. Special 
mailings, newspaper articles, and other media outlets will be used to 
announce opportunities for input throughout the planning process.
    We will conduct the EA 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.

Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex

    The Complex is located along the upper Texas Gulf Coast and 
consists of three refuges (Brazoria, San Bernard, and Big Boggy NWRs), 
and parcels and conservation easements located throughout the Columbia 
Bottomlands region. All three of the Refuges are comprised largely of 
coastal marsh with tidal interchange along the Gulf of Mexico and were 
originally established for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any 
other management purpose, for migratory birds. These coastal marsh 
communities grade inland into coastal prairie, which gives way to 
bottomland forests along the rivers and bayous. The CCP will provide 
other agencies and the public with a clear understanding of the desired 
conditions for the Complex, and how the Service will implement 
management strategies for the conservation and development of these 
natural resources.
    We estimate that the draft environmental documents will be

[[Page 29715]]

available in 2010 for public review and comment.

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: May 1, 2009.
Brian Millsap,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, 
New Mexico.
[FR Doc. E9-14566 Filed 6-22-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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