Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa, 57701-57702 [E9-26929]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 215 / Monday, November 9, 2009 / Notices Dated: August 24, 2009. Thomas D. Shope, Regional Director, Appalachian Region. [FR Doc. E9–26954 Filed 11–6–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–05–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2009–N178; 1265–0000–10137– S3] Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa Fish and Wildlife Service, mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment; announcement of public open house meetings; request for comments. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). We will also prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential effects of various CCP alternatives. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise the public and other Federal and State agencies and Tribes of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. We are also announcing public meetings and requesting public comments. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by December 9, 2009. ADDRESSES: Send your written comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods. E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov (include ‘‘Rose Atoll’’ in the subject line of the message). U.S. Mail: Don Palawski, Project Leader, Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5–231, Honolulu, HI 96850. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Palawski, Project Leader, (808) 792– 9560 (phone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Refuge Overview Rose Atoll Refuge was established in 1973 after a cooperative agreement between the Government of American VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:52 Nov 06, 2009 Jkt 220001 Samoa and the Service was signed. The Refuge is part of American Samoa and is located 78 miles east-southeast of Tau Island in the Manua Group at latitude 14°32′52″ south and 168°08′34″ west. The Refuge includes approximately 20 acres of land and 1,600 acres of lagoon surrounded by a perimeter reef. The lands, submerged lands, waters, and marine environment of the Refuge support a dynamic reef ecosystem that is home to a very diverse assemblage of terrestrial and marine species, some of which are Federally listed as threatened or endangered. One of the Refuge’s most striking features is the pink hue of the perimeter reef caused by the dominance of coralline algae. accordance with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) When completed, the Refuge’s CCP and NOAA’s Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary management plan and fishery regulations will be referenced in and will form the foundation of the Monument’s management plan. Agencies with jurisdiction or special expertise, including the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, and the Government of American Samoa, are to be treated as cooperating agencies during development of any Rose Atoll MNM management plans. National Monument Establishment and Management Responsibilities Lexington Field Office at the location listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. AGENCY: 57701 The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) (Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 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 (NWRS), consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction for conserving wildlife and habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities compatible with each refuge’s establishing purposes and the NWRS mission, 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 Administration Act. Each unit of the NWRS is established for specific purposes. We use a refuge’s purposes to develop and prioritize its management goals and objectives within the NWRS mission, and to determine a refuge’s compatible public uses. The CCP planning process provides opportunities for the public to participate in evaluating our management goals and objectives for conserving important wildlife habitat, and providing wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities. Throughout our CCP planning process, we provide participation opportunities for the public and other agencies and organizations, including agencies of the American Samoa government. At this time, we encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, On January 6, 2009, President George W. Bush established the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument (MNM, or Monument) by signing Presidential Proclamation 8337 (Proclamation) under the authority of the Antiquities Act of 1906 (34 Stat. 225, 16 U.S.C. 431). The Rose Atoll Refuge is part of the Rose Atoll MNM. Rose Atoll MNM consists of approximately 13,451 square miles of emergent and submerged lands and waters, with an outer boundary that is approximately 50 nautical miles from the mean low water line of Rose Atoll, the Monument’s center. Through the Proclamation, management responsibility for the Monument was assigned to the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary of the Interior delegated management responsibility to the Service’s Director (Secretary of the Interior Order 3284, January 16, 2009). The Director will continue to manage Rose Atoll Refuge for the conservation and protection of the Refuge’s unique and valuable fish and wildlife resources, consistent with protection of the Monument’s resources identified in the Proclamation. Through the Proclamation, the Secretary of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was assigned primary management responsibility for fishery-related activities in the Monument’s marine areas located seaward of the mean low water line of Rose Atoll, pursuant to the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). The Secretary of Commerce was also directed in the Proclamation to initiate the process to add the marine area of Rose Atoll MNM to the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary in PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The CCP Planning Process E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM 09NON1 57702 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 215 / Monday, November 9, 2009 / Notices ideas, and suggestions for the future management of Rose Atoll Refuge. We will conduct the environmental review of this project and develop an EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. We request your input regarding issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions important to you and the future management of the Rose Atoll Refuge. Opportunities for additional public input will be announced throughout the planning process. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, 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 comments to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. to conduct certain activities with endangered species. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Submit your written data, comments, or requests for copies of the complete applications to the address shown in ADDRESSES. Applicant: University of Texas, Austin, TX, PRT-182099 Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities BILLING CODE 4310–55–P We have identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities that we may address in the CCP. We have briefly summarized the issues below. During public scoping, we may identify additional issues. • Protect and restore terrestrial habitat for Pisonia forest, sea turtle nesting, seabird nesting, and shorebirds. • Protect and restore marine habitat for coral reefs, giant clams, marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, and fish. • Analyze options for issuing permits. • Identify potential, compatible scientific exploration and research opportunities. • Identify potential locations and stipulations for fishing (recreational and traditional indigenous subsistence). • Identify threats to the islands and reefs (unauthorized access, illegal fishing, marine debris, shipwrecks, and invasive species). • Provide wildlife observation and photography and environmental education opportunities. • Identify the Refuge’s relationship with Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary and opportunities for cooperative activities. • Develop monitoring and enforcement programs. • Protect cultural resources. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR The applicant requests an amendment to the permit to acquire from Coriell Institute of Medical Research, Camden, NJ, in interstate commerce cell line cultures from various threatened and endangered non-human Primates species for the purpose of scientific research. The notification covers activities conducted by the applicant over the remainder of the 5–year period. Fish and Wildlife Service Applicant: Panther Ridge Conservation Center, Wellington, FL, PRT-224100 mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Public Meetings We will hold public open house meetings to provide more information about the CCP process and obtain public comments. Public open house meetings will be held in the Manu’a Islands during November 2009, meeting details will be advertised locally. A public open house meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Convention Center in Utulei, Tutuila, American Samoa. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:52 Nov 06, 2009 Jkt 220001 Dated: November 2, 2009. David J. Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. E9–26929 Filed 11–6–09; 8:45 am] [FWS–R9–IA–2009–N238] [96300-1671-0000-P5] Receipt of Applications for Permit AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of applications for permit. We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals. Both the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act require that we invite public comment on these permit applications. DATES: Written data, comments or requests must be received by December 9, 2009. ADDRESSES: Documents and other information submitted with these applications are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, by any party who submits a written request for a copy of such documents within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 212, Arlington, Virginia 22203; fax 703/358-2281. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Division of Management Authority, telephone 703/358-2104. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Endangered Species The public is invited to comment on the following applications for a permit PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The applicant requests a permit to import one live, captive-born cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) from South Africa for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Endangered Marine Mammals and Marine Mammals The public is invited to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct certain activities with endangered marine mammals and/or marine mammals. The applications were submitted to satisfy requirements of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and/or the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), and the regulations governing endangered species (50 CFR Part 17) and/or marine mammals (50 CFR Part 18). Submit your written data, comments, or requests for copies of the complete applications or requests for a public hearing on these applications to the address shown in ADDRESSES. If you request a hearing, give specific reasons why a hearing would be appropriate. The holding of such a hearing is at the discretion of the Director. Applicant: Tom S. Smith, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, PRT225854 The applicant requests a permit to authorize harassment of up to 18 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) per year by maintaining video cameras near dens for the purpose of scientific research. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5– year period. E:\FR\FM\09NON1.SGM 09NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 215 (Monday, November 9, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57701-57702]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-26929]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2009-N178; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan 
and environmental assessment; announcement of public open house 
meetings; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to 
prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Rose Atoll 
National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). We will also prepare an 
environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential effects of 
various CCP alternatives. We provide this notice in compliance with our 
CCP policy to advise the public and other Federal and State agencies 
and Tribes of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information 
on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. We are also 
announcing public meetings and requesting public comments.

DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by 
December 9, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Send your written comments or requests for more information 
by any of the following methods.
    E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov (include ``Rose Atoll'' in the 
subject line of the message).
    U.S. Mail: Don Palawski, Project Leader, Pacific Remote Islands 
National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5-231, 
Honolulu, HI 96850.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Palawski, Project Leader, (808) 
792-9560 (phone).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Refuge Overview

    Rose Atoll Refuge was established in 1973 after a cooperative 
agreement between the Government of American Samoa and the Service was 
signed. The Refuge is part of American Samoa and is located 78 miles 
east-southeast of Tau Island in the Manua Group at latitude 
14[deg]32'52'' south and 168[deg]08'34'' west. The Refuge includes 
approximately 20 acres of land and 1,600 acres of lagoon surrounded by 
a perimeter reef. The lands, submerged lands, waters, and marine 
environment of the Refuge support a dynamic reef ecosystem that is home 
to a very diverse assemblage of terrestrial and marine species, some of 
which are Federally listed as threatened or endangered. One of the 
Refuge's most striking features is the pink hue of the perimeter reef 
caused by the dominance of coralline algae.

National Monument Establishment and Management Responsibilities

    On January 6, 2009, President George W. Bush established the Rose 
Atoll Marine National Monument (MNM, or Monument) by signing 
Presidential Proclamation 8337 (Proclamation) under the authority of 
the Antiquities Act of 1906 (34 Stat. 225, 16 U.S.C. 431). The Rose 
Atoll Refuge is part of the Rose Atoll MNM. Rose Atoll MNM consists of 
approximately 13,451 square miles of emergent and submerged lands and 
waters, with an outer boundary that is approximately 50 nautical miles 
from the mean low water line of Rose Atoll, the Monument's center.
    Through the Proclamation, management responsibility for the 
Monument was assigned to the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary of the Interior delegated 
management responsibility to the Service's Director (Secretary of the 
Interior Order 3284, January 16, 2009). The Director will continue to 
manage Rose Atoll Refuge for the conservation and protection of the 
Refuge's unique and valuable fish and wildlife resources, consistent 
with protection of the Monument's resources identified in the 
Proclamation.
    Through the Proclamation, the Secretary of Commerce's National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was assigned primary 
management responsibility for fishery-related activities in the 
Monument's marine areas located seaward of the mean low water line of 
Rose Atoll, pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). The Secretary of Commerce was 
also directed in the Proclamation to initiate the process to add the 
marine area of Rose Atoll MNM to the Fagatele Bay National Marine 
Sanctuary in accordance with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 
U.S.C. 1431 et seq.)
    When completed, the Refuge's CCP and NOAA's Fagatele Bay National 
Marine Sanctuary management plan and fishery regulations will be 
referenced in and will form the foundation of the Monument's management 
plan. Agencies with jurisdiction or special expertise, including the 
U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, and the 
Government of American Samoa, are to be treated as cooperating agencies 
during development of any Rose Atoll MNM management plans.

The CCP Planning Process

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Administration Act), as amended by the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 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 (NWRS), consistent with sound principles of fish 
and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our 
policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction for 
conserving wildlife and habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-dependent 
recreational opportunities compatible with each refuge's establishing 
purposes and the NWRS mission, 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 Administration Act.
    Each unit of the NWRS is established for specific purposes. We use 
a refuge's purposes to develop and prioritize its management goals and 
objectives within the NWRS mission, and to determine a refuge's 
compatible public uses. The CCP planning process provides opportunities 
for the public to participate in evaluating our management goals and 
objectives for conserving important wildlife habitat, and providing 
wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities.
    Throughout our CCP planning process, we provide participation 
opportunities for the public and other agencies and organizations, 
including agencies of the American Samoa government. At this time, we 
encourage input in the form of issues, concerns,

[[Page 57702]]

ideas, and suggestions for the future management of Rose Atoll Refuge.
    We will conduct the environmental review of this project and 
develop an EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA Regulations 
(40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other Federal laws and regulations; and our 
policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations.
    We request your input regarding issues, concerns, ideas, and 
suggestions important to you and the future management of the Rose 
Atoll Refuge. Opportunities for additional public input will be 
announced throughout the planning process.

Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

    We have identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities 
that we may address in the CCP. We have briefly summarized the issues 
below. During public scoping, we may identify additional issues.
     Protect and restore terrestrial habitat for Pisonia 
forest, sea turtle nesting, seabird nesting, and shorebirds.
     Protect and restore marine habitat for coral reefs, giant 
clams, marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, and fish.
     Analyze options for issuing permits.
     Identify potential, compatible scientific exploration and 
research opportunities.
     Identify potential locations and stipulations for fishing 
(recreational and traditional indigenous subsistence).
     Identify threats to the islands and reefs (unauthorized 
access, illegal fishing, marine debris, shipwrecks, and invasive 
species).
     Provide wildlife observation and photography and 
environmental education opportunities.
     Identify the Refuge's relationship with Fagatele Bay 
National Marine Sanctuary and opportunities for cooperative activities.
     Develop monitoring and enforcement programs.
     Protect cultural resources.

Public Meetings

    We will hold public open house meetings to provide more information 
about the CCP process and obtain public comments. Public open house 
meetings will be held in the Manu'a Islands during November 2009, 
meeting details will be advertised locally. A public open house meeting 
is scheduled for November 19, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the 
Convention Center in Utulei, Tutuila, American Samoa.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, 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 
comments to withhold your personal identifying information from public 
review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

    Dated: November 2, 2009.
David J. Wesley,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. E9-26929 Filed 11-6-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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