Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Pacific Island Territory, 2158-2159 [2010-579]

Download as PDF 2158 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2010 / Notices in response to this notice. A low-effect HCP is one involving (1) Minor or negligible effects on federally listed or candidate species and their habitats, and (2) minor or negligible effects on other environmental values or resources. We will evaluate the HCP and comments we receive to determine whether the ITP application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). If we determine that the application meets those requirements, we will issue the ITP for incidental take of the RCW. We will also evaluate whether issuance of the section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP complies with section 7 of the Act by conducting an intraService section 7 consultation. We will use the results of this consultation, in combination with the above findings, in our final analysis to determine whether or not to issue the ITP. Authority We provide this notice under Section 10 of the Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: January 7, 2010. David L. Hankla, Field Supervisor, Jacksonville Field Office. [FR Doc. 2010–577 Filed 1–13–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2009–N241; 12521–1261–0000– N3] Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Pacific Island Territory pwalker on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement and announcement of public scoping. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare an environmental impact statement to evaluate eradication of nonnative rats on Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). We provide this notice to advise the public and other agencies of our intent, and obtain public comments, suggestions, and information on the scope of issues to consider in the EIS. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by March 1, 2010. ADDRESSES: Additional information about the Refuge is available on the Internet at: https://www.fws.gov/ palmyraatoll/. Send your comments or VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:36 Jan 13, 2010 Jkt 220001 requests for information by any of the following methods. E-mail: palmyra@fws.gov. Fax: Attn: Beth Flint, (808) 792–9586. U.S. Mail: Beth Flint, Acting Project Leader, Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 5–231, Honolulu, HI 96850. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth Flint, Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex, phone (808) 792–9553. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Refuge Overview The Refuge is located in the Northern Line Islands, approximately 1,000 miles south of Honolulu, HI, in the Central Pacific Ocean. The Refuge was established in 2001 to protect, restore, and enhance migratory birds, coral reefs, and threatened and endangered species in their natural setting. Palmyra Atoll consists of approximately 54 small, heavily vegetated islets surrounding 3 central lagoons. Habitats consist of 680 acres of land and 15,512 acres of lagoons and shallow reefs. The Refuge’s boundary extends seaward 12 nautical miles, encompassing 515,232 acres. Palmyra’s terrestrial habitats support one of the largest remaining tropical coastal strand forests in the U.S. Pacific Islands. A diverse land crab fauna including the coconut crab, ecologically intact predator-dominated fish assemblages, and large seabird populations are important resources of this Refuge. The Refuge is closed to commercial fishing. The original configuration of the atoll was significantly modified by the U.S. Navy during World War II. A network of roadways connecting the major islets and the construction of a north-south causeway altered natural water circulation. Introduced rats are severely degrading the terrestrial ecosystem of this important atoll by limiting the reproduction, recruitment, and establishment of several native tree species. Furthermore, the coconut palm, an invasive tree, already dominates 45 percent of Palmyra’s forests. The spread of coconut palm is likely aided by ratrelated recruitment and limitation of other tree species. Left unchecked, the combined effects of rats and coconut palms could drastically alter forest structure. Introduced rats on islands are also known to prey heavily on seabirds, which is likely preventing six seabird species from successfully nesting on the atoll. The rats also prey on native land crabs and directly compete with them for limited food resources. All of these impacts in turn affect the relationship between land and marine resources, and compromise the Service’s ability to achieve Refuge purposes. PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 We furnish this notice in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as amended, and its implementing regulations; the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Refuge Administration Act); and Service policies. The Refuge Administration Act requires all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System to be managed in accordance with achieving the purposes for which a refuge was established. For the Palmyra Atoll Refuge, the eradication of introduced rats would aid in achieving the following Refuge purposes. • Perpetuate a functioning atoll ecosystem with natural diversity and abundance of fauna and flora. • Preserve, restore, and enhance all terrestrial species of animals and plants that are endangered or threatened with becoming endangered. • Provide for conservation of migratory bird resources at the Refuge. We will prepare an EIS in accordance with NEPA and its implementing regulations. Public input during the EIS planning process is hereby solicited. Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities We have identified the following preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities we may consider during development of the EIS. We may identify additional issues during the public comment period. We will consider public comments during development of the EIS. • What alternatives should be considered with regard to eradication of rats from Palmyra Refuge? • How can we balance cost, efficacy, risks to nontarget species, and other variables? • What current or planned island uses including natural resource management activities, public visitation, and scientific research at the atoll should we consider in the Draft EIS? • What other island resources, including historic and cultural artifacts, specific biological resources, and physical attributes such as water quality and soils, should we consider in the Draft EIS? • To document the effects and effectiveness of our Refuge management actions, what monitoring should the proposal include? We will evaluate a range of alternatives in the EIS, and their potential effects on the environment and local communities. We estimate that the draft EIS will be available for public review in October 2010. We will E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2010 / Notices announce opportunities for public input throughout the EIS planning process. 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: December 1, 2009. David J. Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2010–579 Filed 1–13–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Notice of an Open Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Water Information (ACWI) pwalker on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: United States Geological Survey. ACTION: Notice of an open meeting of the Advisory Committee on Water Information (ACWI). SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the ACWI. This meeting is to discuss broad policy-related topics relating to national water initiatives, and the development and dissemination of water information, through reports from ACWI subgroups. The agenda will include results of the Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Effects Assessment Program for the Upper Mississippi; an update by the Subcommittee on Ground Water regarding their National Framework for Ground Water Monitoring; a briefing on the Reservoir Sedimentation Database; status of the National Monitoring Network for U.S. Coastal Waters and their Tributaries; an update on Federal agency interactions with the regional water quality monitoring organizations of the Integrated Ocean Observing Systems; and updates on recent activities of the Methods and Data Comparability Board. The ACWI was established under the authority of the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M–92–01 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the ACWI is to provide a forum for water information users and professionals to advise the Federal 17:36 Jan 13, 2010 Jkt 220001 DATES: The formal meeting will convene at 9 a.m. on February 10, 2010, and will adjourn at 4:30 p.m. on February 11, 2010. The meeting will be held in the Reston, Virginia, area, within a few miles of Dulles International Airport. Information on the exact location can be obtained from Ms. Wendy E. Norton, ACWI Executive Secretary, whose contact information is shown below. ADDRESSES: United States Geological Survey VerDate Nov<24>2008 Government on activities and plans that may improve the effectiveness of meeting the Nation’s water information needs. Member organizations help to foster communications between the Federal and non-Federal sectors on sharing water information. Membership, limited to 35 organizations, represents a wide range of water resources interests and functions. Representation on the ACWI includes all levels of government, academia, private industry, and professional and technical societies. For more information on the ACWI, its membership, subgroups, meetings and activities, please see the Web site at: https://ACWI.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Wendy E. Norton, ACWI Executive Secretary and Chief, Water Information Coordination Program, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 417, Reston, VA 20192. Telephone: 703– 648–6810; Fax: 703–648–5644; e-mail: wenorton@usgs.gov. This meeting is open to the public. Up to a half hour will be set aside for public comment. Persons wishing to make a brief presentation (up to 5 minutes) are asked to provide a written request with a description of the general subject to Ms. Norton at the above address no later than February 3, 2010. It is requested that 65 copies of a written statement be submitted at the time of the meeting for distribution to members of the ACWI and placement in the official file. Any member of the public may submit written information and (or) comments to Ms. Norton for distribution at the ACWI meeting. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: January 5, 2010. Katherine Lins, Chief, Office of Water Information. [FR Doc. 2010–573 Filed 1–13–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4311–AM–P PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2159 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee U.S. Geological Survey. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: Pursuant to Public Law 106– 503, the Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee (SESAC) will hold its next meeting at the U.S. Geological Survey, John Wesley Powell National Center, Room 3B457, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192. The Committee is comprised of members from academia, industry, and State government. The Committee shall advise the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on matters relating to the USGS’s participation in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. The Committee will receive updates and provide guidance on Earthquake Hazards Program activities and the status of teams supported by the Program. Meetings of the Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee are open to the public. DATES: January 26, 2010, commencing at 8:30 a.m. and adjourning at 4 p.m. Contact: Dr. David Applegate, U.S. Geological Survey, MS 905, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192, (703) 648–6714. applegate@usgs.gov. Dated: January 6, 2010. Suzette Kimball, Associate Director for Geology, International, and Climate Change Programs. [FR Doc. 2010–574 Filed 1–13–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4311–AM–P INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. 337–TA–641] In the Matter of Certain Variable Speed Wind Turbines and Components Thereof; Termination of Investigation With Final Determination of No Violation AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to terminate the investigation with a final determination of no violation in the above-captioned investigation under E:\FR\FM\14JAN1.SGM 14JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 9 (Thursday, January 14, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2158-2159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-579]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2009-N241; 12521-1261-0000-N3]


Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Pacific Island 
Territory

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
and announcement of public scoping.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to 
prepare an environmental impact statement to evaluate eradication of 
nonnative rats on Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). We 
provide this notice to advise the public and other agencies of our 
intent, and obtain public comments, suggestions, and information on the 
scope of issues to consider in the EIS.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by March 1, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Additional information about the Refuge is available on the 
Internet at: https://www.fws.gov/palmyraatoll/. Send your comments or 
requests for information by any of the following methods.
    E-mail: palmyra@fws.gov.
    Fax: Attn: Beth Flint, (808) 792-9586.
    U.S. Mail: Beth Flint, Acting Project Leader, Pacific Reefs 
National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 5-231, 
Honolulu, HI 96850.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth Flint, Pacific Reefs National 
Wildlife Refuge Complex, phone (808) 792-9553.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Refuge Overview

    The Refuge is located in the Northern Line Islands, approximately 
1,000 miles south of Honolulu, HI, in the Central Pacific Ocean. The 
Refuge was established in 2001 to protect, restore, and enhance 
migratory birds, coral reefs, and threatened and endangered species in 
their natural setting. Palmyra Atoll consists of approximately 54 
small, heavily vegetated islets surrounding 3 central lagoons. Habitats 
consist of 680 acres of land and 15,512 acres of lagoons and shallow 
reefs. The Refuge's boundary extends seaward 12 nautical miles, 
encompassing 515,232 acres. Palmyra's terrestrial habitats support one 
of the largest remaining tropical coastal strand forests in the U.S. 
Pacific Islands. A diverse land crab fauna including the coconut crab, 
ecologically intact predator-dominated fish assemblages, and large 
seabird populations are important resources of this Refuge. The Refuge 
is closed to commercial fishing.
    The original configuration of the atoll was significantly modified 
by the U.S. Navy during World War II. A network of roadways connecting 
the major islets and the construction of a north-south causeway altered 
natural water circulation. Introduced rats are severely degrading the 
terrestrial ecosystem of this important atoll by limiting the 
reproduction, recruitment, and establishment of several native tree 
species. Furthermore, the coconut palm, an invasive tree, already 
dominates 45 percent of Palmyra's forests. The spread of coconut palm 
is likely aided by rat-related recruitment and limitation of other tree 
species. Left unchecked, the combined effects of rats and coconut palms 
could drastically alter forest structure. Introduced rats on islands 
are also known to prey heavily on seabirds, which is likely preventing 
six seabird species from successfully nesting on the atoll. The rats 
also prey on native land crabs and directly compete with them for 
limited food resources. All of these impacts in turn affect the 
relationship between land and marine resources, and compromise the 
Service's ability to achieve Refuge purposes.
    We furnish this notice in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as amended, and its implementing 
regulations; the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 
1966 as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act 
of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Refuge Administration Act); and 
Service policies. The Refuge Administration Act requires all lands 
within the National Wildlife Refuge System to be managed in accordance 
with achieving the purposes for which a refuge was established. For the 
Palmyra Atoll Refuge, the eradication of introduced rats would aid in 
achieving the following Refuge purposes.
     Perpetuate a functioning atoll ecosystem with natural 
diversity and abundance of fauna and flora.
     Preserve, restore, and enhance all terrestrial species of 
animals and plants that are endangered or threatened with becoming 
endangered.
     Provide for conservation of migratory bird resources at 
the Refuge.
    We will prepare an EIS in accordance with NEPA and its implementing 
regulations. Public input during the EIS planning process is hereby 
solicited.

Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

    We have identified the following preliminary issues, concerns, and 
opportunities we may consider during development of the EIS. We may 
identify additional issues during the public comment period. We will 
consider public comments during development of the EIS.
     What alternatives should be considered with regard to 
eradication of rats from Palmyra Refuge?
     How can we balance cost, efficacy, risks to nontarget 
species, and other variables?
     What current or planned island uses including natural 
resource management activities, public visitation, and scientific 
research at the atoll should we consider in the Draft EIS?
     What other island resources, including historic and 
cultural artifacts, specific biological resources, and physical 
attributes such as water quality and soils, should we consider in the 
Draft EIS?
     To document the effects and effectiveness of our Refuge 
management actions, what monitoring should the proposal include?
    We will evaluate a range of alternatives in the EIS, and their 
potential effects on the environment and local communities. We estimate 
that the draft EIS will be available for public review in October 2010. 
We will

[[Page 2159]]

announce opportunities for public input throughout the EIS planning 
process.

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: December 1, 2009.
David J. Wesley,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2010-579 Filed 1-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.