Washita and Optima National Wildlife Refuges, Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Custer and Texas Counties, TX, 6870-6872 [2010-2904]

Download as PDF 6870 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 29 / Friday, February 12, 2010 / Notices The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. If approved, the action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organizations that will furnish the products and service to the Government. 2. If approved, the action will result in authorizing small entities to furnish the products and service to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-WagnerO’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46–48c) in connection with the products and service proposed for addition to the Procurement List. Comments on this certification are invited. Commenters should identify the statement(s) underlying the certification on which they are providing additional information. End of Certification The following products and service are proposed for addition to Procurement List for production by the nonprofit agencies listed: Products NSN: 7045–01–482–7540—CD–R Silver w/ Jewel Case NSN: 7045–01–503–2033—CD/DVD Sleeves, Clear NPA: North Central Sight Services, Inc., Williamsport, PA Contracting Activity: DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, DEFENSE SUPPLY CENTER, PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA, PA Coverage: C-List for the government requirements for the DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, DEFENSE SUPPLY CENTER PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA, PA Service Service Type/Location: Mailroom Operation, IRS Schiller Park, 5100 River Road, Schiller Park, IL NPAs: ServiceSource, Inc., Alexandria, VA (PRIME Contractor) Jewish Vocational Service and Employment Center, Chicago, IL (Subcontractor) Contracting Activity: DEPT OF TREAS, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, WASHINGTON, DC cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Deletions Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. If approved, the action will not result in additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities. VerDate Nov<24>2008 13:37 Feb 11, 2010 Jkt 220001 2. If approved, the action may result in authorizing small entities to provide the services to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-WagnerO’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46–48c) in connection with the services proposed for deletion from the Procurement List. End of Certification The following services are proposed for deletion from the Procurement List: Services Service Type/Location: Supply and Warehousing Service, Defense Contracting Management, District South, 805 Walker Street, Marietta, GA NPA: Tommy Nobis Enterprises, Inc., Marietta, GA Contracting Activity: DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, DLA SUPPORT SERVICES— DSS, FORT BELVOIR, VA Service Type/Location: Disposal Support Services, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL NPA: Association for Retarded Citizens/ Escambia, Inc., Pensacola, FL Contracting Activity: DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, DLA SUPPORT SERVICES— DSS, FORT BELVOIR, VA Barry S. Lineback, Director, Business Operations. [FR Doc. 2010–2998 Filed 2–11–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353–01–P FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD Sunshine Act; Notice of Meeting TIME AND DATE: 9 a.m. (Eastern Time) February 16, 2010. PLACE: 4th Floor Conference Room, 1250 H Street, NW., Washington, DC 20005. STATUS: Parts will be open to the public and parts closed to the public. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Parts Open to the Public 1. Approval of the minutes of the January 19, 2010 Board member meeting. 2. Thrift Savings Plan activity report by the Executive Director. a. Monthly Participant Activity Report. b. Monthly Investment Performance Report. c. Legislative Report. 3. Vendor Financial Update. 4. Report on Participant Behavior in the Financial Crisis. 5. Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act Implementation Update. 6. DOL Audit Briefing. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Parts Closed to the Public 7. Proprietary Data. 8. Personnel. CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: Thomas J. Trabucco, Director, Office of External Affairs, (202) 942–1640. Dated: February 9, 2010. Thomas K. Emswiler, Secretary, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. [FR Doc. 2010–3001 Filed 2–11–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6760–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–R–2009–N196; 20131–1265– 2CCP] Washita and Optima National Wildlife Refuges, Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Custer and Texas Counties, TX AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: Final comprehensive conservation plan and finding of no significant impact for environment assessment. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and environmental assessment (EA) for the Washita and Optima National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs, Refuges) near Butler, Oklahoma. In this final CCP, we describe how we will guide the development and management of the Washita and Optima NWRs for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the final CCP and FONSI/EA or request a CD–ROM by any of the following methods: Agency Web Site: Download a copy of the document(s) at: https://www.fws.gov/ southwest/refuges/Plan/planindex.html. E-mail: jeffrey_missal@fws.gov (include ‘‘Washita and Optima NWRs Final CCP’’ in the subject line of the message). Mail: Jeffrey Missal, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103– 1306. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 505–248–7409 to make an appointment during regular business hours at 500 Gold Street Ave., SW., Albuquerque, NM 87102. Local Library: The document(s) are also available for review at the library listed under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1 6871 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 29 / Friday, February 12, 2010 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Missal, 505–248–7409; jeffrey_missal@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Washita and Optima Refuges. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register (64 FR 62683; November 17, 1999). We released the draft CCP and the EA to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a notice of availability in the Federal Register (72 FR 52903; September 17, 2007). Washita NWR was established in 1961 as an overlay Refuge on Bureau of Reclamation lands and waters of Foss Reservoir, ‘‘[to be] administered by [the Secretary of the Interior] directly or in accordance with cooperative agreements. * * * and in accordance with such rules and regulations for the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife, resources, thereof, and its habitat thereon’’ (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act; 16 U.S.C. 664), and ‘‘for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds’’ (Migratory Bird Conservation Act; 16 U.S.C. 715d). Comprised of the northern portion of Foss Reservoir, adjacent wetlands, uplands, and the Washita River corridor in western Oklahoma, the 8,075-acre Refuge is managed to provide habitat and food for migrating and wintering populations of geese and ducks in the Central Flyway, contributing to conservation of waterfowl resources. The Refuge has also been managed to provide a diversity of habitats for a wide range of migratory bird species, including the whooping crane (Federally listed as endangered), shorebirds, and neotropical migratory birds (i.e., birds that breed in the United States or Canada, but migrate to winter ranges in Mexico, Central America, South America, or the Caribbean Islands). Deer, coyote, bobcat, badger, opossum, and other resident wildlife species thrive on the Refuge as well. Management efforts at Washita Refuge focus on enhancing wetlands and uplands for migratory birds and other wildlife species. The Optima National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661–667e, as amended), by agreement between the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While the original purpose of the 4,333-acre Refuge was provision of wintering and resting habitat for migratory waterfowl of the Central Flyway, the Refuge provides little habitat for migratory waterfowl due to lower than anticipated water impoundment rates in the Optima Reservoir. The Optima Refuge is currently managed for resident wildlife and migratory birds. The lack of water has reduced the potential for waterfowl management. The Refuge provides an island of largely undisturbed habitat for migratory songbirds and resident species, including white-tailed deer, coyote, Rio Grande turkey, and scaled quail. We announce our decision and the availability of the final CCP and FONSI for Washita and Optima NWRs 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 EA that accompanied the draft CCP. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Washita and Optima Refuges for the next 15 years. Alternative C, as we described in the final CCP, is the foundation for the CCP. A: No-action alternative Depredation Efforts Ceased. Issue 2: Baseline Inventory cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Remain at Current Levels Remain at Current Levels Efforts Ceased .................. Issue 3: Environmental Education and Community Outreach. Remain at Current Levels Closed to Public ................ Issue 4: Cultural Resources. Issue 5: Funding and Staffing. Issue 6: Water Management. Remain at Current Levels Efforts Ceased .................. Remain at Current Levels No Action .......................... Remain at Current Levels Program would be cut ....... 13:37 Feb 11, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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, 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 and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration Act. CCP Alternatives, Including Selected Alternative Our draft CCP and our EA addressed several issues. Priority issues included depredation of crops on farms adjacent to Washita Refuge by geese attracted to the Refuge, the need for more complete resource inventory of the biological resources of both Refuges, public pressure for additional recreational opportunities on the Refuges, and the difficulty of managing resources on Optima Refuge with no permanent staff on site. To address these priority issues, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives during the planning process. C: Integrated management actions and public use (selected) B: Custodial no active management Issue 1: Depredation ......... VerDate Nov<24>2008 Background Farming continued and reviewed for appropriateness and effectiveness. Baseline inventory accomplished. Hiking trail and visitor center development, educational programs increased. Identification and monitoring of existing sites. Slight to moderate increase. Remain at Current Levels E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1 D: Maximum habitat management Farming acreage increased. Baseline Inventory Accomplished. Builds upon Alt. 3 but adds vehicular access, canoe access and wildlife viewing platforms. Conduct a cultural resources survey. Slight to moderate increase. Remain at Current Levels. 6872 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 29 / Friday, February 12, 2010 / Notices C: Integrated management actions and public use (selected) A: No-action alternative Issue 7: Hunting Opportunity. B: Custodial no active management Waterfowl and Deer .......... Closed to Public ................ Evaluation of additional hunting. Comments DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR We solicited comments on the draft CCP and the EA for the Washita and Optima NWRs from September 17, 2007, to November 2, 2007 (72 FR 52903). We thoroughly evaluated all received comments and included them in the CCP when possible. Fish and Wildlife Service Selected Alternative AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: Draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment; request for comments. After considering the comments we received, we selected Alternative C for implementation. This alternative (now the CCP) describes how habitat objectives will be accomplished through a combination of management activities (farming, moist soil created wetlands, periodic prescribed burning, and mechanical and chemical exotic species control methods) to encourage ecological integrity, promote native prairie restoration, control invasive plant species, and provide/enhance habitat for migratory waterfowl, grassland birds, and other resident wildlife. We selected this alternative because it best meets the purposes and goals of the Washita and Optima NWR Complex. This action will not adversely impact endangered or threatened species or their habitat. Opportunities for wildlife-dependent activities such as observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation will be enhanced. Future management actions will have a neutral or positive impact on the local economy, and the recommendations in the CCP will ensure that Refuge management is consistent with the mandates of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Public Availability of Documents In addition to the methods in you can view or obtain documents at the following locations: • Our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/ southwest/refuges/Plan/planindex.html. • Public Library: Elk City Carnegie Library, located at 221 W. Broadway Ave., Elk City, OK 73644–4741, during regular library hours. cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES, December 15, 2009. Thomas L. Bauer, Acting, Regional Director, Region 2. [FR Doc. 2010–2904 Filed 2–11–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P VerDate Nov<24>2008 13:37 Feb 11, 2010 Jkt 220001 [FWS–R2–R–2009–N205; 20131–1265– 2CCP–S3] Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties, TX SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and an environmental assessment (EA) for the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC, Refuge) for public review and comment. In these documents, we describe alternatives, including our preferred alternative, to manage this Refuge complex for the 15 years following approval of the final CCP. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by April 13, 2010. We will announce upcoming public meetings in local news media. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments or requests for copies or more information by any of the following methods. You may request hard copies or a CD–ROM of the documents by any of the following methods: E-mail: Roxanne_Turley@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Aransas CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. Fax: Attn: Roxanne Turley, 505–248– 6874. U.S. Mail: Roxanne Turley, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Service, NWRS, Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103–1306. In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Call 505–248–6636 to make an appointment during regular business hours. You may drop off comments during regular business hours at 500 Gold Avenue, SW., 4th Floor, Room 4019, Albuquerque, NM 87102. For more information on locations for viewing or obtaining documents, see ‘‘Public Availability of Documents’’ under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 D: Maximum habitat management Evaluation of additional hunting. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Alonso, Complex Manager, by U.S. mail at Aransas NWRC, CCP–Project, P.O. Box 100, Austwell, TX 77050; by phone at 361–286–3559; or by fax at 361–286– 3722; or Felipe Prieto, Wildlife Refuge Specialist/CCP Planning Team, Aransas NWRC, by phone at 361–286–3559. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Aransas NWRC. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register (67 FR 55862, August 30, 2002). Aransas NWRC is located in Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties, Texas, and encompasses 115,931 acres of coastal prairie, oak woodland and savannah, barrier island, and salt and freshwater marshes. Management efforts focus on protecting, enhancing, and restoring Refuge habitats and water management for the benefit of important fish and wildlife resources. Aransas NWRC was established ‘‘as a refuge and breeding grounds for birds,’’ by Executive Order No. 7784 on December 31, 1937. The authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 712d) establishes that each refuge in the system is ‘‘for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or any other management purpose, for migratory birds.’’ The Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460–1) states that each refuge in the system is ‘‘suitable for incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, the protection of natural resources, and the conservation of endangered or threatened species.’’ Additionally, Aransas NWRC contains critical habitat for the whooping crane (43 FR 20938, May 15, 1978). Background The CCP 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 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, E:\FR\FM\12FEN1.SGM 12FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 29 (Friday, February 12, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6870-6872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-2904]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R2-R-2009-N196; 20131-1265-2CCP]


Washita and Optima National Wildlife Refuges, Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan, Custer and Texas Counties, TX

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: Final comprehensive conservation plan 
and finding of no significant impact for environment assessment.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and 
finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and environmental assessment 
(EA) for the Washita and Optima National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs, 
Refuges) near Butler, Oklahoma. In this final CCP, we describe how we 
will guide the development and management of the Washita and Optima 
NWRs for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the final CCP and FONSI/EA 
or request a CD-ROM by any of the following methods:
    Agency Web Site: Download a copy of the document(s) at: https://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/Plan/planindex.html.
    E-mail: jeffrey_missal@fws.gov (include ``Washita and Optima NWRs 
Final CCP'' in the subject line of the message).
    Mail: Jeffrey Missal, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306.
    In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 505-248-7409 to make an 
appointment during regular business hours at 500 Gold Street Ave., SW., 
Albuquerque, NM 87102.
    Local Library: The document(s) are also available for review at the 
library listed under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

[[Page 6871]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Missal, 505-248-7409; 
jeffrey_missal@fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Washita and 
Optima Refuges. We started this process through a notice in the Federal 
Register (64 FR 62683; November 17, 1999). We released the draft CCP 
and the EA to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a 
notice of availability in the Federal Register (72 FR 52903; September 
17, 2007).
    Washita NWR was established in 1961 as an overlay Refuge on Bureau 
of Reclamation lands and waters of Foss Reservoir, ``[to be] 
administered by [the Secretary of the Interior] directly or in 
accordance with cooperative agreements. * * * and in accordance with 
such rules and regulations for the conservation, maintenance, and 
management of wildlife, resources, thereof, and its habitat thereon'' 
(Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act; 16 U.S.C. 664), and ``for use as 
an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for 
migratory birds'' (Migratory Bird Conservation Act; 16 U.S.C. 715d). 
Comprised of the northern portion of Foss Reservoir, adjacent wetlands, 
uplands, and the Washita River corridor in western Oklahoma, the 8,075-
acre Refuge is managed to provide habitat and food for migrating and 
wintering populations of geese and ducks in the Central Flyway, 
contributing to conservation of waterfowl resources. The Refuge has 
also been managed to provide a diversity of habitats for a wide range 
of migratory bird species, including the whooping crane (Federally 
listed as endangered), shorebirds, and neotropical migratory birds 
(i.e., birds that breed in the United States or Canada, but migrate to 
winter ranges in Mexico, Central America, South America, or the 
Caribbean Islands). Deer, coyote, bobcat, badger, opossum, and other 
resident wildlife species thrive on the Refuge as well. Management 
efforts at Washita Refuge focus on enhancing wetlands and uplands for 
migratory birds and other wildlife species.
    The Optima National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 under 
the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-
667e, as amended), by agreement between the Department of the Interior 
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While the original purpose of the 
4,333-acre Refuge was provision of wintering and resting habitat for 
migratory waterfowl of the Central Flyway, the Refuge provides little 
habitat for migratory waterfowl due to lower than anticipated water 
impoundment rates in the Optima Reservoir. The Optima Refuge is 
currently managed for resident wildlife and migratory birds. The lack 
of water has reduced the potential for waterfowl management. The Refuge 
provides an island of largely undisturbed habitat for migratory 
songbirds and resident species, including white-tailed deer, coyote, 
Rio Grande turkey, and scaled quail.
    We announce our decision and the availability of the final CCP and 
FONSI for Washita and Optima NWRs 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 EA that accompanied the draft CCP.
    The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Washita and 
Optima Refuges for the next 15 years. Alternative C, as we described in 
the final CCP, is the foundation for the CCP.

Background

    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, 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 and photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update 
the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration 
Act.

CCP Alternatives, Including Selected Alternative

    Our draft CCP and our EA addressed several issues. Priority issues 
included depredation of crops on farms adjacent to Washita Refuge by 
geese attracted to the Refuge, the need for more complete resource 
inventory of the biological resources of both Refuges, public pressure 
for additional recreational opportunities on the Refuges, and the 
difficulty of managing resources on Optima Refuge with no permanent 
staff on site. To address these priority issues, we developed and 
evaluated the following alternatives during the planning process.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             C: Integrated
                                     A: No-action       B: Custodial no   management actions  D: Maximum habitat
                                      alternative      active management    and public use         management
                                                                              (selected)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 1: Depredation............  Remain at Current   Depredation         Farming continued   Farming acreage
                                   Levels.             Efforts Ceased.     and reviewed for    increased.
                                                                           appropriateness
                                                                           and effectiveness.
Issue 2: Baseline Inventory.....  Remain at Current   Efforts Ceased....  Baseline inventory  Baseline Inventory
                                   Levels.                                 accomplished.       Accomplished.
Issue 3: Environmental Education  Remain at Current   Closed to Public..  Hiking trail and    Builds upon Alt. 3
 and Community Outreach.           Levels.                                 visitor center      but adds
                                                                           development,        vehicular access,
                                                                           educational         canoe access and
                                                                           programs            wildlife viewing
                                                                           increased.          platforms.
Issue 4: Cultural Resources.....  Remain at Current   Efforts Ceased....  Identification and  Conduct a cultural
                                   Levels.                                 monitoring of       resources survey.
                                                                           existing sites.
Issue 5: Funding and Staffing...  Remain at Current   No Action.........  Slight to moderate  Slight to moderate
                                   Levels.                                 increase.           increase.
Issue 6: Water Management.......  Remain at Current   Program would be    Remain at Current   Remain at Current
                                   Levels.             cut.                Levels.             Levels.

[[Page 6872]]

 
Issue 7: Hunting Opportunity....  Waterfowl and Deer  Closed to Public..  Evaluation of       Evaluation of
                                                                           additional          additional
                                                                           hunting.            hunting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments

    We solicited comments on the draft CCP and the EA for the Washita 
and Optima NWRs from September 17, 2007, to November 2, 2007 (72 FR 
52903). We thoroughly evaluated all received comments and included them 
in the CCP when possible.

Selected Alternative

    After considering the comments we received, we selected Alternative 
C for implementation. This alternative (now the CCP) describes how 
habitat objectives will be accomplished through a combination of 
management activities (farming, moist soil created wetlands, periodic 
prescribed burning, and mechanical and chemical exotic species control 
methods) to encourage ecological integrity, promote native prairie 
restoration, control invasive plant species, and provide/enhance 
habitat for migratory waterfowl, grassland birds, and other resident 
wildlife. We selected this alternative because it best meets the 
purposes and goals of the Washita and Optima NWR Complex. This action 
will not adversely impact endangered or threatened species or their 
habitat. Opportunities for wildlife-dependent activities such as 
observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation 
will be enhanced. Future management actions will have a neutral or 
positive impact on the local economy, and the recommendations in the 
CCP will ensure that Refuge management is consistent with the mandates 
of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Public Availability of Documents

    In addition to the methods in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain 
documents at the following locations:
     Our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/Plan/planindex.html.
     Public Library: Elk City Carnegie Library, located at 221 
W. Broadway Ave., Elk City, OK 73644-4741, during regular library 
hours.

    December 15, 2009.
Thomas L. Bauer,
Acting, Regional Director, Region 2.
[FR Doc. 2010-2904 Filed 2-11-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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