Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, MT, 9924-9925 [2010-4513]

Download as PDF 9924 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 42 / Thursday, March 4, 2010 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–6–R209–N182; 60138–1265–6CCP– S3] Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, MT mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce that our final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Plan) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is available. This final Plan describes how the Service intends to manage this refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: A copy of the Plan may be obtained by writing to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Planning, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225; or by download from https://mountainprairie.fws.gov/planning. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura King, 406–644–2211, ext. 210 (phone); 406–644–2661 (fax); or redrocks@fws.gov (e-mail). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located 28 miles east of Monida in Beaverhead County in southwestern Montana. This 48,955-acre refuge sits at 6,670 feet above sea level and lies east of the Continental Divide near the uppermost reach of the Missouri drainage. The refuge was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Historically, management focused on protecting and enhancing the trumpeter swan population at the refuge. In the 1930s, the refuge was their last known breeding location. The refuge played an important role in their recovery and today continues to provide protected nesting and resting areas for these magnificent birds. The refuge has one of the most naturally diverse areas in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge boasts the largest wetland complex within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as well as expansive tracts of grassland and sagebrush-steppe habitats and a small amount of mid-elevation forested areas. These habitats support over 200 species of birds, including peregrine falcons, bald eagles, shorteared owls, sandhill cranes, sage grouse, trumpeter swans and numerous other species of waterfowl and waterbirds. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:39 Mar 03, 2010 Jkt 220001 Common mammalian species include Shiras moose, Rocky Mountain elk, mule and white-tailed deer, badger, coyote, and red fox. In addition, wolves and grizzly bears have been documented using the refuge. There is also a remnant population of native adfluvial Arctic grayling that occurs on the refuge. A full-time staff of five employees and various summer temporaries manage and study the refuge habitats and maintain visitor facilities. Domestic livestock grazing and prescribed fire are the primary management tools used to maintain and enhance upland habitats. Currently, four grazing cooperators are using refuge lands. Water level manipulation occurs in some areas of the refuge to improve wetland habitats. Approximately 12,000 people visit the refuge annually. Two refuge roads and three county roads that pass through the refuge account for the majority of visitor use. The refuge is open to limited fishing, with the majority of fishing occurring on Red Rock. In addition, the refuge is open to limited hunting of ducks, geese, coots, and moose. Elk, pronghorn, moose, mule deer, and white-tailed deer are also hunted on certain areas of the refuge according to State regulations and seasons. The draft Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) was made available to the public for review and comment following the announcement in the Federal Register on September 26, 2008 (73 FR 55864–55865). The public was given 60 days to comment. Over 100 individuals and groups provided comments and appropriate changes were made to the final Plan based on substantive comments. The draft Plan and Environmental Assessment identified and evaluated four alternatives for managing the refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative B (the proposed action submitted by the planning team) was selected by the Region 6 Regional Director as the preferred alternative and will serve as the final Plan. The final Plan identifies goals, objectives, and strategies that describe the future management of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Alternative B, the preferred alternative, acknowledges the importance of naturally functioning ecological communities on the refuge. However, changes to the landscape (e.g., human alterations to the landscape, past refuge management creating wetlands, and species in peril requiring special management actions) prevent managing the refuge solely as a naturally functioning ecological community. Because some of these changes are significant, some refuge habitats will PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 require ‘‘hands on’’ management actions during the life of this Plan, while others will be restored. Refuge habitats will continue to be managed utilizing water control structures, prescriptive cattle grazing, and prescribed fire. The structures that created Culver and MacDonald Ponds will be removed to restore 1.7 miles of native streams to provide habitat for spawning native adfluvial Arctic grayling, migratory birds, and native ungulates. The refuge will do this systematically over the life of the Plan, conducting numerous studies to determine the effects and best methods of restoration, including any effects on downstream users. Mechanical, biological, and chemical treatments will be used to control invasive species. Monitoring and documenting the response to management actions will be greatly expanded. Additional habitat and wildlife objectives will be clearly stated in step down management plans to be completed as this Plan is implemented. Visitor services programs will be maintained and expanded including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation. Hunting of big game and waterfowl will continue. Big game hunting boundaries will be modified or expanded to address confusing boundaries and impacts to refuge habitats, while providing additional quality hunting opportunities. Actions will be taken to ensure that current and expanded hunting opportunities are carefully planned. The refuges’ environmental education program will be modestly expanded, given the refuges’ remote location. Interpretation programs will also be enhanced to better educate and orient visitors while maintaining the wilderness characteristics of the refuge. Fishing will be expanded and visitors will be encouraged to keep non-native fish species (according to State regulations) that impact native adfluvial Arctic grayling. Some refuge trails will provide interpretation and be identified on a new visitor services map. Idlewild Road will remain open, but no new roads or trails will be added. An interpreted auto tour route will be created along roads currently open to the public. Interpretation will occur through a brochure and limited signage. Both refuge campgrounds will be maintained to support wildlife dependent compatible recreation on this remote refuge and enhanced to provide access to disabled visitors. Campground users will be charged a small fee to provide funds needed to maintain the campground facilities. Seven full-time E:\FR\FM\04MRN1.SGM 04MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 42 / Thursday, March 4, 2010 / Notices and one permanent seasonal staff will be assigned to the refuge. Due to the lack of housing around this remote refuge, up to four residences will be constructed for this added staff. The Service is furnishing this notice to advise other agencies and the public of the availability of the final Plan, to provide information on the desired conditions for the refuge, and to detail how the Service will implement management strategies. Based on the review and evaluation of the information contained in the EA, the Regional Director has determined that implementation of the Final Plan does not constitute a major federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the meaning of Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared. Dated: February 23, 2010. Hugh Morrison, Regional Director, Region 6, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2010–4513 Filed 3–3–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item: The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, OH National Park Service, Interior. Notice. AGENCY: mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES ACTION: Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3005, of the intent to repatriate a cultural item in the possession of The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, OH, that meets the definition of a ‘‘sacred object’’ under 25 U.S.C. 3001. This notice is published as part of the National Park Service’s administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003 (d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the cultural item. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice. The sacred object is a wooden pipe. In 1956, a pipe stem was delivered to the museum. The pipe bowl was either not sent or misplaced when unwrapped. Thus, only part of the sacred object is currently in the collection. The pipe stem measures 58 cm in length and has a black snake curling around it VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:39 Mar 03, 2010 Jkt 220001 (Accession Number 1956–32; Catalog Number CMNH 08490). Since the bowl and stem are used together, together they comprise one object. Consequently, if the pipe bowl is found, it will be returned to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Michigan. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians provided written evidence, A Survey of Indian Groups in the State of Michigan, (Holst, 1939), to show that Joe Shomin, an Odawa Chief, was an artist craftsman of great ability. According to catalogue records, Albert Heath acquired the pipe from Joe Shomin, an Odawa Indian, in Emmett County, MI. Today, Emmet County is within the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians reservation. Consultation evidence presented by tribal representatives’ states that pipes were used in religious ceremonies by traditional Odawa religious leaders, and continue to be used in ceremonial practices. Officials of The Cleveland Museum of Natural History have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(C), the one cultural item described above is a specific ceremonial object needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of traditional Native American religions by their present-day adherents. Officials of The Cleveland Museum of Natural History also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the sacred object and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Michigan. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the sacred object should contact Carole Camillo, Registrar, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Dr., University Circle, Cleveland, OH 44106, telephone (216) 231–4600, before April 5, 2010. Repatriation of the sacred object to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Michigan may proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is responsible for notifying the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Michigan that this notice has been published. Dated: February 3, 2010. Sherry Hutt, Manager, National NAGPRA Program. [FR Doc. 2010–4291 Filed 3–3–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312–50–S PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9925 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions Nominations for the following properties being considered for listing or related actions in the National Register were received by the National Park Service before February 20, 2010. Pursuant to section 60.13 of 36 CFR Part 60 written comments concerning the significance of these properties under the National Register criteria for evaluation may be forwarded by United States Postal Service, to the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW., 2280, Washington, DC 20240; by all other carriers, National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service,1201 Eye St. NW., 8th floor, Washington DC 20005; or by fax, 202–371–6447. Written or faxed comments should be submitted by March 19, 2010. J. Paul Loether, Chief, National Register of Historic Places/ National Historic Landmarks Program. ARIZONA Coconino County Flagstaff Southside Historic District, (Flagstaff MRA (AD)) S. of downtown bordered by Route 66 and Santa Fe Railroad, Rio de Flag, and Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, 10000107 Maricopa County Arizona Army National Guard Arsenal, 5636 E. McDowell Rd., M5320, Phoenix, 10000108 Pima County Tumamoc Hill Archeological District, The, 1675 W. Anklam Rd/NE corner Greasewood Rd & 22nd St., Tucson, 10000109 CALIFORNIA Alameda County California Cotton Mills Co. Factory, 1091 Calcot Pl., Oakland, 10000119 Los Angeles County Bradbury House, 102 Ocean Way, Los Angeles, 10000110 Placer County El Toyon, 211 Brook Rd, Auburn, 10000118 San Francisco County Geneva Office Building and Power House, 2301 San Jose Ave., San Francisco, 10000111 Temple Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., San Francisco, 10000114 San Luis Obispo County William Shipsey House, 1266 Mill St, San Luis Obispo, 10000115 E:\FR\FM\04MRN1.SGM 04MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 42 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9924-9925]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-4513]



[[Page 9924]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-6-R209-N182; 60138-1265-6CCP-S3]


Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Red Rock Lakes 
National Wildlife Refuge, MT

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 
that our final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Plan) and finding of no 
significant impact (FONSI) for the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife 
Refuge is available. This final Plan describes how the Service intends 
to manage this refuge for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the Plan may be obtained by writing to U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Planning, P.O. Box 25486, 
Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225; or by download from 
https://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura King, 406-644-2211, ext. 210 
(phone); 406-644-2661 (fax); or redrocks@fws.gov (e-mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    The Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located 28 miles 
east of Monida in Beaverhead County in southwestern Montana. This 
48,955-acre refuge sits at 6,670 feet above sea level and lies east of 
the Continental Divide near the uppermost reach of the Missouri 
drainage.
    The refuge was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt. Historically, management focused on protecting and enhancing 
the trumpeter swan population at the refuge. In the 1930s, the refuge 
was their last known breeding location. The refuge played an important 
role in their recovery and today continues to provide protected nesting 
and resting areas for these magnificent birds.
    The refuge has one of the most naturally diverse areas in the 
National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge boasts the largest wetland 
complex within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as well as expansive 
tracts of grassland and sagebrush-steppe habitats and a small amount of 
mid-elevation forested areas. These habitats support over 200 species 
of birds, including peregrine falcons, bald eagles, short-eared owls, 
sandhill cranes, sage grouse, trumpeter swans and numerous other 
species of waterfowl and waterbirds. Common mammalian species include 
Shiras moose, Rocky Mountain elk, mule and white-tailed deer, badger, 
coyote, and red fox. In addition, wolves and grizzly bears have been 
documented using the refuge. There is also a remnant population of 
native adfluvial Arctic grayling that occurs on the refuge.
    A full-time staff of five employees and various summer temporaries 
manage and study the refuge habitats and maintain visitor facilities. 
Domestic livestock grazing and prescribed fire are the primary 
management tools used to maintain and enhance upland habitats. 
Currently, four grazing cooperators are using refuge lands. Water level 
manipulation occurs in some areas of the refuge to improve wetland 
habitats.
    Approximately 12,000 people visit the refuge annually. Two refuge 
roads and three county roads that pass through the refuge account for 
the majority of visitor use. The refuge is open to limited fishing, 
with the majority of fishing occurring on Red Rock. In addition, the 
refuge is open to limited hunting of ducks, geese, coots, and moose. 
Elk, pronghorn, moose, mule deer, and white-tailed deer are also hunted 
on certain areas of the refuge according to State regulations and 
seasons.
    The draft Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) was made available 
to the public for review and comment following the announcement in the 
Federal Register on September 26, 2008 (73 FR 55864-55865). The public 
was given 60 days to comment. Over 100 individuals and groups provided 
comments and appropriate changes were made to the final Plan based on 
substantive comments. The draft Plan and Environmental Assessment 
identified and evaluated four alternatives for managing the refuge for 
the next 15 years. Alternative B (the proposed action submitted by the 
planning team) was selected by the Region 6 Regional Director as the 
preferred alternative and will serve as the final Plan.
    The final Plan identifies goals, objectives, and strategies that 
describe the future management of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife 
Refuge. Alternative B, the preferred alternative, acknowledges the 
importance of naturally functioning ecological communities on the 
refuge. However, changes to the landscape (e.g., human alterations to 
the landscape, past refuge management creating wetlands, and species in 
peril requiring special management actions) prevent managing the refuge 
solely as a naturally functioning ecological community. Because some of 
these changes are significant, some refuge habitats will require 
``hands on'' management actions during the life of this Plan, while 
others will be restored. Refuge habitats will continue to be managed 
utilizing water control structures, prescriptive cattle grazing, and 
prescribed fire. The structures that created Culver and MacDonald Ponds 
will be removed to restore 1.7 miles of native streams to provide 
habitat for spawning native adfluvial Arctic grayling, migratory birds, 
and native ungulates. The refuge will do this systematically over the 
life of the Plan, conducting numerous studies to determine the effects 
and best methods of restoration, including any effects on downstream 
users. Mechanical, biological, and chemical treatments will be used to 
control invasive species. Monitoring and documenting the response to 
management actions will be greatly expanded. Additional habitat and 
wildlife objectives will be clearly stated in step down management 
plans to be completed as this Plan is implemented. Visitor services 
programs will be maintained and expanded including hunting, fishing, 
wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and 
interpretation. Hunting of big game and waterfowl will continue. Big 
game hunting boundaries will be modified or expanded to address 
confusing boundaries and impacts to refuge habitats, while providing 
additional quality hunting opportunities. Actions will be taken to 
ensure that current and expanded hunting opportunities are carefully 
planned. The refuges' environmental education program will be modestly 
expanded, given the refuges' remote location. Interpretation programs 
will also be enhanced to better educate and orient visitors while 
maintaining the wilderness characteristics of the refuge. Fishing will 
be expanded and visitors will be encouraged to keep non-native fish 
species (according to State regulations) that impact native adfluvial 
Arctic grayling. Some refuge trails will provide interpretation and be 
identified on a new visitor services map. Idlewild Road will remain 
open, but no new roads or trails will be added. An interpreted auto 
tour route will be created along roads currently open to the public. 
Interpretation will occur through a brochure and limited signage. Both 
refuge campgrounds will be maintained to support wildlife dependent 
compatible recreation on this remote refuge and enhanced to provide 
access to disabled visitors. Campground users will be charged a small 
fee to provide funds needed to maintain the campground facilities. 
Seven full-time

[[Page 9925]]

and one permanent seasonal staff will be assigned to the refuge. Due to 
the lack of housing around this remote refuge, up to four residences 
will be constructed for this added staff.
    The Service is furnishing this notice to advise other agencies and 
the public of the availability of the final Plan, to provide 
information on the desired conditions for the refuge, and to detail how 
the Service will implement management strategies. Based on the review 
and evaluation of the information contained in the EA, the Regional 
Director has determined that implementation of the Final Plan does not 
constitute a major federal action that would significantly affect the 
quality of the human environment within the meaning of Section 
102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act. Therefore, an 
Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared.

    Dated: February 23, 2010.
Hugh Morrison,
Regional Director, Region 6, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-4513 Filed 3-3-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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