Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer, 49516-49517 [2010-19803]

Download as PDF 49516 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 156 / Friday, August 13, 2010 / Notices public and internal BLM review were considered and incorporated as appropriate into Final EIS. Public comments resulted in the addition of clarifying text, but did not significantly change any of the proposed decisions. Instructions for filing a protest with the Director of the BLM regarding the Proposed CDCA Plan Amendment/Final EIS may be found in the ‘‘Dear Reader Letter’’ of the CES Lucerne Valley Solar Project Final EIS and Proposed CDCA Plan Amendment and at 43 CFR 1610.5– 2. Protests must be received by the Director by the close of the protest period to be accepted as valid. Protests that are postmarked by the close of the protest period, but received by the Director after the close of the protest period, will only be accepted as valid if the protesting party also provides a faxed or e-mailed advance copy before the close of the protest period. To provide the BLM with such advance notification, please fax protests to the attention of Brenda Hudgens-Williams, BLM protest coordinator at 202–912– 7129, or e-mail protests to: Brenda_Hudgens-Williams@blm.gov. All protests, including the follow-up letter to e-mails or faxes, must be in writing and mailed to the appropriate address, as set forth in the ADDRESSES section above. Before including your phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your protest, you should be aware that your entire protest—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your protest to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Thomas Pogacnik, Deputy State Director, Natural Resources. Notice of availability: final comprehensive conservation plan and environmental impact statement. ACTION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the final comprehensive conservation plan and environmental impact statement (final CCP/EIS) for the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer (refuge or collectively, refuges). These refuges are located in Wahkiakum County, Washington, and Clatsop and Columbia Counties, Oregon. In the final CCP/EIS, we describe how we propose to manage these refuges for the next 15 years. DATES: We will sign a record of decision no sooner than 30 days after publication of this notice. ADDRESSES: You may view or request copies of the final CCP/EIS by any of the following methods. You may request a printed copy or CD–ROM. Agency Web Sites: Download a copy of the document at https://www.fws.gov/ lc/ or https://www.fws.gov/jbh/. E-mail: FW1Planning@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Lewis and Clark and Julia Butler Hansen Final CCP/EIS’’ in the subject line of the message. Mail: Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3888 SR 101, Ilwaco, WA 98624. Fax: (360) 484–3109. In person viewing: Copies of the final CCP/EIS may be viewed at the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3888 SR 101, Ilwaco, WA 98624; and the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer, 46 Steamboat Slough Road, Cathlamet, WA 98612. Local Libraries: The final documents are available for review at the libraries listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlie Stenvall, (360) 484–3482. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6 and 1506.10 and 43 CFR 1610.2 and 1610.5. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [FR Doc. 2010–19916 Filed 8–12–10; 8:45 am] Introduction BILLING CODE 4310–40–P With this notice, we announce the availability of the final CCP/EIS for the refuges. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register (71 FR 55214; September 21, 2006). We released the draft CCP/EIS to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a notice of availability in the Federal Register (75 FR 6694; February 10, 2010). The Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1972 to preserve vital fish and wildlife habitat of the Columbia River estuary. The refuge’s riverine islands encompass DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2010–N111; 1265–0000–10137] Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 Aug 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 a variety of habitat types, from tidal sand flats and marshes to forested swamps. This combination of habitats supports large numbers of waterfowl, gulls, terns, wading birds, shorebirds, and a variety of raptors and songbirds. The Lewis and Clark Refuge islands are only accessible by boat and include 18 named islands, a number of unnamed islands, and marshes stretching over 25 miles of the Columbia River. The Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer was established in 1971 to protect and manage the endangered Columbian white-tailed deer. The refuge contains over 6,000 acres of pastures, forested tidal swamps, brushy woodlots, marshes, and sloughs along the Columbia River. The final CCP/EIS was completed in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) and National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment, which we included in the final EIS for the CCP. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the refuges for the next 15 years. We analyzed two alternatives for future management of the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and three alternatives for future management of the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer. Alternative 2 is our preferred alternative for both refuges, and is the foundation for the CCP. We addressed public comments on the draft CCP/EIS in the final CCP/EIS. Background The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) (Refuge 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 for conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, E:\FR\FM\13AUN1.SGM 13AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 156 / Friday, August 13, 2010 / Notices this alternative. We would also expand the Columbian white-tailed deer population by establishing an experimental population upriver. and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act. CCP Alternatives We Are Considering Lewis and Clark Refuge Alternative 1 No changes to the current refuge management programs would occur under Alternative 1. Habitat management would consist of monitoring refuge islands and treating invasive plant infestations as funding allows. Refuge staff members would continue to protect and maintain wintering and foraging habitat for migratory waterfowl, and nesting and roosting habitat for bald eagles. Existing public uses, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation and photography, would continue at current levels. Lewis and Clark Refuge Alternative 2 Under Alternative 2 (the preferred alternative), current wildlife and habitat management would be maintained. Key refuge enhancements would include establishing or expanding partnerships for managing invasive species, recruiting graduate students to conduct wildlife and habitat research, and exploring options for managing Oregon Department of State Lands property within the approved refuge boundary. The refuge would also expand opportunities for wildlife observation and photography, study potential wilderness lands, and work with partners to ensure that dredge-spoil islands provide benefits for wildlife. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Julia Butler Hansen Refuge Alternative 1 Under Alternative 1, no changes to the current refuge management programs would occur at Julia Butler Hansen Refuge. We would continue to maintain and protect habitats, establish early successional riparian forest habitat, maintain predator management January through April, and continue wildlife-dependent public use programs. Julia Butler Hansen Refuge Alternative 2 Refuge management changes under Alternative 2 (the preferred alternative) would include opening Crims and Price Islands to waterfowl hunting, closing portions of refuge lands along the lower Elochoman River to waterfowl hunting for public safety purposes, studying potential wilderness lands, developing two trails, and improving interpretive media. To achieve the recovery goals for the Columbian white-tailed deer, predator management would take place on an as-needed basis year–round under VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 Aug 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 Julia Butler Hansen Refuge Alternative 3 Refuge management changes under Alternative 3 would include opening Crims and Price Islands to waterfowl hunting, closing portions of refuge lands along the lower Elochoman River to waterfowl hunting for public safety purposes, studying potential wilderness lands, developing a bicycling and hiking trail, installing interpretive panels, and developing curriculum for refuge study sites. To achieve the recovery goals for the Columbian white-tailed deer, predator management would take place January through August under this alternative. Comments We solicited comments on the Draft CCP/EIS from February 10, 2010, to April 12, 2010. Public comments were considered and addressed in the final CCP/EIS, resulting in only minor changes to the final document. Public Availability of Documents In addition to the methods in ADDRESSES, you can view documents at the following libraries: • Blanch Bradley Library, 100 Main Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612. • Astoria Public Library, 450 10th Street, Astoria, OR 97103. • Clatskanie Library District, 11 Lillich Street, Clatskanie, OR 97016. • Ilwaco Timberline Regional Library, 158 1st Ave. Ilwaco, WA 98624. • Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana Street, Longview, WA 98632. • Fort Vancouver Regional Library, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver WA 98663. Dated: June 10, 2010. Carolyn A. Bohan, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2010–19803 Filed 8–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [L51010000.FX0000 LVRWB10B4040 LLCAC05000] Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Walker Ridge Wind Project, Lake and Colusa Counties, CA Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49517 In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, California, intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the EIS. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until September 13, 2010. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers, and the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ ukiah.html. In order to be considered in the Draft EIS, all comments must be received prior to the close of the scoping period or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. We will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft EIS. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the Walker Ridge Wind Project by any of the following methods: • Web site: https://www.blm.gov/ca/st/ en/fo/ukiah.html. • E-mail: ukiahwindeis@ca.blm.gov. • Fax: (707) 468–4027. • Mail: BLM Ukiah Field Office, Attention: Rich Burns, 2550 North State Street, Ukiah, California 95482. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Ukiah Field Office. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have your name added to our mailing list, contact Bethney Lefebvre, telephone (707) 468– 4000; address Ukiah Field Office, 2550 North State Street, Ukiah, California 95482; e-mail: ukiahwindeis@ca.blm.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicant, AltaGas Renewable Energy Pacific, Inc., has requested a right-ofway (ROW) to construct and operate a 67 megawatt (MW) wind energy project with an interconnection to the Pacific Gas and Electric 115-kilovolt (kV) distribution system. The proposed action would include up to 42 wind turbine generators, an underground electrical collection system, a substation, a 115-kV overhead transmission line, an interconnect station, an operations and maintenance building, access roads, and a temporary laydown area. The EIS will analyze the site-specific impacts to the environment from the project if the ROW is granted. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13AUN1.SGM 13AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 156 (Friday, August 13, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49516-49517]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19803]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2010-N111; 1265-0000-10137]

Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and the Julia Butler
Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: final comprehensive conservation plan
and environmental impact statement.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of the final comprehensive conservation plan and
environmental impact statement (final CCP/EIS) for the Lewis and Clark
National Wildlife Refuge and the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the
Columbian White-tailed Deer (refuge or collectively, refuges). These
refuges are located in Wahkiakum County, Washington, and Clatsop and
Columbia Counties, Oregon. In the final CCP/EIS, we describe how we
propose to manage these refuges for the next 15 years.

DATES: We will sign a record of decision no sooner than 30 days after
publication of this notice.

ADDRESSES: You may view or request copies of the final CCP/EIS by any
of the following methods. You may request a printed copy or CD-ROM.
Agency Web Sites: Download a copy of the document at https://www.fws.gov/lc/ or https://www.fws.gov/jbh/.
E-mail: FW1Planning@fws.gov. Include ``Lewis and Clark and Julia
Butler Hansen Final CCP/EIS'' in the subject line of the message.
Mail: Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3888 SR 101,
Ilwaco, WA 98624.
Fax: (360) 484-3109.
In person viewing: Copies of the final CCP/EIS may be viewed at the
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3888 SR 101, Ilwaco, WA
98624; and the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-
tailed Deer, 46 Steamboat Slough Road, Cathlamet, WA 98612.
Local Libraries: The final documents are available for review at
the libraries listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlie Stenvall, (360) 484-3482.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

With this notice, we announce the availability of the final CCP/EIS
for the refuges. We started this process through a notice in the
Federal Register (71 FR 55214; September 21, 2006). We released the
draft CCP/EIS to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a
notice of availability in the Federal Register (75 FR 6694; February
10, 2010).
The Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge was established in
1972 to preserve vital fish and wildlife habitat of the Columbia River
estuary. The refuge's riverine islands encompass a variety of habitat
types, from tidal sand flats and marshes to forested swamps. This
combination of habitats supports large numbers of waterfowl, gulls,
terns, wading birds, shorebirds, and a variety of raptors and
songbirds. The Lewis and Clark Refuge islands are only accessible by
boat and include 18 named islands, a number of unnamed islands, and
marshes stretching over 25 miles of the Columbia River.
The Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer
was established in 1971 to protect and manage the endangered Columbian
white-tailed deer. The refuge contains over 6,000 acres of pastures,
forested tidal swamps, brushy woodlots, marshes, and sloughs along the
Columbia River.
The final CCP/EIS was completed in accordance with National
Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) and National Wildlife
Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee)
requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human
environment, which we included in the final EIS for the CCP. The CCP
will guide us in managing and administering the refuges for the next 15
years.
We analyzed two alternatives for future management of the Lewis and
Clark National Wildlife Refuge and three alternatives for future
management of the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-
tailed Deer. Alternative 2 is our preferred alternative for both
refuges, and is the foundation for the CCP. We addressed public
comments on the draft CCP/EIS in the final CCP/EIS.

Background

The CCP Process

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Refuge 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 for
conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
photography,

[[Page 49517]]

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

CCP Alternatives We Are Considering

Lewis and Clark Refuge Alternative 1

No changes to the current refuge management programs would occur
under Alternative 1. Habitat management would consist of monitoring
refuge islands and treating invasive plant infestations as funding
allows. Refuge staff members would continue to protect and maintain
wintering and foraging habitat for migratory waterfowl, and nesting and
roosting habitat for bald eagles. Existing public uses, including
hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation and photography, would
continue at current levels.

Lewis and Clark Refuge Alternative 2

Under Alternative 2 (the preferred alternative), current wildlife
and habitat management would be maintained. Key refuge enhancements
would include establishing or expanding partnerships for managing
invasive species, recruiting graduate students to conduct wildlife and
habitat research, and exploring options for managing Oregon Department
of State Lands property within the approved refuge boundary. The refuge
would also expand opportunities for wildlife observation and
photography, study potential wilderness lands, and work with partners
to ensure that dredge-spoil islands provide benefits for wildlife.

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge Alternative 1

Under Alternative 1, no changes to the current refuge management
programs would occur at Julia Butler Hansen Refuge. We would continue
to maintain and protect habitats, establish early successional riparian
forest habitat, maintain predator management January through April, and
continue wildlife-dependent public use programs.

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge Alternative 2

Refuge management changes under Alternative 2 (the preferred
alternative) would include opening Crims and Price Islands to waterfowl
hunting, closing portions of refuge lands along the lower Elochoman
River to waterfowl hunting for public safety purposes, studying
potential wilderness lands, developing two trails, and improving
interpretive media. To achieve the recovery goals for the Columbian
white-tailed deer, predator management would take place on an as-needed
basis year-round under this alternative. We would also expand the
Columbian white-tailed deer population by establishing an experimental
population upriver.

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge Alternative 3

Refuge management changes under Alternative 3 would include opening
Crims and Price Islands to waterfowl hunting, closing portions of
refuge lands along the lower Elochoman River to waterfowl hunting for
public safety purposes, studying potential wilderness lands, developing
a bicycling and hiking trail, installing interpretive panels, and
developing curriculum for refuge study sites. To achieve the recovery
goals for the Columbian white-tailed deer, predator management would
take place January through August under this alternative.

Comments

We solicited comments on the Draft CCP/EIS from February 10, 2010,
to April 12, 2010. Public comments were considered and addressed in the
final CCP/EIS, resulting in only minor changes to the final document.

Public Availability of Documents

In addition to the methods in ADDRESSES, you can view documents at
the following libraries:
Blanch Bradley Library, 100 Main Street, Cathlamet, WA
98612.
Astoria Public Library, 450 10th Street, Astoria, OR
97103.
Clatskanie Library District, 11 Lillich Street,
Clatskanie, OR 97016.
Ilwaco Timberline Regional Library, 158 1st Ave. Ilwaco,
WA 98624.
Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana Street, Longview,
WA 98632.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd.,
Vancouver WA 98663.

Dated: June 10, 2010.
Carolyn A. Bohan,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2010-19803 Filed 8-12-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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