Protection Island and San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuges, Jefferson, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties, WA, 51098-51099 [2010-20542]

Download as PDF 51098 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 159 / Wednesday, August 18, 2010 / Notices Dated: July 21, 2010. Mary E. Landry, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District. BILLING CODE 9110–04–P ak.blm.conveyance@ak.blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunication device (TTD) may contact the BLM by calling the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Dina L. Torres, Land Transfer Resolution Specialist, Branch of Preparation and Resolution. [FR Doc. 2010–20363 Filed 8–17–10; 8:45 am] [FR Doc. 2010–20344 Filed 8–17–10; 8:45 am] Bureau of Land Management BILLING CODE 4310–JA–P [AA–11956, AA–11991, AA–11992, AA– 11983, AA–11990, AA–11962, AA–11946, AA–11947, AA–11964, AA–11951, AA– 11989, AA–11952, AA–11959, AA–11988, AA–11948, AA–11949, AA–11980, AA– 11985, AA–11950, AA–11986, AA–11981, AA–11982, AA–12004, AA–12005; LLAK– 962000–L14100000–HY0000–P] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2010–N131; 1265–0000–10137– S3] Alaska Native Claims Selection Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of decision approving lands for conveyance. AGENCY: As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will issue an appealable decision to The Aleut Corporation. The decision will approve the conveyance of only the surface estate for certain lands pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The lands are located on the Rat Islands, west of Adak, Alaska, aggregating 280.33 acres. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in the Anchorage Daily News. DATES: Any party claiming a property interest in the lands affected by the decision may appeal the decision within the following time limits: 1. Unknown parties, parties unable to be located after reasonable efforts have been expended to locate, parties who fail or refuse to sign their return receipt, and parties who receive a copy of the decision by regular mail which is not certified, return receipt requested, shall have until September 17, 2010 to file an appeal. 2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal. Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4, subpart E, shall be deemed to have waived their rights. ADDRESSES: A copy of the decision may be obtained from: Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, 222 West Seventh Avenue, #13, Anchorage, Alaska 99513–7504. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The BLM by phone at 907–271–5960, or by e-mail at sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:40 Aug 17, 2010 Jkt 220001 Protection Island and San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuges, Jefferson, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties, WA Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: draft comprehensive conservation plan, draft wilderness stewardship plan, and environmental assessment; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP), draft wilderness stewardship plan (WSP), and environmental assessment (EA) for Protection Island and San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs, Refuges) for public review and comment. The Draft CCP/WSP/EA describes our alternatives, including our preferred alternative, for managing the Refuges for the 15 years following approval of the final CCP/WSP. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by September 17, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, requests for more information, or requests for copies of the Draft CCP/ WSP/EA by any of the following methods. E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Protection/San Juan Draft CCP’’ in the subject line. Fax: Attn: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, (360) 457–9778. U.S. Mail: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 715 Holgerson Drive, Sequim, WA 98382. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, (360) 457– 8451. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Introduction Protection Island NWR is located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near the entrance to Discovery Bay in Jefferson County, Washington. It includes 659 acres of land and tideland. Protection Island NWR was established to provide habitat for a diversity of birds with particular emphasis on nesting bald eagles and seabirds, as well as to protect the hauling-out area for marine mammals. It has one of the largest colonies of rhinoceros auklets in North America. The Refuge also provides opportunities for scientific research and wildlife-oriented education and interpretation. Most of the San Juan Islands NWR consists of rocks, reefs, and islands scattered throughout the San Juan Archipelago. Two islands, Smith and Minor, are located south of the archipelago within the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Refuge consists of approximately 449 acres in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties, Washington. Most (353 acres) of San Juan Islands NWR is also designated wilderness known as the San Juan Islands Wilderness Area. San Juan Islands NWR was established to facilitate management of migratory birds, including serving as a breeding ground and winter sanctuary for native birds. It was also intended to be a refuge for other wildlife. This Refuge is particularly important to breeding black oystercatchers, cormorants, and harbor seals. 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 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 E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM 18AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 159 / Wednesday, August 18, 2010 / Notices Alternative B (Preferred Alternative) in accordance with the Refuge System Administration Act. Public Outreach We began public outreach by publishing a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register on August 14, 2007 (72 FR 45444), announcing our intent to complete a CCP/EA and inviting public comments. In October 2007, we distributed Planning Update 1, which included background information on the Refuges, preliminary issues and goals, and a mail-in comment form. In the later part of 2007 and first half of 2008, Refuge and regional office staff held meetings with other Federal agencies, State agencies, county-based Marine Resource Committees, the research community, and nongovernmental organizations. In August 2008, we distributed Planning Update 2, which included the results of initial scoping, preliminary management options, and an invitation to the public open house meetings. The open house public meetings were held on September 23 and 24, 2008, in Friday Harbor and Port Townsend, Washington, respectively. We presented preliminary management options and obtained public comments at these meetings. Draft CCP/WSP/EA Alternatives We Are Considering We identified and evaluated three alternatives for managing the Refuges, including current management (Alternative A). Brief descriptions of the alternatives follow. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Alternative A (Current Management) Under Alternative A, the Refuges would continue with current management, which focuses on stewardship, including removing unnecessary roads and human structures; allowing natural processes to occur with minimal human intervention; monitoring wildlife species; and working with partners to reduce the risk of oil spills, clean up marine debris, and educate boaters to minimize human-caused wildlife disturbance. Protection Island NWR would continue to be closed to the general public. Scientific research activities on Protection Island would continue with an emphasis on existing long-term partnerships. Recreational activities, including wildlife observation, photography, and camping on Turn and Matia Islands within the San Juan Islands Refuge, would continue as they have in the past and be facilitated through a State Parks partnership. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:40 Aug 17, 2010 Jkt 220001 This alternative would continue many of the activities in Alternative A, and would include more active habitat management projects, such as removing deer from Protection Island to enhance seabird nesting habitat and forest habitat; restoration projects on the spits, grasslands, and forests to increase native plant diversity; and the facilitation of new research and monitoring studies and partnerships to find answers to Refuge management questions. Public use changes include prohibiting pets on all Refuge lands and closing some areas on Turn Island, including all of the rocky shoreline to the east and the southeast beach as well as most of the island’s interior. Overnight camping on Turn and Matia Islands would be limited to visitors arriving by humanpowered craft, and a camping reservation system would be initiated. There would be more emphasis on enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of the Refuges’ natural, cultural, and wilderness resources through both on- and off-Refuge interpretation and education programs. There would be fewer large signs but more medium-sized signs installed on San Juan Islands Refuge units to discourage close approach or trespassing on closed islands. There would also be more emphasis on working with existing partners and developing new partnerships to accomplish objectives. 51099 Library, Evergreen State College Library, Island Public Library, Jefferson County Central Library, Lopez Island Public Library, North Olympic Public Library, Oak Harbor Public Library, Orcas Island Public Library, Peninsula College Library, San Juan Islands Library, Shaw Island Library, University of Puget Sound Library, University of Washington Library, and Waldron Island Library. Next Steps After this comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and address them in the final CCP/WSP and decision document. 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 identifying information from the public, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: July 2, 2010. Carolyn A. Bohan, Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2010–20542 Filed 8–17–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Alternative C Bureau of Land Management This Alternative is very similar to Alternative B; the primary differences are fewer acres of native habitat restoration, as well as less research and fewer monitoring studies and surveys. Camping would continue with fewer campsites on Matia Island, and Turn Island would be limited to day-use only. Compared to Alternative B, fewer and mostly smaller signs would be used in Alternative C to identify closed Refuge islands and reduce human-caused wildlife disturbance. [LLWO120900–L10200000–PA0000; HAG– 10–0097] Public Availability of Documents In addition to any methods in you can obtain a CD–ROM copy of the Draft CCP/WSP/EA from the Refuge by calling (360) 457–8451. Copies may be reviewed at the Refuge and on the Internet at https:// www.fws.gov/pacific/planning/main/ docs/WA/docsprotectionIs.htm. Printed copies will be available for review at the following libraries in northwestern Washington: Anacortes Public Library, Bellingham Public Library, Clinton Public Library, Coupeville Public ADDRESSES, PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Final Supplementary Rules for Public Land in Oregon and Washington Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Final Supplementary Rules on the BLM lands in Oregon and Washington. AGENCY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon State Office is proposing Final Supplementary Rules for the BLM lands within the States of Oregon and Washington. These Final Supplementary Rules revise existing supplementary rules. These revisions are necessary in order to protect public land natural resources and provide for the public’s health and safety. They provide needed guidance in the areas of special forest products and recreation, allow for the assessment of penalties that are commensurate with the magnitude of prohibited acts, and promote consistency among the BLM and other natural resource agencies. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM 18AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51098-51099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20542]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2010-N131; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Protection Island and San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuges, 
Jefferson, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties, WA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: draft comprehensive conservation plan, 
draft wilderness stewardship plan, and environmental assessment; 
request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of our draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP), draft 
wilderness stewardship plan (WSP), and environmental assessment (EA) 
for Protection Island and San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuges 
(NWRs, Refuges) for public review and comment. The Draft CCP/WSP/EA 
describes our alternatives, including our preferred alternative, for 
managing the Refuges for the 15 years following approval of the final 
CCP/WSP.

DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by 
September 17, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, requests for more information, or 
requests for copies of the Draft CCP/WSP/EA by any of the following 
methods.
    E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``Protection/San Juan 
Draft CCP'' in the subject line.
    Fax: Attn: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, (360) 457-9778.
    U.S. Mail: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, Washington Maritime National 
Wildlife Refuge Complex, 715 Holgerson Drive, Sequim, WA 98382.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, (360) 457-
8451.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    Protection Island NWR is located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near 
the entrance to Discovery Bay in Jefferson County, Washington. It 
includes 659 acres of land and tideland. Protection Island NWR was 
established to provide habitat for a diversity of birds with particular 
emphasis on nesting bald eagles and seabirds, as well as to protect the 
hauling-out area for marine mammals. It has one of the largest colonies 
of rhinoceros auklets in North America. The Refuge also provides 
opportunities for scientific research and wildlife-oriented education 
and interpretation.
    Most of the San Juan Islands NWR consists of rocks, reefs, and 
islands scattered throughout the San Juan Archipelago. Two islands, 
Smith and Minor, are located south of the archipelago within the Strait 
of Juan de Fuca. The Refuge consists of approximately 449 acres in 
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties, Washington. Most (353 
acres) of San Juan Islands NWR is also designated wilderness known as 
the San Juan Islands Wilderness Area. San Juan Islands NWR was 
established to facilitate management of migratory birds, including 
serving as a breeding ground and winter sanctuary for native birds. It 
was also intended to be a refuge for other wildlife. This Refuge is 
particularly important to breeding black oystercatchers, cormorants, 
and harbor seals.

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 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

[[Page 51099]]

in accordance with the Refuge System Administration Act.

Public Outreach

    We began public outreach by publishing a Notice of Intent in the 
Federal Register on August 14, 2007 (72 FR 45444), announcing our 
intent to complete a CCP/EA and inviting public comments. In October 
2007, we distributed Planning Update 1, which included background 
information on the Refuges, preliminary issues and goals, and a mail-in 
comment form. In the later part of 2007 and first half of 2008, Refuge 
and regional office staff held meetings with other Federal agencies, 
State agencies, county-based Marine Resource Committees, the research 
community, and nongovernmental organizations. In August 2008, we 
distributed Planning Update 2, which included the results of initial 
scoping, preliminary management options, and an invitation to the 
public open house meetings. The open house public meetings were held on 
September 23 and 24, 2008, in Friday Harbor and Port Townsend, 
Washington, respectively. We presented preliminary management options 
and obtained public comments at these meetings.

Draft CCP/WSP/EA Alternatives We Are Considering

    We identified and evaluated three alternatives for managing the 
Refuges, including current management (Alternative A). Brief 
descriptions of the alternatives follow.

Alternative A (Current Management)

    Under Alternative A, the Refuges would continue with current 
management, which focuses on stewardship, including removing 
unnecessary roads and human structures; allowing natural processes to 
occur with minimal human intervention; monitoring wildlife species; and 
working with partners to reduce the risk of oil spills, clean up marine 
debris, and educate boaters to minimize human-caused wildlife 
disturbance. Protection Island NWR would continue to be closed to the 
general public. Scientific research activities on Protection Island 
would continue with an emphasis on existing long-term partnerships. 
Recreational activities, including wildlife observation, photography, 
and camping on Turn and Matia Islands within the San Juan Islands 
Refuge, would continue as they have in the past and be facilitated 
through a State Parks partnership.

Alternative B (Preferred Alternative)

    This alternative would continue many of the activities in 
Alternative A, and would include more active habitat management 
projects, such as removing deer from Protection Island to enhance 
seabird nesting habitat and forest habitat; restoration projects on the 
spits, grasslands, and forests to increase native plant diversity; and 
the facilitation of new research and monitoring studies and 
partnerships to find answers to Refuge management questions. Public use 
changes include prohibiting pets on all Refuge lands and closing some 
areas on Turn Island, including all of the rocky shoreline to the east 
and the southeast beach as well as most of the island's interior. 
Overnight camping on Turn and Matia Islands would be limited to 
visitors arriving by human-powered craft, and a camping reservation 
system would be initiated. There would be more emphasis on enhancing 
the public's understanding and appreciation of the Refuges' natural, 
cultural, and wilderness resources through both on- and off-Refuge 
interpretation and education programs. There would be fewer large signs 
but more medium-sized signs installed on San Juan Islands Refuge units 
to discourage close approach or trespassing on closed islands. There 
would also be more emphasis on working with existing partners and 
developing new partnerships to accomplish objectives.

Alternative C

    This Alternative is very similar to Alternative B; the primary 
differences are fewer acres of native habitat restoration, as well as 
less research and fewer monitoring studies and surveys. Camping would 
continue with fewer campsites on Matia Island, and Turn Island would be 
limited to day-use only. Compared to Alternative B, fewer and mostly 
smaller signs would be used in Alternative C to identify closed Refuge 
islands and reduce human-caused wildlife disturbance.

Public Availability of Documents

    In addition to any methods in ADDRESSES, you can obtain a CD-ROM 
copy of the Draft CCP/WSP/EA from the Refuge by calling (360) 457-8451. 
Copies may be reviewed at the Refuge and on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/pacific/planning/main/docs/WA/docsprotectionIs.htm. Printed 
copies will be available for review at the following libraries in 
northwestern Washington: Anacortes Public Library, Bellingham Public 
Library, Clinton Public Library, Coupeville Public Library, Evergreen 
State College Library, Island Public Library, Jefferson County Central 
Library, Lopez Island Public Library, North Olympic Public Library, Oak 
Harbor Public Library, Orcas Island Public Library, Peninsula College 
Library, San Juan Islands Library, Shaw Island Library, University of 
Puget Sound Library, University of Washington Library, and Waldron 
Island Library.

Next Steps

    After this comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and 
address them in the final CCP/WSP and decision document.

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 identifying information from 
the public, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

    Dated: July 2, 2010.
Carolyn A. Bohan,
Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2010-20542 Filed 8-17-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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