Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge and Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge), Imperial and Riverside Counties, CA; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 63502-63503 [2010-25923]

Download as PDF 63502 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 199 / Friday, October 15, 2010 / Notices court order in National Coalition for the Homeless v. Veterans Administration, No. 88–2503–OG (D.D.C.), HUD publishes a Notice, on a weekly basis, identifying unutilized, underutilized, excess and surplus Federal buildings and real property that HUD has reviewed for suitability for use to assist the homeless. Today’s Notice is for the purpose of announcing that no additional properties have been determined suitable or unsuitable this week. Dated: October 7, 2010. Mark R. Johnston, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs. [FR Doc. 2010–25763 Filed 10–14–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–R–2010–N169; 80230–1265–0000– S3] Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge and Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge), Imperial and Riverside Counties, CA; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex, which consists of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR located in Imperial County, California, and the Coachella Valley NWR located in Riverside County, California. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by December 14, 2010. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES Send your comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods. E-mail: Victoria_Touchstone@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Sonny Bono Salton Sea CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. 16:01 Oct 14, 2010 Jkt 223001 Victoria Touchstone, Refuge Planner, at 760–431–9440, extension 349, or Chris Schoneman, Project Leader, at 760–348– 5278, extension 227. Further information may also be found at https://www.fws.gov/saltonsea/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR Complex, including the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR in Imperial County, CA, and the Coachella Valley NWR in Riverside County, CA. This notice complies with our CCP policy to (1) advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct detailed planning on this refuge complex, and (2) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the environmental document and during development of the CCP. Background SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Introduction DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ADDRESSES: Fax: Attn: Victoria Touchstone, (760) 930–0256. U.S. Mail: Victoria Touchstone, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Refuge Planning, 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101, Carlsbad, CA 92011. In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR Office between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; please call (760) 348–5278 for directions. 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 intend to review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration Act. PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management goals, objectives, and strategies that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with each refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Our CCP process provides opportunities for participation by Tribal, State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public. We will be contacting identified stakeholders and individuals at this time for initial input. If you would like to meet with planning staff or would like to receive periodic updates, please contact us (see ADDRESSES section). We anticipate holding public meetings for initial comments and when alternative management scenarios have been identified. At this time we encourage comments in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR and the Coachella Valley NWR. We will conduct the environmental review of this project in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex The Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR Complex consists of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR and the Coachella Valley NWR. The Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR was established as a 32,766acre sanctuary and breeding ground for birds and other wildlife in 1930 (Executive Order 5498). Additional leased lands have been added to the Refuge under the authorities of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715d), ‘‘for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management propose, for migratory birds,’’ and the Lea Act (16 U.S.C. 695), ‘‘for the management and control of migratory waterfowl, and other wildlife.’’ Today, E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 199 / Friday, October 15, 2010 / Notices mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES with the original Refuge lands covered by the waters of the Salton Sea, management activities are focused on about 2,000 acres of primarily leased land. Approximately 920 acres consist of managed wetlands that support resident and migratory birds, and another 940 acres are farmed to provide forage for wintering geese and other migratory birds. Existing public uses include wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, environmental education, waterfowl hunting, and scientific research. The Coachella Valley NWR was established in 1985 under the authorities of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1534), ‘‘to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or threatened species or (B) plants.’’ The 3,709-acre Refuge, which is part of the larger Coachella Valley Preserve, protects the Federally listed endangered Coachella Valley milk-vetch (Astragalus lentiginosus var. coachellae) and threatened Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata), as well as other desert-dwelling species adapted to living in the sand dune habitat of the Coachella Valley. Access onto the Refuge is limited to a designated corridor for hiking and equestrian use. Project Leader (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). You may also submit comments or request a meeting during the planning process by mail, email, or fax (see ADDRESSES). There will be additional opportunities to provide public input once we have prepared a draft CCP. Scoping: Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities We have identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities for each Refuge that we may address in the CCP. Additional issues, concerns, and opportunities may be identified as a result of public scoping. For the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR, preliminary issues include: Increasing the productivity of existing managed wetlands to support migratory waterfowl; adapting to changing conditions associated with a shrinking Salton Sea (e.g., conversion of habitat types, dust management, degraded water quality); predation in seabird nesting areas; availability of adequate nesting habitat for seabirds, particularly gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica vanrossemi); and the effects of climate change on Refuge resources. For the Coachella Valley NWR, these issues include: Habitat and species management; control of invasive weedy species; effects of windblown sand on adjacent properties; public use; and impacts to Refuge resources as a result of illegal motorized vehicle activity. [LLNVS03100 L51010000.ER0000 LVRWF09–F8590; 10–08807; 4500013732; TAS: 14X5017] Public Meetings We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public meeting (or meetings). You can obtain the schedule from the Refuge Planner or VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:01 Oct 14, 2010 Jkt 223001 Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: October 5, 2010. Alexandra Pitts, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. 2010–25923 Filed 10–14–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Solar Millennium, Amargosa Farm Road Solar Power Project, Nye County, NV Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability. AGENCY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Amargosa Farm Road Solar Power Project, Nye County, Nevada, and by this notice is announcing its availability. SUMMARY: The BLM will not issue a final decision on the Amargosa Farm Road Solar Power Project for a minimum of 30 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its notice in the Federal Register. DATES: Copies of the Final EIS will be mailed to individuals, agencies, organizations, or companies who ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 63503 previously requested copies or who responded to the BLM on the Draft EIS. Printed copies or a compact disc of the Final EIS are available upon request from the BLM Southern Nevada District Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130; phone (702) 515– 5000; or e-mail at solar_millennium@blm.gov. Interested persons may also view the Final EIS at the following Web site: https:// www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/energy/fasttrack_renewable.html. Copies of the Final EIS are available for public inspection at the following locations in Nevada: • BLM Nevada State Office, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno. • BLM Southern Nevada District Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Helseth, Renewable Energy Project Manager, by phone (702) 515– 5173; in writing at the Bureau of Land Management, Southern Nevada District Office, Attn: Gregory Helseth, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130; or e-mail Gregory_Helseth@blm.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Solar Millennium applied to the BLM for a right-of-way on public lands to construct a concentrated solar thermal parabolic trough power plant facility approximately 80 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, in Nye County. The project site is located in Amargosa Valley south of Highway 95. The proposed project would encompass 4,350 acres of BLM-managed public lands, and is expected to operate for about 30 years. The proposed project would consist of two 242 megawatt drycooled power plants and solar fields equipped with solar thermal storage tanks capable of producing additional energy for 3.5 hours after sundown. The solar field is highly modular and consists of ‘‘loops,’’ each consisting of four curved glass mirror collectors. A loop is 22 meters wide by 850 meters long. A solar field consists of 200 to 400 loops. The orientation of the collectors is north-south and the collectors track the sun from east to west during the day. The collector focuses the sun’s direct beam radiation on a receiver tube. The row of collectors has a hydraulic drive unit with sensors to track the sun’s path throughout the day. The solar energy heats a transfer fluid which cycles through a series of exchangers, ultimately generating electricity. The project’s proposed facility design includes the solar fields, power blocks, buildings, parking area, laydown area, stormwater retention pond, and E:\FR\FM\15OCN1.SGM 15OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 199 (Friday, October 15, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63502-63503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25923]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-R-2010-N169; 80230-1265-0000-S3]


Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Sonny 
Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge and Coachella Valley National 
Wildlife Refuge), Imperial and Riverside Counties, CA; Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to 
prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental 
Assessment (EA) for the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge 
(NWR) Complex, which consists of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR located 
in Imperial County, California, and the Coachella Valley NWR located in 
Riverside County, California. We provide this notice in compliance with 
our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and 
the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information 
on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by December 14, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any 
of the following methods.
    E-mail: Victoria_Touchstone@fws.gov. Include ``Sonny Bono Salton 
Sea CCP'' in the subject line of the message.
    Fax: Attn: Victoria Touchstone, (760) 930-0256.
    U.S. Mail: Victoria Touchstone, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Refuge Planning, 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101, Carlsbad, CA 
92011.
    In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments at the Sonny Bono 
Salton Sea NWR Office between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; please call (760) 348-
5278 for directions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Victoria Touchstone, Refuge Planner, 
at 760-431-9440, extension 349, or Chris Schoneman, Project Leader, at 
760-348-5278, extension 227. Further information may also be found at 
https://www.fws.gov/saltonsea/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for 
the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR Complex, including the Sonny Bono Salton 
Sea NWR in Imperial County, CA, and the Coachella Valley NWR in 
Riverside County, CA. This notice complies with our CCP policy to (1) 
advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our 
intention to conduct detailed planning on this refuge complex, and (2) 
obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider 
in the environmental document and during development of the CCP.

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 intend to review and 
update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the 
Administration Act.
    Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established 
for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for 
developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for 
each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to 
determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a 
way for us and the public to evaluate management goals, objectives, and 
strategies that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, 
plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent 
recreation opportunities that are compatible with each refuge's 
establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System.
    Our CCP process provides opportunities for participation by Tribal, 
State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public. 
We will be contacting identified stakeholders and individuals at this 
time for initial input. If you would like to meet with planning staff 
or would like to receive periodic updates, please contact us (see 
ADDRESSES section). We anticipate holding public meetings for initial 
comments and when alternative management scenarios have been 
identified. At this time we encourage comments in the form of issues, 
concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of the Sonny 
Bono Salton Sea NWR and the Coachella Valley NWR.
    We will conduct the environmental review of this project in 
accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA 
regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other appropriate Federal laws 
and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with 
those laws and regulations.

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex

    The Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR Complex consists of the Sonny Bono 
Salton Sea NWR and the Coachella Valley NWR. The Sonny Bono Salton Sea 
NWR was established as a 32,766-acre sanctuary and breeding ground for 
birds and other wildlife in 1930 (Executive Order 5498). Additional 
leased lands have been added to the Refuge under the authorities of the 
Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715d), ``for use as an 
inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management propose, for migratory 
birds,'' and the Lea Act (16 U.S.C. 695), ``for the management and 
control of migratory waterfowl, and other wildlife.'' Today,

[[Page 63503]]

with the original Refuge lands covered by the waters of the Salton Sea, 
management activities are focused on about 2,000 acres of primarily 
leased land. Approximately 920 acres consist of managed wetlands that 
support resident and migratory birds, and another 940 acres are farmed 
to provide forage for wintering geese and other migratory birds. 
Existing public uses include wildlife observation, photography, 
interpretation, environmental education, waterfowl hunting, and 
scientific research.
    The Coachella Valley NWR was established in 1985 under the 
authorities of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1534), 
``to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered 
species or threatened species or (B) plants.'' The 3,709-acre Refuge, 
which is part of the larger Coachella Valley Preserve, protects the 
Federally listed endangered Coachella Valley milk-vetch (Astragalus 
lentiginosus var. coachellae) and threatened Coachella Valley fringe-
toed lizard (Uma inornata), as well as other desert-dwelling species 
adapted to living in the sand dune habitat of the Coachella Valley. 
Access onto the Refuge is limited to a designated corridor for hiking 
and equestrian use.

Scoping: Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

    We have identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities 
for each Refuge that we may address in the CCP. Additional issues, 
concerns, and opportunities may be identified as a result of public 
scoping. For the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR, preliminary issues include: 
Increasing the productivity of existing managed wetlands to support 
migratory waterfowl; adapting to changing conditions associated with a 
shrinking Salton Sea (e.g., conversion of habitat types, dust 
management, degraded water quality); predation in seabird nesting 
areas; availability of adequate nesting habitat for seabirds, 
particularly gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica vanrossemi); and 
the effects of climate change on Refuge resources.
    For the Coachella Valley NWR, these issues include: Habitat and 
species management; control of invasive weedy species; effects of 
windblown sand on adjacent properties; public use; and impacts to 
Refuge resources as a result of illegal motorized vehicle activity.

Public Meetings

    We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public 
meeting (or meetings). You can obtain the schedule from the Refuge 
Planner or Project Leader (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). You 
may also submit comments or request a meeting during the planning 
process by mail, e-mail, or fax (see ADDRESSES). There will be 
additional opportunities to provide public input once we have prepared 
a draft CCP.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

    Dated: October 5, 2010.
Alexandra Pitts,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region, Sacramento, 
California.
[FR Doc. 2010-25923 Filed 10-14-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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