Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron and Willacy Counties, TX; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment, 74073-74075 [2010-30003]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 30, 2010 / Notices Dated: November 23, 2010. Hope Grey, Information Collection Clearance Officer, Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2010–29979 Filed 11–29–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–ES–2010–N250; 10120–1113– 0000–C2] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina); Reopening of Public Comment Period Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of document availability; reopening of comment period. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, recently announced the availability of the Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) for public review and comment. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details. We now reopen the comment period. If you have previously submitted comments, please do not resubmit them, because we have already incorporated them in the public record and will fully consider them in developing our final recovery plan. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by December 15, 2010. ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the draft revised recovery plan are available online at: https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/ recovery_plan/100915.pdf and https:// www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/Species/Data/ NorthernSpottedOwl/Recovery/. Printed copies of the draft revised recovery plan are available by request from the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office, 2600 SE. 98th Avenue, Ste. 100, Portland, OR 97266 (phone: 503/231– 6179). Written comments regarding this recovery plan, or requests for copies of the plan, should be addressed to the above Portland address or sent by e-mail to: NSORPComments@fws.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brendan White or (for draft copies of population response model output) Diana Acosta, Fish and Wildlife Biologists, at the above address and phone number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 15, 2010, we published a Federal Register notice (75 FR 56131) jdjones on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:13 Nov 29, 2010 Jkt 223001 announcing the availability of the Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) for public review and comment under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C 1531 et seq.). We originally opened this comment period for 60 days, from September 15, 2010, to November 15, 2010. We are re-opening the public comment period until December 15, 2010, in response to several requests for additional time to review and comment on the draft revised recovery plan. For background information on the draft revised recovery plan, see our September 15, 2010, notice. As stated in that notice, we particularly seek comments concerning portions of the draft revised recovery plan that have been updated from the 2008 recovery plan. Appendix C of the draft revised recovery plan described stages 1 and 2 of our ongoing three-stage spotted owl modeling effort. Since its release we have continued this effort, initiating population response modeling using the individual-based population program HexSim. Though still at preliminary draft stage, population response simulations from this portion of the modeling process are available for public review by request from our office. These simulations do not estimate what will occur in the future, but provide comparative information on potential population responses to different conservation scenarios as described in the draft revised recovery plan. 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 personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). Dated: November 15, 2010. Richard R. Hannan, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2010–30069 Filed 11–29–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 74073 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–R–2010–N203; 20131–1265– 2CCP–S3] Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron and Willacy Counties, TX; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) for the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In this final CCP, we describe how we will manage this refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the final CCP and FONSI/EA by any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy or CD–ROM. Agency Web Site: Download a copy of the document(s) at https://www.fws.gov/ southwest/refuges/Plan/. E-mail: mark_sprick@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Laguna Atascosa final CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. Mail: Mark Sprick, AICP, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103–1306. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 505–248–7411 to make an appointment during regular business hours at 500 Gold Avenue, SW., Albuquerque, NM 87102. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sonny Perez, Refuge Manager, Laguna Atascosa NWR, 22817 Ocelot Road, Los Fresnos, TX 78566; by phone, 956–748– 3607; or by e-mail, sonny_perez@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Laguna Atascosa NWR. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register July 19, 2004 (69 FR 43010). Laguna Atascosa NWR is located in Cameron and Willacy Counties, Texas, and encompasses 97,007 acres of brush lands, coastal prairies, freshwater and brackish pothole wetlands, estuarine wetlands, lomas (clay ridges), wind tidal flats, and barrier island beaches and E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 74074 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 30, 2010 / Notices dunes. Management efforts focus on protecting, enhancing, and restoring Refuge habitats and water management for the benefit of important fish and wildlife resources. The Refuge is a premiere bird watching destination with 415 recorded bird species, more than any other national wildlife refuge. A total of eight federally listed endangered or threatened species occur within the Refuge, including four species of sea turtles. The largest U.S. population of endangered ocelot cats is located on the Refuge, making it the center for ocelot conservation and recovery. Laguna Atascosa NWR was formally established by the Migratory Bird Commission on October 31, 1945, and the first tract forming the Refuge was acquired on March 29, 1946. The purposes of the Refuge are: ‘‘[F]or use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds’’ (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 (16 U.S.C. 715d), as amended); ‘‘for wildlife conservation purposes if the real property has particular value in carrying out the national migratory bird management program’’ (Transfer of Certain Real Property for Wildlife Conservation Purposes Act of 1948 (16 U.S.C. 667b–667d), Public Law 80–537, as amended); ‘‘for the development, advancement, management, conservation and protection of fish and wildlife resources’’ (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742(a)(4), as amended); and ‘‘for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude’’ (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742(b)(1), as amended). We announce our decision and the availability of the FONSI for the final CCP for the Laguna Atascosa NWR in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment, which we included in the EA that accompanied the draft CCP. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative B, with modifications as described in Appendix H (Response to Public Comments), is selected as the management direction for the Final Plan. Background 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 on conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act. CCP Alternatives, Including Selected Alternative Our draft CCP and our EA (74 FR 66148) addressed several issues. To address these, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives. B: Proposed action alternative C: Optimize public-use alternative Issue 1: Habitat Management Activities. Biological program and habitat management would continue under existing plans; any expansions would occur opportunistically.. Limited to current public use under existing plans; any expansions would occur opportunistically.. Issue 3: Staffing, Facilities, and Infrastructure. Existing staffing (17 permanent positions) and facilities; any additional staff and facility expansions would occur opportunistically.. Integrated biological and habitat management efforts with landscape-level and ecosystemlevel plans; emphasis on protection and monitoring of Federal trust species and priority species and their habitats.. Improvement of priority public uses, particularly hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation, to meet demand when compatible with wildlife needs and Refuge purposes; expansion of research efforts and dynamic partnerships.. Addition of 11 staff to existing base; addition of over 6 miles of hike/bike trails; one auto tour route; two separate parking areas; new visitor center at Laguna Atascosa Unit. Visitor contact and research station at Bahia Grande.. Same as No-Action Alternative (Alternative A). Issue 2: Improvements to public use opportunities. jdjones on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with NOTICES A: No-action alternative Comments We accepted comments on the draft CCP and the EA for the Laguna Atascosa NWR from December 14, 2009, to February 12, 2010 (74 FR 66148). Subsequently, the Draft Plan/EA were made available for public review VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:13 Nov 29, 2010 Jkt 223001 starting on December 14, 2009, at the Refuge, at eight local municipal and county libraries in the south Texas area near the Refuge, and at the Regional Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Four open house meetings were held in communities near the Refuge in January PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Expand and emphasize all priority public uses, particularly hunting and fishing and access to all Refuge areas to the maximum extent when compatible, based on public comments. Base funding and staffing would increase by four positions (Outdoor Recreation Planner and three Park Rangers); several additional miles of auto tour routes, seven hike/bike trails and associated parking areas; visitor contact station; all primarily at Bahia Grande. 2010. In all, 98 individuals signed the attendance rosters at the open house meetings and a total of 52 comments were submitted in writing or phoned in to the Refuge/Regional Office. Additionally, one State agency, one university, and six nongovernmental E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 30, 2010 / Notices organizations responded prior to the end of the 60-day public comment period. Based on the comments received, we changed the Draft Plan/EA to include: Improved inventory and assessment of water resources to meet protection goals, recommended strategies for bird surveys, modification of a wildlife objective to clarify protections for falcons, and strategies to address future establishment of artificial water sources. Selected Alternative After considering the comments we received, we have selected Alternative B for implementation. This alternative describes how habitat objectives will be accomplished through a combination of management activities to encourage ecological integrity, promote restoration of coastal prairie habitats, control invasive plant species, and provide/ enhance brush land, wetland and grassland habitat for ocelots, migratory waterfowl, and other resident wildlife. This alternative was selected because it best meets refuge purposes and goals of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. This action will not adversely impact endangered or threatened species or their habitat. Opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation activities, such as hunting, fishing, observation, photography, environmental education, and 74075 interpretation, will be enhanced. Future management actions will have a neutral or positive impact on the local economy, and the recommendations in the Plan will ensure that Refuge management is consistent with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Public Availability of Documents In addition to the methods in you can view or obtain documents at the following locations: • Our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/ southwest/refuges/texas/STRC/laguna/ Index_Laguna.html. • At the following libraries: ADDRESSES, Library Address Phone number City of Brownsville Public Library .................. Harlingen Public Library ................................ Laguna Vista Public Library .......................... Los Fresnos Public Library ........................... Port Isabel Public Library .............................. Willacy County/Reber Memorial Library ........ Rio Hondo Public Library .............................. San Benito Public Library .............................. 2600 Central Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78520–8824 ................................................... 410 ’76 Drive, Harlingen, TX 78550 ........................................................................ 1300 Palm Blvd., Laguna Vista, TX 78578 ............................................................. 402 W. Ocean, Los Fresnos, TX 78566 ................................................................. 213 Yturria St., Port Isabel, TX 78578 .................................................................... 190 N. 4th. St., Raymondville, TX 78580 ................................................................ 121 N. Arroyo Blvd., Rio Hondo, TX 78583 ............................................................ 101 W. Rose St., San Benito, TX 78586 ................................................................ 956–548–1055 956–427–8841 956–943–7155 956–233–5330 956–943–2265 956–689–2930 956–748–3322 956–361–3860 Dated: October 19, 2010. Joy Nicholopoulos, Regional Director, Region 2, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2010–30003 Filed 11–29–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–R–2010–N203; 20131–1265– 2CCP–S3] Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, Johnston County, OK; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) for the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In this final CCP, we describe how we will manage this Refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the final CCP and FONSI/EA by any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy or CD–ROM. jdjones on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:13 Nov 29, 2010 Jkt 223001 Agency Web Site: Download a copy of the document(s) at https://www.fws.gov/ southwest/refuges/Plan/. E-mail: Joseph_Lujan@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Tishomingo Final CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. Mail: Joseph R. Lujan, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103–1306. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 505–248–7458 to make an appointment during regular business hours at 500 Gold Avenue SW., Albuquerque, NM 87102. Kris Patton, Refuge Manager, Tishomingo NWR, 12000 South Refuge Road, Tishomingo, OK 73625; by phone, 580– 371–2402; or by e-mail, kris_patton@fws.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Tishomingo NWR. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register November 17, 1999 (64 FR 62683). Tishomingo NWR is located in Johnston County, Oklahoma, and encompasses 16,464 acres located in south-central Oklahoma. Management efforts focus on protecting, enhancing, and restoring Refuge habitats and water management for the benefit of fish and PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 wildlife resources. Cumberland Pool, a part of Lake Texoma, takes up a quarter of the Refuge and serves as the focal point for many visitors because of its birds and fish. The Refuge also has a strong historical context. The Refuge was once the homeland of the Chickasaw Nation, and later became the Washita and Chapman Farms, integrating an entire community. On January 24, 1946, the Refuge was authorized and established to preserve nesting grounds for migrating waterfowl, by order of President Harry S. Truman under Public Land Order 312. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ and the Service’s cooperative agreement, along with a cooperative agreement between the Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Corps, are the foundation of refuge management authority for the Service. We announce our decision and the availability of the FONSI for the final CCP for the Tishomingo NWR in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment, which we included in the EA that accompanied the draft CCP. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative B, with modifications E:\FR\FM\30NON1.SGM 30NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 30, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74073-74075]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-30003]

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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R2-R-2010-N203; 20131-1265-2CCP-S3]

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron and Willacy
Counties, TX; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No
Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and
finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental
assessment (EA) for the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
In this final CCP, we describe how we will manage this refuge for the
next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the final CCP and FONSI/EA
by any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy or CD-ROM.
Agency Web Site: Download a copy of the document(s) at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/Plan/.
E-mail: mark_sprick@fws.gov. Include ``Laguna Atascosa final CCP''
in the subject line of the message.
Mail: Mark Sprick, AICP, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM
87103-1306.
In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 505-248-7411 to make an
appointment during regular business hours at 500 Gold Avenue, SW.,
Albuquerque, NM 87102.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sonny Perez, Refuge Manager, Laguna
Atascosa NWR, 22817 Ocelot Road, Los Fresnos, TX 78566; by phone, 956-
748-3607; or by e-mail, sonny_perez@fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Laguna
Atascosa NWR. We started this process through a notice in the Federal
Register July 19, 2004 (69 FR 43010).
Laguna Atascosa NWR is located in Cameron and Willacy Counties,
Texas, and encompasses 97,007 acres of brush lands, coastal prairies,
freshwater and brackish pothole wetlands, estuarine wetlands, lomas
(clay ridges), wind tidal flats, and barrier island beaches and

[[Page 74074]]

dunes. Management efforts focus on protecting, enhancing, and restoring
Refuge habitats and water management for the benefit of important fish
and wildlife resources. The Refuge is a premiere bird watching
destination with 415 recorded bird species, more than any other
national wildlife refuge. A total of eight federally listed endangered
or threatened species occur within the Refuge, including four species
of sea turtles. The largest U.S. population of endangered ocelot cats
is located on the Refuge, making it the center for ocelot conservation
and recovery.
Laguna Atascosa NWR was formally established by the Migratory Bird
Commission on October 31, 1945, and the first tract forming the Refuge
was acquired on March 29, 1946. The purposes of the Refuge are: ``[F]or
use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for
migratory birds'' (Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 (16 U.S.C.
715d), as amended); ``for wildlife conservation purposes if the real
property has particular value in carrying out the national migratory
bird management program'' (Transfer of Certain Real Property for
Wildlife Conservation Purposes Act of 1948 (16 U.S.C. 667b-667d),
Public Law 80-537, as amended); ``for the development, advancement,
management, conservation and protection of fish and wildlife
resources'' (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742(a)(4), as
amended); and ``for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, in performing its activities and services. Such acceptance may
be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant, or
condition of servitude'' (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C.
742(b)(1), as amended).
We announce our decision and the availability of the FONSI for the
final CCP for the Laguna Atascosa NWR in accordance with National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We
completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment,
which we included in the EA that accompanied the draft CCP.
The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Laguna
Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative B,
with modifications as described in Appendix H (Response to Public
Comments), is selected as the management direction for the Final Plan.

Background

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 on
conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with
the Refuge Administration Act.

CCP Alternatives, Including Selected Alternative

Our draft CCP and our EA (74 FR 66148) addressed several issues. To
address these, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A: No-action B: Proposed action C: Optimize public-use
alternative alternative alternative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 1: Habitat Management Biological program and Integrated biological Same as No-Action
Activities. habitat management and habitat management Alternative
would continue under efforts with landscape- (Alternative A).
existing plans; any level and ecosystem-
expansions would occur level plans; emphasis
opportunistically.. on protection and
monitoring of Federal
trust species and
priority species and
their habitats..
Issue 2: Improvements to public use Limited to current Improvement of priority Expand and emphasize
opportunities. public use under public uses, all priority public
existing plans; any particularly hunting, uses, particularly
expansions would occur fishing, and wildlife hunting and fishing
opportunistically.. observation, to meet and access to all
demand when compatible Refuge areas to the
with wildlife needs maximum extent when
and Refuge purposes; compatible, based on
expansion of research public comments.
efforts and dynamic
partnerships..
Issue 3: Staffing, Facilities, and Existing staffing (17 Addition of 11 staff to Base funding and
Infrastructure. permanent positions) existing base; staffing would
and facilities; any addition of over 6 increase by four
additional staff and miles of hike/bike positions (Outdoor
facility expansions trails; one auto tour Recreation Planner and
would occur route; two separate three Park Rangers);
opportunistically.. parking areas; new several additional
visitor center at miles of auto tour
Laguna Atascosa Unit. routes, seven hike/
Visitor contact and bike trails and
research station at associated parking
Bahia Grande.. areas; visitor contact
station; all primarily
at Bahia Grande.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments

We accepted comments on the draft CCP and the EA for the Laguna
Atascosa NWR from December 14, 2009, to February 12, 2010 (74 FR
66148). Subsequently, the Draft Plan/EA were made available for public
review starting on December 14, 2009, at the Refuge, at eight local
municipal and county libraries in the south Texas area near the Refuge,
and at the Regional Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Four open house
meetings were held in communities near the Refuge in January 2010. In
all, 98 individuals signed the attendance rosters at the open house
meetings and a total of 52 comments were submitted in writing or phoned
in to the Refuge/Regional Office. Additionally, one State agency, one
university, and six nongovernmental

[[Page 74075]]

organizations responded prior to the end of the 60-day public comment
period. Based on the comments received, we changed the Draft Plan/EA to
include: Improved inventory and assessment of water resources to meet
protection goals, recommended strategies for bird surveys, modification
of a wildlife objective to clarify protections for falcons, and
strategies to address future establishment of artificial water sources.

Selected Alternative

After considering the comments we received, we have selected
Alternative B for implementation. This alternative describes how
habitat objectives will be accomplished through a combination of
management activities to encourage ecological integrity, promote
restoration of coastal prairie habitats, control invasive plant
species, and provide/enhance brush land, wetland and grassland habitat
for ocelots, migratory waterfowl, and other resident wildlife. This
alternative was selected because it best meets refuge purposes and
goals of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. This action will
not adversely impact endangered or threatened species or their habitat.
Opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation activities, such as
hunting, fishing, observation, photography, environmental education,
and interpretation, will be enhanced. Future management actions will
have a neutral or positive impact on the local economy, and the
recommendations in the Plan will ensure that Refuge management is
consistent with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Public Availability of Documents

In addition to the methods in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain
documents at the following locations:
Our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/STRC/laguna/Index_Laguna.html.
At the following libraries:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Address Phone number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Brownsville Public 2600 Central Blvd., 956-548-1055
Library. Brownsville, TX 78520-
8824.
Harlingen Public Library....... 410 '76 Drive, 956-427-8841
Harlingen, TX 78550.
Laguna Vista Public Library.... 1300 Palm Blvd., Laguna 956-943-7155
Vista, TX 78578.
Los Fresnos Public Library..... 402 W. Ocean, Los 956-233-5330
Fresnos, TX 78566.
Port Isabel Public Library..... 213 Yturria St., Port 956-943-2265
Isabel, TX 78578.
Willacy County/Reber Memorial 190 N. 4th. St., 956-689-2930
Library. Raymondville, TX 78580.
Rio Hondo Public Library....... 121 N. Arroyo Blvd., 956-748-3322
Rio Hondo, TX 78583.
San Benito Public Library...... 101 W. Rose St., San 956-361-3860
Benito, TX 78586.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dated: October 19, 2010.
Joy Nicholopoulos,
Regional Director, Region 2, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-30003 Filed 11-29-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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