Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties, TX; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment, 5196-5198 [2011-1299]

Download as PDF 5196 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 19 / Friday, January 28, 2011 / Notices investing an increased portion of staff time into nurturing these promising relationships. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Dated: September 14, 2010. Mark J. Musaus, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. 2011–1867 Filed 1–27–11; 8:45 am] In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 505–248–6636 to make an appointment during regular business hours at 500 Gold Avenue SW., Albuquerque, NM 87102. Dan Alonso, Refuge Manager, Aransas NWRC, P.O. Box 100, Austwell, TX 77050; by phone, 361–286–3559; or by e-mail, dan_alonso@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: BILLING CODE 4310–55–P Introduction DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–R–2010–N208; 20131–1265– 2CCP–S3] Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio 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 Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC). 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: roxanne_turley@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Aransas final CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. Mail: Roxanne Turley, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103–1306. WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:05 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 223001 With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Aransas NWRC. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register August 30, 2002 (67 FR 55862). Aransas NWRC is located in Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties, Texas, and encompasses 115,931 acres of coastal prairie, oak woodland and savannah, barrier island, and salt and freshwater marshes. 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 world renowned for hosting the largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes each winter. Other native species on the Refuge include the American alligator, javelina, roseate spoonbill, armadillo, and wildflowers. Aransas NWRC was established ‘‘as a refuge and breeding grounds for birds’’, by Executive Order No. 7784 on December 31, 1937. The authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 712d) establishes that each refuge in the system is ‘‘for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or any other management purpose, for migratory birds.’’ The Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460–1) states that each refuge in the system is ‘‘suitable for incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, the protection of natural resources, and the conservation of endangered or threatened species.’’ Additionally, Aransas NWRC contains critical habitat for the whooping crane (43 FR 20938, May 15, 1978). PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 We announce our decision and the availability of the FONSI for the final CCP for the Aransas NWRC 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 Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex for the next 15 years. Alternative B, with modifications as described in Appendix J (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 (75 FR 6872) addressed several issues. To address these, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives. E:\FR\FM\28JAN1.SGM 28JAN1 5197 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 19 / Friday, January 28, 2011 / Notices B: Optimal habitat management and public use (proposed action) alternative C: Maximal habitat management and public-use alternative Ecosystem-level management actions to better protect and preserve the natural diversity of unique habitats and sensitive wildlife, through a holistic, partnered, and publically involved approach, would be implemented; current and future long-term benefits for migratory and resident birds, wildlife and their habitats, and the recovery of threatened and endangered species would be provided. Current public use under existing An optimal, quality experience for the plans would continue; any expanpublic. Priority wildlife-dependent sions would occur opportunistically. uses would be emphasized, and other existing public uses would be allowed where appropriate. Intensive management to achieve a predetermined amount of woodlands, wetlands, croplands, grasslands, shrublands, and water impoundments to benefit the highest variety of plants and wildlife would be implemented. A: No-action alternative Issue 1: Habitat Management Activities. Issue 2: Improvements to Public Use Opportunities. Issue 3: Refuge Land and Boundary Protection. Biological program and habitat management would continue under existing plans, with the emphasis remaining primarily on migratory birds, waterfowl, and Federally listed species; the status quo would prevail without the benefit of holistic, long-term, and comprehensive guidance. Currently, there is no active land acquisition or land protection plan. However, any future acquisitions would be based on an approved land protection plan, developed as a step-down plan of the CCP. Any additional lands added to the Refuge would be purchased from willing sellers as opportunities and funding arise. Comments WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES We solicited comments on the draft CCP and the EA for the Aransas NWRC from February 12, 2010, to April 13, 2010 (75 FR 7862). Subsequently, the Draft Plan/EA was made available for public review starting on February 12, 2010, at the Refuge, online, and at the Regional Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Two open house meetings were held in communities near the Refuge in March 2010. In all, approximately 30 individuals attended the open house meetings and a total of 73 comments were submitted in writing or phoned in to the Refuge/Regional Office. Additionally, one State agency, two Federal agencies, and four nongovernmental organizations responded prior to the end of the 60-day public comment period. Based on the comments received, the Draft Plan/EA was changed to include Same as Alternative A; however, additional land protection to address whooping crane flock expansion in the vicinity of the Refuge would be considered. The emphasis would remain on protecting whooping cranes and available acres of existing wetland or restorable wetland habitat and adjacent uplands in portions of Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties. an improved assessment of effects to air and water resources, inclusion of wildlife observed at the refuge, added strategies for wildlife-dependent recreation, and updates or added supplemental information throughout the document. 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 long-term benefits for migratory and resident birds and the recovery of threatened and endangered species. This alternative was selected because it best meets refuge purposes and goals of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge All priority public uses (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education and interpretation) would be expanded above current levels. Visitor facilities and interpretive and environmental education programs would be improved or developed. Same as Alternative A. Complex. This action will not adversely impact threatened or endangered species or their habitat. Opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation activities, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife 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 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 Victoria Public Library ................................................ Parkdale Branch Library ............................................. Calhoun County Public Library .................................. Aransas County Public Library ................................... 302 N Main St., Victoria, TX 77901 ....................................................... 1230 Carmel Pkwy., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 ..................................... 200 West Mahan St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979 ....................................... 701 E Mimosa St., Rockport, TX 78382 ................................................ VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:05 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28JAN1.SGM Phone number 28JAN1 361–572–2701 361–853–9961 361–552–7323 361–790–0153 5198 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 19 / Friday, January 28, 2011 / Notices Dated: January 19, 2011. Joy Nicholopoulor. Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Region 2. [FR Doc. 2011–1299 Filed 1–27–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLNVC0100000 L91310000.EJ0000.LXSIGEOT0000 241A; MO#4500018986; NVN 087795; 11–08807; TAS:14X5575] Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Salt Wells Energy Projects, Churchill County, NV Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability. AGENCY: In accordance with of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Salt Wells Energy Projects and by this notice is announcing the opening of the comment period. DATES: To ensure comments will be considered, the BLM must receive written comments on the Salt Wells Energy Projects Draft EIS within 60 days following the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. The BLM will announce future meetings or hearings and any other public involvement activities at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, and/or mailings. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the Salt Wells Energy Projects by any of the following methods: • Web site: https://www.blm.gov/nv/st/ en/fo/carson_city_field.html. • E-mail: saltwells_eis@blm.gov. • Fax: 775–885–6147. • Mail or other delivery service: BLM Carson City District, Stillwater Field Office, Attn: Salt Wells Energy Projects, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, Nevada 89701. Copies of the Salt Wells Energy Projects Draft EIS are available in the BLM Carson City District, Stillwater Field Office at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colleen Sievers, (775) 885–6000, or email: saltwells_eis@blm.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM Stillwater Field Office received separate proposed geothermal utilization plans and applications for facilities WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:05 Jan 27, 2011 Jkt 223001 construction permits from Vulcan Power Company (Vulcan) and Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Ormat), and an electric transmission right-of-way (ROW) application from Sierra Pacific Power Company (SPPC), for proposed geothermal energy projects covering a combined area of approximately 24,152 acres in the Salt Wells area about 15 miles east of Fallon, Nevada. Vulcan proposes the development of as many as four geothermal power plants and associated facilities. Ormat proposes the development of one geothermal power plant and associated facilities. SPPC proposes 22 miles of above-ground electrical transmission lines, electrical substations, and switching stations. Due to similar timing, geographic area, and type of action, the BLM is analyzing the proposals in one EIS. The BLM will issue a separate Record of Decision for each proposed project. The proposed facilities would be sited on a combination of private property and public land; the public land is managed by the BLM and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). The Vulcan project proposal is to construct as many as four 30- to 60megawatt (MW) binary or dual-flash geothermal power plants and associated facilities at five possible locations for a total net output of 120 MW. Each site includes production and injection wells, pipelines, a substation, interconnection lines to the proposed substation, and access roads. The Vulcan project could require an estimated 46 geothermal production and injection wells. Twenty of these wells have been analyzed in two previous environmental assessments (EA): Salt Wells Geothermal Drilling EA for Ten Drilling Wells, EA–NV–030–07–05 (February 6, 2007), and Salt Wells Geothermal Exploratory Drilling Program EA for Ten Wells, DOI– BLM–NV–C010–2009– 0006–EA (April 24, 2009). The Ormat project proposal includes the construction and operation of a 40– MW binary combination wet- and aircooled geothermal power plant, a substation, a switching station, and an associated transmission line between the power plant and switching station. These facilities would be developed on an 80-acre private parcel. While Ormat has not yet determined the total number of production and injection wells needed, up to 13 well pads would be constructed in addition to the 12 well pads previously analyzed in the Carson Lake Geothermal Exploration Project EA–NV–030–07–006 and DOI–BLM– NV–C010–2010–0012—Determination of NEPA Adequacy, and authorized by the BLM on July 25, 2008, and July 22, 2010, respectively up to five wells might PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 be drilled from each pad location. Associated pipelines and roads would also be permitted and constructed. The SPPC proposal includes construction of a new substation, 22 miles of single circuit 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, two 230-kV switching stations, and two 60-kV electric lines. The BLM’s purpose for this EIS is to direct and control the use of public lands for the orderly development of commercial-scale geothermal power generation facilities, associated infrastructure, and a transmission line in a manner that will protect natural resources and prevent unnecessary or undue degradation to the public lands following the NEPA regulations [40 CFR 2801.2]. In accordance with 43 CFR part 2800 and 43 CFR part 3200, the BLM needs to process the applications to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed Salt Wells Energy Projects. Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (through the BLM) to grant ROWs over, upon, under, or through public lands for the purposes of generating and transmitting electric energy. These projects are consistent with the BLM Carson City District Office Consolidated Resource Management Plan (2001). In addition to the proposed actions, the BLM is analyzing the following action alternatives. For the Vulcan project, an alternative switching station and interconnection 230-kV transmission line is proposed should SPCC elect not to build its project. For the Ormat project, the BLM developed an alternative to relocate specific well sites and a portion of a pipeline to maintain consistency with lease stipulations and land use plan decisions to protect riparian vegetation and surface waters within canals. For the SPPC project, two alternative routes for the proposed 230-kV transmission line and an alternative examining the construction of an additional fiber optic line to connect communications from Highway 50 are being considered to minimize impacts to the nearby Fallon Naval Air Station (NAS) airspace. As required under NEPA, the Draft EIS analyzes a no-action alternative for each of the proposed projects. The BLM took into consideration the provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and Secretarial Orders 3283, Enhancing Renewable Energy Development on the Public Lands, and 3285A1, Renewable Energy Development by the Department of the Interior, in responding to the applications. The Draft EIS analyzes site-specific impacts of the proposed projects on E:\FR\FM\28JAN1.SGM 28JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 19 (Friday, January 28, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5196-5198]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1299]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R2-R-2010-N208; 20131-1265-2CCP-S3]


Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Aransas, Calhoun, and 
Refugio 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 Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex 
(NWRC). 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: roxanne_turley@fws.gov. Include ``Aransas final CCP'' in 
the subject line of the message.
    Mail: Roxanne Turley, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish & 
Wildlife Service, Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 
87103-1306.
    In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 505-248-6636 to make an 
appointment during regular business hours at 500 Gold Avenue SW., 
Albuquerque, NM 87102.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Alonso, Refuge Manager, Aransas 
NWRC, P.O. Box 100, Austwell, TX 77050; by phone, 361-286-3559; or by 
e-mail, dan_alonso@fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Aransas NWRC. 
We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register August 
30, 2002 (67 FR 55862).
    Aransas NWRC is located in Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties, 
Texas, and encompasses 115,931 acres of coastal prairie, oak woodland 
and savannah, barrier island, and salt and freshwater marshes. 
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 world renowned for hosting the 
largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes each winter. Other 
native species on the Refuge include the American alligator, javelina, 
roseate spoonbill, armadillo, and wildflowers.
    Aransas NWRC was established ``as a refuge and breeding grounds for 
birds'', by Executive Order No. 7784 on December 31, 1937. The 
authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 712d) 
establishes that each refuge in the system is ``for use as an inviolate 
sanctuary, or any other management purpose, for migratory birds.'' The 
Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460-1) states that each refuge in the 
system is ``suitable for incidental fish and wildlife-oriented 
recreational development, the protection of natural resources, and the 
conservation of endangered or threatened species.'' Additionally, 
Aransas NWRC contains critical habitat for the whooping crane (43 FR 
20938, May 15, 1978).
    We announce our decision and the availability of the FONSI for the 
final CCP for the Aransas NWRC 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 Aransas 
National Wildlife Refuge Complex for the next 15 years. Alternative B, 
with modifications as described in Appendix J (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 (75 FR 6872) addressed several issues. To 
address these, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives.

[[Page 5197]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   B: Optimal habitat
                                             A: No-action        management and public      C: Maximal habitat
                                             alternative         use (proposed action)    management and public-
                                                                      alternative            use alternative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 1: Habitat Management            Biological program and   Ecosystem-level          Intensive management to
 Activities.                            habitat management       management actions to    achieve a
                                        would continue under     better protect and       predetermined amount
                                        existing plans, with     preserve the natural     of woodlands,
                                        the emphasis remaining   diversity of unique      wetlands, croplands,
                                        primarily on migratory   habitats and sensitive   grasslands,
                                        birds, waterfowl, and    wildlife, through a      shrublands, and water
                                        Federally listed         holistic, partnered,     impoundments to
                                        species; the status      and publically           benefit the highest
                                        quo would prevail        involved approach,       variety of plants and
                                        without the benefit of   would be implemented;    wildlife would be
                                        holistic, long-term,     current and future       implemented.
                                        and comprehensive        long-term benefits for
                                        guidance.                migratory and resident
                                                                 birds, wildlife and
                                                                 their habitats, and
                                                                 the recovery of
                                                                 threatened and
                                                                 endangered species
                                                                 would be provided.
Issue 2: Improvements to Public Use    Current public use       An optimal, quality      All priority public
 Opportunities.                         under existing plans     experience for the       uses (hunting,
                                        would continue; any      public. Priority         fishing, wildlife
                                        expansions would occur   wildlife-dependent       observation,
                                        opportunistically.       uses would be            photography, and
                                                                 emphasized, and other    environmental
                                                                 existing public uses     education and
                                                                 would be allowed where   interpretation) would
                                                                 appropriate.             be expanded above
                                                                                          current levels.
                                                                                          Visitor facilities and
                                                                                          interpretive and
                                                                                          environmental
                                                                                          education programs
                                                                                          would be improved or
                                                                                          developed.
Issue 3: Refuge Land and Boundary      Currently, there is no   Same as Alternative A;   Same as Alternative A.
 Protection.                            active land              however, additional
                                        acquisition or land      land protection to
                                        protection plan.         address whooping crane
                                        However, any future      flock expansion in the
                                        acquisitions would be    vicinity of the Refuge
                                        based on an approved     would be considered.
                                        land protection plan,    The emphasis would
                                        developed as a step-     remain on protecting
                                        down plan of the CCP.    whooping cranes and
                                        Any additional lands     available acres of
                                        added to the Refuge      existing wetland or
                                        would be purchased       restorable wetland
                                        from willing sellers     habitat and adjacent
                                        as opportunities and     uplands in portions of
                                        funding arise.           Aransas, Calhoun, and
                                                                 Refugio Counties.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments

    We solicited comments on the draft CCP and the EA for the Aransas 
NWRC from February 12, 2010, to April 13, 2010 (75 FR 7862). 
Subsequently, the Draft Plan/EA was made available for public review 
starting on February 12, 2010, at the Refuge, online, and at the 
Regional Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Two open house meetings 
were held in communities near the Refuge in March 2010. In all, 
approximately 30 individuals attended the open house meetings and a 
total of 73 comments were submitted in writing or phoned in to the 
Refuge/Regional Office. Additionally, one State agency, two Federal 
agencies, and four nongovernmental organizations responded prior to the 
end of the 60-day public comment period.
    Based on the comments received, the Draft Plan/EA was changed to 
include an improved assessment of effects to air and water resources, 
inclusion of wildlife observed at the refuge, added strategies for 
wildlife-dependent recreation, and updates or added supplemental 
information throughout the document.

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 long-term benefits for migratory and resident 
birds and the recovery of threatened and endangered species. This 
alternative was selected because it best meets refuge purposes and 
goals of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This action will 
not adversely impact threatened or endangered species or their habitat. 
Opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation activities, such as 
hunting, fishing, wildlife 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victoria Public Library.......  302 N Main St.,             361-572-2701
                                 Victoria, TX 77901.
Parkdale Branch Library.......  1230 Carmel Pkwy.,          361-853-9961
                                 Corpus Christi, TX
                                 78411.
Calhoun County Public Library.  200 West Mahan St.,         361-552-7323
                                 Port Lavaca, TX 77979.
Aransas County Public Library.  701 E Mimosa St.,           361-790-0153
                                 Rockport, TX 78382.
------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 5198]]

    Dated: January 19, 2011.
Joy Nicholopoulor.
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Region 2.
[FR Doc. 2011-1299 Filed 1-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.