Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 24511-24512 [2011-10547]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 84 / Monday, May 2, 2011 / Notices Dated: April 26, 2011. Robert C. Ryan, Acting Assistant Secretary for Housing— Acting Federal Housing Commissioner. [FR Doc. 2011–10445 Filed 4–29–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2010–N277; 40136–1265–0000– S3] Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for public review and comment. In the Draft CCP/EA, we describe the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge for the 15 years following approval of the final CCP. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by June 1, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the Draft CCP/EA by contacting Ms. Laura Housh, Regional Planner, Okefenokee NWR, 2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537. Alternatively, you may download the document from our Internet Site at https://southeast.fws.gov/planning under ‘‘Draft Documents.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Housh, at 912/496–6273 (telephone) or laura_housh@fws.gov ´ (e-mail); or Mr. Oscar Dıaz, at 787/851– 7258, extension 312 (telephone), or oscar_diaz@fws.gov (e-mail). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES6 SUMMARY: Introduction With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Cabo Rojo NWR. We started the process through a notice of intent in the Federal Register on March 12, 2007 (72 FR 11047). For more about the refuge, its purposes, and our CCP process, please see that notice. Background The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:48 Apr 29, 2011 Jkt 223001 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, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration Act. The refuge lies along a coastal plain and has a few gently rolling hills overlooking the southwestern tip of Puerto Rico. The establishment of the refuge was justified for the potential value that the habitat held for migratory birds and also for its value in providing habitat for resident birds, particularly doves and pigeons. The area is one of the few blocks of land in southwestern ´ Puerto Rico west of the Guanica Commonwealth Forest remaining in public ownership. The native vegetation is classified as subtropical dry forest under the Holdridge classification of world life zones. At least 245 plant species and 145 bird species have been identified on the refuge. CCP Alternatives, Including Our Proposed Alternative We developed three alternatives for managing the refuge and chose Alternative C as the proposed alternative. A full description of each alternative is in the Draft CCP/EA. We summarize each alternative below. Alternative A (Current Management, No Action) Under this alternative, we would continue to restore and maintain existing sub-tropical dryland forests, salt lagoons, and grassland habitats. Active habitat wetland management would be implemented by continuing water level manipulations for management of the saltwater lagoons through a special use permit with a commercial salt production company. We would continue to accommodate environmental education and interpretation programs and wildlife observation and photography. The PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 24511 ˜ friends group, Caborrojenos, would continue to partner with us in providing limited visitor services. The law enforcement program for the protection of wildlife and visitors would continue at current levels. Alternative B (Resource Emphasis) Under this alternative, we would provide greater management of habitats and associated plant communities for the benefit of wildlife. Activities that would be expanded or introduced under this alternative would include: Managing endangered plant populations and reducing the occurrence of exotic species; exploring opportunities and alternatives to assume direct control of managing water levels in the saltwater lagoons; establishing and managing a larger nursery to increase reforestation of native tree species in upland areas; restoring additional freshwater and saltwater ponds to increase avian habitat; expanding the volunteer base to increase habitat restoration activities; and proactively expanding research collaboration with universities. Additional staff would be required to implement this alternative. Such staff would likely include a biologist, a volunteer coordinator, and additional support staff. Alternative C (Habitat and Public Use Emphasis, Proposed) Under this alternative, our emphasis would be on improving refuge resources for habitat and wildlife. We would provide greater support for the visitor service program, including emphasis on the following: Developing a curriculumbased environmental education program; expanding the role of the friends group to include providing staffing and interpreting services at the new visitor services center; reviewing and updating our brochures and website, including offering a Spanish version of the website; updating current kiosks and building new kiosks along the trail system; expanding the volunteer program to also provide assistance with public use activities; seeking and developing new partnerships, particularly with regard to trail maintenance; and adding additional signage to clarify refuge uses. Additional staff required to implement Alternative C would include an additional visitor services/ environmental education specialist and a volunteer coordinator. Additional infrastructure would also be required to expand activities under this alternative, including developing volunteer housing and acquiring one or more additional vehicles. E:\FR\FM\02MYN1.SGM 02MYN1 24512 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 84 / Monday, May 2, 2011 / Notices Next Step After the comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and address them. 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. Authority This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2010–N276; 40136–1265–0000– S3] Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge, Lajas, Puerto Rico; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. Notice of availability; request for comments. ACTION: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for public review and comment. In the Draft CCP/EA, we describe the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge for the 15 years following approval of the final CCP. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by June 1, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the Draft CCP/EA by contacting Ms. Laura Housh, Regional Planner, Okefenokee NWR, 2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537. Alternatively, you may download the document from our Internet Site at mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES6 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:48 Apr 29, 2011 Jkt 223001 Ms. Laura Housh, at 912/496–6273 (telephone) or laura_housh@fws.gov (e-mail); or Mr. Oscar Diaz, at 787/851– 7258, extension 312 (telephone), or oscar_diaz@fws.gov (e-mail). Under this alternative, our management actions would continue to be directed towards achieving the refuge’s primary purposes. These purposes include restoring and enhancing native wildlife and plants, particularly the endangered yellowshouldered blackbird; increasing the level of environmental awareness among residents and visitors; and protecting one of the most important shorebird habitats in the Caribbean. We would continue to restore and maintain existing subtropical dryland forest, the Cartagena Lagoon, and grassland habitats. Management programs would continue to be developed and implemented with limited baseline biological information. Active habitat wetland management would be implemented by continuing water-level management of the lagoon and conducting opportunistic removal of cattails to try and create more open water. Current visitor facilities, which are somewhat limited, would be maintained, but no additional facilities would be added, except for perhaps a new information kiosk. Law enforcement of refuge regulations and for protection of wildlife and visitors would continue at current levels, which is done through sharing the resource of a single law enforcement officer who is based at Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Laguna Cartagena NWR. We started the process through a notice of intent in the Federal Register on May 16, 2007 (72 FR 27588). For more about the refuge, its purposes, and our CCP process, please see that notice. The CCP Process [FR Doc. 2011–10547 Filed 4–29–11; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: Alternative A (Current Management, No Action) Background Dated: January 5, 2011. Mark J. Musaus, Acting Regional Director. AGENCY: https://southeast.fws.gov/planning under ‘‘Draft Documents.’’ 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, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration Act. The establishment of the refuge was justified to rehabilitate the lagoon for resident and migratory water birds and to provide increased wildlife-dependent public use. To date, 164 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 25 first-records for Puerto Rico. CCP Alternatives, Including Our Proposed Alternative We developed three alternatives for managing the refuge and chose Alternative B as the proposed alternative. A full description of each alternative is in the Draft CCP/EA. We summarize each alternative below. PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Alternative B (Wildlife Diversity and Habitat Restoration, Proposed) Under this alternative, our emphasis would be on improving refuge resources for wildlife. We would provide greater enhancement and management of all habitats and associated plant communities for the greater benefit of wildlife. We would also work to reintroduce native fish to the lagoon and actively help to support birds that are threatened, endangered, or of management interest, including West Indian whistling ducks and kestrels. Specific activities that would be expanded or introduced under this alternative would include: Actively managing endangered plant populations, increasing native vegetative planting in the uplands, reducing the occurrence of exotic species, and better managing the lagoon’s water quality and open-water restoration effort. In addition, we would expand the visitor services program, including facilities. Additional staff would be required to implement this alternative. Such staff would likely include a biologist, a E:\FR\FM\02MYN1.SGM 02MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24511-24512]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10547]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2010-N277; 40136-1265-0000-S3]


Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico; Draft 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of our draft comprehensive conservation plan and 
environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Cabo Rojo National Wildlife 
Refuge (NWR) for public review and comment. In the Draft CCP/EA, we 
describe the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge for 
the 15 years following approval of the final CCP.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by June 1, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the Draft CCP/EA by contacting Ms. 
Laura Housh, Regional Planner, Okefenokee NWR, 2700 Suwannee Canal 
Road, Folkston, GA 31537. Alternatively, you may download the document 
from our Internet Site at https://southeast.fws.gov/planning under 
``Draft Documents.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Laura Housh, at 912/496-6273 
(telephone) or laura_housh@fws.gov (e-mail); or Mr. Oscar D[iacute]az, 
at 787/851-7258, extension 312 (telephone), or oscar_diaz@fws.gov (e-
mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Cabo Rojo NWR. We 
started the process through a notice of intent in the Federal Register 
on March 12, 2007 (72 FR 11047). For more about the refuge, its 
purposes, and our CCP process, please see that notice.

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, wildlife photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update 
the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration 
Act.
    The refuge lies along a coastal plain and has a few gently rolling 
hills overlooking the southwestern tip of Puerto Rico. The 
establishment of the refuge was justified for the potential value that 
the habitat held for migratory birds and also for its value in 
providing habitat for resident birds, particularly doves and pigeons. 
The area is one of the few blocks of land in southwestern Puerto Rico 
west of the Gu[aacute]nica Commonwealth Forest remaining in public 
ownership. The native vegetation is classified as subtropical dry 
forest under the Holdridge classification of world life zones. At least 
245 plant species and 145 bird species have been identified on the 
refuge.

CCP Alternatives, Including Our Proposed Alternative

    We developed three alternatives for managing the refuge and chose 
Alternative C as the proposed alternative. A full description of each 
alternative is in the Draft CCP/EA. We summarize each alternative 
below.

Alternative A (Current Management, No Action)

    Under this alternative, we would continue to restore and maintain 
existing sub-tropical dryland forests, salt lagoons, and grassland 
habitats. Active habitat wetland management would be implemented by 
continuing water level manipulations for management of the saltwater 
lagoons through a special use permit with a commercial salt production 
company. We would continue to accommodate environmental education and 
interpretation programs and wildlife observation and photography. The 
friends group, Caborroje[ntilde]os, would continue to partner with us 
in providing limited visitor services. The law enforcement program for 
the protection of wildlife and visitors would continue at current 
levels.

Alternative B (Resource Emphasis)

    Under this alternative, we would provide greater management of 
habitats and associated plant communities for the benefit of wildlife.
    Activities that would be expanded or introduced under this 
alternative would include: Managing endangered plant populations and 
reducing the occurrence of exotic species; exploring opportunities and 
alternatives to assume direct control of managing water levels in the 
saltwater lagoons; establishing and managing a larger nursery to 
increase reforestation of native tree species in upland areas; 
restoring additional freshwater and saltwater ponds to increase avian 
habitat; expanding the volunteer base to increase habitat restoration 
activities; and proactively expanding research collaboration with 
universities.
    Additional staff would be required to implement this alternative. 
Such staff would likely include a biologist, a volunteer coordinator, 
and additional support staff.

Alternative C (Habitat and Public Use Emphasis, Proposed)

    Under this alternative, our emphasis would be on improving refuge 
resources for habitat and wildlife. We would provide greater support 
for the visitor service program, including emphasis on the following: 
Developing a curriculum-based environmental education program; 
expanding the role of the friends group to include providing staffing 
and interpreting services at the new visitor services center; reviewing 
and updating our brochures and website, including offering a Spanish 
version of the website; updating current kiosks and building new kiosks 
along the trail system; expanding the volunteer program to also provide 
assistance with public use activities; seeking and developing new 
partnerships, particularly with regard to trail maintenance; and adding 
additional signage to clarify refuge uses.
    Additional staff required to implement Alternative C would include 
an additional visitor services/environmental education specialist and a 
volunteer coordinator. Additional infrastructure would also be required 
to expand activities under this alternative, including developing 
volunteer housing and acquiring one or more additional vehicles.

[[Page 24512]]

Next Step

    After the comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and 
address them.

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.

Authority

    This notice is published under the authority of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57.

    Dated: January 5, 2011.
Mark J. Musaus,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 2011-10547 Filed 4-29-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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