Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawai‘i County, HI; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment, 29782-29783 [2011-12564]

Download as PDF 29782 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 99 / Monday, May 23, 2011 / Notices srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES of metropolitan and multijurisdictional planning efforts that support community involvement and integrate housing, land use, land cleanup and preparation for reuse, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investment. Up to $700,000 may be available from the EPA as authorized in the Clean Air Act Section 103(b)(2), Clean Water Act Section 104(b)(2), and CERCLA Section 104(k)(6), subject to Congress appropriating FY 2011 Funding. OMB Control Number: 2501–Pending. Agency Form Numbers: (a) Form SF–424—Application for Federal Assistance. (b) SF–424—Supplement Survey on Equal Opportunity for Applicants (‘‘Faith Based EEO Survey (SF–424– SUPP)’’ on Grants.gov) (optional submission). (c) HUD–424—CBW, HUD Detailed Budget Worksheet, (Included Total Budget Federal Share and Matching) and Budget Justification Narrative. (d) Form HUD–2880—Applicant/ Recipient Disclosure/Update Report (‘‘HUD Applicant Recipient Disclosure Report’’ on Grants.gov). (e) Form SF–LLL—Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable). (f) Form HUD–96011—Third Party Documentation Facsimile Transmittal (‘‘Facsimile Transmittal Form’’ on Grants.gov) (Used as the cover page to transmit third party documents and other information designed for each specific application for tracking purposes. HUD will not read faxes that do not use the HUD–96011 as the cover page to the fax.) Members of Affected Public: State, Local Government and Non-profit organization. Estimation of the total numbers of hours needed to prepare the information collection including number of respondents, frequency of responses, and hours of responses: The estimated number of respondents during the preapplication process is 600 and the number of responses is 100. The estimated number of respondents during the application process is 0.166 and the number of responses is 6. The total reporting burden is 100 hours. Status of the proposed information collection: New Emergency collection. Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended. Dated: May 17, 2011. Colette Pollard, Departmental Reports Management Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2011–12646 Filed 5–20–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:22 May 20, 2011 Jkt 223001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2010–N273; 1265–0000–10137– S3] Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawai‘i County, HI; 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, announce the availability of our final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). 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 by any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy or CD–ROM. Agency Web site: Download the CCP/ FONSI at https://www.fws.gov/pacific/ planning. E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Final CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. Mail: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, 60 Nowelo Street, Suite 100, Hilo, HI 96720. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, 60 Nowelo Street, Suite 100, Hilo, HI 96720. SUMMARY: Jim Kraus, Refuge Manager, (808) 443–2300. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. We started this process through a notice of intent in the Federal Register (74 FR 8564; February 25, 2009). We released the draft CCP/EA to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a notice of availability in the Federal Register (75 FR 52546; August 26, 2010). The Refuge is located on the Island of Hawai‘i. It encompasses two units: the Hakalau Forest Unit and the Kona Forest Unit. The Hakalau Forest Unit was established in 1985 to protect endangered forest birds and their rainforest habitat. The Hakalau Forest Unit encompasses 32,733 acres of land, PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 located on the windward (eastern) slope of Mauna Kea, which supports a diversity of native birds and plants. The Kona Forest Unit, at 5,300 acres, was established in 1997 on the leeward (southwestern) slope of Mauna Loa to ¯ protect native forest birds and the ‘alala, the endangered Hawaiian crow. The Kona Forest Unit supports diverse native bird and plant species, as well as rare habitats found in lava tubes and lava tube skylights. We announce our decision and the availability of the FONSI for the final CCP for Hakalau Refuge 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 draft CCP/EA. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge for the next 15 years. Alternative B, as we described in the final CCP, is the foundation for the CCP. 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 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. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act. CCP Alternatives, Including Selected Alternative During our CCP planning process we identified several issues. To address the issues, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives in our draft CCP/ EA. Alternative A (No Action) Under Alternative A, we would continue existing Refuge management activities, including fencing projects currently under way at the Kona Forest Unit. Staff would conduct limited additional restoration of various koa forest habitats and predator control. Volunteer opportunities to assist Refuge staff with planting native plants would continue, along with public pig hunting. Refuge staff would provide limited outreach regarding management activities. E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 99 / Monday, May 23, 2011 / Notices Alternative B (Preferred Alternative) Under Alternative B, we would increase reforestation, restoration, and threat (e.g., predators, nonnative species, etc.) removal efforts. Additional areas in both units would be protected through fencing and increased management. Refuge staff, with the assistance of volunteers, would increase efforts to restore understory species in reforested areas. Staff would provide additional opportunities for outreach and environmental education and interpretation, while closing public hunting. We would work with partners and neighboring landowners to explore habitat protection and restoration opportunities, including the potential for Refuge boundary expansion. Opportunities for additional land acquisition would focus on protection of forest birds and their habitats in response to climate change concerns. Alternative C Under Alternative C, we would focus on maintaining existing koa forest and allowing natural regeneration of the understory on the Kona Forest Unit. We would place less emphasis on ungulate and predator removal. Additional grassland areas would be maintained for ¯ ¯ nene foraging. We would open additional areas of the Hakalau Forest Unit to the public. Fewer volunteer opportunities would be provided. As in Alternative B, we would explore habitat protection opportunities through acquisition. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Comments We solicited comments on the draft CCP/EA from August 26, 2010, to September 15, 2010. We received 19 comments via letters, e-mails, or at the public open house on the draft CCP/EA, all of which were thoroughly evaluated. To address public comments, minor changes and clarifications were made to the final CCP where appropriate. Selected Alternative After considering the comments we received, we have selected Alternative B for implementation. Alternative B was the most supported alternative identified by the comments received. By implementing Alternative B, we will increase habitat supporting threatened and endangered species including the ¯ ¯ ¯ ‘alala, ‘akiapola‘au, Clermontia lindseyana, Cyanea stictophylla, and others. Major management actions will center on habitat protection through fencing, restoration and reforestation via an enhanced outplanting program, and threat mitigation by removal of predators, ungulates, and invasive weed species. Through partnering, VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:22 May 20, 2011 Jkt 223001 opportunities for additional land acquisitions will focus on protection of forest birds and their habitats in response to concerns regarding climate change. Prioritizing data collection and research supporting adaptive management will occur. Additional outreach and environmental education opportunities will increase along with public use through a new interpretive trail and expanded volunteer program. 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/ hakalauforest/. • During regular library hours at: Æ Hawai‘i State Library (478 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813) Æ Hilo Public Library (300 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720) Æ Kailua-Kona Public Library (75– ¯ 138 Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740) Æ National Conservation Training Center Library (698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV 25443) ADDRESSES, Dated: May 17, 2011. Richard R. Hannan, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2011–12564 Filed 5–20–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Geological Survey [USGS–8327–CMG61] Agency Information Collection: Comment Request; The State of Ecosystem Services Implementation Survey United States Geological Survey (USGS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of a new collection. AGENCY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) an information collection request (ICR) for a new collection of information: The State of Ecosystem Services Implementation Survey. This notice provides the public and other Federal agencies an opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of this information collection request. DATES: You must submit comments on or before June 22, 2011. ADDRESSES: Please submit written comments on this information SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29783 collection directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior via e-mail to OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov or fax at 202–395–5806; and identify your submission as 1028—NEW. Please also submit a copy of your written comments to Phadrea Ponds, USGS Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 2150–C, Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526–8118 (mail); 970–226–9230 (fax); or pondsp@usgs.gov (e-mail). Please reference Information Collection 1028— NEW, ECOSERV in the subject line. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this ICR, contact Rudy Schuster by mail at U.S. Geological Survey, 2150–C Center Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526, or by telephone at (970) 226–9165. To see a copy of the entire ICR submitted to OMB, go to https://www.reginfo.gov (Information Collection Review, Currently under Review). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract Ecosystem goods and services are defined by ecologists as the biophysical processes that give rise to social benefits. For example, in ecology, processes such as nutrient cycling, atmospheric regulation, pollination, and seed dispersal are considered ecosystem services. Indirect benefits are also considered; for example, recreation, avoided flood damage, and aesthetic benefits are also ecosystem services. In short, the benefits associated with an ecosystem service are the value that humans derive from that service. The objectives of this survey are to illustrate the various approaches that are being used to formulate ecosystem services projects and the state-of-the-art processes through which projects are implemented. The survey will gather information concerning: Methods used in ecosystem services projects, motivations for conducting projects, degree of project implementation, management actions resulting from project results (for completed projects), and characteristics of projects that have successfully implemented ecosystem services concepts. II. Data OMB Control Number: 1028—NEW. Title: The State of Ecosystem Services Implementation Survey. Type of Request: This is a new collection. Affected Public: Individuals who are (currently or recently have been) E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 99 (Monday, May 23, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29782-29783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12564]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2010-N273; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawai`i County, HI; 
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, announce the 
availability of our final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental 
Assessment (EA) for the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge 
(Refuge). 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 by 
any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy or CD-ROM.
    Agency Web site: Download the CCP/FONSI at https://www.fws.gov/pacific/planning.
    E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``Hakalau Forest 
National Wildlife Refuge Final CCP'' in the subject line of the 
message.
    Mail: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, 60 Nowelo Street, 
Suite 100, Hilo, HI 96720.
    In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife 
Refuge, 60 Nowelo Street, Suite 100, Hilo, HI 96720.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Kraus, Refuge Manager, (808) 443-
2300.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Hakalau 
Forest National Wildlife Refuge. We started this process through a 
notice of intent in the Federal Register (74 FR 8564; February 25, 
2009). We released the draft CCP/EA to the public, announcing and 
requesting comments in a notice of availability in the Federal Register 
(75 FR 52546; August 26, 2010).
    The Refuge is located on the Island of Hawai`i. It encompasses two 
units: the Hakalau Forest Unit and the Kona Forest Unit. The Hakalau 
Forest Unit was established in 1985 to protect endangered forest birds 
and their rainforest habitat. The Hakalau Forest Unit encompasses 
32,733 acres of land, located on the windward (eastern) slope of Mauna 
Kea, which supports a diversity of native birds and plants. The Kona 
Forest Unit, at 5,300 acres, was established in 1997 on the leeward 
(southwestern) slope of Mauna Loa to protect native forest birds and 
the `alal[amacr], the endangered Hawaiian crow. The Kona Forest Unit 
supports diverse native bird and plant species, as well as rare 
habitats found in lava tubes and lava tube skylights.
    We announce our decision and the availability of the FONSI for the 
final CCP for Hakalau Refuge 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 draft CCP/EA.
    The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge for 
the next 15 years. Alternative B, as we described in the final CCP, is 
the foundation for the CCP.

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 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. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Refuge Administration Act.

CCP Alternatives, Including Selected Alternative

    During our CCP planning process we identified several issues. To 
address the issues, we developed and evaluated the following 
alternatives in our draft CCP/EA.

Alternative A (No Action)

    Under Alternative A, we would continue existing Refuge management 
activities, including fencing projects currently under way at the Kona 
Forest Unit. Staff would conduct limited additional restoration of 
various koa forest habitats and predator control. Volunteer 
opportunities to assist Refuge staff with planting native plants would 
continue, along with public pig hunting. Refuge staff would provide 
limited outreach regarding management activities.

[[Page 29783]]

Alternative B (Preferred Alternative)

    Under Alternative B, we would increase reforestation, restoration, 
and threat (e.g., predators, nonnative species, etc.) removal efforts. 
Additional areas in both units would be protected through fencing and 
increased management. Refuge staff, with the assistance of volunteers, 
would increase efforts to restore understory species in reforested 
areas. Staff would provide additional opportunities for outreach and 
environmental education and interpretation, while closing public 
hunting. We would work with partners and neighboring landowners to 
explore habitat protection and restoration opportunities, including the 
potential for Refuge boundary expansion. Opportunities for additional 
land acquisition would focus on protection of forest birds and their 
habitats in response to climate change concerns.

Alternative C

    Under Alternative C, we would focus on maintaining existing koa 
forest and allowing natural regeneration of the understory on the Kona 
Forest Unit. We would place less emphasis on ungulate and predator 
removal. Additional grassland areas would be maintained for 
n[emacr]n[emacr] foraging. We would open additional areas of the 
Hakalau Forest Unit to the public. Fewer volunteer opportunities would 
be provided. As in Alternative B, we would explore habitat protection 
opportunities through acquisition.

Comments

    We solicited comments on the draft CCP/EA from August 26, 2010, to 
September 15, 2010. We received 19 comments via letters, e-mails, or at 
the public open house on the draft CCP/EA, all of which were thoroughly 
evaluated. To address public comments, minor changes and clarifications 
were made to the final CCP where appropriate.

Selected Alternative

    After considering the comments we received, we have selected 
Alternative B for implementation. Alternative B was the most supported 
alternative identified by the comments received. By implementing 
Alternative B, we will increase habitat supporting threatened and 
endangered species including the `alal[amacr], 
`akiap[omacr]l[amacr]`au, Clermontia lindseyana, Cyanea stictophylla, 
and others. Major management actions will center on habitat protection 
through fencing, restoration and reforestation via an enhanced 
outplanting program, and threat mitigation by removal of predators, 
ungulates, and invasive weed species. Through partnering, opportunities 
for additional land acquisitions will focus on protection of forest 
birds and their habitats in response to concerns regarding climate 
change. Prioritizing data collection and research supporting adaptive 
management will occur. Additional outreach and environmental education 
opportunities will increase along with public use through a new 
interpretive trail and expanded volunteer program.

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/hakalauforest/.
     During regular library hours at:
     [cir] Hawai`i State Library (478 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 
96813)
     [cir] Hilo Public Library (300 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720)
     [cir] Kailua-Kona Public Library (75-138 Hual[amacr]lai Road, 
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740)
     [cir] National Conservation Training Center Library (698 
Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV 25443)

    Dated: May 17, 2011.
Richard R. Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011-12564 Filed 5-20-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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