Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Adams and Grant Counties, WA; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 45600-45602 [2011-19200]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 146 / Friday, July 29, 2011 / Notices
Section B. Authority Superseded
This Order of Succession supersedes
the Order of Succession for the General
Counsel published on December 1, 2009
(74 FR 62805).
Authority: Section 7(d), Department of
Housing and Urban Development Act, 42
U.S.C. 3535(d).
Dated: July 21, 2011.
Helen R. Kanovsky,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2011–19299 Filed 7–28–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
[Docket No. FR–5541–D–02]
Order of Succession for the Office of
Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard
Control
Office of Healthy Homes and
Lead Hazard Control, HUD.
ACTION: Notice of Order of Succession.
AGENCY:
In this notice, the Director of
the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead
Hazard Control for the Department of
Housing and Urban Development
designates the Order of Succession for
the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead
Hazard Control. This Order of
Succession supersedes any previous
Order of Succession published for the
Office of Healthy Homes and Lead
Hazard Control.
DATES: Effective Date: July 15, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Matthew Ammon, Deputy Director,
Office of Healthy Homes and Lead
Hazard Control, Department of Housing
and Urban Development, 451 7th Street,
SW., Room 8236, Washington, DC
20410, telephone number 202–402–4337
(this is not a toll-free number). Persons
with hearing- or speech-impairments
may access this number through TTY by
calling the toll-free Federal Relay
Service at 1–800–877–8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Director of the Office of Healthy Homes
and Lead Hazard Control for the
Department of Housing and Urban
Development is issuing this Order of
Succession of officials authorized to
perform the functions and duties of the
Office of Healthy Homes and Lead
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
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16:17 Jul 28, 2011
Jkt 223001
Hazard Control when, by reason of
absence, disability, or vacancy in office,
the Director is not available to exercise
the powers or perform the duties of the
office. This Order of Succession is
subject to the provisions of the Federal
Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 (5 U.S.C.
3345–3349d). This publication
supersedes any previous Order of
Succession published by the Office of
Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard
Control.
Accordingly, the Director designates
the following Order of Succession.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Section A. Order of Succession
These officials shall perform the
functions and duties of the office in the
order specified herein, and no official
shall serve unless all the other officials,
whose position titles precede his/hers in
this order, are unable to act by reason
of absence, disability, or vacancy in
office.
SUMMARY:
Subject to the provisions of the
Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998,
during any period when, by reason of
absence, disability, or vacancy in office,
the Director of the Office of Healthy
Homes and Lead Hazard Control for the
Department of Housing and Urban
Development is not available to exercise
the powers or perform the duties of the
Director, the following officials within
the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead
Hazard Control are hereby designated to
exercise the powers and perform the
duties of the Office:
(1) Deputy Director;
(2) Director, Programs Division;
(3) Director, Grants Services Division;
(4) Director, Policy and Standards
Division;
(5) Director, Regional Management
and Technical Services Division; and
(6) Director, Lead Programs
Enforcement Division.
These officials shall perform the
functions and duties of the office in the
order specified herein, and no official
shall serve unless all the other officials,
whose position titles precede his/hers in
this order, are unable to act by reason
of absence, disability, or vacancy in
office.
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R1–R–2011–N088; 1265–0000–10137–
S3]
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge,
Adams and Grant Counties, WA; Draft
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and
Environmental Assessment
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; request
for comments.
AGENCY:
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of our draft comprehensive
conservation plan and environmental
assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for the
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
(Refuge) for public review and
comment. The Draft CCP/EA describes
our proposal and alternatives for
managing the Refuge for the next 15
years.
To ensure consideration, please
send your written comments by August
29, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may download a copy
of the Draft CCP/EA from our Web site:
https://www.fws.gov/columbia/. You may
submit comments on the Draft CCP/EA
or request a copy of it on CD–ROM by
any of the following methods. A limited
number of printed copies are also
available.
E-mail: mcriver@fws.gov. Include
‘‘Columbia Draft CCP/EA’’ in the subject
line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Kelly Chase, (509) 546–
8303.
U.S. Mail: Kelly Chase, Refuge
Manager, Columbia National Wildlife
Refuge, 64 Maple Street, Burbank, WA
99323.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Haas, (509) 546–8333 (phone); or
daniel_haas@fws.gov (e-mail).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
Section B. Authority Superseded
Introduction
This Order of Succession supersedes
any previous Order of Succession
published for the Office of Healthy
Homes and Lead Hazard Control.
With this notice, we continue the CCP
process for the Refuge. The Service
began this process by publishing a
notice of intent in the Federal Register
(74 FR 25576) on May 28, 2009.
The Refuge is located in the high
desert of central Washington. It
encompasses 29,656 acres of grassland,
shrub-steppe, lake, and wetland
habitats. The Refuge was established in
1944, in conjunction with the Columbia
Basin Irrigation Project (CBIP), and has
been actively managed since 1955. The
Refuge’s primary purposes are as a
refuge and breeding ground for
Authority: Section 7(d), Department of
Housing and Urban Development Act, 42
U.S.C. 3535(d).
Dated: July 15, 2011.
Jon L. Gant,
Director.
[FR Doc. 2011–19277 Filed 7–28–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 146 / Friday, July 29, 2011 / Notices
migratory birds and other wildlife, and
for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for
any other management purpose, for
migratory birds. The Refuge was created
as a breeding ground for migratory
birds; however, it is primarily an
important stopover during migration.
Background
The CCP Process
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
that are compatible with a refuge’s
purposes, and 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.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Public Outreach
The Service began the public scoping
phase of the CCP planning process by
publishing a notice of intent in the
Federal Register (74 FR 25576) on May
28, 2009, announcing our intention to
complete a CCP/EA for the Refuge,
inviting the public to a public open
house meeting, and requesting public
comments. Simultaneously, we
distributed Planning Update 1 to our
mailing list, announcing the beginning
of the CCP planning process, requesting
comments on Refuge management
issues, and inviting the public to attend
a public open house meeting. The
public meeting was held June 16, 2009,
in Othello, Washington.
In February 2011 we distributed
Planning Update 2. The update
included a summary of the comments
we received, and our draft management
alternatives, goals, and objectives. The
public comments we received
throughout the planning process were
considered during development of the
Draft CCP/EA.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:17 Jul 28, 2011
Jkt 223001
45601
Draft CCP Alternatives We Are
Considering
provided, and environmental education
programs are limited and sporadic.
During the public scoping process we
identified a number of issues in
Planning Update 1, and in the
comments we received from the public,
government agencies, and Tribes. To
address these issues, we developed and
evaluated three alternatives for
managing the Refuge. A full description
of each alternative is in the Draft CCP/
EA. All of the alternatives will include
actions to control invasive species,
develop or improve partnerships,
continue coordination with the
Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife, develop volunteer
opportunities, and make restoration of
habitats a top priority. A brief summary
of each alternative follows.
Alternative 2
Under Alternative 2, Refuge
management actions would be similar to
Alternative 1, with a number of
improvements. Approximately 175 acres
of emergent wetlands in Marsh Unit III
would be converted to riparian habitat.
The Crab Creek channel would be
restored. Specialized habitats (e.g., rock
outcroppings) would be managed.
Farming would continue using lowimpact techniques. Management of State
and Federal species of concern would
be emphasized.
Visitor use would focus on
compatible wildlife observation,
photography, and interpretation. The
Sandhill Crane Festival would remain a
priority. Camping, horseback riding, and
bicycling uses may change, or be
restricted or eliminated, to enhance
various habitats. Additional facilities
would be developed, including seasonal
photography blinds and an ADAcompliant fishing area and hunting
blind. Compatible waterfowl hunting
would continue; however, the
permanent blinds would be removed
(excluding the ADA-compliant blinds),
and the lottery would be eliminated.
Morgan Lake Road would be closed to
overnight travel. Interpretive and
educational programs would be limited;
however, numerous Refuge brochures
would be developed to enhance
recreational use of the Refuge.
Alternative 1
Alternative 1 is our no action
alternative; under it we would continue
current management programs. Refuge
lands would continue to be managed
using a mix of natural processes and
habitat maintenance activities. For
example, we allow many wetland areas
to follow natural succession; however,
we conduct noxious weed control,
prescribed fire, and other maintenance
actions within them. Several moist soil
management areas also require water
level manipulation, dike maintenance,
extensive soil preparation, plantings,
and other treatments. Several
specialized habitats, such as rock
outcroppings and alkali wetlands, are
not actively managed. A cooperative
farming program is conducted on the
Refuge that provides food sources for
migratory birds and other wildlife.
Waterfowl habitat is actively managed.
Management for State or Federal species
of concern, such as the Washington
ground squirrel, is limited.
The Refuge’s annual Sandhill Crane
Festival attracts hundreds of people
from throughout the Northwest and the
rest of the United States. Other
compatible public uses include hunting,
fishing, wildlife photography and
observation, and environmental
education and interpretation; however,
facilities to accommodate these
activities are limited. The Refuge stocks
sport fish; however, it lacks a fishing
platform that is compliant with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Refuge conducts a hunting lottery
for a few waterfowl blinds, and other
hunting occurs in compliance with
Refuge-specific regulations and law
enforcement. A small number of trails
are provided for hiking and wildlife
viewing. A few interpretive signs are
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Alternative 3
Refuge management actions under
Alternative 3 would be much the same
as Alternative 2, with a greater emphasis
on visitor services. The Soda Lake
Campground would be converted to
day-use facilities, and the area around
the Bluebird Campground would be
available by permit, as a day-use
educational site. To promote hunting
and fishing opportunities, ADAcompliant facilities would be
developed. Compatible waterfowl and
big game hunting opportunities would
be expanded by opening new areas, and
implementing additional youth hunt
days, areas, and seasons. The waterfowl
blinds and hunting lottery would be
retained. Horseback riding and bicycling
would continue. Morgan Lake Road
would remain open for 24-hour use. A
new hiking and interpretive trail would
be developed within the Drumheller
Channel National Natural Landmark.
Seasonal and permanent wildlife
observation blinds would be provided.
New interpretive and educational
programs would be developed, and new
brochures to aid Refuge visitors would
E:\FR\FM\29JYN1.SGM
29JYN1
45602
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 146 / Friday, July 29, 2011 / Notices
be developed. The Sandhill Crane
Festival would remain a priority. Fish
stocking would continue in some lakes;
however, to support northern leopard
frog recovery, we would discontinue
fish stocking in lakes that have the
highest likelihood of the species
recovery success, as determined by an
interdisciplinary team of experts.
Public Availability of Documents
We encourage you to review and
comment on the proposals we have
developed in the Draft CCP/EA. The
Draft CCP/EA is available on our Web
site or by request from the Refuge (see
ADDRESSES).
Next Steps
After this comment period ends, we
will analyze the comments and address
them in the final CCP and decision
document.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone
number, e-mail address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Dated: May 20, 2011.
Richard Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland,
Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011–19200 Filed 7–28–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[FWS–R8–ES–2011–N144; 81440–1113–
0000–F3]
Proposed Safe Harbor Agreement for
California Red-Legged Frog, at
Swallow Creek Ranch, San Luis
Obispo County, CA
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; receipt of
permit application.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
AGENCY:
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), have
received, from Swallow Creek Ranch
(Applicant), an application for an
enhancement of survival permit for the
Federally threatened California redlegged frog (Rana draytonii), under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
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16:17 Jul 28, 2011
Jkt 223001
Availability of Documents
You may obtain copies of the
documents for review by using one of
the methods in ADDRESSES, or by
contacting the individual named in the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section. You also may make an
appointment to view the documents at
the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office
(see ADDRESSES) during normal business
hours.
Background
Fish and Wildlife Service
SUMMARY:
amended (Act). This permit application
includes a proposed Safe Harbor
Agreement (Agreement) between the
Applicant and the Service. The
Agreement and permit application are
available for public comment.
DATES: To ensure we are able to
consider your comments, please send
them to us by August 29, 2011.
ADDRESSES: The documents are
available on our Web site: https://
www.fws.gov/ventura. A limited number
of printed copies are available by
request. You may request the documents
or submit comments by any of the
following methods.
• E-mail:
fw8SHA_swallowcreekranch@fws.gov.
Include ‘‘Swallow Creek Ranch SHA’’ in
the subject line of the message.
• U.S. Mail: Field Supervisor; U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service; Ventura Fish
and Wildlife Office; 2493 Portola Road,
Suite B; Ventura, CA 93003.
• Fax: Attn: Field Supervisor, (805)
644–3958.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric
Morrissette, Safe Harbor Coordinator,
Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office at the
address above or by telephone at (805)
644–1766.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Under a Safe Harbor Agreement,
participating landowners voluntarily
undertake management activities on
their property to enhance, restore, or
maintain habitat benefiting species
listed under the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.). Safe Harbor Agreements, and the
subsequent permits that are issued
under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Act,
encourage private and other non-Federal
property owners to implement
conservation efforts for listed species by
assuring property owners that they will
not be subjected to increased land use
restrictions as a result of efforts to
attract or increase the numbers or
distribution of a listed species on their
property. Application requirements and
issuance criteria for permits through
Safe Harbor Agreements are found in 50
CFR 17.32(c).
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Fmt 4703
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We have worked with the Applicant
to develop this proposed Agreement for
the conservation of the California redlegged frog on the property subject to
the Agreement (Enrolled Property),
which is owned and managed by the
Applicant. The Enrolled Property is
Swallow Creek Ranch in San Luis
Obispo County, California. Within the
620 acres of land comprising the
Enrolled Property, habitat for the
California red-legged frog will be
restored, enhanced, and managed under
a written agreement between the
Applicant and Service. We expect that
the activities proposed in the Agreement
will result in an increase in suitable
habitat for this species and provide for
its increase in number and its expansion
into additional areas that are currently
not occupied, thus resulting in a net
conservation benefit for the species.
This Agreement provides for the
restoration, enhancement, and
management of aquatic, riparian, and
upland habitat suitable for the
California red-legged frog on the
Enrolled Property. The proposed
duration of the Agreement is 30 years,
and the proposed term of the
enhancement of survival permit is 30
years. The Agreement fully describes
the proposed management activities to
be undertaken by the Applicant and the
net conservation benefits expected to be
gained for the California red-legged frog.
Upon approval of this Agreement and
satisfactory completion of all other
applicable legal requirements, and
consistent with the Service’s Safe
Harbor Policy published in the Federal
Register on June 17, 1999 (64 FR 32717),
the Service would issue a permit to the
Applicant authorizing take of the
California red-legged frog incidental to
the implementation of the management
activities specified in the Agreement;
incidental to other lawful uses of the
Enrolled Property, including normal,
routine land management activities; and
incidental to the return to preAgreement conditions (baseline).
Management activities included in the
Agreement will provide for the
restoration, enhancement, and
management of native riparian habitats
within the Enrolled Property. The
objective of such activities is to enhance
the population of California red-legged
frogs by increasing the quality and
quantity of suitable habitat on the
Enrolled Property. Take of California
red-legged frogs incidental to the
aforementioned activities is unlikely;
however, it is possible that in the course
of such activities or other lawful
activities on the Enrolled Property, the
Applicant could incidentally take
California red-legged frog, thereby
E:\FR\FM\29JYN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 146 (Friday, July 29, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45600-45602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19200]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R1-R-2011-N088; 1265-0000-10137-S3]
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Adams and Grant Counties, WA;
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of our draft comprehensive conservation plan and
environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for the Columbia National
Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) for public review and comment. The Draft CCP/
EA describes our proposal and alternatives for managing the Refuge for
the next 15 years.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by
August 29, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may download a copy of the Draft CCP/EA from our Web
site: https://www.fws.gov/columbia/. You may submit comments on the
Draft CCP/EA or request a copy of it on CD-ROM by any of the following
methods. A limited number of printed copies are also available.
E-mail: mcriver@fws.gov. Include ``Columbia Draft CCP/EA'' in the
subject line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Kelly Chase, (509) 546-8303.
U.S. Mail: Kelly Chase, Refuge Manager, Columbia National Wildlife
Refuge, 64 Maple Street, Burbank, WA 99323.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Haas, (509) 546-8333 (phone); or
daniel_haas@fws.gov (e-mail).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we continue the CCP process for the Refuge. The
Service began this process by publishing a notice of intent in the
Federal Register (74 FR 25576) on May 28, 2009.
The Refuge is located in the high desert of central Washington. It
encompasses 29,656 acres of grassland, shrub-steppe, lake, and wetland
habitats. The Refuge was established in 1944, in conjunction with the
Columbia Basin Irrigation Project (CBIP), and has been actively managed
since 1955. The Refuge's primary purposes are as a refuge and breeding
ground for
[[Page 45601]]
migratory birds and other wildlife, and for use as an inviolate
sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.
The Refuge was created as a breeding ground for migratory birds;
however, it is primarily an important stopover during migration.
Background
The CCP Process
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 that are compatible with a
refuge's purposes, and 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.
Public Outreach
The Service began the public scoping phase of the CCP planning
process by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal Register (74 FR
25576) on May 28, 2009, announcing our intention to complete a CCP/EA
for the Refuge, inviting the public to a public open house meeting, and
requesting public comments. Simultaneously, we distributed Planning
Update 1 to our mailing list, announcing the beginning of the CCP
planning process, requesting comments on Refuge management issues, and
inviting the public to attend a public open house meeting. The public
meeting was held June 16, 2009, in Othello, Washington.
In February 2011 we distributed Planning Update 2. The update
included a summary of the comments we received, and our draft
management alternatives, goals, and objectives. The public comments we
received throughout the planning process were considered during
development of the Draft CCP/EA.
Draft CCP Alternatives We Are Considering
During the public scoping process we identified a number of issues
in Planning Update 1, and in the comments we received from the public,
government agencies, and Tribes. To address these issues, we developed
and evaluated three alternatives for managing the Refuge. A full
description of each alternative is in the Draft CCP/EA. All of the
alternatives will include actions to control invasive species, develop
or improve partnerships, continue coordination with the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife, develop volunteer opportunities, and
make restoration of habitats a top priority. A brief summary of each
alternative follows.
Alternative 1
Alternative 1 is our no action alternative; under it we would
continue current management programs. Refuge lands would continue to be
managed using a mix of natural processes and habitat maintenance
activities. For example, we allow many wetland areas to follow natural
succession; however, we conduct noxious weed control, prescribed fire,
and other maintenance actions within them. Several moist soil
management areas also require water level manipulation, dike
maintenance, extensive soil preparation, plantings, and other
treatments. Several specialized habitats, such as rock outcroppings and
alkali wetlands, are not actively managed. A cooperative farming
program is conducted on the Refuge that provides food sources for
migratory birds and other wildlife. Waterfowl habitat is actively
managed. Management for State or Federal species of concern, such as
the Washington ground squirrel, is limited.
The Refuge's annual Sandhill Crane Festival attracts hundreds of
people from throughout the Northwest and the rest of the United States.
Other compatible public uses include hunting, fishing, wildlife
photography and observation, and environmental education and
interpretation; however, facilities to accommodate these activities are
limited. The Refuge stocks sport fish; however, it lacks a fishing
platform that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). The Refuge conducts a hunting lottery for a few waterfowl
blinds, and other hunting occurs in compliance with Refuge-specific
regulations and law enforcement. A small number of trails are provided
for hiking and wildlife viewing. A few interpretive signs are provided,
and environmental education programs are limited and sporadic.
Alternative 2
Under Alternative 2, Refuge management actions would be similar to
Alternative 1, with a number of improvements. Approximately 175 acres
of emergent wetlands in Marsh Unit III would be converted to riparian
habitat. The Crab Creek channel would be restored. Specialized habitats
(e.g., rock outcroppings) would be managed. Farming would continue
using low-impact techniques. Management of State and Federal species of
concern would be emphasized.
Visitor use would focus on compatible wildlife observation,
photography, and interpretation. The Sandhill Crane Festival would
remain a priority. Camping, horseback riding, and bicycling uses may
change, or be restricted or eliminated, to enhance various habitats.
Additional facilities would be developed, including seasonal
photography blinds and an ADA-compliant fishing area and hunting blind.
Compatible waterfowl hunting would continue; however, the permanent
blinds would be removed (excluding the ADA-compliant blinds), and the
lottery would be eliminated. Morgan Lake Road would be closed to
overnight travel. Interpretive and educational programs would be
limited; however, numerous Refuge brochures would be developed to
enhance recreational use of the Refuge.
Alternative 3
Refuge management actions under Alternative 3 would be much the
same as Alternative 2, with a greater emphasis on visitor services. The
Soda Lake Campground would be converted to day-use facilities, and the
area around the Bluebird Campground would be available by permit, as a
day-use educational site. To promote hunting and fishing opportunities,
ADA-compliant facilities would be developed. Compatible waterfowl and
big game hunting opportunities would be expanded by opening new areas,
and implementing additional youth hunt days, areas, and seasons. The
waterfowl blinds and hunting lottery would be retained. Horseback
riding and bicycling would continue. Morgan Lake Road would remain open
for 24-hour use. A new hiking and interpretive trail would be developed
within the Drumheller Channel National Natural Landmark. Seasonal and
permanent wildlife observation blinds would be provided. New
interpretive and educational programs would be developed, and new
brochures to aid Refuge visitors would
[[Page 45602]]
be developed. The Sandhill Crane Festival would remain a priority. Fish
stocking would continue in some lakes; however, to support northern
leopard frog recovery, we would discontinue fish stocking in lakes that
have the highest likelihood of the species recovery success, as
determined by an interdisciplinary team of experts.
Public Availability of Documents
We encourage you to review and comment on the proposals we have
developed in the Draft CCP/EA. The Draft CCP/EA is available on our Web
site or by request from the Refuge (see ADDRESSES).
Next Steps
After this comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and
address them in the final CCP and decision document.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
Dated: May 20, 2011.
Richard Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011-19200 Filed 7-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
