Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, Boundary County, ID; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 48877-48879 [2011-19837]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Notices Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410–4500, telephone (202) 402–4605. Hearing or speechimpaired individuals may access this number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The SHOP program provides grants to national and regional nonprofit organizations and consortia that have experience in providing self-help housing. Grant funds are used to purchase land and install or improve infrastructure, which together may not exceed an average investment of $15,000 per dwelling unit. Low-income homebuyers contribute a minimum of 100 hours of sweat equity on the construction of their homes and/or the homes of other homebuyers participating in the local self-help housing program. Sweat equity can include, but is not limited to, assisting in the painting, carpentry, trim work, drywall, roofing and siding for the housing. Persons with disabilities can substitute administrative tasks. Donated volunteer labor is also required. The SHOP funds together with the sweat equity and volunteer labor contributions significantly reduce the cost of the housing for the low-income homebuyers. The FY 2010 awards announced in this Notice were selected for funding in the NOFA competition posted on February 1, 2011, on the grants.gov website. Applications were scored and selected for funding based on the selection criteria in the General Section and the SHOP program NOFA. The amount appropriated in FY 2010 to fund the SHOP grants was $26,730,000. The allocations for SHOP grantees are as follows: 15,369,750 Total ............................... sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation, 880 Anthony Drive, Anthony, NM 88021 Community Frameworks, 409 Pacific Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98337 ............... Housing Assistance Council, 1025 Vermont Avenue, Washington, DC 20005 ..... Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709 ................................ 26,730,000 $866,898 7,361,863 3,131,489 These non-profit organizations propose to distribute SHOP funds to several hundred local affiliates that will acquire and prepare the land for construction, select homebuyers, coordinate the homebuyer sweat equity and volunteer efforts, and assist in the VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 arrangement of interim and permanent financing for the homebuyers. Dated: August 4, 2011. ´ Mercedes Marquez, Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. [FR Doc. 2011–20186 Filed 8–8–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2011–N100; 1265–0000–10137– S3] Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, Boundary County, ID; 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 Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, refuge) for public review and comment. The Draft CCP/EA describes our proposal for managing the refuge for the next 15 years. DATES: To ensure consideration, we need to receive your written comments by September 12, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, requests for more information, or requests for copies by any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy or a CD–ROM of the documents. E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Kootenai NWR CCP’’ in the subject line. Fax: Attn: Dianna Ellis, Refuge Manager, (208) 267–3888. U.S. Mail: Dianna Ellis, Refuge Manager, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 287 Westside Road, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805. Web site: https://www.fws.gov/ kootenai/refuge_planning.html; select ‘‘Contact Us.’’ In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Call (208) 267–3888 to make an appointment (necessary for viewing/ pickup only) during regular business hours at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dianna Ellis, Refuge Manager, (208) 267–3888. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48877 Introduction With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register (74 FR 8102; February 23, 2009). Kootenai NWR encompasses 2,774 acres along the lower Kootenai River in Boundary County, ID. Habitat types on the refuge include seasonal, semipermanent, and permanent wetlands; floodplain forests; coniferous forests; managed pastures; and croplands. The refuge was established ‘‘for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.’’ The refuge provides important habitat for waterbirds, migratory landbirds, and raptors; a variety of mammals including whitetailed deer, elk, and moose; and bull trout, which is listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. 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 compatible 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. Public Outreach We began public outreach by distributing Planning Update 1 to our mailing list and public outlets in January 2009. On January 23, 2009, we held two public scoping meetings in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to meet the public and obtain comments. The meetings were announced through local media outlets, on the refuge’s Web site, and in Planning Update 1. We published a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register announcing our intent to prepare a CCP/ E:\FR\FM\09AUN1.SGM 09AUN1 48878 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Notices EA and inviting public comments. The public scoping period ended on March 25, 2009, and all comments were considered and evaluated. In June 2009, we distributed Planning Update 2, which included a summary of the comments we received, a planning schedule, and a description of the CCP’s scope. In July 2010, we distributed Planning Update 3; in it we summarized our preliminary draft alternatives and requested public comments. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES CCP Alternatives We Are Considering During the public scoping process, we, along with other governmental partners, Tribes, and the public raised several issues which our Draft CCP addresses. A full description of each CCP alternative will be in the EA. To address these issues, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives, summarized below: Alternative 1 (No-Action) Under Alternative 1, the refuge would continue to manage wetlands, croplands, and grasslands for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, deer, and elk. Two hundred acres of grain crops would be grown annually. Riparian and forest habitat would be maintained. Minimal management of instream habitat would occur. Waterfowl hunting would continue on the 740-acre hunt area, 4 days per week, in accordance with the State’s season. A 200-yard no-shooting area (91 acres) would continue along the auto tour route to provide for safety. Big game and upland game (grouse) hunting would be allowed on the 295 acres of timber on the west side of Lions Den and Westside Roads. Fishing would be allowed from the banks of Myrtle Creek only. The 4.5-mile auto tour route would remain open year round to vehicles, walking, bicycling, jogging, dog walking (on leash only), crosscountry skiing, and snowshoeing as weather and road conditions permit. Slightly over 5 miles of trails would be open to walking, jogging, and dog walking (on leash only) year round, except for Island Pond Trail, which would be closed on hunt days during the waterfowl hunting season. The Environmental Education Center would be available for teacher-led, and occasionally staff-led, programs. This alternative is considered the base from which to compare the action alternatives. Alternative 2 (Preferred Alternative) Under Alternative 2, our preferred alternative, wetland, cropland, and grassland management for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, deer, and elk would continue. Repairs and VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 improvements to the existing water management infrastructure would take place to increase the refuge’s ability to manage wetlands. Increased emphasis would be placed on moist soil management. Crop acreage could decrease to 125 acres with an increase in acreage of moist soil wetlands. Existing riparian habitat would be maintained and increased restoration of native riparian and grassland habitats would occur. White-tailed deer and elk populations would be managed, in consultation with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), through special permit hunts in order to protect restored riparian habitat. Wildfires would still be suppressed and forests would be thinned to maintain an open understory and reduce ladder fuels that would allow fire to carry from the forest understory into the canopy. The refuge would work with partners to examine the feasibility of restoring degraded stream habitats for the benefit of native fish. The refuge would initiate a land protection plan study to analyze alternatives for possible refuge boundary expansion to include 120 acres of floodplain owned by the Idaho Department of Lands. Waterfowl hunting would be permitted 4 days per week, in accordance with the State’s season. The waterfowl hunt area would be reduced to 605 acres due to increasing the size of the 200-yard non-shooting area to include the area along the Deep Creek Trail (225 acres) to provide for safety. An additional ADA-accessible blind would be constructed on the north hunt unit. South Pond would be open to hunting from the ADA blind only. The location of fixed blinds and free roam hunt areas would be adjusted as necessary based on habitat quality, waterfowl use of wetlands, and data from hunter surveys. Overall, waterfowl hunting opportunities will be the same as under current management. Big game, upland game (grouse only), and turkey hunting would be allowed west of Lions Den Road (173 acres). Big game and upland game hunting would be discontinued west of Westside Road (122 acres). A special permit hunt for white-tailed deer and elk would be developed, in consultation with IDFG, to reduce damage to riparian vegetation on the refuge flats. Overall, opportunities for big game and upland game hunting would increase compared to current management. Fishing would be allowed from the banks of Myrtle Creek only. The 4.5-mile auto tour route would remain open year round to vehicles, walking, bicycling, jogging, dog walking (on leash only), cross-country skiing, PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and snowshoeing as weather and road conditions permit. Wildlife observation, photography, walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing would be allowed on four trails (3.7 miles total) year round, weather permitting. The Island Pond Trail would be closed to reduce disturbance to waterfowl. Environmental education programs would increase. Alternative 3 Under Alternative 3, actions to protect, maintain, and restore habitat for priority species are the same as under Alternative 2, except that fewer areas would be planted to crops since more acres are managed as moist soil wetlands. The acreage in crops and moist soil would be intermediate between Alternatives 1 and 2. Waterfowl, big game, upland game, and turkey hunting would be the same as in Alternative 2. As in Alternative 2, special permit hunts for white-tailed deer and elk on the refuge flats would be developed to reduce damage to riparian vegetation. Catch-and-release fishing would be allowed from the banks of Myrtle Creek using single, barbless, non-baited hooks only. The 4.5-mile auto tour route would remain open year-round to vehicles, walking, bicycling, jogging, dog walking (on leash only), cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing as weather and road conditions permit. Wildlife observation, photography, walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing would be allowed on five trails (4.8 miles total) year round, weather permitting. The Island Pond Trail would be closed, but the 1.1-mile Kootenai River Trail would be reopened. Environmental education programs would increase. Public Availability of Documents In addition to the information in ADDRESSES, you can view copies of the Draft CCP/EA on the Internet at https:// www.fws.gov/kootenai/ refuge_planning.html, and printed copies will be available for review at the following libraries: Boundary County Library, 6370 Kootenai St., Bonners Ferry, ID 83805; Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Sandpoint, ID 83864; and Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. 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 E:\FR\FM\09AUN1.SGM 09AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 / Notices 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 identifying information from the public, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: June 23, 2011. Robyn Thorson, Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2011–19837 Filed 8–8–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–ES–2011–N151; 40120–1112– 0000–F2] Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Alabama Beach Mouse General Conservation Plan for Incidental Take on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, Baldwin County, AL Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of a draft general conservation plan (GCP) and accompanying draft environmental impact statement (dEIS). If approved, the GCP would facilitate review of future incidental take applications. The take would affect the federally endangered Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) in Baldwin County, Alabama. The GCP analyzes the potential take incidental to construction, occupation, and maintenance of an estimated 500 singlefamily residences. We invite public comments on these documents. DATES: We must receive any written comments on the GCP and dEIS at our Regional Office (see ADDRESSES) and on or before November 7, 2011. ADDRESSES: Documents will be available for public inspection by appointment during normal business hours at the Regional Office, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30345, or at the Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office, 1208–B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526. For how to comment, see Public Comments under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Dell, Regional HCP Coordinator (see ADDRESSES), telephone: 404/679– 4144, or Mr. Darren LeBlanc, Field sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Aug 08, 2011 Jkt 223001 Office Project Manager, at the Alabama Field Office (see ADDRESSES), telephone: 251/441–5868. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We announce the availability of the proposed GCP and the dEIS. These documents analyze the take of the Alabama beach mouse incidental to construction of up to 500 single-family developments potentially affecting an estimated total of 75 acres of Alabama beach mouse habitat. Individual land owners who would need incidental take permits (ITP) for single-family developments, and whose development proposal fits within limits evaluated in the GCP, could apply for ITPs using the GCP provisions instead of producing their own habitat conservation plans. The GCP evaluates issuance of ITPs with up to 50-year terms under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The GCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects on the species. We specifically request information, views, and opinions from the public via this notice on our proposed Federal action, including identification of any other aspects of the human environment not already identified in the dEIS pursuant to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 1506.6. Further, we specifically solicit information regarding the adequacy of the GCP per 50 CFR parts 13 and 17. The dEIS analyzes the preferred alternative, as well as a range of reasonable alternatives and the associated impacts of each. Alternative 3 (Preferred Alternative) is implementation of the GCP. Rejection of the GCP would not necessarily halt single-family lot development in the study area. One of the alternatives considered would be to continue individual permitting as is done currently. Public 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. If you wish to comment, you may submit comments by any one of several methods. Please reference ‘‘Alabama beach mouse GCP’’ in such comments. You may mail comments to our PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 48879 Regional Office or the Alabama Field Office (see ADDRESSES). You may also comment via the Internet to david_dell@fws.gov or darren_leblanc@fws.gov. Please include your name and return mailing address in your e-mail message. If you do not receive a confirmation from us that we have received your e-mail, contact us directly at either telephone number listed (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Finally, you may handdeliver comments to either of our offices listed under ADDRESSES. Covered Area The GCP coverage area extends along the Gulf of Mexico for about 17 miles, encompassing approximately 2,400 acres of open beach and associated nearshore coastal dune environments on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, Baldwin County, Alabama. The coverage area begins at Little Lagoon Pass, on State Highway 182 in Gulf Shores, and extends westward to the tip of the Fort Morgan State Historic site at the western terminus of the Fort Morgan Peninsula. The area is defined biologically as that area where an Alabama beach mouse population or subpopulation could be affected by residential single-family development. Next Steps We will evaluate the GCP and its potential use by ITP applicants, as well as any comments we receive, to determine whether the GCP, when used by ITP applicants, would meet the requirements of section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act. We will also evaluate whether issuance of section 10(a)(1)(B) ITPs under the GCP would comply with section 7 of the Act by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation on anticipated ITP actions. We will consider the results of this consultation, in combination with the above findings, in our final analysis to determine whether or not to make the GCP available to ITP applicants and issue ITPs under the GCP. If we determine that the requirements are met, we will issue ITPs for the incidental take of the Alabama beach mouse to those applicants who meet the criteria established in the GCP. Authority We provide this notice under section 10 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: July 8, 2011. Mark J. Musaus, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. 2011–20140 Filed 8–8–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P E:\FR\FM\09AUN1.SGM 09AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 9, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48877-48879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19837]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2011-N100; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, Boundary County, ID; 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 Kootenai National 
Wildlife Refuge (NWR, refuge) for public review and comment. The Draft 
CCP/EA describes our proposal for managing the refuge for the next 15 
years.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we need to receive your written 
comments by September 12, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, requests for more information, or 
requests for copies by any of the following methods. You may request a 
hard copy or a CD-ROM of the documents.
    E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``Kootenai NWR CCP'' 
in the subject line.
    Fax: Attn: Dianna Ellis, Refuge Manager, (208) 267-3888.
    U.S. Mail: Dianna Ellis, Refuge Manager, Kootenai National Wildlife 
Refuge, 287 Westside Road, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.
    Web site: https://www.fws.gov/kootenai/refuge_planning.html; select 
``Contact Us.''
    In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Call (208) 267-3888 to make 
an appointment (necessary for viewing/pickup only) during regular 
business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dianna Ellis, Refuge Manager, (208) 
267-3888.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Kootenai National 
Wildlife Refuge. We started this process through a notice in the 
Federal Register (74 FR 8102; February 23, 2009).
    Kootenai NWR encompasses 2,774 acres along the lower Kootenai River 
in Boundary County, ID. Habitat types on the refuge include seasonal, 
semipermanent, and permanent wetlands; floodplain forests; coniferous 
forests; managed pastures; and croplands. The refuge was established 
``for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management 
purpose, for migratory birds.'' The refuge provides important habitat 
for waterbirds, migratory landbirds, and raptors; a variety of mammals 
including white-tailed deer, elk, and moose; and bull trout, which is 
listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species 
Act.

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 compatible 
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.

Public Outreach

    We began public outreach by distributing Planning Update 1 to our 
mailing list and public outlets in January 2009. On January 23, 2009, 
we held two public scoping meetings in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to meet 
the public and obtain comments. The meetings were announced through 
local media outlets, on the refuge's Web site, and in Planning Update 
1. We published a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register announcing 
our intent to prepare a CCP/

[[Page 48878]]

EA and inviting public comments. The public scoping period ended on 
March 25, 2009, and all comments were considered and evaluated. In June 
2009, we distributed Planning Update 2, which included a summary of the 
comments we received, a planning schedule, and a description of the 
CCP's scope. In July 2010, we distributed Planning Update 3; in it we 
summarized our preliminary draft alternatives and requested public 
comments.

CCP Alternatives We Are Considering

    During the public scoping process, we, along with other 
governmental partners, Tribes, and the public raised several issues 
which our Draft CCP addresses. A full description of each CCP 
alternative will be in the EA. To address these issues, we developed 
and evaluated the following alternatives, summarized below:
Alternative 1 (No-Action)
    Under Alternative 1, the refuge would continue to manage wetlands, 
croplands, and grasslands for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, deer, 
and elk. Two hundred acres of grain crops would be grown annually. 
Riparian and forest habitat would be maintained. Minimal management of 
instream habitat would occur. Waterfowl hunting would continue on the 
740-acre hunt area, 4 days per week, in accordance with the State's 
season. A 200-yard no-shooting area (91 acres) would continue along the 
auto tour route to provide for safety. Big game and upland game 
(grouse) hunting would be allowed on the 295 acres of timber on the 
west side of Lions Den and Westside Roads. Fishing would be allowed 
from the banks of Myrtle Creek only. The 4.5-mile auto tour route would 
remain open year round to vehicles, walking, bicycling, jogging, dog 
walking (on leash only), cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing as 
weather and road conditions permit. Slightly over 5 miles of trails 
would be open to walking, jogging, and dog walking (on leash only) year 
round, except for Island Pond Trail, which would be closed on hunt days 
during the waterfowl hunting season. The Environmental Education Center 
would be available for teacher-led, and occasionally staff-led, 
programs. This alternative is considered the base from which to compare 
the action alternatives.
Alternative 2 (Preferred Alternative)
    Under Alternative 2, our preferred alternative, wetland, cropland, 
and grassland management for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, deer, and 
elk would continue. Repairs and improvements to the existing water 
management infrastructure would take place to increase the refuge's 
ability to manage wetlands. Increased emphasis would be placed on moist 
soil management. Crop acreage could decrease to 125 acres with an 
increase in acreage of moist soil wetlands. Existing riparian habitat 
would be maintained and increased restoration of native riparian and 
grassland habitats would occur. White-tailed deer and elk populations 
would be managed, in consultation with the Idaho Department of Fish and 
Game (IDFG), through special permit hunts in order to protect restored 
riparian habitat. Wildfires would still be suppressed and forests would 
be thinned to maintain an open understory and reduce ladder fuels that 
would allow fire to carry from the forest understory into the canopy. 
The refuge would work with partners to examine the feasibility of 
restoring degraded stream habitats for the benefit of native fish. The 
refuge would initiate a land protection plan study to analyze 
alternatives for possible refuge boundary expansion to include 120 
acres of floodplain owned by the Idaho Department of Lands.
    Waterfowl hunting would be permitted 4 days per week, in accordance 
with the State's season. The waterfowl hunt area would be reduced to 
605 acres due to increasing the size of the 200-yard non-shooting area 
to include the area along the Deep Creek Trail (225 acres) to provide 
for safety. An additional ADA-accessible blind would be constructed on 
the north hunt unit. South Pond would be open to hunting from the ADA 
blind only. The location of fixed blinds and free roam hunt areas would 
be adjusted as necessary based on habitat quality, waterfowl use of 
wetlands, and data from hunter surveys. Overall, waterfowl hunting 
opportunities will be the same as under current management. Big game, 
upland game (grouse only), and turkey hunting would be allowed west of 
Lions Den Road (173 acres). Big game and upland game hunting would be 
discontinued west of Westside Road (122 acres). A special permit hunt 
for white-tailed deer and elk would be developed, in consultation with 
IDFG, to reduce damage to riparian vegetation on the refuge flats. 
Overall, opportunities for big game and upland game hunting would 
increase compared to current management. Fishing would be allowed from 
the banks of Myrtle Creek only.
    The 4.5-mile auto tour route would remain open year round to 
vehicles, walking, bicycling, jogging, dog walking (on leash only), 
cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing as weather and road conditions 
permit. Wildlife observation, photography, walking, cross-country 
skiing, and snowshoeing would be allowed on four trails (3.7 miles 
total) year round, weather permitting. The Island Pond Trail would be 
closed to reduce disturbance to waterfowl. Environmental education 
programs would increase.
Alternative 3
    Under Alternative 3, actions to protect, maintain, and restore 
habitat for priority species are the same as under Alternative 2, 
except that fewer areas would be planted to crops since more acres are 
managed as moist soil wetlands. The acreage in crops and moist soil 
would be intermediate between Alternatives 1 and 2.
    Waterfowl, big game, upland game, and turkey hunting would be the 
same as in Alternative 2. As in Alternative 2, special permit hunts for 
white-tailed deer and elk on the refuge flats would be developed to 
reduce damage to riparian vegetation. Catch-and-release fishing would 
be allowed from the banks of Myrtle Creek using single, barbless, non-
baited hooks only.
    The 4.5-mile auto tour route would remain open year-round to 
vehicles, walking, bicycling, jogging, dog walking (on leash only), 
cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing as weather and road conditions 
permit. Wildlife observation, photography, walking, cross-country 
skiing, and snowshoeing would be allowed on five trails (4.8 miles 
total) year round, weather permitting. The Island Pond Trail would be 
closed, but the 1.1-mile Kootenai River Trail would be reopened. 
Environmental education programs would increase.

Public Availability of Documents

    In addition to the information in ADDRESSES, you can view copies of 
the Draft CCP/EA on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/kootenai/refuge_planning.html, and printed copies will be available for review 
at the following libraries: Boundary County Library, 6370 Kootenai St., 
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805; Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St., Sandpoint, 
ID 83864; and Coeur d'Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur 
d'Alene, ID 83814.

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

[[Page 48879]]

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 identifying information from 
the public, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

    Dated: June 23, 2011.
Robyn Thorson,
Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011-19837 Filed 8-8-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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