Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Clallam County, WA; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 61378-61379 [2011-25317]

Download as PDF 61378 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 4, 2011 / Notices Dated: September 27, 2011. Deborah Hernandez, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. [FR Doc. 2011–25577 Filed 10–3–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2011–N099; 1265–0000–10137– S3] Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Clallam County, WA; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental assessment (EA) for Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge or NWR) in Clallam County, Washington. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by November 3, 2011. We will announce opportunities for public input in local news media throughout the CCP process. SUMMARY: Additional information concerning the refuge is available on our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/ washingtonmaritime/dungeness/. Send your comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods: E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Dungeness NWR CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. Fax: Attn: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, (360) 457–9778. U.S. Mail: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, 715 Holgerson Road, Sequim, WA 98382. In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments during regular business hours at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, phone (360) 457–8451, or e-mail kevin_ryan@fws.gov. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:03 Oct 03, 2011 Jkt 226001 Background encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of Dungeness Refuge. We will conduct the environmental review of this project and develop an EA in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. The CCP Process Dungeness Refuge 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. Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with each refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the NWRS. Our CCP process provides participation opportunities for the public; Tribal, State, and local governments; agencies; and organizations. At this time we The refuge was established in 1915 as a ‘‘refuge, preserve, and breeding ground for native birds’’ (Executive Order 2123). The refuge’s approved boundary encompasses 773 acres of sand spit, tidelands, and upland forest habitat along Washington’s Strait of Juan de Fuca; of this, the Service manages 325 acres through perpetual easements and owns and manages approximately 448 acres. Habitat types found on the refuge include beach, bluffs, coastal strand, eelgrass beds, mudflats, coastal lagoon, salt marsh, natural and constructed freshwater wetlands, and mixed conifer forests. At 5.5-miles (8.9 kilometers), Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit in the United States. Graveyard Spit, which is attached to Dungeness Spit, is designated as a Research Natural Area due to the quality of its native plant community, which provides an excellent representation of coastal strand. The refuge’s eelgrass beds are important over-wintering and staging areas for Brant. Numerous other birds use the refuge during migration and winter, including dabbling and diving ducks, shorebirds, and bald eagles. Dungeness Refuge also provides breeding habitat for black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots, and forest birds. Harbor seals use the refuge to pup, haulout, and molt. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP/EA for Dungeness NWR. This notice complies with our CCP policy to (1) Advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct detailed planning on this refuge and (2) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the environmental document and during development of the CCP. PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Scoping: Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities We have identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities that we may address in the CCP. We have briefly summarized these issues below. During public scoping, we may identify additional issues. • Should we actively manage the Dawley Unit’s forest to enhance old growth forest characteristics and/or marbled murrelet habitat, and if so, how? • Should we enhance the refuge’s eelgrass beds, and/or mitigate E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 4, 2011 / Notices anticipated impacts to the eelgrass beds from climate change? • How can we reduce marine debris and derelict fishing gear on and adjacent to the refuge? • How can we reduce the risks of and impacts from oil spills and other contaminants on the refuge? • Which invasive species should be our highest priorities for monitoring and control measures? How can we prevent the introduction and dispersal of invasive plants and animals? • How should we address the anticipated impacts of climate change and sea level rise on the refuge’s wildlife and habitat in the CCP and environmental document? • What research or monitoring studies are needed to improve wildlife and habitat management? • How can we reduce human-caused wildlife disturbance impacts on and adjacent to the refuge, and improve compliance with refuge regulations? • How can we improve the refuge’s environmental and cultural education and interpretation programs, partnerships, and other priority public uses that are compatible with the refuge’s conservation purposes? How can we enhance opportunities for people with disabilities to experience refuge resources? Public Meetings We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public meeting. You can obtain the schedule from our Web site or the project leader (see ADDRESSES). We will also announce the public meeting through other media outlets. In addition, you may send comments anytime during the planning process by mail, e-mail, or fax (see ADDRESSES). pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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: August 16, 2011. Robyn Thorson, Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2011–25317 Filed 10–3–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:03 Oct 03, 2011 Jkt 226001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–ES–2011–N183; 21450–1113– 0000–C2] Final Recovery Plan, Bexar County Karst Invertebrates Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of document availability. AGENCY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of our final recovery plan, for the nine Bexar County Karst Invertebrates under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). These species occur in Bexar County, Texas. ADDRESSES: You may download the recovery plan from the internet at http: //www.fws.gov/endangered/species/ recovery-plans.html, or you may obtain a copy from Cyndee Watson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite #200, Austin, TX (512–490– 0057 ext. 223). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Zerrenner, at the above address; by phone at 512–490–0057, ext. 249; or by e-mail at Adam_Zerrenner@fws.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background Recovering endangered or threatened animals and plants to the point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their ecosystems is a primary goal of our endangered species program and the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Recovery means improvement of the status of listed species to the point at which listing is no longer appropriate under the criteria set out in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. The Act requires the development of recovery plans for listed species, unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. 61379 Final Recovery Plan The final recovery plan includes scientific information about the species and provides objectives and actions needed to recover the Bexar County karst invertebrates and to ultimately remove them from the list of threatened and endangered species. It also has incorporated public and peer review comments as applicable. Recovery actions designed to achieve these objectives include reducing threats to the species by securing an adequate quantity and quality of habitat. This includes selecting caves or cave clusters that represent the range of the species and potential genetic diversity for the nine species, and then preserving these karst habitats, including their drainage basins and surface communities upon which they rely. Some of the changes from the draft recovery plan include changes in the acreage requirements for medium and high quality preserves as well as the configuration of the preserves required to meet the recovery criteria. Because many aspects of the population dynamics and habitat requirements of the species are poorly understood, recovery is also dependant on incorporating research findings into adaptive management actions. Because three of these species are known to occur in only one cave, full recovery may not be possible for these species. Authority We developed our final recovery plan under the authority of section 4(f) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). We publish this notice under section 4(f) Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: September 13, 2011. Joy E. Nicholopoulos, Acting Regional Director, Southwest Region, Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2011–25483 Filed 10–3–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P Species’ History The following nine Bexar County karst invertebrates were listed as endangered species on December 26, 2000 (65 FR 81419): Rhadine exilis, R. infernalis, Batrisodes venyivi, Texella cokendolpheri, Neoleptoneta microps, Cicurina baronia, C. madla, C. venii, and C. vespera. These invertebrates are troglobites, spending their entire lives underground. They inhabit caves and mesocaverns (humanly impassable voids in karst limestone) in Bexar County, Texas. They are characterized by small or absent eyes and pale coloration. PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLNML00000 L13110000.XH0000] Notice of Public Meeting, Las Cruces District Resource Advisory Council Meeting, New Mexico Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Public Meeting. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Federal Advisory SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 192 (Tuesday, October 4, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61378-61379]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25317]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2011-N099; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Clallam County, WA; 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to 
prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental 
assessment (EA) for Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge or NWR) 
in Clallam County, Washington. We provide this notice in compliance 
with our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, 
and the public of our intentions and to obtain suggestions and 
information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.

DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by 
November 3, 2011. We will announce opportunities for public input in 
local news media throughout the CCP process.

ADDRESSES: Additional information concerning the refuge is available on 
our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/washingtonmaritime/dungeness/. Send 
your comments or requests for more information by any of the following 
methods:
    E-mail: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``Dungeness NWR CCP'' 
in the subject line of the message.
    Fax: Attn: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, (360) 457-9778.
    U.S. Mail: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, Dungeness National Wildlife 
Refuge, 715 Holgerson Road, Sequim, WA 98382.
    In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments during regular 
business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Ryan, Project Leader, phone 
(360) 457-8451, or e-mail kevin_ryan@fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP/EA 
for Dungeness NWR. This notice complies with our CCP policy to (1) 
Advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our 
intention to conduct detailed planning on this refuge and (2) obtain 
suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the 
environmental document and during development of the CCP.

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.
    Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established 
for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for 
developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for 
each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), and to 
determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a 
way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives 
that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and 
habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation 
opportunities that are compatible with each refuge's establishing 
purposes and the mission of the NWRS.
    Our CCP process provides participation opportunities for the 
public; Tribal, State, and local governments; agencies; and 
organizations. At this time we encourage input in the form of issues, 
concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of Dungeness 
Refuge.
    We will conduct the environmental review of this project and 
develop an EA in accordance with the requirements of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.); NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other appropriate 
Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and procedures for 
compliance with those laws and regulations.

Dungeness Refuge

    The refuge was established in 1915 as a ``refuge, preserve, and 
breeding ground for native birds'' (Executive Order 2123). The refuge's 
approved boundary encompasses 773 acres of sand spit, tidelands, and 
upland forest habitat along Washington's Strait of Juan de Fuca; of 
this, the Service manages 325 acres through perpetual easements and 
owns and manages approximately 448 acres.
    Habitat types found on the refuge include beach, bluffs, coastal 
strand, eelgrass beds, mudflats, coastal lagoon, salt marsh, natural 
and constructed freshwater wetlands, and mixed conifer forests. At 5.5-
miles (8.9 kilometers), Dungeness Spit is the longest natural sand spit 
in the United States. Graveyard Spit, which is attached to Dungeness 
Spit, is designated as a Research Natural Area due to the quality of 
its native plant community, which provides an excellent representation 
of coastal strand. The refuge's eelgrass beds are important over-
wintering and staging areas for Brant. Numerous other birds use the 
refuge during migration and winter, including dabbling and diving 
ducks, shorebirds, and bald eagles. Dungeness Refuge also provides 
breeding habitat for black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots, and 
forest birds. Harbor seals use the refuge to pup, haulout, and molt.

Scoping: Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

    We have identified preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities 
that we may address in the CCP. We have briefly summarized these issues 
below. During public scoping, we may identify additional issues.
     Should we actively manage the Dawley Unit's forest to 
enhance old growth forest characteristics and/or marbled murrelet 
habitat, and if so, how?
     Should we enhance the refuge's eelgrass beds, and/or 
mitigate

[[Page 61379]]

anticipated impacts to the eelgrass beds from climate change?
     How can we reduce marine debris and derelict fishing gear 
on and adjacent to the refuge?
     How can we reduce the risks of and impacts from oil spills 
and other contaminants on the refuge?
     Which invasive species should be our highest priorities 
for monitoring and control measures? How can we prevent the 
introduction and dispersal of invasive plants and animals?
     How should we address the anticipated impacts of climate 
change and sea level rise on the refuge's wildlife and habitat in the 
CCP and environmental document?
     What research or monitoring studies are needed to improve 
wildlife and habitat management?
     How can we reduce human-caused wildlife disturbance 
impacts on and adjacent to the refuge, and improve compliance with 
refuge regulations?
     How can we improve the refuge's environmental and cultural 
education and interpretation programs, partnerships, and other priority 
public uses that are compatible with the refuge's conservation 
purposes? How can we enhance opportunities for people with disabilities 
to experience refuge resources?

Public Meetings

    We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public 
meeting. You can obtain the schedule from our Web site or the project 
leader (see ADDRESSES). We will also announce the public meeting 
through other media outlets. In addition, you may send comments anytime 
during the planning process by mail, e-mail, or fax (see ADDRESSES).

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: August 16, 2011.
Robyn Thorson,
Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011-25317 Filed 10-3-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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