Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex; Wilderness Review and Legislative Environmental Impact Statement, 78309-78311 [2011-32222]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2011 / Notices (telephone); (703) 358–2280 (fax); DMAFR@fws.gov (email). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Comment Procedures jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES A. How do I request copies of applications or comment on submitted applications? Send your request for copies of applications or comments and materials concerning any of the applications to the contact listed under ADDRESSES. Please include the Federal Register notice publication date, the PRTnumber, and the name of the applicant in your request or submission. We will not consider requests or comments sent to an email or address not listed under ADDRESSES. If you provide an email address in your request for copies of applications, we will attempt to respond to your request electronically. Please make your requests or comments as specific as possible. Please confine your comments to issues for which we seek comments in this notice, and explain the basis for your comments. Include sufficient information with your comments to allow us to authenticate any scientific or commercial data you include. The comments and recommendations that will be most useful and likely to influence agency decisions are: (1) Those supported by quantitative information or studies; and (2) Those that include citations to, and analyses of, the applicable laws and regulations. We will not consider or include in our administrative record comments we receive after the close of the comment period (see DATES) or comments delivered to an address other than those listed above (see ADDRESSES). B. May I review comments submitted by others? Comments, including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the address listed under ADDRESSES. The public may review documents and other information applicants have sent in support of the application unless our allowing viewing would violate the Privacy Act or Freedom of Information Act. Before including your address, phone number, email 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Dec 15, 2011 Jkt 226001 78309 (Pongo abelii) through interstate commerce from Coriell Cell Repository, Camden, NJ, for the purpose of scientific research. II. Background To help us carry out our conservation responsibilities for affected species, and in consideration of section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), along with Executive Order 13576, ‘‘Delivering an Efficient, Effective, and Accountable Government’’ and ‘‘The President’s Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies of January 21, 2009—Transparency and Open Government’’ (74 FR 4685; January 26, 2009), which call on all Federal agencies to promote openness and transparency in Government by disclosing information to the public, we invite public comment on these permit applications before final action is taken. Brenda Tapia, Program Analyst/Data Administrator, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. III. Permit Applications [FR Doc. 2011–32208 Filed 12–15–11; 8:45 am] Applicant: Jacksonville Zoological Society, Jacksonville, FL; PRT–59935A The applicant requests a permit to export three live, captive-born bonobos (Pan paniscus) to Germany, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Applicant: Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation, Fort Worth, TX; PRT– 58695A The applicant requests a permit to import from Hong Kong up to 20 angulated tortoises (Astrochelys yniphora) that were previously illegally removed from the wild in Madagascar. The import would be for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Applicant: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., Athens, GA; PRT–57273A The applicant requests a permit to import biological samples from wild female leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in Trinidad for the purpose of scientific research. Applicant: Phoenix Herpetological Society, Scottsdale, AZ; PRT–57939A The applicant requests a permit to import two (one male and one female) African slender snouted crocodiles (Crocodylus cataphractus) that were captive-hatched in South Africa. The import would be for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Applicant: David Marovitz, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; PRT– 59019A The applicant requests a permit to acquire DNA cell cultures from gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) and Sumatran orangutan Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The applicant requests a permit to import biological specimens of Cat Island slider turtle (Trachemys terrapin) and Inagua Island slider turtle (T. stejnegeri malonei) from wild turtles in the Bahamas for the purpose of scientific research. BILLING CODE 4310–55–P A. Endangered Species PO 00000 Applicant: Theodore Papenfuss, University of California, Berkeley, CA; PRT–59290A DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2011–N091; 1265–0000–10137– SC] Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex; Wilderness Review and Legislative Environmental Impact Statement Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to conduct a wilderness review (WR) to evaluate lands and waters within the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Refuge Complex), to identify Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), and to determine if the WSAs are suitable for recommending Congressional designation as wilderness. We will also prepare a legislative environmental impact statement (LEIS), to evaluate the effects of various WR/LEIS alternatives. We provide this notice to advise the public, other agencies, and organizations of our intent, and to obtain public comments, suggestions, and information on the scope of issues to consider during development of the WR/LEIS. DATES: To accommodate the holidays, we are providing a 45 day public comment period. Please send your written comments by January 30, 2012. We will announce future opportunities for public input on our Web site and through local news outlets. ADDRESSES: Information about the Refuge Complex is available on our Web SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1 78310 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2011 / Notices site https://www.pacificislands.fws.gov. Send your written comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods. Email: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Wilderness LEIS’’ in the subject line of the message. Fax: Attn: Matthew Ching, (808) 792– 9585. U.S. Mail: Matthew Ching, Wilderness Coordinator, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 5–231, Honolulu, HI 96850. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Ching, (808) 792–9540 (phone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: waters that meet the definition of wilderness in the Wilderness Act. • If refuge lands and waters meet the minimum criteria, one or more wilderness study areas (WSAs) may be established. • A wilderness study is conducted to further evaluate and determine if each WSA is suitable for recommending Congressional designation as wilderness. We will develop the WR/LEIS in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321); its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1500–1508); the Wilderness Act of 1964; and Service policy on wilderness reviews and evaluations. Background Under the direction and authorization of the Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 1131–1136), the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) was created, which included a process for Federal land management agencies to recommend areas to Congress for designation as wilderness. Wilderness, as defined by the Wilderness Act, is untrammeled (free from man’s control), undeveloped, and natural, and offers outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation. The National Wildlife Refuge System manages designated wilderness areas on national wildlife refuges in accordance with Service policies (610 FW 1–4) to secure an enduring resource of wilderness, and accomplish refuge purposes in a way that preserves wilderness character. Our policies on wilderness stewardship and refuge planning require us to conduct refuge wilderness reviews, which include the following. • A wilderness inventory is conducted to identify refuge lands and Refuge Complex Overview The Refuge Complex manages the following national wildlife refuges: Baker Island, Guam, Hakalau Forest, Hanalei, Hawaiian Islands, Howland ¯ Island, Hule‘ia, James Campbell, Jarvis Island, Johnston Island, Kakahai‘a, ¯ ¯ Kealia Pond, Kılauea Point, Kingman Reef, Mariana Arc of Fire, Mariana Trench, Midway Atoll, O‘ahu Forest, Palmyra Atoll, Pearl Harbor, Rose Atoll, and Wake Atoll. These refuges are located in Hawai’i, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui Counties, HI; U.S. Pacific Island Territories; and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Refuge Complex covers more than 54 million acres, and encompasses some of the best remaining wildlife habitat in the Pacific Ocean. The Refuge Complex is home to some of the rarest endangered flora and fauna in the world, and extraordinary biological, chemical, and geological phenomena. Several refuges contain significant cultural and historic resources as well. Some of the refuges, many located on the main Hawaiian Islands, offer Inventory date results Refuge Refuges With Completed Wilderness Inventories A brief summary and table of the Refuge Complex’s existing WSAs and studies follow. • We completed wilderness inventories and subsequent WSA studies for the Baker Island, Howland Island, and Jarvis Island Refuges in September 2008 as part of their comprehensive conservation plans (CCP). We determined that each refuge contains a WSA that is suitable for a possible wilderness recommendation. Since then, the jurisdictional boundaries of these refuges were expanded by Secretary’s Order 3284; therefore, we will conduct inventories in the expansion areas, and if WSAs are identified, we will complete the wilderness review process for each new and existing WSA as part of our WR/ LEIS. • We completed a wilderness inventory and identified a WSA on the Hakalau Forest Refuge, as part of the refuge’s CCP completed in September 2010. The WSA review process will be completed as part of our WR/LEIS. • We completed the wilderness inventory and review process for the Hawaiian Islands Refuge in 1974. We will conduct a new wilderness inventory and review process as part of our WR/LEIS. The following table summarizes the status of the wilderness review process for each WSA currently established within the Refuge Complex. Date of study determination Baker Island1 ................................. September 2008, WSA identified Hakalau Forest .............................. September 2010, WSA identified Hawaiian Islands 2 .......................... April 24, 1970, WSA identified ..... Howland Island1 ............................. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES recreational opportunities, educational programs, and guided tours to the public. However, a majority of the refuges in the Refuge Complex are closed to public access to protect their unique and fragile natural resources. September 2008, WSA identified Jarvis Island1 ................................. September 2008, WSA identified Date of submission recommendation September 2008, Suitable for possible wilderness recommendation. Study will be part of WR/LEIS ...... June 1974, Suitable for possible wilderness recommendation. September 2008, Suitable for possible wilderness recommendation. September 2008, Suitable for possible wilderness recommendation. Will be part of WR/LEIS. To be determined during WSA Study. June 1974, Wilderness proposal submitted to Congress. Will be part of WR/LEIS. Will be part of WR/LEIS. 1 As part of our WR/LEIS, we will also conduct an inventory of refuge expansion areas. If WSAs are identified, we will complete the review process for each WSA. 2 As part of our WR/LEIS, we will conduct a new inventory of the refuge. If WSAs are identified, we will complete the wilderness review process for each WSA. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Dec 15, 2011 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2011 / Notices We have managed our existing WSAs in a manner that preserves wilderness character in accordance with (1) the Refuges’ respective CCPs; (2) regulations on administration and use of areas under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior which may be designated as wilderness areas (43 CFR 35); and (3) Service policy on areas pending designation as wilderness. The documents containing the existing wilderness inventories and reviews are available on our Web site https:// www.fws.gov/pacificislandsrefuges/ wilderness.html. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Refuges With Special Considerations Site visits by Service staff to Wake Atoll Refuge have been limited. We will conduct the Wake Atoll wilderness inventory as opportunities for site visits become available. If we identify a WSA at the Refuge, it will be evaluated in the Draft WR/LEIS. The submerged lands that make up the Mariana Trench Refuge were established as a national wildlife refuge as part of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument in accordance with Secretary’s Order 3284. The Refuge will not be part of our WR/LEIS, because we are deferring its wilderness inventory and review until our technological capabilities can provide a viable assessment of the minimum criteria for wilderness on the Refuge. Scoping: Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities We have identified the following preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities that we may consider during the development of the WR/LEIS. We may identify additional issues during the public comment period. We will consider and address public comments during development of the WR/LEIS. • Which Refuge Complex lands and waters are of such quality that they should be included in wilderness proposals identified in the WR/LEIS alternatives? • How would current or planned refuge uses, including natural resource management activities, public visitation, and scientific research, be affected in areas identified in potential wilderness recommendations? • How would our management of refuge resources, including historic and cultural artifacts, biological resources, and physical attributes such as water quality and soils, be affected in areas identified in potential wilderness recommendations? • How should global climate change and its potential impacts be considered in the evaluation of wilderness? VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Dec 15, 2011 Jkt 226001 Public Involvement 78311 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. We will develop the WR/LEIS in a manner that will provide participation opportunities for the public; Federal, State, Territorial, and local government agencies; and other interested parties. We request your input regarding issues and suggestions important to you and the evaluation of potential wilderness recommendations. J. Paul Loether, Chief, National Register of Historic Places/ National Historic Landmarks Program. Public Availability of Comments ALABAMA Before including your address, phone number, email 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. Mobile County Most Pure Heart of Mary School, The, 310 Sengstak St., Mobile, 11000988 Dated: December 12, 2011. Richard Hannan, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2011–32222 Filed 12–15–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P CALIFORNIA Los Angeles County Hollywood High School Historic District, 1521 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, 11000989 San Diego County RENOWN (yacht), San Diego Marriot Marina, A Dock, 333 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, 11000990 MAINE Knox County Main Street Historic District (Boundary Increase), 428–497 Main St., Rockland, 11000991 NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–WASO–NRNHL–1111–8976; [2200– 3200–665] Camden County Federal Building and Courthouse, 401 Market St., Camden, 11000992 NEW YORK National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions Nominations for the following properties being considered for listing or related actions in the National Register were received by the National Park Service before November 26, 2011. Pursuant to section 60.13 of 36 CFR part 60, written comments are being accepted concerning the significance of the nominated properties under the National Register criteria for evaluation. Comments may be forwarded by United States Postal Service, to the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW., MS 2280, Washington, DC 20240; by all other carriers, National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service,1201 Eye St. NW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20005; or by fax, (202) 371–6447. Written or faxed comments should be submitted by January 3, 2012. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Albany County Potter Hollow District No. 19 School, Cty. Rd. 53, Potter Hollow, 11000993 Cattaraugus County Jefferson Street Cemetery, E. side of Jefferson St. between Martha St. & Aspen Dr., Ellicottville, 11000994 Temple B’Nai Israel, 127 S. Barry St., Olean, 11000995 Chemung County Eustace, Alexander, House, 401 Maple Ave., Elmira, 11000996 Erie County Pioneer Cemetery, W. side of N. Main St. between Gold St. & Beach Rd., Evans Center, 11000997 Sommers, John P. House (Lancaster, New York MPS), 33 Lake Ave., Lancaster, 11000998 Greene County Haxton—Griffin Farm, 84 Howard Hall Rd., Athens, 11000999 Jefferson County Wood, Amos, House, 7751 Cty. Rd. 120, North Landing, 11001000 Livingston County Avon Five Arch Bridge, 2078 Avon Geneseo Rd., Avon, 11001001 E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78309-78311]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32222]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2011-N091; 1265-0000-10137-SC]


Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex; 
Wilderness Review and Legislative Environmental Impact Statement

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 
conduct a wilderness review (WR) to evaluate lands and waters within 
the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex 
(Refuge Complex), to identify Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), and to 
determine if the WSAs are suitable for recommending Congressional 
designation as wilderness. We will also prepare a legislative 
environmental impact statement (LEIS), to evaluate the effects of 
various WR/LEIS alternatives. We provide this notice to advise the 
public, other agencies, and organizations of our intent, and to obtain 
public comments, suggestions, and information on the scope of issues to 
consider during development of the WR/LEIS.

DATES: To accommodate the holidays, we are providing a 45 day public 
comment period. Please send your written comments by January 30, 2012. 
We will announce future opportunities for public input on our Web site 
and through local news outlets.

ADDRESSES: Information about the Refuge Complex is available on our Web

[[Page 78310]]

site https://www.pacificislands.fws.gov. Send your written comments or 
requests for more information by any of the following methods.
    Email: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``Wilderness LEIS'' in 
the subject line of the message.
    Fax: Attn: Matthew Ching, (808) 792-9585.
    U.S. Mail: Matthew Ching, Wilderness Coordinator, Hawaiian and 
Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., 
Room 5-231, Honolulu, HI 96850.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Ching, (808) 792-9540 (phone).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Under the direction and authorization of the Wilderness Act of 1964 
(16 U.S.C. 1131-1136), the National Wilderness Preservation System 
(NWPS) was created, which included a process for Federal land 
management agencies to recommend areas to Congress for designation as 
wilderness. Wilderness, as defined by the Wilderness Act, is 
untrammeled (free from man's control), undeveloped, and natural, and 
offers outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and 
unconfined recreation. The National Wildlife Refuge System manages 
designated wilderness areas on national wildlife refuges in accordance 
with Service policies (610 FW 1-4) to secure an enduring resource of 
wilderness, and accomplish refuge purposes in a way that preserves 
wilderness character. Our policies on wilderness stewardship and refuge 
planning require us to conduct refuge wilderness reviews, which include 
the following.
     A wilderness inventory is conducted to identify refuge 
lands and waters that meet the definition of wilderness in the 
Wilderness Act.
     If refuge lands and waters meet the minimum criteria, one 
or more wilderness study areas (WSAs) may be established.
     A wilderness study is conducted to further evaluate and 
determine if each WSA is suitable for recommending Congressional 
designation as wilderness.
    We will develop the WR/LEIS in compliance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321); its 
implementing regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508); the Wilderness Act of 
1964; and Service policy on wilderness reviews and evaluations.

Refuge Complex Overview

    The Refuge Complex manages the following national wildlife refuges: 
Baker Island, Guam, Hakalau Forest, Hanalei, Hawaiian Islands, Howland 
Island, Hul[emacr]`ia, James Campbell, Jarvis Island, Johnston Island, 
Kakahai`a, Ke[amacr]lia Pond, K[imacr]lauea Point, Kingman Reef, 
Mariana Arc of Fire, Mariana Trench, Midway Atoll, O`ahu Forest, 
Palmyra Atoll, Pearl Harbor, Rose Atoll, and Wake Atoll. These refuges 
are located in Hawai'i, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui Counties, HI; U.S. 
Pacific Island Territories; and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands. The Refuge Complex covers more than 54 million acres, 
and encompasses some of the best remaining wildlife habitat in the 
Pacific Ocean. The Refuge Complex is home to some of the rarest 
endangered flora and fauna in the world, and extraordinary biological, 
chemical, and geological phenomena. Several refuges contain significant 
cultural and historic resources as well. Some of the refuges, many 
located on the main Hawaiian Islands, offer recreational opportunities, 
educational programs, and guided tours to the public. However, a 
majority of the refuges in the Refuge Complex are closed to public 
access to protect their unique and fragile natural resources.

Refuges With Completed Wilderness Inventories

    A brief summary and table of the Refuge Complex's existing WSAs and 
studies follow.
     We completed wilderness inventories and subsequent WSA 
studies for the Baker Island, Howland Island, and Jarvis Island Refuges 
in September 2008 as part of their comprehensive conservation plans 
(CCP). We determined that each refuge contains a WSA that is suitable 
for a possible wilderness recommendation. Since then, the 
jurisdictional boundaries of these refuges were expanded by Secretary's 
Order 3284; therefore, we will conduct inventories in the expansion 
areas, and if WSAs are identified, we will complete the wilderness 
review process for each new and existing WSA as part of our WR/LEIS.
     We completed a wilderness inventory and identified a WSA 
on the Hakalau Forest Refuge, as part of the refuge's CCP completed in 
September 2010. The WSA review process will be completed as part of our 
WR/LEIS.
     We completed the wilderness inventory and review process 
for the Hawaiian Islands Refuge in 1974. We will conduct a new 
wilderness inventory and review process as part of our WR/LEIS.
    The following table summarizes the status of the wilderness review 
process for each WSA currently established within the Refuge Complex.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Date of study          Date of submission
                Refuge                 Inventory date  results       determination            recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baker Island\1\......................  September 2008, WSA      September 2008,          Will be part of WR/
                                        identified.              Suitable for possible    LEIS.
                                                                 wilderness
                                                                 recommendation.
Hakalau Forest.......................  September 2010, WSA      Study will be part of    To be determined during
                                        identified.              WR/LEIS.                 WSA Study.
Hawaiian Islands \2\.................  April 24, 1970, WSA      June 1974, Suitable for  June 1974, Wilderness
                                        identified.              possible wilderness      proposal submitted to
                                                                 recommendation.          Congress.
Howland Island\1\....................  September 2008, WSA      September 2008,          Will be part of WR/
                                        identified.              Suitable for possible    LEIS.
                                                                 wilderness
                                                                 recommendation.
Jarvis Island\1\.....................  September 2008, WSA      September 2008,          Will be part of WR/
                                        identified.              Suitable for possible    LEIS.
                                                                 wilderness
                                                                 recommendation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ As part of our WR/LEIS, we will also conduct an inventory of refuge expansion areas. If WSAs are identified,
  we will complete the review process for each WSA.
\2\ As part of our WR/LEIS, we will conduct a new inventory of the refuge. If WSAs are identified, we will
  complete the wilderness review process for each WSA.


[[Page 78311]]

    We have managed our existing WSAs in a manner that preserves 
wilderness character in accordance with (1) the Refuges' respective 
CCPs; (2) regulations on administration and use of areas under the 
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior which may be designated 
as wilderness areas (43 CFR 35); and (3) Service policy on areas 
pending designation as wilderness. The documents containing the 
existing wilderness inventories and reviews are available on our Web 
site https://www.fws.gov/pacificislandsrefuges/wilderness.html.

Refuges With Special Considerations

    Site visits by Service staff to Wake Atoll Refuge have been 
limited. We will conduct the Wake Atoll wilderness inventory as 
opportunities for site visits become available. If we identify a WSA at 
the Refuge, it will be evaluated in the Draft WR/LEIS.
    The submerged lands that make up the Mariana Trench Refuge were 
established as a national wildlife refuge as part of the Mariana Trench 
Marine National Monument in accordance with Secretary's Order 3284. The 
Refuge will not be part of our WR/LEIS, because we are deferring its 
wilderness inventory and review until our technological capabilities 
can provide a viable assessment of the minimum criteria for wilderness 
on the Refuge.

Scoping: Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

    We have identified the following preliminary issues, concerns, and 
opportunities that we may consider during the development of the WR/
LEIS. We may identify additional issues during the public comment 
period. We will consider and address public comments during development 
of the WR/LEIS.
     Which Refuge Complex lands and waters are of such quality 
that they should be included in wilderness proposals identified in the 
WR/LEIS alternatives?
     How would current or planned refuge uses, including 
natural resource management activities, public visitation, and 
scientific research, be affected in areas identified in potential 
wilderness recommendations?
     How would our management of refuge resources, including 
historic and cultural artifacts, biological resources, and physical 
attributes such as water quality and soils, be affected in areas 
identified in potential wilderness recommendations?
     How should global climate change and its potential impacts 
be considered in the evaluation of wilderness?

Public Involvement

    We will develop the WR/LEIS in a manner that will provide 
participation opportunities for the public; Federal, State, 
Territorial, and local government agencies; and other interested 
parties. We request your input regarding issues and suggestions 
important to you and the evaluation of potential wilderness 
recommendations.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email 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: December 12, 2011.
Richard Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011-32222 Filed 12-15-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.