Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, Blaine, Cassia, Minidoka, and Power Counties, ID; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 78940-78942 [2011-32589]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 244 / Tuesday, December 20, 2011 / Notices
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.
CCP Alternatives, Including Selected
Alternative
During our CCP planning process we
identified several issues. To address
these issues, we developed and
evaluated the following alternatives in
our draft CCP/EA.
jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Alternative A, No Action
Under Alternative A, we would have
continued current management with no
changes. This includes focusing
threatened and endangered species
management on protection and
successful nesting. Public use programs
would remain virtually unchanged.
Refuge management units would remain
closed to general public entry except for
seasonal docent-guided tours and
Special Use Permits issued on a case-bycase basis for environmental education,
research, and other compatible uses.
Newly acquired refuge lands would
receive custodial oversight only, no
habitat restoration would occur, and no
additional visitor services would be
provided. Both current commercial
aquaculture leases would remain in
effect until 2023.
Alternative B, Partial Restoration and
Management of Refuge Expansion
Lands
Under Alternative B, current habitat
management programs focusing on
wetland management for endangered
waterbirds would have continued. On
newly acquired refuge lands, only the
highest priority wetlands and coastal
dunes would be restored and fenced to
exclude large predators. A Visitor
Services Plan (VSP) would be developed
to identify the types of compatible
wildlife-oriented activities we would
provide to the public as well as the sites
and locations for the infrastructure
needed to fully support public
programs. We would also identify new
special regulations in the VSP which
may be needed to protect sensitive
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wildlife resources, the fragile coastline,
and the visiting public. During the
interim period until the VSP would be
prepared, the current public use
program would have slight increases in
opportunities for wildlife observation
and photography. The refuge would
participate and partner with other
agencies and the community of Kahuku
on projects to mitigate flood damage to
the local area, if practical and feasible.
Both current commercial aquaculture
leases would remain in effect until
2023.
Alternative C, Full Restoration and
Management of Refuge Expansion
Lands
In addition to management actions
identified in Alternative B, all wetlands,
coastal dunes/strand, and scrub/shrub
habitats would be restored and managed
under Alternative C. Trial use of
predator-proof fencing would be
initiated on selected dune or wetland
sites to protect seabirds or waterbirds.
Abandoned aquaculture facilities would
be cleaned up, and the habitat would be
restored to natural conditions or other
approved uses.
Comments
We solicited comments on the draft
CCP/EA from June 30, 2011, to August
1, 2011 (76 FR 38414; June 30, 2011).
We received comment letters, forms,
and emails on the draft CCP/EA. To
address public comments, responsive
changes and clarifications were made to
the final CCP where appropriate.
Selected Alternative
After considering the comments we
received, we have selected Alternative C
for implementation. By implementing
Alternative C, we will intensively
manage endangered waterbird species
and their habitat at the Ki‘i and
˜
Punamano Units of the refuge with a
focus on protection and successful
nesting as part of the statewide effort to
implement the Hawaiian Waterbird
Recovery Plan. The unique and
sensitive coastal sand dunes and coastal
strand will be managed to protect and
enhance the area for native vegetation,
seabirds, other migratory birds,
endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and
green turtles. A VSP will be developed
to identify, evaluate, and select sites for
the infrastructure needed to fully
implement a safe and compatible
program for the public (to include roads,
parking areas, trails, overlooks, etc.).
The VSP will identify any new special
regulations needed to protect sensitive
wildlife resources, the fragile coastline,
and the visiting public. If funded, the
design and construction of a Visitor
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Center/Environmental Education facility
and refuge office will serve the public,
students, and refuge staff.
The refuge will continue to
participate and cooperate in community
and interagency efforts to address flood
damage reduction for the local area. We
will continue to evaluate our
infrastructure on the refuge, particularly
on newly acquired lands, to determine
if further changes can be made to help
mitigate flood damages. Both current
commercial aquaculture leases will
remain in effect until 2023 at which
time, by prior agreement, they will
expire.
All wetlands, coastal dunes/strand
and scrub/shrub habitats will be
restored and managed. Fencing will be
installed at appropriate locations
throughout the refuge to reduce the
devastating impacts of exotic predators
on native wildlife. Additionally, the
trial use of predator-proof fencing will
be initiated on selected coastal dunes
and/or wetland sites to protect nesting
seabirds and waterbirds. Abandoned
aquaculture facilities will be cleaned
up. As necessary, we will work with the
State to protect wildlife and standardize
public use regulations on the shoreline
adjacent to the refuge coastline.
Dated: November 16, 2011.
Michael Carrier,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region,
Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011–32390 Filed 12–16–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R1–R–2011–N090;
FXRS12650100000S3–123–FF01R06000]
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge,
Blaine, Cassia, Minidoka, and Power
Counties, ID; 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, intend to prepare a
comprehensive conservation plan (CCP)
for Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge.
We will also prepare an environmental
assessment (EA) to evaluate the
potential effects of various CCP
alternatives. We provide this notice in
compliance with our CCP policy to
advise the public, Federal and State
agencies, and Tribes of our intentions,
and to obtain public comments,
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 244 / Tuesday, December 20, 2011 / Notices
Background
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 of goals and objectives for
each refuge within the National Wildlife
Refuge System mission, 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 insure 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 National Wildlife
Refuge System.
Our CCP process provides
participation opportunities for Tribal,
State, and local governments; agencies;
organizations; and the public. At this
time we encourage input in the form of
issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions
for the future management of the
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
The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.
668dd–668ee), as amended by the
National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 (Refuge
Administration Act), 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 may be available to the public,
including opportunities for hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, and environmental
education and interpretation. We will
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge
The Refuge was established by
President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909
for the purpose of serving as a refuge
and breeding grounds for native birds.
The Refuge is located 12 miles northeast
of Rupert, ID, in the Snake River Plain,
at approximately 4,200 feet in elevation.
The area was historically comprised of
a portion of the Snake River surrounded
by an expansive sea of sagebrush,
identified as the high desert. In 1904 the
Bureau of Reclamation impounded the
Snake River and created Lake Walcott to
store water for irrigation, and provide
hydroelectric power. The Refuge is
primarily an overlay refuge
superimposed over Bureau of
Reclamation lands and waters.
The Refuge boundary extends
upstream approximately 25 miles from
the Minidoka Dam, along both shores of
the Snake River. The Refuge
encompasses approximately 20,700
acres; of that, 11,300 acres are the open
waters of Lake Walcott and the Snake
suggestions, and information on the
scope of issues to consider during the
planning process.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please
send your written comments by January
31, 2012. We will announce
opportunities for public input in local
news media throughout the CCP
planning process.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments or
requests for more information by any of
the following methods.
Email: jeffrey_krueger@fws.gov.
Include ‘‘Minidoka CCP/EA’’ in the
subject line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Jeffrey Krueger, Refuge
Manager, (208) 436–1570.
U.S. Mail: Jeffrey Krueger, Refuge
Manager, Minidoka National Wildlife
Refuge, 961 E Minidoka Dam Road,
Rupert, ID 83350–9471.
In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off
comments during regular business hours
at 961 E Minidoka Dam Road, Rupert, ID
83350–9471.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jeffrey Krueger, (208) 436–3589 (phone).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Introduction
With this notice, we initiate our
process for developing a CCP for the
Minidoka Refuge. 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 EA
and during development of the CCP.
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78941
River, and 9,400 acres are upland
sagebrush and grassland habitats. The
large expanse of open water within the
arid environment attracts numerous
avian species, including waterfowl,
shorebirds, and wading birds. The
Service has documented 243 species of
birds on the Refuge, of which 85 species
are known to nest within the Refuge’s
boundaries.
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.
• What is the Refuge’s role in
conserving Snake River Plain wildlife
and habitat?
• What are our options for preventing
the introduction and dispersal of
invasive plants and animals?
• What is the most appropriate
Refuge land management strategy for
providing contiguous and quality
habitats for focal wildlife resources?
• How can we maintain, manage, and
restore the Refuge’s sagebrush, wetland,
and upland habitats, to support the
long-term viability of native wildlife
populations, and maximize habitat
values for key wildlife species?
• How can the Refuge adaptively
manage habitat in response to the effects
of climate change?
• How can we protect the Refuge’s
cultural and historical resources?
• What actions should we take to
minimize disturbance to nesting and
migrating waterbirds and other wildlife
on the Refuge?
• How can we meet increasing
demands for recreational opportunities
on the Refuge, and conduct quality
visitor services programs in a manner
that protects wildlife from disturbances?
Public Meetings
We will involve the public through
open houses, informational and
technical meetings, and written
comments. We will release mailings,
news releases, and announcements to
provide information about opportunities
for public involvement in the planning
process.
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
E:\FR\FM\20DEN1.SGM
20DEN1
78942
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 244 / Tuesday, December 20, 2011 / Notices
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Dated: October 28, 2011.
Richard R. Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland,
Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011–32589 Filed 12–19–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R8–ES–2011–N243; FF08E00000–
FXES11120800000F2–112]
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
and Proposed Vernal Pool Habitat
Conservation Plan for the City of San
Diego, CA
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent and
announcement of a public meeting;
request for comments.
AGENCY:
We, the Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service), intend to prepare an
environmental impact statement (EIS)
under the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended,
for the proposed Vernal Pool Habitat
Conservation Plan (VPHCP) under
development by the City of San Diego
(City). The draft EIS will evaluate the
impacts of several alternatives related to
the VPHCP being prepared by the City
in support of the City’s anticipated
application for an Endangered Species
Act (ESA) permit for incidental take of
seven federally listed vernal pool
species, from activities associated with
urban development activities. We also
announce plans for a public scoping
meeting and the opening of a public
comment period. We request data,
comments, new information, or
suggestions from the public, other
concerned governmental agencies, the
scientific community, Tribes, industry,
or any other interested party.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please
send your written comments by
February 16th, 2012.
For more information, see ‘‘Public
Comments’’ and ‘‘Reasonable
Accommodation’’ under the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
ADDRESSES: To request further
information or submit written
comments, please use one of the
following methods, and note that your
information request or comment is in
reference to the City of San Diego Vernal
Pool HCP:
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SUMMARY:
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Jkt 226001
• Fax: Attn: Jim Bartel, Field
Supervisor, (760) 431–5902.
• U.S. Mail: Jim Bartel, Field
Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife
Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101,
Carlsbad, CA 92011.
• In-Person Drop-off: You may drop
off comments during regular business
hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karen Goebel, Assistant Field
Supervisor, by phone at (760) 431–9440,
or by U.S. mail at the above address; or
Jeanne Krosch, Senior Planner, City of
San Diego, by phone at (619) 236–7225.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We
publish this notice under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.;
NEPA), and its implementing
regulations in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 1506.6, as
well as in compliance with section 10(c)
of the Endangered Species Act (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA). We intend to
prepare a draft environmental impact
statement to evaluate the impacts of
several alternatives related to the
potential issuance of an incidental take
permit (ITP) to the City of San Diego, as
well as impacts from implementation of
the supporting habitat conservation
plan. The EIS will be a joint document
with an environmental impact report
(EIR) prepared by the City under the
California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA).
The City proposes to develop a Vernal
Pool HCP as part of their application for
an ITP under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the
ESA. The proposed VPHCP will include
measures necessary to minimize and
mitigate the impacts, to the maximum
extent practicable, of potential proposed
taking of federally listed species to be
covered by the VPHCP, and the habitats
upon which they depend, resulting from
residential, commercial, and other
development activities within the
proposed plan area.
In addition to this notice, the City has
publicly released a CEQA notice of
preparation for its EIR via State
Clearinghouse and local media. Please
see https://www.sandiego.gov/
development-services/industry/pdf/
infobulletin/ib401.pdf for more
information on the CEQA process.
The proposed VPHCP would establish
the structure to integrate development
and vernal pool conservation in the
City.
The proposed VPHCP would serve as
a multiple-species HCP for the City in
its application for an ITP under section
10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA. If the application
is approved by the Service, the City
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Frm 00061
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
would obtain authorization for the
incidental take of certain threatened and
endangered animal species (‘‘covered
species’’). If the Federal permit is
issued, the City could extend the permit
authorization to proponents of
development projects under the City’s
jurisdiction.
Background
Section 9 of the ESA prohibits taking
of fish and wildlife species listed as
endangered or threatened under section
4 of the Act. Under the ESA, the term
‘‘take’’ means to harass, harm, pursue,
hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture,
or collect, or to attempt to engage in any
such conduct. The term ‘‘harm’’ is
defined in the regulations as including
significant habitat modification or
degradation that results in death or
injury to listed wildlife species by
significantly impairing essential
behavioral patterns, including breeding,
feeding, or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3). The
term ‘‘harass’’ is defined in the
regulations as to carry out actions that
create the likelihood of injury to listed
wildlife by annoying it to such an extent
as to significantly disrupt normal
behavioral patterns, which include, but
are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or
sheltering (50 CFR 17.3).
However, under specified
circumstances, the Service may issue
permits that allow the take of federally
listed wildlife species, provided that the
take is incidental to, but not the purpose
of, an otherwise lawful activity.
Regulations governing permits for
endangered and threatened wildlife
species are 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32,
respectively. The ESA’s take
prohibitions do not apply to federally
listed plants. However, other provisions
of the Act prohibit the removal or
destruction of plants on non-federal
lands in violation of State law.
Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA
contains provisions for issuing
incidental take permits to non-Federal
entities for the take of endangered and
threatened wildlife species, provided
the following criteria are met:
1. The taking will be incidental;
2. The applicants will, to the
maximum extent practicable, minimize
and mitigate the impact of such taking;
3. The applicants will develop a
proposed HCP and ensure that adequate
funding for the plan will be provided;
4. The taking will not appreciably
reduce the likelihood of the survival
and recovery of the species in the wild;
and
5. The applicants will carry out any
other measures that the Service may
require as being necessary or
appropriate for the purposes of the HCP.
E:\FR\FM\20DEN1.SGM
20DEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 244 (Tuesday, December 20, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78940-78942]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32589]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R1-R-2011-N090; FXRS12650100000S3-123-FF01R06000]
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, Blaine, Cassia, Minidoka, and
Power Counties, ID; 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, intend to prepare a
comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for Minidoka National Wildlife
Refuge. We will also prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to
evaluate the potential effects of various CCP alternatives. We provide
this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise the public,
Federal and State agencies, and Tribes of our intentions, and to obtain
public comments,
[[Page 78941]]
suggestions, and information on the scope of issues to consider during
the planning process.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by
January 31, 2012. We will announce opportunities for public input in
local news media throughout the CCP planning process.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any
of the following methods.
Email: jeffrey_krueger@fws.gov. Include ``Minidoka CCP/EA'' in the
subject line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Jeffrey Krueger, Refuge Manager, (208) 436-1570.
U.S. Mail: Jeffrey Krueger, Refuge Manager, Minidoka National
Wildlife Refuge, 961 E Minidoka Dam Road, Rupert, ID 83350-9471.
In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments during regular
business hours at 961 E Minidoka Dam Road, Rupert, ID 83350-9471.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Krueger, (208) 436-3589
(phone).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for
the Minidoka Refuge. 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
EA 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), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 (Refuge Administration Act), 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 may be 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 of goals and objectives for
each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, 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 insure 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 National Wildlife Refuge System.
Our CCP process provides participation opportunities for Tribal,
State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public.
At this time we encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas,
and suggestions for the future management of the 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.
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge
The Refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909
for the purpose of serving as a refuge and breeding grounds for native
birds. The Refuge is located 12 miles northeast of Rupert, ID, in the
Snake River Plain, at approximately 4,200 feet in elevation. The area
was historically comprised of a portion of the Snake River surrounded
by an expansive sea of sagebrush, identified as the high desert. In
1904 the Bureau of Reclamation impounded the Snake River and created
Lake Walcott to store water for irrigation, and provide hydroelectric
power. The Refuge is primarily an overlay refuge superimposed over
Bureau of Reclamation lands and waters.
The Refuge boundary extends upstream approximately 25 miles from
the Minidoka Dam, along both shores of the Snake River. The Refuge
encompasses approximately 20,700 acres; of that, 11,300 acres are the
open waters of Lake Walcott and the Snake River, and 9,400 acres are
upland sagebrush and grassland habitats. The large expanse of open
water within the arid environment attracts numerous avian species,
including waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. The Service has
documented 243 species of birds on the Refuge, of which 85 species are
known to nest within the Refuge's boundaries.
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.
What is the Refuge's role in conserving Snake River Plain
wildlife and habitat?
What are our options for preventing the introduction and
dispersal of invasive plants and animals?
What is the most appropriate Refuge land management
strategy for providing contiguous and quality habitats for focal
wildlife resources?
How can we maintain, manage, and restore the Refuge's
sagebrush, wetland, and upland habitats, to support the long-term
viability of native wildlife populations, and maximize habitat values
for key wildlife species?
How can the Refuge adaptively manage habitat in response
to the effects of climate change?
How can we protect the Refuge's cultural and historical
resources?
What actions should we take to minimize disturbance to
nesting and migrating waterbirds and other wildlife on the Refuge?
How can we meet increasing demands for recreational
opportunities on the Refuge, and conduct quality visitor services
programs in a manner that protects wildlife from disturbances?
Public Meetings
We will involve the public through open houses, informational and
technical meetings, and written comments. We will release mailings,
news releases, and announcements to provide information about
opportunities for public involvement in the planning process.
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
[[Page 78942]]
to withhold your personal identifying information from public review,
we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Dated: October 28, 2011.
Richard R. Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2011-32589 Filed 12-19-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
