Notice of Availability; Draft Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment, 1717-1718 [2012-311]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 7 / Wednesday, January 11, 2012 / Notices during the planning process by mail, email, or fax (see ADDRESSES). 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. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES James River National Wildlife Refuge James River NWR is one of four refuges that comprise the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. James River NWR lies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and is located along the James River in Prince George County, Virginia, approximately 8 miles southeast of the City of Hopewell and 30 miles southeast of the City of Richmond. The refuge was established in 1991 to protect nationally significant nesting and roosting habitat for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The 4,325acre refuge consists of riparian, wetland, and forested habitats, including loblolly pine plantations. These habitats support a variety of songbirds, raptors, rare plants, and other species of conservation concern. The federally threatened plant, sensitive joint-vetch (Aeschynomene virginica), occurs in wetlands on the refuge. The refuge also has a rich cultural history, illustrated by the numerous archaeological and historical sites on the refuge. James River NWR also provides opportunities for the public to engage in wildlife-dependent recreation. Popular activities on the refuge include wildlife observation, nature photography, and onsite environmental education and interpretive programs. The refuge also offers an annual white-tailed deer hunt. Public access to the refuge is by permit to limit disturbance to bald eagles, as well as to minimize risks to public safety while habitat management activities (e.g., prescribed burning, timber management) are underway. Scoping: Preliminary Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities We have identified several preliminary issues, concerns, and opportunities that we intend to address in the CCP. These include the following: • Opportunities to restore the native southern pine ecosystem and maintain a healthy riparian corridor along the James River and its tributaries; • The potential to manage suitable habitat for red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis), a federally listed VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:02 Jan 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 species not currently known on the refuge but known to occur in an adjacent county; • The protection of bald eagles and management of their nesting and roosting habitat; • The protection of sensitive jointvetch, a federally threatened wetland plant; • The protection of cultural resources, including historical and archaeological sites; • The amount and distribution of compatible public uses to allow; • The potential for climate change to impact refuge resources; • The potential for boundary expansion, including land acquisition and conservation easements; • Opportunities to collaborate with partner organizations for interpretation and education programming. We expect that members of the public, our conservation partners, and Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments may identify additional issues during public scoping. Public Meetings During the planning process, we will hold meetings for the public to provide comments, issues, concerns, and suggestions about refuge management. When we schedule formal comment periods and public meeting(s), we will announce them in the Federal Register, local news media, and on our refuge planning Web site at: https:// www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/ jamesriver/ccphome.html. You can also obtain the schedule from the planning team leader or project leader (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). 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 5, 2011. Salvatore M. Amato, Acting Regional Director, Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2012–376 Filed 1–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1717 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R3–ES–2011–N258; FXHC113003000005B–123–FF03E00000] Notice of Availability; Draft Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments. AGENCY: The United States Department of the Interior (DOI), acting through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the State of Missouri, acting through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, have written a Draft Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment (Plan), which describes proposed alternatives for restoring injured natural resources in the Springfield Plateau ecoregion, and an environmental assessment, as required pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the availability of the Draft Plan and to seek written comments. This notice is provided pursuant to Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) regulations and NEPA regulations. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments on or before February 27, 2012. ADDRESSES: Send comments via U. S. mail to: John Weber, Restoration Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 101 Park DeVille Dr., Suite A, Columbia, MO 65203; or Frances Klahr, Natural Resource Damages Coordinator, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102–0176; or by electronic mail (email) to John_S_Weber@fws.gov, or frances.klahr@dnr.mo.gov. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Case Management and Logistical Information: Dave Mosby, (573) 234– 2132 (x113). Technical Information: John Weber, (573) 234–2132 (x177). Missouri Natural Resource Damages Coordinator: Frances Klahr, (573) 522– 1347. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of the Interior (represented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and the State of Missouri (represented by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources) (Trustees) are trustees for natural resources considered in this restoration plan, pursuant to subpart G of the National Oil and Hazardous E:\FR\FM\11JAN1.SGM 11JAN1 pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 1718 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 7 / Wednesday, January 11, 2012 / Notices Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (40 CFR 300.600 and 300.610) and Executive Order 12580. The Memorandum of Understanding Between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Department of the Interior establishes a Trustee Council charged with developing and implementing a restoration plan for ecological restoration in the Springfield Plateau of southwest Missouri. The Trustees followed the NRDAR regulations found at 43 CFR part 11 for the development of the Plan. The draft Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment will be finalized prior to implementation, after all public comments received during the public comment period are considered. Any significant additions or modifications to the Plan as restoration actions proceed will be made available for public review before any additions or modification are undertaken. The objective of the NRDAR process in the Springfield Plateau is to compensate the public, through environmental restoration, for losses to natural resources that have been injured by releases of hazardous substances into the environment. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, more commonly known as the Federal ‘‘Superfund’’ law; 42 U.S.C. 9601, et seq.), and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act (CWA); 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) authorize States, federally recognized tribes, and certain Federal agencies that have authority for natural resources ‘‘belonging to, managed by, controlled by or appertaining to the United States’’ to act as ‘‘trustees’’ on behalf of the public, to restore, rehabilitate, replace, and/or acquire natural resources equivalent to those injured by releases of hazardous substances. The Trustees worked together, in a cooperative process, to identify appropriate restoration activities to address natural resource injuries caused by releases of hazardous substances into the Springfield Plateau environment. The results of this administrative process are contained in the planning and decision document being published for public review under CERCLA. Natural resource damages received, either through negotiated settlements or adjudicated awards, must be used to restore, rehabilitate, replace, and/or acquire the equivalent of those injured natural resources. The Plan addresses the Trustees’ overall approach to restore, rehabilitate, replace, and/or acquire the equivalent of natural VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:02 Jan 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 resources injured by the release of hazardous substances into the Springfield Plateau environment. Public Involvement Interested members of the public are invited to review and comment on the Plan. Copies of the Plan can be requested from the address listed below or can viewed online at https:// www.fws.gov/midwest/nrda/motristate/ or https://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/ sfund/nrda.htm. You may also submit requests for copies of the Plan by sending electronic mail (email) to: John_S_Weber@fws.gov, or frances.klahr@dnr.mo.gov. Persons without access to the Internet may obtain copies of the Plan by contacting John Weber, Restoration Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 101 Park DeVille Dr., Suite A, Columbia, MO 65203. Copies will also be available for onsite review at the following locations: • Joplin Public Library: 300 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO; • Neosho Public Library: 201 W. Spring Street, Neosho, MO; • Springfield Public Library: 4653 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO; • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 101 Park DeVille Dr. Suite A, Columbia, MO; and Missouri Department of Natural Resources: 1730 E. Elm St., Jefferson City, MO. Availability of Comments The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide copies of all comments to the other Trustees. All comments received from individuals become part of the official public record. Requests for such comments will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and the Council on Environmental Quality’s NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6(f)), as well as the State of Missouri’s Sunshine Law (Chapter 610, RSMo.). Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that the entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be available at any time. While individual respondents may request that the Fish and Wildlife Service and State of Missouri withhold their personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so. Authority This notice is provided pursuant to Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) regulations PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (43 CFR 11.81(d)(4)) and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: December 20, 2011. Charlie Wooley, Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region, Bloomington, MN. [FR Doc. 2012–311 Filed 1–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R9–MB–2011–N272; FF09M21200– 123–FXMB1231099BPP0L2] Migratory Bird Hunting; Service Regulations Committee Meeting Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service) will conduct an open meeting on February 1, 2012, to identify and discuss preliminary issues concerning the 2012–13 migratory bird hunting regulations. DATES: The meeting will be held February 1, 2012. ADDRESSES: The Service Regulations Committee will meet at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Denver Airport Hotel, 6900 Tower Road, Denver, CO 80249; (303) 574–1300. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, ms– 4107–ARLSQ, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240; (703) 358–1714. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703–712), the Service regulates the hunting of migratory game birds. We update the migratory game bird hunting regulations, located at 50 CFR part 20, annually. Through these regulations, we establish the frameworks, or outside limits, for season lengths, bag limits, and areas for migratory game bird hunting. To help us in this process, we have administratively divided the nation into four Flyways (Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific), each of which has a Flyway Council. Representatives from the Service, the Service’s Migratory Bird Regulations Committee, and Flyway Council Consultants will meet on February 1, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. to identify preliminary issues concerning the 2012– 13 migratory bird hunting regulations for discussion and review by the Flyway Councils at their March meetings. In accordance with Department of the Interior (hereinafter Department) policy SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11JAN1.SGM 11JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 11, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1717-1718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-311]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R3-ES-2011-N258; FXHC113003000005B-123-FF03E00000]


Notice of Availability; Draft Springfield Plateau Regional 
Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments.

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

SUMMARY: The United States Department of the Interior (DOI), acting 
through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the State of 
Missouri, acting through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 
have written a Draft Springfield Plateau Regional Restoration Plan and 
Environmental Assessment (Plan), which describes proposed alternatives 
for restoring injured natural resources in the Springfield Plateau 
ecoregion, and an environmental assessment, as required pursuant to the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The purpose of this notice is 
to inform the public of the availability of the Draft Plan and to seek 
written comments. This notice is provided pursuant to Natural Resource 
Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) regulations and NEPA 
regulations.

DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments on or 
before February 27, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Send comments via U. S. mail to: John Weber, Restoration 
Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 101 Park DeVille Dr., 
Suite A, Columbia, MO 65203; or Frances Klahr, Natural Resource Damages 
Coordinator, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176, 
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176; or by electronic mail (email) to John_S_Weber@fws.gov, or frances.klahr@dnr.mo.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Case Management and Logistical Information: Dave Mosby, (573) 234-
2132 (x113).
    Technical Information: John Weber, (573) 234-2132 (x177).
    Missouri Natural Resource Damages Coordinator: Frances Klahr, (573) 
522-1347.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of the Interior 
(represented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and the State of 
Missouri (represented by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources) 
(Trustees) are trustees for natural resources considered in this 
restoration plan, pursuant to subpart G of the National Oil and 
Hazardous

[[Page 1718]]

Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (40 CFR 300.600 and 300.610) and 
Executive Order 12580. The Memorandum of Understanding Between the 
Missouri Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Department of the 
Interior establishes a Trustee Council charged with developing and 
implementing a restoration plan for ecological restoration in the 
Springfield Plateau of southwest Missouri.
    The Trustees followed the NRDAR regulations found at 43 CFR part 11 
for the development of the Plan. The draft Springfield Plateau Regional 
Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment will be finalized prior 
to implementation, after all public comments received during the public 
comment period are considered. Any significant additions or 
modifications to the Plan as restoration actions proceed will be made 
available for public review before any additions or modification are 
undertaken.
    The objective of the NRDAR process in the Springfield Plateau is to 
compensate the public, through environmental restoration, for losses to 
natural resources that have been injured by releases of hazardous 
substances into the environment. The Comprehensive Environmental 
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, more commonly known 
as the Federal ``Superfund'' law; 42 U.S.C. 9601, et seq.), and the 
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water 
Act (CWA); 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) authorize States, federally 
recognized tribes, and certain Federal agencies that have authority for 
natural resources ``belonging to, managed by, controlled by or 
appertaining to the United States'' to act as ``trustees'' on behalf of 
the public, to restore, rehabilitate, replace, and/or acquire natural 
resources equivalent to those injured by releases of hazardous 
substances.
    The Trustees worked together, in a cooperative process, to identify 
appropriate restoration activities to address natural resource injuries 
caused by releases of hazardous substances into the Springfield Plateau 
environment. The results of this administrative process are contained 
in the planning and decision document being published for public review 
under CERCLA. Natural resource damages received, either through 
negotiated settlements or adjudicated awards, must be used to restore, 
rehabilitate, replace, and/or acquire the equivalent of those injured 
natural resources. The Plan addresses the Trustees' overall approach to 
restore, rehabilitate, replace, and/or acquire the equivalent of 
natural resources injured by the release of hazardous substances into 
the Springfield Plateau environment.

Public Involvement

    Interested members of the public are invited to review and comment 
on the Plan. Copies of the Plan can be requested from the address 
listed below or can viewed online at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/nrda/motristate/or https://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/sfund/nrda.htm. You may 
also submit requests for copies of the Plan by sending electronic mail 
(email) to: John_S_Weber@fws.gov, or frances.klahr@dnr.mo.gov. 
Persons without access to the Internet may obtain copies of the Plan by 
contacting John Weber, Restoration Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, 101 Park DeVille Dr., Suite A, Columbia, MO 65203.
    Copies will also be available for on-site review at the following 
locations:
     Joplin Public Library: 300 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO;
     Neosho Public Library: 201 W. Spring Street, Neosho, MO;
     Springfield Public Library: 4653 S. Campbell Ave, 
Springfield, MO;
     U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 101 Park DeVille Dr. Suite 
A, Columbia, MO; and Missouri Department of Natural Resources: 1730 E. 
Elm St., Jefferson City, MO.

Availability of Comments

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide copies of all 
comments to the other Trustees. All comments received from individuals 
become part of the official public record. Requests for such comments 
will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and 
the Council on Environmental Quality's NEPA regulations (40 CFR 
1506.6(f)), as well as the State of Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 
610, RSMo.). Before including your address, phone number, email 
address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you 
should be aware that the entire comment, including your personal 
identifying information, may be available at any time. While individual 
respondents may request that the Fish and Wildlife Service and State of 
Missouri withhold their personal identifying information from public 
review, we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so.

Authority

    This notice is provided pursuant to Natural Resource Damage 
Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) regulations (43 CFR 11.81(d)(4)) and 
NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).

    Dated: December 20, 2011.
Charlie Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region, Bloomington, MN.
[FR Doc. 2012-311 Filed 1-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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