Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Fee-to-Trust Transfer of Property and Subsequent Development of a Resort/Hotel and Ancillary Facilities in the City of Taunton, MA and Tribal Government Facilities in the Town of Mashpee, MA by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, 32132-32133 [2012-13159]

Download as PDF 32132 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 105 / Thursday, May 31, 2012 / Notices near beach communities, simulating natural fire processes on refuge habitats, and conducting wildlife and habitat monitoring. We would continue to offer hunting and fishing opportunities on refuge lands, and respond to requests for interpretive and school programs. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Alternative B (Service-Preferred) This alternative is the Servicepreferred alternative. It combines the actions we believe would most effectively achieve the refuge’s purposes, vision, and goals and responds to the issues raised during the scoping period. Under alternative B, the refuge would actively manage habitat to mimic natural processes and restore habitat quality. At the same time, the refuge would strategically reduce management actions that are contrary to the directions of the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health policy, such as artificial maintenance of extensive freshwater wetlands that are vulnerable to sea level rise. Alternative B would enhance visitor services through a proposed expansion of the hunting program with greater administrative efficiency, new hiking trails, and expanded fishing opportunities and environmental education programs. Under alternative B, we would not reinstate the cooperative farming program; instead, we would propose to restore areas previously farmed to native forest habitat. Alternative C (Historic Habitat Management) Alternative C emphasizes a return to habitat management programs that were conducted on the refuge through most of its existence, but were stopped in recent years for a variety of reasons. The historic habitat management programs conducted for the benefit of migratory birds include the use of cooperative farming in upland refuge fields and management of freshwater wetland impoundments. Under this alternative, we would conduct necessary infrastructure and duneline enhancements to re-establish management of freshwater impoundments. In contrast to alternatives A or B, alternative C less effectively addresses the refuge’s purposes, mission, and Service policies, as it is less likely to be naturally sustainable, will require perpetual intervention to sustain dunes in their former location, and will be more vulnerable to coastal storm events that may overtop an artificially maintained barrier and introduce salt water into a managed freshwater marsh system. Upland fields previously enrolled in the VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:53 May 30, 2012 Jkt 226001 cooperative farming program would once again be managed through farming practices with the cooperation of local farmers. Alternative C would expand opportunities for hunting and have a greater emphasis on public outreach and education. Compared to alternative B, however, alternative C would decrease the amount of hunting areas and opportunities. Fishing, wildlife observation, and wildlife photography would be similar to those in alternative A. Under alternative C, we would further enhance local community outreach and partnerships, continue to support a friends group, and continue to provide valuable volunteer experiences. We would also promote research and the development of applied management practices through local universities to sustain and enhance natural composition, patterns, and processes within their range on the Delmarva Peninsula. to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Public Availability of Documents AGENCY: In addition to any methods in you can view or obtain documents on the refuge Web site: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/ Prime%20Hook/ccphome.html. SUMMARY: ADDRESSES, Submitting Comments/Issues for Comment We are seeking substantive comments, particularly on the following issues: • Issue 1—Climate change, sea-level rise, and marshes; • Issue 2—Mosquito control; • Issue 3—Cooperative farming; • Issue 4—Hunting; and • Issue 5—Nuisance species We consider comments substantive if they: • Question, with reasonable basis, the accuracy of the information in the document; • Question, with reasonable basis, the adequacy of the EIS; • Present reasonable alternatives other than those presented in the EIS; and/or • Provide new or additional information relevant to the EIS. Next Steps After this comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and address them in the form of a final CCP/EIS. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: May 2, 2012. Henry Chang, Acting Regional Director, Northeast Region. [FR Doc. 2012–13074 Filed 5–30–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Fee-to-Trust Transfer of Property and Subsequent Development of a Resort/Hotel and Ancillary Facilities in the City of Taunton, MA and Tribal Government Facilities in the Town of Mashpee, MA by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) intends to gather the information necessary for preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the conveyance into trust of 170.1 acres of land currently held by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (Tribe) in the Town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, and 146.39 acres of land in the City of Taunton. The purpose of the proposed action is to help provide for the economic development of the Tribe and to create a tribal land base. The Tribe is currently federally recognized but does not currently have a federally protected reservation or have land that is held in trust for the Tribe by the United States. This notice also announces public scoping meetings to identify potential issues, alternatives, and content for inclusion in the EIS. DATES: Written comments on the scope of the EIS or implementation of the proposal must arrive by July 2, 2012. The public scoping meetings will be held June 20, 2012, in Taunton, Massachusetts, and June 21, 2012, in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and last until the last public comment is received. ADDRESSES: You may mail, hand deliver, or telefax written comments to Franklin Keel, Regional Director, Eastern Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 545 Marriott Drive, Suite 700, Nashville, Tennessee 37214, Telefax (615) 564–6701. Please include your name, return address and the caption specifying ‘‘Scoping Comments E:\FR\FM\31MYN1.SGM 31MYN1 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 105 / Thursday, May 31, 2012 / Notices for Proposed Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Property Trust and Development’’ on the first page of your written comments. The public scoping meetings will be held at the Taunton High School, 50 William Street, Taunton, Massachusetts and Mashpee High School, 500 Old Barnstable Road, Mashpee, Massachusetts. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chet McGhee, Regional Environmental Scientist, Eastern Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 545 Marriott Drive, Suite 700, Nashville, Tennessee 37214; telephone: (615) 564–6500. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Tribe proposes that 146.39 acres in the City of Taunton, Massachusetts, be taken into trust and for the development of a casino, hotel, parking, and other facilities supporting the casino. The Tribe also proposes that 170.1 acres in the Town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, be taken into trust, for the continuation of its current uses of Tribal government and housing. The property in the City of Taunton is located within the current site of the Liberty & Union Industrial Park, generally bounded on the south by Route 140, on the west by Route 24, on the north by Middleborough Avenue, and on the east by Stevens Street. The proposed action is to develop a Class III gaming facility including a casino, parking structures, hotels, restaurants, retail, and a waterpark. The site is proposed to be accessible from Route 140 via Stevens Street. The property in the Town of Mashpee is located across eleven parcels totaling approximately 170.1 acres, including areas currently in use by the Tribe as council offices, a museum, and a burial ground. Proposed actions for the parcels include preserving these educational, recreational, and cultural sites as well as vacant land areas, in addition to developing some vacant land for tribal housing and building a permanent Tribal Government Center at the current site of Tribal Council Offices. Areas of environmental concern so far identified that the EIS will address include traffic, air quality, wetland resources, cultural and historic resources, water supply, wastewater, storm water, land impacts, rare species and wildlife, environmental justice, soils and geology, land use, community character, and safety. The range of issues addressed in the EIS may also be expanded based on comments received in response to this notice and at the public scoping meeting. Public Comment Availability Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:53 May 30, 2012 Jkt 226001 available for public review at all of the mailing addresses shown in the ADDRESSES section (except those for the public meetings) during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. 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. Authority This notice is published in accordance with section 1503.1 of the Council of Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508) and Sec. 46.305 of the Department of Interior Regulations (43 CFR part 46) implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and is in the exercise of authority delegated to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs by part 209 of the Department Manual. Dated: May 24, 2012. Donald E. Laverdure, Acting Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 2012–13159 Filed 5–30–12; 8:45 am] 32133 20005; or by fax, 202–371–6447. Written or faxed comments should be submitted by June 15, 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 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. Alexandra Lord, Acting Chief, National Register of Historic Places/National Historic Landmarks Program. INDIANA La Porte County Garwood, John and Cynthia, Farmstead, 5600 Small Rd., La Porte, 12000334 Lake County Indi—Illi Park Historic District, (Historic Residential Suburbs in the United States, 1830–1960 MPS) Roughly bounded by Locust & 169th Sts., Hohman & State Line Aves., Hammond, 12000335 Marion County Watson Park Historic District, Roughly bounded by 38th St., Watson Rd., Birchwood, Fairfield, & Central Aves., Indianapolis, 12000336 Marshall County DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Boggs, Lewis and Sarah, House, 9564 14th Rd., Argos, 12000337 Hoham—Klinghammer—Weckerle House and Brewery Site, 1715 Lake Ave., Plymouth, 12000338 National Park Service Pulaski County [NPS–WASO–NRNHL–0512–10297; 2200– 3200–665] Monterey Bandstand, Walnut St., Monterey, 12000339 National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions MASSACHUSETTS BILLING CODE 4310–W7–P Nominations for the following properties being considered for listing or related actions in the National Register were received by the National Park Service before May 5, 2012. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Norfolk County Sullivan’s Corner Historic District, Roughly jct. of Main, Needham, & Seekonk Sts., Norfolk, 12000340 NEW YORK Erie County Automobile Club of Buffalo, 10405 Main St., Clarence, 12000341 Monroe County Church of Saints Peter and Paul Complex, 720 & 736 W. Main, & 681 Brown Sts., Rochester, 12000342 Payne, William A., House, 505 Elmgrove Rd., Greece, 12000343 Ulster County Ellenville Downtown Historic District, Canal, Center, Liberty, Main, & Market Sts., Ellenville, 12000344 E:\FR\FM\31MYN1.SGM 31MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 105 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32132-32133]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13159]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
the Proposed Fee-to-Trust Transfer of Property and Subsequent 
Development of a Resort/Hotel and Ancillary Facilities in the City of 
Taunton, MA and Tribal Government Facilities in the Town of Mashpee, MA 
by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs (BIA) intends to gather the information necessary for preparing 
an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the conveyance into trust 
of 170.1 acres of land currently held by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe 
(Tribe) in the Town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, and 146.39 acres of land 
in the City of Taunton. The purpose of the proposed action is to help 
provide for the economic development of the Tribe and to create a 
tribal land base. The Tribe is currently federally recognized but does 
not currently have a federally protected reservation or have land that 
is held in trust for the Tribe by the United States. This notice also 
announces public scoping meetings to identify potential issues, 
alternatives, and content for inclusion in the EIS.

DATES: Written comments on the scope of the EIS or implementation of 
the proposal must arrive by July 2, 2012. The public scoping meetings 
will be held June 20, 2012, in Taunton, Massachusetts, and June 21, 
2012, in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and 
last until the last public comment is received.

ADDRESSES: You may mail, hand deliver, or telefax written comments to 
Franklin Keel, Regional Director, Eastern Regional Office, Bureau of 
Indian Affairs, 545 Marriott Drive, Suite 700, Nashville, Tennessee 
37214, Telefax (615) 564-6701. Please include your name, return address 
and the caption specifying ``Scoping Comments

[[Page 32133]]

for Proposed Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Property Trust and Development'' 
on the first page of your written comments. The public scoping meetings 
will be held at the Taunton High School, 50 William Street, Taunton, 
Massachusetts and Mashpee High School, 500 Old Barnstable Road, 
Mashpee, Massachusetts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chet McGhee, Regional Environmental 
Scientist, Eastern Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 545 
Marriott Drive, Suite 700, Nashville, Tennessee 37214; telephone: (615) 
564-6500.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Tribe proposes that 146.39 acres in the 
City of Taunton, Massachusetts, be taken into trust and for the 
development of a casino, hotel, parking, and other facilities 
supporting the casino. The Tribe also proposes that 170.1 acres in the 
Town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, be taken into trust, for the 
continuation of its current uses of Tribal government and housing. The 
property in the City of Taunton is located within the current site of 
the Liberty & Union Industrial Park, generally bounded on the south by 
Route 140, on the west by Route 24, on the north by Middleborough 
Avenue, and on the east by Stevens Street. The proposed action is to 
develop a Class III gaming facility including a casino, parking 
structures, hotels, restaurants, retail, and a waterpark. The site is 
proposed to be accessible from Route 140 via Stevens Street. The 
property in the Town of Mashpee is located across eleven parcels 
totaling approximately 170.1 acres, including areas currently in use by 
the Tribe as council offices, a museum, and a burial ground. Proposed 
actions for the parcels include preserving these educational, 
recreational, and cultural sites as well as vacant land areas, in 
addition to developing some vacant land for tribal housing and building 
a permanent Tribal Government Center at the current site of Tribal 
Council Offices.
    Areas of environmental concern so far identified that the EIS will 
address include traffic, air quality, wetland resources, cultural and 
historic resources, water supply, wastewater, storm water, land 
impacts, rare species and wildlife, environmental justice, soils and 
geology, land use, community character, and safety. The range of issues 
addressed in the EIS may also be expanded based on comments received in 
response to this notice and at the public scoping meeting.

Public Comment Availability

    Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be 
available for public review at all of the mailing addresses shown in 
the ADDRESSES section (except those for the public meetings) during 
business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
holidays. 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.

Authority

    This notice is published in accordance with section 1503.1 of the 
Council of Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 
1508) and Sec. 46.305 of the Department of Interior Regulations (43 CFR 
part 46) implementing the procedural requirements of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
and is in the exercise of authority delegated to the Assistant 
Secretary--Indian Affairs by part 209 of the Department Manual.

    Dated: May 24, 2012.
Donald E. Laverdure,
Acting Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2012-13159 Filed 5-30-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-W7-P
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