Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton Counties, TX; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 49011-49015 [2012-19891]
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49011
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 158 / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 / Notices
FISCAL YEAR 2013 MIP RATES—MULTIFAMILY HOUSING, HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND HOSPITAL INSURANCE
PROGRAMS—Continued
Current basis
points
FY13 basis
points
223(a)(7) Refinance of Health Care Facilities with LIHTC ..............................................................................
223d Operating Loss Loan for Health Care Facilities .....................................................................................
241(a) Supplemental Loans for Health Care Facilities without LIHTC ...........................................................
241(a) Supplemental Loans for Health Care Facilities with LIHTC ................................................................
FHA Hospitals
45
80
57
45
45
95
72
45
242 Hospitals ...................................................................................................................................................
223(a)(7) Refinance of Existing FHA-insured Hospital ...................................................................................
223(f) Refinance or Purchase of Existing Non-FHA-insured Hospital ............................................................
241(a) Supplemental Loans for Hospitals .......................................................................................................
50
50
50
50
70
55
65
65
* The first year MIP for the Section 207/223(f) loans for apartments is 100 basis (one percent) points for the first year, as specified in sections
24 CFR 207.252b(a). The first year MIP for a Section 232/223(f) health care facility remains at 100 basis points (one percent). The first year MIP
for a Section 223(a)(7) refinancing loan remains at 50 basis points.
IV. Positive Credit Subsidy Programs
Positive credit subsidy will no longer
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supplemental loans to FHA-financed
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primary FHA mortgage.
Dated: August 9, 2012.
Carol Galante,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Housing—
Federal Housing Commissioner.
[FR Doc. 2012–20045 Filed 8–14–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
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[Docket No. FR–5613–N–06–A]
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
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[FR Doc. 2012–20042 Filed 8–14–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R2–R–2012–N160;
FXRS12610200000S3–123–FF02R06000]
Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife
Refuge Complex, Brazoria, Fort Bend,
Matagorda, and Wharton Counties, TX;
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and
Environmental Assessment
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; request
for comments.
AGENCY:
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15AUN1
49012
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 158 / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 / Notices
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, announce the
availability of a draft comprehensive
conservation plan (CCP) and an
environmental assessment (EA) for
public review and comment. The draft
CCP/EA describes our proposal for
managing the Texas Mid-Coast National
Wildlife Refuge Complex for the next 15
years. The Complex, which includes
Brazoria, San Bernard, and Big Boggy
National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), is
located approximately 50 miles south of
Houston, Texas.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please
send your written comments by August
15, 2012. We will announce upcoming
public meetings in local news media.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
or requests for copies or more
information on the Draft CCP/EA by any
of the methods listed below. You may
request hard copies or a CD–ROM of the
documents. Please contact Jennifer
Sanchez, Project Leader, or Carol
Torrez, Lead Planner/R2 NWRS NEPA
Coordinator.
Email: carol_torrez@fws.gov. Include
‘‘TMC NWR Complex Draft CCP and
EA’’ in the subject line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Carol Torrez, 505–248–
6803.
U.S. Mail: Carol Torrez, Lead Planner/
NWRS NEPA Coordinator, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, NWRS Division of
Planning, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque,
NM 87103.
In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or
Pickup: You may drop off comments
during regular business hours (8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.) at 500 Gold Street SW., 4th
Floor, Room 4336, Albuquerque, NM
87102.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jennifer Sanchez, Project Leader, Texas
Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge
Complex, CCP—Project, 5247 CR 316,
Brazoria, TX 77422; phone: 979–964–
4011; fax: 979–964–4021.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Introduction
With this notice, we continue the CCP
process for the Texas Mid-Coast NWR
Complex. We started this process
through a notice in the Federal Register
(74 FR 29714; June 23, 2009).
The Complex is located along the
upper Texas Gulf Coast, approximately
50 miles south of Houston, Texas. It is
comprised of three refuges: Brazoria
NWR, which was established in 1966,
and encompasses 44,414 acres; San
Bernard NWR, which was established in
1968, and encompasses 52,400 acres;
and Big Boggy NWR, which was
established in 1983, and encompasses
4,526 acres. These lands provide a vital
complex of salt and freshwater marshes,
sloughs, ponds, coastal prairies, and
bottomland hardwood forests that
provide habitat for a wide variety of
resident and migratory wildlife.
Background
The CCP Process
The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.
668dd–668ee) (Refuge Administration
Act), as amended by the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement
Act of 1997, requires us to develop a
CCP for each national wildlife refuge.
The purpose for developing a CCP is to
provide refuge managers with a 15-year
plan for achieving refuge purposes and
contributing toward the mission of the
National Wildlife Refuge System,
consistent with sound principles of fish
and wildlife management, conservation,
legal mandates, and our policies. In
addition to outlining broad management
direction on conserving wildlife and
their habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities
available to the public, including
opportunities for 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.
Public Outreach
Formal scoping began with
publication of a notice of intent to
prepare a comprehensive conservation
plan and environmental assessment
(EA) in the Federal Register on June 23,
2009 (74 FR 29714). The Refuge
solicited comments on issues and
concerns to aid in CCP development
through three open house meetings held
in September 2009.
An ecoregion-wide coordination
meeting was held at the Complex’s
Discovery Center on December 2, 2009,
to gain a better understanding of the
issues within the Gulf Coast Prairies and
Marshes Ecoregion, where the Complex
is located, and to determine the
Complex’s role in addressing issues
impacting fish, wildlife, and their
habitats within the larger landscape. In
February 2010, the Complex met with
representatives from the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department to discuss
their concerns regarding past
management, future management, and
issues common to both agencies.
Additional public scoping for the
Land Protection Planning process was
conducted in January 2012. Three open
house meetings were held to provide
information on the proposed expansion
and respond to questions and concerns.
The feedback received at the
conclusion of the public involvement
period identified numerous concerns
from a variety of stakeholders. These
concerns were organized by five broad
issue categories and one administrative
category: Ecoregion, Habitat, Wildlife,
Visitor Services, and Facilities/
Infrastructure Management.
CCP Alternatives We Are Considering
During the public scoping process
with which we started work on this
draft CCP, we, other governmental
partners, Tribes, and the public, raised
multiple issues. Our draft CCP
addresses them. A full description of
each alternative is in the EA. To address
these issues, we developed and
evaluated the following alternatives,
summarized below.
Alternative A—no
action
Alternative B—
proposed action
Alternative C
Ecoregion Management Issue 1:
Climate Change.
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Issue topic
Supplement natural forest regeneration with restoration efforts;
monitor carbon sequestration;
conduct education programs;
and use ‘‘green’’ technologies
and building products on all
new construction.
Same as Alternative B plus increase restoration efforts above
described levels.
Ecoregion Management Issue 2:
Erosion/Saltwater Intrusion.
Construct/Use a variety of structural and some restoration techniques at various locations.
Same as Alternative A plus increase restoration efforts; utilize
exchange of carbon credits;
gather baseline data on habitat
composition/wildlife
diversity;
update refuge displays; and increase use of ‘‘green’’ technologies.
Same as Alternative A plus increase the types and amounts
of structural and restoration
techniques used.
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Same as Alternative A plus increase the types and amounts
of structural and restoration
techniques used.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 158 / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 / Notices
Issue topic
Alternative A—no
action
Alternative B—
proposed action
Ecoregion Management Issue: 3
Wildland Fire Use.
Ecoregion Management Issue 4:
Petroleum Development.
Follow direction of current Fire
Management Plan (FMP).
Work cooperatively with companies to minimize impacts to refuge resources.
The Complex will continue to acquire lands under the 1997
Austin’s Woods Conservation
Plan until the 28,000-acre cap
is reached.
Cooperative haying conducted;
wetland and farmland rehabilitation. Native prairie restoration.
Same as Alternative A ..................
Same as Alternative A.
Same as Alternative A ..................
Same as Alternative A.
The Complex will acquire lands
under the new Land Protection
Plan up to 70,000 acres.
Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative A, plus increase acreage of haying, and
increase number of rehabilitation projects. Increase prairie
restoration.
Same as Alternative A plus increase the types and amounts
of management prescriptions
used, including limited livestock
grazing.
Same as Alternative A ..................
Same as Alternative B plus develop seed bank on prairie restoration areas.
Ecoregion Management Issue 5:
Land Conservation.
Habitat Management Issue 1: Gulf
Coast Prairie and Marshes—
Restoration and Management.
Alternative C
Habitat Management Issue 2: Gulf
Coast Prairie and Marshes—
Management of Invasive Species (Flora).
Mechanical, chemical, and prescribed fire use allowed; grazing not allowed.
Habitat Management Issue 3: Gulf
Coast Prairie and Marshes—
Prescribed Fire Use.
Habitat Management Issue 4: Gulf
Coast Prairie and Marshes—
Farming Program.
Allowed Complex-wide to improve
habitats and reduce hazardous
fuels.
Cooperative farming and force account farming occur on all three
refuges.
Habitat Management Issue 5: Gulf
Coast Prairie and Marshes—
Water Management.
Restore prairie pothole hydrology
as opportunity arises; use established wells to provide freshwater to moist soil units during
drought periods; and purchase
water from various water authorities annually.
Allow natural regeneration; where
appropriate add supplemental
planting of hardwood species;
treat invasive species.
Restore previously drained wetlands.
Same as Alternative A plus drill
additional wells, and develop
new/rehabilitate existing water
control structures.
Management of beach resources
has not been clearly defined
due to recent silting in of Cedar
Lakes Cut and trespass across
upland vegetation on private
land to access the Cut.
Habitat Management Issue 6: Bottomland Hardwood Forest—Restoration.
Habitat Management Issue 7: Bottomland Hardwood Forest—
Water Management.
Habitat Management Issue 8:
Dune and Beach Management.
Wildlife Management Issue 1:
Threatened and Endangered
Species.
Implement the Sea Turtle Recovery Plan.
Wildlife Management Issue 2: Migratory Bird Species and Species of Special Management
Concern.
Wildlife Management Issue 3:
Management of Invasive Species (Fauna).
Manage a variety of habitats for
resting, feeding, and reproductive purposes.
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Visitor Services Issue 1: Hunting ...
Visitor Services Issue 2: Fishing ...
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Hunting and trapping used to control feral hogs. Baiting and
broad scale treatments to control ants.
Allowed in designated areas for
waterfowl, youth deer/feral hog
hunt on San Bernard NWR, and
a youth feral hog hunt. One
permit area and ATV use allowed in designated area for
disabled hunters.
Allowed on all navigable waters
and from designated locations.
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Same as A, plus incorporate additional moist soil units into farming rotation at Brazoria NWR.
Same as Alternative B but diversify the types of management
prescriptions used, including
bison grazing.
Same as Alternative A.
Reduce cooperative farming acres
at Brazoria NWR and eliminate
farming at Big Boggy and San
Bernard NWRs.
Same as Alternative B plus increase
water
availability
through the development of
partnerships and purchase of
water rights; expand wetlands;
and rehabilitate marshes.
Same as Alternative A ..................
Same as Alternative A.
Same as Alternative A ..................
Same as Alternative A.
Cooperatively work with County
and General Land Office (GLO)
to provide additional protection
on San Bernard Beach restricting type of access and activities
by visitors that would be compatible with Refuge Purpose.
Same as A, plus if reintroduction
of APC and whooping crane
occur, implement APC and
whooping crane recovery plans.
Same as Alternative A ..................
Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative A plus release natural predators to control ants.
Same as Alternative A plus provide a youth waterfowl hunt; revise the hunting schedule at
two locations.
Same as Alternative A ..................
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Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative A.
Same as Alternative A, but diversify the types of management
prescriptions used for each
invasive.
Same as Alternative B plus provide a population reduction
deer hunt.
Same as Alternative A.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 158 / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 / Notices
Issue topic
Alternative A—no
action
Alternative B—
proposed action
Visitor Services Issue 3: Wildlife
Observation.
Brazoria and San Bernard NWRs
open to wildlife observation;
visitors directed to designated
public use areas.
Visitor Services Issue 4: Wildlife
Photography.
Photo blind at Hudson Woods .....
Visitor Services Issue 5: Environmental Education.
Various programs
conducted.
Visitor Services Issue 6: Interpretation.
One annual 3-day event ...............
Visitor Services Issue 7: Preservation of Historic Sites.
Historical sites are identified and
interpreted in public use areas
when appropriate.
No entrance fee required .............
Same as Alternative A plus construct additional photo blinds,
new trails, a boardwalk, and
road pull-offs to provide for additional opportunity.
Same as Alternative A plus develop additional photography
opportunities.
Same as Alternative A plus increase number of programs
conducted and expand programs into additional school
districts at San Bernard NWR.
Same as Alternative A plus expand organized interpretive programs at a variety of Refuge
venues on a monthly basis.
Same as Alternative A ..................
Visitor Services Issue 8: Entrance
Fee.
Facilities Issue 1: Visitor Orientation.
and
events
Alternative C
Require entrance fee ....................
Visitor contact station located at
Brazoria NWR Discovery Center.
Same as Alternative A plus additional Visitor Contact Station at
San Bernard NWR.
Facilities Issue 2: Visitor Use—
Trails.
Hiking trail provided at Brazoria
and San Bernard NWRs.
Facilities Issue 3: Visitor—Non-Motorized Boat Launches Visitor.
Canoe/Kayak launches provided
at San Bernard and Brazoria
NWRs.
Signs and exhibits at Brazoria
and San Bernard NWRs.
Same as Alternative A plus construct a new trail at Brazoria
NWR Field Office; provide bicycle access at Dow Woods Unit.
Same as Alternative A plus construct one additional launch.
Facilities Issue 4: Visitor—Signs/
Exhibits.
Facilities Issue 5 Visitor—Roadways.
Facilities Issue 6: Administrative—
Volunteer.
Vehicular access allowed on designated refuge roads.
Recreation vehicle pads provided
at Brazoria and San Bernard
NWRs.
Facilities Issue 7: Administrative
Facilities.
A variety of administrative/maintenance facilities available at various refuges.
Construct new exhibits and signs
and improve quality and content
of existing exhibits and signs.
Same as Alternative A ..................
Construct new recreation vehicle
site at Brazoria NWR, and expand recreation vehicle sites at
San Bernard NWR; include additional facilities at both locations.
Construct new administrative/
maintenance facilities at various
refuges.
• Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife
Refuge Complex Headquarters Office,
CR 316, Brazoria, TX, between the hours
of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
Public Availability of Documents
In addition to any methods in
you can view or obtain
documents at the following locations:
ADDRESSES,
Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative A.
Provide donation boxes at various
public use areas.
Same as Alternative A plus construct stand-alone Visitor Center at San Bernard NWR Field
Office.
Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative B plus construct two additional launches.
Same as Alternative B.
Same as Alternative A.
Same as A, plus construct additional facilities at Brazoria
NWR.
Same as Alternative B.
• Our web site: https://www.fws.gov/
southwest/refuges/Plan/
plansinprogress.html.
• At the following public libraries:
Address
Phone No.
Brazoria County Library City of Lake Jackson Branch ..............
Brazoria County Library West Columbia Branch ........................
Bay City Public Library ...............................................................
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Library
250 Circle Way, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 ................................
518 East Brazos, West Columbia, TX 77486 ............................
1100 7th Street, Bay City, Texas 77414 ...................................
979–297–1271
979–345–3394
979–245–6931
Submitting Comments/Issues for
Comment
We consider comments substantive if
they:
• Question, with reasonable basis, the
accuracy of the information in the
document;
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• Question, with reasonable basis, the
adequacy of the environmental
assessment (EA);
• Present reasonable alternatives
other than those presented in the EA;
and/or
• Provide new or additional
information relevant to the assessment.
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Next Steps
After this comment period ends, we
will analyze the comments and address
them in the form of a final CCP and
finding of no significant impact.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 158 / Wednesday, August 15, 2012 / Notices
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: July 26, 2012.
Joy E. Nicholopoulos,
Regional Director, Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 2012–19891 Filed 8–14–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[LLNVE030000.L10600000.DI0000 241A; 12–
08807; MO# 4500035685; TAS: 14X1109]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement for
Proposed Wild Horse Eco-Sanctuary in
Elko County, Nevada, and an
Associated Resource Management
Plan Amendment for the Wells Field
Office
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Intent.
AGENCY:
In compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the
Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) Wells Field
Office, Elko, Nevada, intends to prepare
an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) and an associated Resource
Management Plan (RMP) amendment for
a proposed privately operated wild
horse eco-sanctuary and by this notice,
is announcing the beginning of the
scoping process to solicit public
comments and identify issues.
DATES: This notice initiates the public
scoping process for the EIS and
associated RMP amendment. Comments
on issues may be submitted until
September 14, 2012. The date(s) and
location(s) of any scoping meetings will
be announced at least 15 days in
advance through local news media,
mailings to interested individuals, and
the BLM Elko District Web site at:
https://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/
elko_field_office.html. In order to be
included in the analysis, all comments
must be received prior to the close of
the 30-day scoping period or 15 days
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SUMMARY:
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after the last public meeting, whichever
is later. The BLM will provide
additional opportunities for public
participation as appropriate.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on issues and planning criteria related
to the EIS and RMP amendment by any
of the following methods:
• Email:
EcoSanctuaryComments@blm.gov
• Fax: 775–753–0255
• Mail: Bureau of Land Management,
Wild Horse Sanctuary RMP
Amendment, Wells Field Office, 3900 E.
Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801
Documents pertinent to this proposal
may be examined at the BLM Elko
District Office, 3900 E. Idaho Street,
Elko, Nevada, during regular business
hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except holidays.
Pertinent documents are also available
on-line at: https://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/
fo/elko_field_office.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
further information or to have your
name added to our mailing list, contact
Judy May, resource assistant, BLM
Wells Field Office, telephone: 775–753–
0267; address: 3900 East Idaho Street,
Elko, NV 89801; email: jmay@blm.gov.
Persons who use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the
Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to contact the
above individual during normal
business hours. The FIRS is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a
message or question with the above
individual. You will receive a reply
during normal business hours.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
document provides notice that the BLM
Wells Field Office, Elko, Nevada,
intends to prepare an EIS with an
associated RMP amendment to the
Wells RMP, and announces the
beginning of the scoping process and
seeks public input on issues and
planning criteria. The planning area is
located in Elko County, Nevada, and
encompasses approximately 510,000
acres of public land. The organization
Saving America’s Mustangs (SAM)
proposes to establish a privately
operated eco-sanctuary to accommodate
up to 900 non-reproducing wild horses
(all one sex or sterilized) on a mixture
of public and private lands in Elko
County, Nevada, about 25 miles
southeast of Wells. The proposed ecosanctuary is in response to the BLM’s
request for applications for funding
(Funding Opportunity L11AS0043) to
assist in the development of a Wild
Horse Partnership for an Eco-Sanctuary
on Public and Private Land.
Preliminarily, the BLM expects that the
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49015
EIS will address the impacts of the
proposed eco-sanctuary and reasonable
alternatives to that proposal, and an
RMP amendment that may: (1) Adjust
the boundaries and management
objectives of existing wild horse herd
management areas (HMAs) within or
near the proposed eco-sanctuary; and (2)
reduce and potentially eliminate
livestock grazing within the portion of
the Spruce Allotment east of Highway
93. The purpose of the public scoping
process is to determine relevant issues
that will influence the scope of the
environmental analysis, including
alternatives, and guide the process for
developing the EIS. At present, the BLM
has identified the following preliminary
issues:
(a) Potential effects to archaeological
resources.
(b) Potential effects to greater sagegrouse and other sensitive species.
(c) Potential effects to important elk,
mule deer, and other wildlife habitats.
(d) Ability to meet standards for
rangeland health.
(e) Ability to manage healthy wild
horse populations within the ecosanctuary.
(f) Ability to provide public access for
recreational purposes.
(g) Potential effects of reducing public
lands available for livestock grazing.
(h) Ability to manage nonreproducing herd.
Preliminary planning criteria for the
RMP amendment include:
1. Any amendment to the Wells RMP
will comply with FLPMA (43 U.S.C
1701) and the BLM’s land use planning
regulations (43 CFR 1600).
2. Public participation would be
encouraged throughout the process. The
Wells Field Office managers and
interdisciplinary team members will
work cooperatively with the State of
Nevada, tribal governments, county and
municipal governments, other Federal
agencies, local resource advisory
councils, appellants, affected
permittees, and any other interested
groups, agencies, and individuals.
3. The EIS will comply with NEPA
(42 U.S.C. 4332 et seq.) and its
implementing regulations, as well as
other Federal regulations.
4. Any amendment to the Wells RMP
will appropriately recognize the State’s
authority to manage wildlife and water.
5. Any amendment to the Wells RMP
will recognize valid existing rights.
6. The State Historic Preservation
Officer (SHPO) will be consulted under
the NHPA and kept involved throughout
the planning process, consistent with
the National Programmatic Agreement
(February 2012) and the State of Nevada
Protocol Agreement between the BLM
E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM
15AUN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 15, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49011-49015]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19891]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R2-R-2012-N160; FXRS12610200000S3-123-FF02R06000]
Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Brazoria, Fort
Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton Counties, TX; Comprehensive Conservation
Plan and Environmental Assessment
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.
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[[Page 49012]]
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the
availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and an
environmental assessment (EA) for public review and comment. The draft
CCP/EA describes our proposal for managing the Texas Mid-Coast National
Wildlife Refuge Complex for the next 15 years. The Complex, which
includes Brazoria, San Bernard, and Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuges
(NWRs), is located approximately 50 miles south of Houston, Texas.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by
August 15, 2012. We will announce upcoming public meetings in local
news media.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments or requests for copies or more
information on the Draft CCP/EA by any of the methods listed below. You
may request hard copies or a CD-ROM of the documents. Please contact
Jennifer Sanchez, Project Leader, or Carol Torrez, Lead Planner/R2 NWRS
NEPA Coordinator.
Email: carol_torrez@fws.gov. Include ``TMC NWR Complex Draft CCP
and EA'' in the subject line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Carol Torrez, 505-248-6803.
U.S. Mail: Carol Torrez, Lead Planner/NWRS NEPA Coordinator, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, NWRS Division of Planning, P.O. Box 1306,
Albuquerque, NM 87103.
In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: You may drop off comments
during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 500 Gold Street
SW., 4th Floor, Room 4336, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Sanchez, Project Leader,
Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, CCP--Project, 5247 CR
316, Brazoria, TX 77422; phone: 979-964-4011; fax: 979-964-4021.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we continue the CCP process for the Texas Mid-
Coast NWR Complex. We started this process through a notice in the
Federal Register (74 FR 29714; June 23, 2009).
The Complex is located along the upper Texas Gulf Coast,
approximately 50 miles south of Houston, Texas. It is comprised of
three refuges: Brazoria NWR, which was established in 1966, and
encompasses 44,414 acres; San Bernard NWR, which was established in
1968, and encompasses 52,400 acres; and Big Boggy NWR, which was
established in 1983, and encompasses 4,526 acres. These lands provide a
vital complex of salt and freshwater marshes, sloughs, ponds, coastal
prairies, and bottomland hardwood forests that provide habitat for a
wide variety of resident and migratory wildlife.
Background
The CCP Process
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Refuge Administration Act), as amended by the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires us to
develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose for
developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan for
achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the
National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of
fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our
policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on
conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including
opportunities for 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.
Public Outreach
Formal scoping began with publication of a notice of intent to
prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment
(EA) in the Federal Register on June 23, 2009 (74 FR 29714). The Refuge
solicited comments on issues and concerns to aid in CCP development
through three open house meetings held in September 2009.
An ecoregion-wide coordination meeting was held at the Complex's
Discovery Center on December 2, 2009, to gain a better understanding of
the issues within the Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes Ecoregion, where
the Complex is located, and to determine the Complex's role in
addressing issues impacting fish, wildlife, and their habitats within
the larger landscape. In February 2010, the Complex met with
representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to discuss
their concerns regarding past management, future management, and issues
common to both agencies.
Additional public scoping for the Land Protection Planning process
was conducted in January 2012. Three open house meetings were held to
provide information on the proposed expansion and respond to questions
and concerns.
The feedback received at the conclusion of the public involvement
period identified numerous concerns from a variety of stakeholders.
These concerns were organized by five broad issue categories and one
administrative category: Ecoregion, Habitat, Wildlife, Visitor
Services, and Facilities/Infrastructure Management.
CCP Alternatives We Are Considering
During the public scoping process with which we started work on
this draft CCP, we, other governmental partners, Tribes, and the
public, raised multiple issues. Our draft CCP addresses them. A full
description of each alternative is in the EA. To address these issues,
we developed and evaluated the following alternatives, summarized
below.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative A--no Alternative B--
Issue topic action proposed action Alternative C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ecoregion Management Issue 1: Climate Supplement natural Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B
Change. forest regeneration plus increase plus increase
with restoration restoration efforts; restoration efforts
efforts; monitor utilize exchange of above described
carbon sequestration; carbon credits; gather levels.
conduct education baseline data on
programs; and use habitat composition/
``green'' technologies wildlife diversity;
and building products update refuge
on all new displays; and increase
construction. use of ``green''
technologies.
Ecoregion Management Issue 2: Erosion/ Construct/Use a variety Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative A
Saltwater Intrusion. of structural and some plus increase the plus increase the
restoration techniques types and amounts of types and amounts of
at various locations. structural and structural and
restoration techniques restoration techniques
used. used.
[[Page 49013]]
Ecoregion Management Issue: 3 Follow direction of Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
Wildland Fire Use. current Fire
Management Plan (FMP).
Ecoregion Management Issue 4: Work cooperatively with Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
Petroleum Development. companies to minimize
impacts to refuge
resources.
Ecoregion Management Issue 5: Land The Complex will The Complex will Same as Alternative B.
Conservation. continue to acquire acquire lands under
lands under the 1997 the new Land
Austin's Woods Protection Plan up to
Conservation Plan 70,000 acres.
until the 28,000-acre
cap is reached.
Habitat Management Issue 1: Gulf Cooperative haying Same as Alternative A, Same as Alternative B
Coast Prairie and Marshes-- conducted; wetland and plus increase acreage plus develop seed bank
Restoration and Management. farmland of haying, and on prairie restoration
rehabilitation. Native increase number of areas.
prairie restoration. rehabilitation
projects. Increase
prairie restoration.
Habitat Management Issue 2: Gulf Mechanical, chemical, Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B
Coast Prairie and Marshes-- and prescribed fire plus increase the but diversify the
Management of Invasive Species use allowed; grazing types and amounts of types of management
(Flora). not allowed. management prescriptions used,
prescriptions used, including bison
including limited grazing.
livestock grazing.
Habitat Management Issue 3: Gulf Allowed Complex-wide to Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
Coast Prairie and Marshes-- improve habitats and
Prescribed Fire Use. reduce hazardous fuels.
Habitat Management Issue 4: Gulf Cooperative farming and Same as A, plus Reduce cooperative
Coast Prairie and Marshes--Farming force account farming incorporate additional farming acres at
Program. occur on all three moist soil units into Brazoria NWR and
refuges. farming rotation at eliminate farming at
Brazoria NWR. Big Boggy and San
Bernard NWRs.
Habitat Management Issue 5: Gulf Restore prairie pothole Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B
Coast Prairie and Marshes--Water hydrology as plus drill additional plus increase water
Management. opportunity arises; wells, and develop new/ availability through
use established wells rehabilitate existing the development of
to provide freshwater water control partnerships and
to moist soil units structures. purchase of water
during drought rights; expand
periods; and purchase wetlands; and
water from various rehabilitate marshes.
water authorities
annually.
Habitat Management Issue 6: Allow natural Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
Bottomland Hardwood Forest-- regeneration; where
Restoration. appropriate add
supplemental planting
of hardwood species;
treat invasive species.
Habitat Management Issue 7: Restore previously Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
Bottomland Hardwood Forest--Water drained wetlands.
Management.
Habitat Management Issue 8: Dune and Management of beach Cooperatively work with Same as Alternative B.
Beach Management. resources has not been County and General
clearly defined due to Land Office (GLO) to
recent silting in of provide additional
Cedar Lakes Cut and protection on San
trespass across upland Bernard Beach
vegetation on private restricting type of
land to access the Cut. access and activities
by visitors that would
be compatible with
Refuge Purpose.
Wildlife Management Issue 1: Implement the Sea Same as A, plus if Same as Alternative B.
Threatened and Endangered Species. Turtle Recovery Plan. reintroduction of APC
and whooping crane
occur, implement APC
and whooping crane
recovery plans.
Wildlife Management Issue 2: Manage a variety of Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
Migratory Bird Species and Species habitats for resting,
of Special Management Concern. feeding, and
reproductive purposes.
Wildlife Management Issue 3: Hunting and trapping Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative A,
Management of Invasive Species used to control feral plus release natural but diversify the
(Fauna). hogs. Baiting and predators to control types of management
broad scale treatments ants. prescriptions used for
to control ants. each invasive.
Visitor Services Issue 1: Hunting.... Allowed in designated Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B
areas for waterfowl, plus provide a youth plus provide a
youth deer/feral hog waterfowl hunt; revise population reduction
hunt on San Bernard the hunting schedule deer hunt.
NWR, and a youth feral at two locations.
hog hunt. One permit
area and ATV use
allowed in designated
area for disabled
hunters.
Visitor Services Issue 2: Fishing.... Allowed on all Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
navigable waters and
from designated
locations.
[[Page 49014]]
Visitor Services Issue 3: Wildlife Brazoria and San Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B.
Observation. Bernard NWRs open to plus construct
wildlife observation; additional photo
visitors directed to blinds, new trails, a
designated public use boardwalk, and road
areas. pull-offs to provide
for additional
opportunity.
Visitor Services Issue 4: Wildlife Photo blind at Hudson Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B.
Photography. Woods. plus develop
additional photography
opportunities.
Visitor Services Issue 5: Various programs and Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B.
Environmental Education. events conducted. plus increase number
of programs conducted
and expand programs
into additional school
districts at San
Bernard NWR.
Visitor Services Issue 6: One annual 3-day event. Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B.
Interpretation. plus expand organized
interpretive programs
at a variety of Refuge
venues on a monthly
basis.
Visitor Services Issue 7: Historical sites are Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
Preservation of Historic Sites. identified and
interpreted in public
use areas when
appropriate.
Visitor Services Issue 8: Entrance No entrance fee Require entrance fee... Provide donation boxes
Fee. required. at various public use
areas.
Facilities Issue 1: Visitor Visitor contact station Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative A
Orientation. located at Brazoria plus additional plus construct stand-
NWR Discovery Center. Visitor Contact alone Visitor Center
Station at San Bernard at San Bernard NWR
NWR. Field Office.
Facilities Issue 2: Visitor Use-- Hiking trail provided Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B.
Trails. at Brazoria and San plus construct a new
Bernard NWRs. trail at Brazoria NWR
Field Office; provide
bicycle access at Dow
Woods Unit.
Facilities Issue 3: Visitor--Non- Canoe/Kayak launches Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B
Motorized Boat Launches Visitor. provided at San plus construct one plus construct two
Bernard and Brazoria additional launch. additional launches.
NWRs.
Facilities Issue 4: Visitor--Signs/ Signs and exhibits at Construct new exhibits Same as Alternative B.
Exhibits. Brazoria and San and signs and improve
Bernard NWRs. quality and content of
existing exhibits and
signs.
Facilities Issue 5 Visitor--Roadways. Vehicular access Same as Alternative A.. Same as Alternative A.
allowed on designated
refuge roads.
Facilities Issue 6: Administrative-- Recreation vehicle pads Construct new Same as A, plus
Volunteer. provided at Brazoria recreation vehicle construct additional
and San Bernard NWRs. site at Brazoria NWR, facilities at Brazoria
and expand recreation NWR.
vehicle sites at San
Bernard NWR; include
additional facilities
at both locations.
Facilities Issue 7: Administrative A variety of Construct new Same as Alternative B.
Facilities. administrative/ administrative/
maintenance facilities maintenance facilities
available at various at various refuges.
refuges.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Availability of Documents
In addition to any methods in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain
documents at the following locations:
Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Headquarters Office, CR 316, Brazoria, TX, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Our web site: https://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/Plan/plansinprogress.html.
At the following public libraries:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Address Phone No.
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Brazoria County Library City of 250 Circle Way, Lake 979-297-1271
Lake Jackson Branch. Jackson, TX 77566.
Brazoria County Library West 518 East Brazos, West 979-345-3394
Columbia Branch. Columbia, TX 77486.
Bay City Public Library........ 1100 7th Street, Bay 979-245-6931
City, Texas 77414.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submitting Comments/Issues for Comment
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
environmental assessment (EA);
Present reasonable alternatives other than those presented
in the EA; and/or
Provide new or additional information relevant to the
assessment.
Next Steps
After this comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and
address them in the form of a final CCP and finding of no significant
impact.
[[Page 49015]]
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: July 26, 2012.
Joy E. Nicholopoulos,
Regional Director, Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 2012-19891 Filed 8-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
