Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton Counties, TX; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment; Correction, 50523-50526 [2012-20611]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 21, 2012 / Notices Avenue NW., Suite 1500N, Washington, DC 20229, 202–344–1060. Avenue NW., Suite 1500N, Washington, DC 20229, 202–344–1060. Dated: August 13, 2012. Ira S. Reese, Executive Director. Dated: August 13, 2012. Ira S. Reese, Executive Director. [FR Doc. 2012–20395 Filed 8–20–12; 8:45 am] [FR Doc. 2012–20394 Filed 8–20–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. Customs and Border Protection Fish and Wildlife Service Accreditation and Approval of Amspec Services LLC, as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory [FWS–R2–R–2012–N160; FXRS12610200000S3–123–FF02R06000] U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice of accreditation and approval of Amspec Services LLC, as a commercial gauger and laboratory. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13, Amspec Services LLC, 100B Redoubt Road, Unit 2, Yorktown, VA 23692, has been approved to gauge and accredited to test petroleum and petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oils for customs purposes, in accordance with the provisions of 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13. Anyone wishing to employ this entity to conduct laboratory analyses and gauger services should request and receive written assurances from the entity that it is accredited or approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the specific test or gauger service requested. Alternatively, inquires regarding the specific test or gauger service this entity is accredited or approved to perform may be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling (202) 344–1060. The inquiry may also be sent to cbp.labhq@dhs.gov. Please reference the Web site listed below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories. https://cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/ automated/labs_scientific_svcs/ commercial_gaugers/gaulist.ctt/ gaulist.pdf. SUMMARY: The accreditation and approval of Amspec Services LLC, as commercial gauger and laboratory became effective on May 31, 2012. The next triennial inspection date will be scheduled for May 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Mocella, Laboratories and Scientific Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:31 Aug 20, 2012 Jkt 226001 Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton Counties, TX; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment; Correction Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments; correction. AGENCY: On August 15, 2012, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a notice announcing 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. In that notice, we gave an incorrect comment-period end date. We are now republishing the notice with the correct date. If you already submitted a comment, you need not resubmit it. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by September 20, 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50523 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: On August 15, 2012, we published a Federal Register notice announcing the availability of a draft CCP and EA for the Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. In that notice, we gave an incorrect comment-period end date. We are now republishing the notice with the correct date. If you already submitted a comment in response to our August 15, 2012 (77 FR 49011), notice, you need not resubmit it. 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- E:\FR\FM\21AUN1.SGM 21AUN1 50524 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 21, 2012 / Notices 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. Issue topic Alternative A—No action Alternative B—Proposed action Alternative C Ecoregion Management Issue 1: Climate Change. 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. 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 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. Same as Alternative A .................. Same as Alternative A plus increase the types and amounts of structural and restoration techniques used. 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. 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. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Habitat Management Issue 2: Gulf Coast Prairie and Marshes— Management of Invasive Species (Flora). 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:31 Aug 20, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Same as A, plus incorporate additional moist soil units into farming rotation at Brazoria NWR. Same as Alternative A plus drill additional wells, and develop new/rehabilitate existing water control structures. Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21AUN1.SGM 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. 21AUN1 50525 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 21, 2012 / Notices Issue topic Alternative A—No action Alternative B—Proposed action Habitat Management Issue 6: Bottomland Hardwood Forest—Restoration. Allow natural regeneration; where appropriate add supplemental planting of hardwood species; treat invasive species. Restore previously drained wetlands. Same as Alternative A .................. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A .................. Same as Alternative A. 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. 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. 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. Visitor Services Issue 1: Hunting ... Visitor Services Issue 2: Fishing ... Visitor Services Issue 3: Wildlife Observation. 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. 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 ............. Visitor Services Issue 8: Entrance Fee. Facilities Issue 1: Visitor Orientation. and events 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 B. Require entrance fee .................... pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Hiking trail provided at Brazoria and San Bernard NWRs. Facilities Issue 3: Visitor—Non-Motorized Boat Launches Visitor. Facilities Issue 4: Visitor—Signs/ Exhibits. 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 5 Visitor—Roadways. Vehicular access allowed on designated refuge roads. PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4703 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 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 .................. Facilities Issue 2: Visitor Use— Trails. Jkt 226001 Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A plus additional Visitor Contact Station at San Bernard NWR. 15:31 Aug 20, 2012 Same as Alternative B. Same as Alternative A .................. Visitor contact station located at Brazoria NWR Discovery Center. VerDate Mar<15>2010 Alternative C Construct new exhibits and signs and improve quality and content of existing exhibits and signs. Same as Alternative A .................. Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21AUN1.SGM 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. 21AUN1 50526 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 21, 2012 / Notices Issue topic Alternative A—No action Alternative B—Proposed action Alternative C Facilities Issue 6: Administrative— Volunteer. Recreation vehicle pads provided at Brazoria and San Bernard NWRs. Same as A, plus construct additional facilities at Brazoria NWR. Facilities Issue 7: Administrative Facilities. A variety of administrative/maintenance facilities available at various refuges. 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. • Our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/ southwest/refuges/Plan/ plansinprogress.html. • At the following public libraries: Library Address Brazoria County Library, City of Lake Jackson Branch ........... Brazoria County Library, West Columbia Branch .................... Bay City Public Library ............................................................. 250 Circle Way, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 .............................. 518 East Brazos, West Columbia, TX 77486 .......................... 1100 7th Street, Bay City, Texas 77414 ................................. Submitting Comments/Issues for Comment DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 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. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with 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: August 16, 2012. David Mendias, Regional Director, Southwest Region. [FR Doc. 2012–20611 Filed 8–20–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:31 Aug 20, 2012 Jkt 226001 Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–ES–2012–N181; FXES11120100000F2–123–FF01E00000] Proposed Safe Harbor Agreement for the Northern Spotted Owl, Skamania, Klickitat, and Yakima Counties, WA, and Hood River and Wasco Counties, OR Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: SDS Company LLC (SDS) and the Broughton Lumber Company (BLC), hereafter referred to as the applicants, have applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit (permit) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The permit application includes a draft Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) and a draft Implementing Agreement (IA). Pursuant to the Service’s responsibility to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the application package also includes a draft Environmental Assessment (EA). The Service invites the public to review and comment on the draft SHA, the draft IA, and draft EA. SUMMARY: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by September 20, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may download copies of the draft SHA, draft IA, and draft EA and obtain additional information on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/ DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Phone number 979–297–1271 979–345–3394 979–245–6931 westwafwo/. You may submit comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods. You may request hard copies or a CD–ROM of the documents. • Email: SDSBLCSHA@fws.gov. Include ‘‘SDS BLC SHA’’ in the subject line of the message. • U.S. Mail: Mark Ostwald, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond Drive, Southeast, Suite 102, Lacey, WA 98503. • In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Call (360) 753–9440 to make an appointment (necessary for view/pickup only) during regular business hours at Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond Drive, Southeast, Suite 102, Lacey, WA 98503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Ostwald, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see ADDRESSES), telephone (360) 753–9564. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf, please call the Federal Information Relay Service at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicants have applied to the Service for an enhancement of survival permit under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The permit application includes a draft SHA, draft IA, and draft EA. The SHA covers about 81,587 acres of managed private forest lands in Washington and Oregon. The proposed term of the permit and the SHA is 60 years. The permit would authorize incidental take of the threatened northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) at a level that enables the applicants ultimately to return the E:\FR\FM\21AUN1.SGM 21AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 21, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50523-50526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20611]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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; Correction

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments; correction.

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

SUMMARY: On August 15, 2012, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
published a notice announcing 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. In that notice, we gave an incorrect comment-period end
date. We are now republishing the notice with the correct date. If you
already submitted a comment, you need not resubmit it.

DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by
September 20, 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: On August 15, 2012, we published a Federal
Register notice announcing the availability of a draft CCP and EA for
the Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. In that notice,
we gave an incorrect comment-period end date. We are now republishing
the notice with the correct date. If you already submitted a comment in
response to our August 15, 2012 (77 FR 49011), notice, you need not
resubmit it.

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-

[[Page 50524]]

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--Proposed
Issue topic action 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.
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.

[[Page 50525]]

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.
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.

[[Page 50526]]

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 number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brazoria County Library, City 250 Circle Way, Lake 979-297-1271
of 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.

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: August 16, 2012.
David Mendias,
Regional Director, Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 2012-20611 Filed 8-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.