The Great Lakes Islands National Wildlife Refuges in Michigan and Wisconsin, 51552-51553 [2012-20847]

Download as PDF 51552 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 165 / Friday, August 24, 2012 / Notices erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with that one or more of the Departments develop for inclusion in a hydropower license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the FPA. This provision required that the Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, and Commerce to collect the information covered by 1094–0001. Under FPA section 33, the Secretary of the Department involved must accept the proposed alternative if the Secretary determines, based on substantial evidence provided by a party to the license proceeding or otherwise available to the Secretary, (a) that the alternative condition provides for the adequate protection and utilization of the reservation, or that the alternative prescription will be no less protective than the fishway initially proposed by the Secretary, and (b) that the alternative will either cost significantly less to implement or result in improved operation of the project works for electricity production. In order to make this determination, the regulations require that all of the following information be collected: (1) A description of the alternative, in an equivalent level of detail to the Department’s preliminary condition or prescription; (2) an explanation of how the alternative: (i) If a condition, will provide for the adequate protection and utilization of the reservation; or (ii) if a prescription, will be no less protective than the fishway prescribed by the bureau; (3) an explanation of how the alternative, as compared to the preliminary condition or prescription, will: (i) Cost significantly less to implement; or (ii) result in improved operation of the project works for electricity production; (4) an explanation of how the alternative or revised alternative will affect: (i) Energy supply, distribution, cost, and use; (ii) flood control; (iii) navigation; (iv) water supply; (v) air quality; and (vi) other aspects of environmental quality; and (5) specific citations to any scientific studies, literature, and other documented information relied on to support the proposal. This notice of proposed renewal of an existing information collection is being published by the Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance, Department of the Interior, on behalf of all three Departments, and the data provided below covers anticipated responses (alternative conditions/ prescriptions and associated information) for all three Departments. II. Data (1) Title: 7 CFR Part 1; 43 CFR Part 45; 50 CFR Part 221; the Alternatives Process in Hydropower Licensing. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:22 Aug 23, 2012 Jkt 226001 OMB Control Number: 1094–0001. Current Expiration Date: September 30, 2012. Type of Review: Information Collection Renewal. Affected Entities: Business or forprofit entities. Estimated annual number of respondents: 5. Frequency of responses: Once per alternative proposed. (2) Annual reporting and recordkeeping burden: Total annual reporting per response: 500 hours. Total number of estimated responses: 5. Total annual reporting: 2,500 hours. (3) Description of the need and use of the information: The purpose of this information collection is to provide an opportunity for license parties to propose an alternative condition or prescription to that imposed by the Federal Government in the hydropower licensing process. As required under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), a Federal Register notice soliciting comments on the collection of information was published on May 22, 2012 (77 FR 30308). No comments were received. This notice provides the public with an additional 30 days in which to comment on the proposed information collection activity. personnel and to be able to respond to a collection of information, to search data sources, to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information. All written comments, with names and addresses, will be available for public inspection. If you wish us to withhold your personal information, you must prominently state at the beginning of your comment what personal information you want us to withhold. We will honor your request to the extent allowable by law. If you wish to view any comments received, you may do so by scheduling an appointment with the Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance by calling (202) 208–3891. A valid picture identification is required for entry into the Department of the Interior. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget control number. Dated: August 16, 2012. Willie R. Taylor, Director, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance. [FR Doc. 2012–20925 Filed 8–23–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–79–P III. Request for Comments The Departments invite comments on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agencies, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) The accuracy of the agencies’ estimate of the burden of the collection and the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other collection techniques or other forms of information techniques. ‘‘Burden’’ means the total time, effort, and financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose, or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; to train PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R3–R–2012–N122; FXRS1265030000S3–123–FF03R06000] The Great Lakes Islands National Wildlife Refuges in Michigan and Wisconsin Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental assessment (EA) for the Great Lakes Islands National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) for public review and comment. The group of five national wildlife refuges includes Gravel Island and Green Bay National Wildlife Refuges, Door County, Wisconsin; Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge, Chippewa County, Michigan; Huron National Wildlife Refuge, Marquette County, Michigan; and Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Charlevoix, Arenac, and Alpena Counties, Michigan. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 165 / Friday, August 24, 2012 / Notices In this draft CCP/EA we describe how we propose to manage these refuges for the next 15 years. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by September 24, 2012. We will hold open house-style meetings during the comment period to receive comments and provide information on the draft plan. In addition, we will use special mailings, newspaper articles, internet postings, and other media announcements to inform people of opportunities for input. ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any one of the following methods: • Email: r3planning@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Great Lakes Islands Draft CCP/EA’’ in the subject line of the message. • Fax: Æ Attention: Refuge Manager, Gravel/ Green Bay NWRs, 920–387–2973. Æ Attention: Refuge Manager, Huron/ Harbor Island/MI Islands (N) NWRs, 906–586–3800. Æ Attention: Refuge Manager, Michigan Islands (S) NWR, 989– 777–9200. • U.S. Mail: Æ Attention: Steve Lenz, Refuge Manager, Gravel Island/Green Bay National Wildlife Refuges (managed by Horicon NWR), W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI 53050; 920–387–2658. Æ Attention: Mark Vaniman, Refuge Manager, Harbor Island/Huron/ Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuges (northern section managed by Seney NWR), 1674 Refuge Entrance Rd., Seney, MI 49883; 906–586–9851. Æ Attention: Steve Kahl, Refuge Manager, Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge (southern section managed by Shiawassee NWR), 6975 Mower Road, Saginaw, MI 48601; 989–777–5930. • In-Person Drop Off: You may drop off comments during regular business hours at the above addresses. You will find the draft CCP/EA, as well as information about the planning process and a summary of the CCP, on the planning Web site: https:// www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ GreatLakesIslands/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Lenz, Gravel Island or Green Bay National Wildlife Refuges, 920–387– 2658; Mark Vaniman, Harbor Island, Huron, or the northern section of Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuges, 906–586–9851; Steve Kahl, southern section of Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, 989–777– 5930. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:22 Aug 23, 2012 Jkt 226001 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we continue the process for developing a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Great Lakes Islands National Wildlife Refuges. We began this process by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal Register (73 FR 76677) on December 17, 2008. For more about the initial process and the history of this refuge, see that notice. Background The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) (Administration Act), requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service 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 hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration Act. Each unit of the NWRS was established for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for each refuge within the NWRS mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with each refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the NWRS. Additional Information The draft CCP/EA may be found at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ GreatLakesIslands/. That document incorporates an EA, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The draft CCP/EA includes detailed information about the PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 51553 planning process, refuge, issues, and management alternatives considered and proposed. The EA includes discussions of three alternative refuge management options. The Service’s preferred alternative is reflected in the draft CCP. The alternatives analyzed in detail include: • Alternative A: Current Direction To Maintain Natural Integrity—The current management direction of the Great Lakes Islands NWRs would be maintained under this alternative. For NEPA purposes, this is referred to as the ‘‘No Action’’ alternative. • Alternative B: Minimal Management To Preserve Wilderness Qualities—Management actions would be focused to retain the wilderness character of each island to the extent practical. Public access and visitor services would be kept to a minimal level in order to reduce visual and habitat impacts. • Alternative C (Preferred Alternative): Enhanced Management To Promote Natural Integrity and Public Stewardship—This option would provide for the growth of the island refuges and more opportunities for compatible recreational use. Public Involvement We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public meeting. You can obtain the schedule from the address or web site listed in this notice (see ADDRESSES). You may also submit comments anytime during the comment period. 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. Richard D. Schultz, Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2012–20847 Filed 8–23–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 165 (Friday, August 24, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51552-51553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20847]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R3-R-2012-N122; FXRS1265030000S3-123-FF03R06000]


The Great Lakes Islands National Wildlife Refuges in Michigan and 
Wisconsin

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and 
environmental assessment (EA) for the Great Lakes Islands National 
Wildlife Refuges (NWR) for public review and comment. The group of five 
national wildlife refuges includes Gravel Island and Green Bay National 
Wildlife Refuges, Door County, Wisconsin; Harbor Island National 
Wildlife Refuge, Chippewa County, Michigan; Huron National Wildlife 
Refuge, Marquette County, Michigan; and Michigan Islands National 
Wildlife Refuge, Charlevoix, Arenac, and Alpena Counties, Michigan.

[[Page 51553]]

In this draft CCP/EA we describe how we propose to manage these refuges 
for the next 15 years.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by September 24, 2012. We will hold open house-style meetings during 
the comment period to receive comments and provide information on the 
draft plan. In addition, we will use special mailings, newspaper 
articles, internet postings, and other media announcements to inform 
people of opportunities for input.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any 
one of the following methods:

 Email: r3planning@fws.gov. Include ``Great Lakes Islands Draft 
CCP/EA'' in the subject line of the message.
 Fax:
    [cir] Attention: Refuge Manager, Gravel/Green Bay NWRs, 920-387-
2973.
    [cir] Attention: Refuge Manager, Huron/Harbor Island/MI Islands (N) 
NWRs, 906-586-3800.
    [cir] Attention: Refuge Manager, Michigan Islands (S) NWR, 989-777-
9200.
 U.S. Mail:
    [cir] Attention: Steve Lenz, Refuge Manager, Gravel Island/Green 
Bay National Wildlife Refuges (managed by Horicon NWR), W4279 
Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI 53050; 920-387-2658.
    [cir] Attention: Mark Vaniman, Refuge Manager, Harbor Island/Huron/
Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuges (northern section managed by 
Seney NWR), 1674 Refuge Entrance Rd., Seney, MI 49883; 906-586-9851.
    [cir] Attention: Steve Kahl, Refuge Manager, Michigan Islands 
National Wildlife Refuge (southern section managed by Shiawassee NWR), 
6975 Mower Road, Saginaw, MI 48601; 989-777-5930.
 In-Person Drop Off: You may drop off comments during regular 
business hours at the above addresses.

    You will find the draft CCP/EA, as well as information about the 
planning process and a summary of the CCP, on the planning Web site: 
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/GreatLakesIslands/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Lenz, Gravel Island or Green Bay 
National Wildlife Refuges, 920-387-2658; Mark Vaniman, Harbor Island, 
Huron, or the northern section of Michigan Islands National Wildlife 
Refuges, 906-586-9851; Steve Kahl, southern section of Michigan Islands 
National Wildlife Refuge, 989-777-5930.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we continue the process for developing a 
comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Great Lakes Islands 
National Wildlife Refuges. We began this process by publishing a notice 
of intent in the Federal Register (73 FR 76677) on December 17, 2008. 
For more about the initial process and the history of this refuge, see 
that notice.

Background

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as 
amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 
(16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Administration Act), requires us to develop a 
CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP 
is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving 
refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), consistent with sound principles of fish 
and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service 
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 hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Administration Act.
    Each unit of the NWRS was established for specific purposes. We use 
these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the 
management goals and objectives for each refuge within the NWRS 
mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The 
planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management 
goals and objectives that will ensure the best possible approach to 
wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for 
wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with 
each refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of the NWRS.

Additional Information

    The draft CCP/EA may be found at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/GreatLakesIslands/. That document incorporates an 
EA, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The draft CCP/EA includes detailed 
information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and management 
alternatives considered and proposed. The EA includes discussions of 
three alternative refuge management options. The Service's preferred 
alternative is reflected in the draft CCP.
    The alternatives analyzed in detail include:
     Alternative A: Current Direction To Maintain Natural 
Integrity--The current management direction of the Great Lakes Islands 
NWRs would be maintained under this alternative. For NEPA purposes, 
this is referred to as the ``No Action'' alternative.
     Alternative B: Minimal Management To Preserve Wilderness 
Qualities--Management actions would be focused to retain the wilderness 
character of each island to the extent practical. Public access and 
visitor services would be kept to a minimal level in order to reduce 
visual and habitat impacts.
     Alternative C (Preferred Alternative): Enhanced Management 
To Promote Natural Integrity and Public Stewardship--This option would 
provide for the growth of the island refuges and more opportunities for 
compatible recreational use.

Public Involvement

    We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public 
meeting. You can obtain the schedule from the address or web site 
listed in this notice (see ADDRESSES). You may also submit comments 
anytime during the comment period.

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.

Richard D. Schultz,
Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20847 Filed 8-23-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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