Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, MS; Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 3024-3025 [2013-00652]

Download as PDF 3024 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2013 / Notices We will not accept email or faxes. We will post all comments on https:// www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see Request for Public Comments under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for more information). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janet Bruner, 703–358–1713. The draft guidance document that is the subject of this notice is available at www.fws.gov/ refuges/donations. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Department of the Interior issued ‘‘ETHICS AND CONDUCT, Employee Responsibilities and Conduct, Donations’’ (374 DM 6), in 2007. This guidance requires all Interior bureaus to develop their own policy on donations. Several authorities allow various types of donations, including real and personal property, services, and money. These include the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), which allows acceptance of funds or lands, pending State approval. A later amendment to the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742f) allows the Service to accept real and personal property donations. Other authorities cited in this draft donations policy include the Partnerships for Wildlife Act (16 U.S.C. 3741); Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3101); Migratory Bird Conservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 715–715r); National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998, as amended (16 U.S.C. 742f); Great Lakes Fisheries Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C 932); and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd(b)(2)). In addition to those broader authorities, individual units of the National Wildlife Refuge System or the National Fish Hatchery System may have specific legislative authority to accept donations. This draft donations policy is in keeping with statutory requirements as well as with the aforementioned Departmental guidance, 374 DM 6. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with Draft Policy We recognize the value of donations, but also the potential problems with accepting them. This draft policy covers the ethical considerations for donations, fundraising, and solicitation. While donations can be a means to further our mission, not all donations are appropriate. This draft policy provides consistent procedures for evaluating VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Jan 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 potential donors and donations to determine if acceptance is appropriate. The policy also helps the reader determine who has authority to accept appropriate donations. That authority depends on the type (real property or non-real property) and the monetary value of the donation. This draft policy also covers soliciting donations and fundraising. Those activities are primarily done by Friends groups, groups of volunteers who support specific refuges. Requirements for solicitation of donations by Friends groups are covered in existing Service Manual chapters 150 FW 1–3. The draft donations policy we are putting out for comment now will list the limited circumstances when Service employees may solicit donations. It will describe inappropriate fundraising activities and also mention grant applications and acceptance. Recognizing donors is very important. This draft policy also contains information on that, including a template for a thank-you letter. Request for Public Comments You may submit comment and materials on this notice by any of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not accept comments sent by email or fax or to an address not listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not consider hand-delivered comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not postmarked, by the date specified in the DATES section. We will post your entire comment on https://www.regulations.gov. Before including personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that we may make your entire comment—including your personal identifying information— 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. We will post all hardcopy comments on https:// www.regulations.gov. Dated: December 21, 2012. Daniel M. Ashe, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2013–00654 Filed 1–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2012–N296; FXRS12650400000S3–123–FF04R02000] Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, MS; Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent. AGENCY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston Counties, Mississippi. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Native-American tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by February 14, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, questions, and requests for information to: Mr. Steve Reagan, Project Leader, Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR, 2970 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, MS 39739; or steve_reagan@fws.gov (email). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Michelle Paduani, Natural Resource Planner, at 662–323–5548 (telephone); or michelle_paduani@fws.gov (email); or Mr. Steve Reagan at 662–323–5548 (telephone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Introduction With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR in Mississippi. This notice complies with our CCP policy to: (1) Advise other Federal and State agencies, Native-American tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct detailed planning on this refuge; and (2) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the environmental document and during development of the CCP. Background The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) (Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15JAN1.SGM 15JAN1 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2013 / Notices 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 (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 hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 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 Refuge System 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 Refuge System 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 for the best possible conservation approach to this important wildlife habitat, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with the refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the Refuge System. Our CCP process provides participation opportunities for Tribal, State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public. We encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR. We will conduct the environmental review of this project in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. The Noxubee NWR was established on June 14, 1940, by Executive Order 8444, under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 715 (Migratory Bird Conservation Act). It was renamed the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge on June 22, 2012. The refuge’s stated purpose is ‘‘for use as a Refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.’’ In conjunction with the VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Jan 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 primary establishing purposes, the refuge provides an area for the ‘‘conservation, management, and restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans’’ 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) (National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997), as well as ‘‘for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources’’ 16 U.S.C. 742(a)(4) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956). Subsequently, a small amount of land was purchased with Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp monies ‘‘for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds’’ 16 U.S.C. 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act). 3025 no significant impact for the environmental assessment for St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Franklin and Gulf Counties, Florida. In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage this refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the CCP by writing to Ms. Shelley Stiaes via U.S. mail at St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 447, Apalachicola, FL 32329. Alternatively, you may download the document from our Internet site, https:// southeast.fws.gov/planning, under ‘‘Final Documents.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Shelley Stiaes, at 850–653–8808 (telephone) or shelley_stiaes@fws.gov (email). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: December 20, 2012. Mark J. Musaus, Acting Regional Director. Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for St. Vincent NWR. We started the process through a notice in the Federal Register on April 8, 2009 (74 FR 16002). For more about the process, see that notice. St. Vincent NWR is located in Franklin and Gulf Counties along the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida, approximately 60 miles from Panama City and 80 miles from Tallahassee. St. Vincent NWR’s approved acquisition boundary is approximately 13,736 acres, with a current management boundary of approximately 12,490 acres. The staff oversees 21 Farm Service Agency easements, totaling 1,625 acres in six counties. The 12,490-acre refuge boundary includes two islands—St. Vincent (12,358 acres) and Pig (46 acres). It also includes a mainland tract—14 Mile Tract (86 acres). [FR Doc. 2013–00652 Filed 1–14–13; 8:45 am] Background Public Availability and 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. Authority This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.). BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2012–N218; FXRS12650400000S3–123–FF04R02000] St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, FL; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) (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 E:\FR\FM\15JAN1.SGM 15JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 15, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3024-3025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-00652]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2012-N296; FXRS12650400000S3-123-FF04R02000]


Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, MS; Intent To 
Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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

SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare 
a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and associated National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee 
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston 
Counties, Mississippi. We provide this notice in compliance with our 
CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Native-American 
tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and 
information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by February 14, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, questions, and requests for 
information to: Mr. Steve Reagan, Project Leader, Sam D. Hamilton 
Noxubee NWR, 2970 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, MS 39739; or steve_reagan@fws.gov (email).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Michelle Paduani, Natural Resource 
Planner, at 662-323-5548 (telephone); or michelle_paduani@fws.gov 
(email); or Mr. Steve Reagan at 662-323-5548 (telephone).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for 
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR in Mississippi. This notice complies with 
our CCP policy to: (1) Advise other Federal and State agencies, Native-
American tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct detailed 
planning on this refuge; and (2) obtain suggestions and information on 
the scope of issues to consider in the environmental document and 
during development of the CCP.

Background

The CCP Process

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Administration Act), as amended by the National 
Wildlife

[[Page 3025]]

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 (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 hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
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 Refuge System 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 Refuge System 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 for the best possible conservation 
approach to this important wildlife habitat, while providing for 
wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with 
the refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of the Refuge 
System.
    Our CCP process provides participation opportunities for Tribal, 
State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public. 
We encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and 
suggestions for the future management of Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR.
    We will conduct the environmental review of this project in 
accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA 
regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other appropriate Federal laws 
and regulations; and our policies and procedures for compliance with 
those laws and regulations.
    The Noxubee NWR was established on June 14, 1940, by Executive 
Order 8444, under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 715 (Migratory Bird 
Conservation Act). It was renamed the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National 
Wildlife Refuge on June 22, 2012. The refuge's stated purpose is ``for 
use as a Refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other 
wildlife.'' In conjunction with the primary establishing purposes, the 
refuge provides an area for the ``conservation, management, and 
restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their 
habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of 
Americans'' 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) (National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997), as well as ``for the development, 
advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and 
wildlife resources'' 16 U.S.C. 742(a)(4) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 
1956). Subsequently, a small amount of land was purchased with 
Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp monies ``for use as an inviolate 
sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds'' 
16 U.S.C. 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act).

Public Availability and 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.

Authority

    This notice is published under the authority of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd et 
seq.).

    Dated: December 20, 2012.
Mark J. Musaus,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 2013-00652 Filed 1-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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