Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment, 56090-56091 [2014-21667]
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56090
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 181 / Thursday, September 18, 2014 / Notices
Refuge would remain closed to the
public.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Selected Alternative for Each Refuge
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
During the review period for the draft
CCP and EA, we received 13 letters
containing over 85 comments.
Comments focused on land tenure,
Colorado River water history, water
rights, water levels in the Salton Sea,
groundwater availability in the
Coachella Valley, cultural resource
protection, water quality, geothermal
development, restoration of Red Hill
Bay, protection of nesting western gullbilled terns, and restoration and
management of the Salton Sea. We
incorporated comments we received
into the CCP when appropriate, and we
responded to the comments in an
appendix to the CCP. In the FONSI, we
selected Alternative B (restore and
enhance habitat quality; expand
opportunities for wildlife observation,
environmental education, and
interpretation) for implementation on
the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR and
Alternative B (expand management
actions to support listed and sensitive
species; expand public outreach) for
implementation on the Coachella Valley
NWR. The FONSI documents our
decision and is based on information
and analysis contained in the EA.
The alternative we selected for each of
the Refuges within the Sonny Bono
Salton Sea NWR Complex was
determined to be the alternative that
would most effectively achieve Refuge
purposes, goals, and objectives;
contribute to the National Wildlife
Refuge System mission; and be
consistent with principles of sound fish
and wildlife management.
Implementation of the selected
alternative will be subject to the
availability of funding and other
resources, and may occur incrementally
over the life of the 15-year plan. Based
on the associated EA, the selected
alternatives are not expected to result in
significant environmental impacts and
therefore do not require the preparation
of an environmental impact statement.
Alexandra Pitts,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest
Region, Sacramento, California.
[FR Doc. 2014–22272 Filed 9–17–14; 8:45 am]
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Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge,
American Samoa; Comprehensive
Conservation Plan and Finding of No
Significant Impact for Environmental
Assessment
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
AGENCY:
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of our comprehensive
conservation plan (CCP) and finding of
no significant impact (FONSI) for the
environmental assessment (EA) for the
Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
(NWR or Refuge). In this CCP, we
describe how we will manage the
Refuge for the next 15 years.
ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain
copies of the CCP and FONSI by any of
the following methods. You may request
a hard copy or a CD of the document.
Agency Web Site: Download the CCP
and FONSI at www.fws.gov/pacific/
planning or www.fws.gov/refuge/Rose_
Atoll/what_we_do/planning.html.
Email: FW1PlanningComments@
fws.gov. Include ‘‘Rose Atoll NWR CCP’’
in the subject line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Project Leader, (808) 792–
9586.
Mail: Pacific Reefs National Wildlife
Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana
Boulevard, Room 5–231, Box 50167,
Honolulu, HI 96813.
In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Rose
Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Marine
National Monument, c/o National Park
Service, Pago Pago, AS 96799.
For more information on locations for
viewing or obtaining documents, see
‘‘Public Availability of Documents’’
under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan White, Project Leader, phone
(808) 792–9481.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Introduction
With this notice, we finalize the CCP
process for the Refuge. We started this
process with a notice of intent
published in the Federal Register (74
FR 57701; November 9, 2009). We
released the Draft CCP/EA to the public
in a notice of availability requesting
comments published in the Federal
Register (77 FR 61426; October 9, 2012).
We announce the availability of the
FONSI for the CCP/EA in accordance
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Frm 00042
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with National Environmental Policy Act
(40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We
completed a thorough analysis of
impacts on the human environment in
the Draft CCP/EA.
Rose Atoll NWR, located in American
Samoa, was established in 1973 to
conserve and protect fish and wildlife
resources. The CCP will guide us in
managing and administering the Refuge
for the next 15 years. Alternative B in
the Draft CCP/EA was selected for
implementation. To address public
comments received on the Draft CCP/
EA, changes and clarifications were
made to the Final CCP where
appropriate. A summary of the public
comments we received is included in
the Final CCP with our responses.
Background
The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966, as amended
by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 (together
referred to as the Refuge Administration
Act) and other acts, 16 U.S.C. 668dd–
668ee, requires us to develop a CCP for
each national wildlife refuge. We
develop a CCP to provide refuge
managers with a 15-year plan for
achieving refuge purposes and
contributing toward the National
Wildlife Refuge System’s mission,
consistent with sound principles of fish
and wildlife management, conservation,
legal mandates, and our policies. We
will review and update the CCP at least
every 15 years in accordance with the
Refuge Administration Act.
Selected Alternative
Under the selected alternative, refuge
management will emphasize protecting,
restoring and maintaining habitats
including the lagoon, perimeter crustose
coralline algal reef, ava (channel), beach
strand, and littoral forest, as well as
species that rely on these habitats (e.g.,
corals, fish, seabirds, shorebirds, sea
turtles, native plants, giant clams, and
other invertebrates). Strategies for
accomplishing the above include
developing monitoring protocols,
installing a remote camera system,
increasing surveys, implementing a
rapid response program to control
existing and prevent new nonnative
species, restoring native plants, and
increasing applied research.
Increasing the frequency of
management trips to the Refuge and
strengthening partnerships with the
American Samoa Government, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, National Park Service,
U.S. Geological Survey, and other
partners are key components of our
management direction. More frequent
E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 181 / Thursday, September 18, 2014 / Notices
visits will allow for improved law
enforcement oversight and compliance.
In addition to monitoring atoll species,
a remote camera system will also
provide better management and
documentation of any unauthorized
entry to the Refuge. The Refuge will
remain closed to the general public,
with entry only allowed via special use
permit.
Refuge staff will provide outreach and
interpretation opportunities and
develop an environmental education
program focusing on ‘‘bringing the
refuge to the people.’’ Appropriate
cultural practices will also be facilitated
through expanding refuge management
activities related to cultural resources.
We will work with the American Samoa
Historical Preservation Office and other
partners to conduct archaeological
surveys at Rose Atoll NWR, integrate
cultural resources into interpretation,
and increase dialogue with the Office of
Samoan Affairs and local villagers,
among other activities.
Public Availability of Documents
In addition to any methods in
ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain
documents at the Feleti Barstow Public
Library, National Park Office in Ofu, the
High School in Ta’u and other places of
public access in American Samoa.
Dated: July 30, 2014.
Stephen J. Zylstra,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region,
Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2014–21667 Filed 9–17–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection
Activities: Comment Request
National Science Foundation.
Submission for OMB Review;
Comment Request.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–
13 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part
of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork and respondent burden, the
National Science Foundation (NSF) is
inviting the general public and other
Federal agencies to comment on this
proposed continuing information
collection. This is the second notice for
public comment; the first was published
in the Federal Register at 79 FR 26779
and no comments were received. NSF is
forwarding the proposed submission to
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for clearance simultaneously
with the publication of this second
notice. The full submission may be
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
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found at: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/
do/PRAMain.
DATES: Comments regarding these
information collections are best assured
of having their full effect if received by
OMB within 30 days of publication in
the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Written comments
regarding (a) whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of NSF,
including whether the information will
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of
NSF’s estimate of burden including the
validity of the methodology and
assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance
the quality, utility and clarity of the
information to be collected; or (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 technological
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology should be
addressed to: Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention:
Desk Officer for National Science
Foundation, 725—17th Street, NW.
Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503,
and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports
Clearance Officer, National Science
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or
send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Copies
of the submission may be obtained by
calling (703) 292–7556.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Suzanne H. Plimpton, NSF Reports
Clearance Officer at (703) 292–7556 or
send email to splimpto@nsf.gov.
Individuals who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the Federal Information
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–
8339, which is accessible 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
(including Federal holidays).
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor a collection of information
unless the collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB control
number and the agency informs
potential persons who are to respond to
the collection of information that such
persons are not required to respond to
the collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title of Collection: Graduate Research
Fellowship Application.
OMB Control No.: 3145–0023.
Abstract: Section 10 of the National
Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42
U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), as amended, states
that ‘‘The Foundation is authorized to
award, within the limits of funds made
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56091
available . . . scholarships and graduate
fellowships for scientific study or
scientific work in the mathematical,
physical, biological, engineering, social,
and other sciences at accredited U.S.
institutions selected by the recipient of
such aid, for stated periods of time.’’
The Graduate Research Fellowship
Program has two goals:
• To select, recognize, and financially
support individuals early in their
careers with the demonstrated potential
to be high achieving scientists and
engineers;
• To broaden participation in science
and engineering of underrepresented
groups, including women, minorities,
persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The list of GRFP Fellows sponsored
by the Foundation may be found via
FastLane through the NSF Web site:
https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov. The GRF
Program is described in the Solicitation
available at: https://www.nsf.gov/
publications/pub_summ.jsp?WT.z_
pims_id=6201&ods_key=nsf14590.
Estimate of Burden: This is an annual
application program providing three
years of support to individuals, usable
over a five-year fellowship period. The
application deadline is in early
November. It is estimated that each
submission is averaged to be 16 hours
per respondent, which includes three
references (on average) for each
application. It is estimated that it takes
two hours per reference for each
applicant.
Respondents: Individuals.
Estimated Number of Responses:
15,000.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 240,000 hours.
Frequency of Responses: Annually.
Dated: September 12, 2014.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science
Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2014–22241 Filed 9–17–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Request for Information (RFI)—
National Privacy Research Strategy
The National Coordination
Office (NCO) for Networking and
Information Technology Research and
Development (NITRD).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tomas Vagoun at vagoun@nitrd.gov or
(703) 292–4873.
DATES: To be considered, submissions
must be received no later than October
17, 2014.
E:\FR\FM\18SEN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 181 (Thursday, September 18, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56090-56091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21667]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R1-R-2013-N221; 12560-0000-10137 S3]
Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, American Samoa;
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact
for Environmental Assessment
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of our comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding
of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA)
for the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR or Refuge). In this
CCP, we describe how we will manage the Refuge for the next 15 years.
ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the CCP and FONSI by any of
the following methods. You may request a hard copy or a CD of the
document.
Agency Web Site: Download the CCP and FONSI at www.fws.gov/pacific/planning or www.fws.gov/refuge/RoseAtoll/
whatwedo/planning.html.
Email: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``Rose Atoll NWR CCP''
in the subject line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Project Leader, (808) 792-9586.
Mail: Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 300 Ala Moana
Boulevard, Room 5-231, Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96813.
In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/
Marine National Monument, c/o National Park Service, Pago Pago, AS
96799.
For more information on locations for viewing or obtaining
documents, see ``Public Availability of Documents'' under SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan White, Project Leader, phone
(808) 792-9481.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for the Refuge. We
started this process with a notice of intent published in the Federal
Register (74 FR 57701; November 9, 2009). We released the Draft CCP/EA
to the public in a notice of availability requesting comments published
in the Federal Register (77 FR 61426; October 9, 2012).
We announce the availability of the FONSI for the CCP/EA in
accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1506.6(b))
requirements. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human
environment in the Draft CCP/EA.
Rose Atoll NWR, located in American Samoa, was established in 1973
to conserve and protect fish and wildlife resources. The CCP will guide
us in managing and administering the Refuge for the next 15 years.
Alternative B in the Draft CCP/EA was selected for implementation. To
address public comments received on the Draft CCP/EA, changes and
clarifications were made to the Final CCP where appropriate. A summary
of the public comments we received is included in the Final CCP with
our responses.
Background
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as
amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997
(together referred to as the Refuge Administration Act) and other acts,
16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, requires us to develop a CCP for each national
wildlife refuge. We develop a CCP to provide refuge managers with a 15-
year plan for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the
National Wildlife Refuge System's mission, consistent with sound
principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal
mandates, and our policies. We will review and update the CCP at least
every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act.
Selected Alternative
Under the selected alternative, refuge management will emphasize
protecting, restoring and maintaining habitats including the lagoon,
perimeter crustose coralline algal reef, ava (channel), beach strand,
and littoral forest, as well as species that rely on these habitats
(e.g., corals, fish, seabirds, shorebirds, sea turtles, native plants,
giant clams, and other invertebrates). Strategies for accomplishing the
above include developing monitoring protocols, installing a remote
camera system, increasing surveys, implementing a rapid response
program to control existing and prevent new nonnative species,
restoring native plants, and increasing applied research.
Increasing the frequency of management trips to the Refuge and
strengthening partnerships with the American Samoa Government, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, U.S.
Geological Survey, and other partners are key components of our
management direction. More frequent
[[Page 56091]]
visits will allow for improved law enforcement oversight and
compliance. In addition to monitoring atoll species, a remote camera
system will also provide better management and documentation of any
unauthorized entry to the Refuge. The Refuge will remain closed to the
general public, with entry only allowed via special use permit.
Refuge staff will provide outreach and interpretation opportunities
and develop an environmental education program focusing on ``bringing
the refuge to the people.'' Appropriate cultural practices will also be
facilitated through expanding refuge management activities related to
cultural resources. We will work with the American Samoa Historical
Preservation Office and other partners to conduct archaeological
surveys at Rose Atoll NWR, integrate cultural resources into
interpretation, and increase dialogue with the Office of Samoan Affairs
and local villagers, among other activities.
Public Availability of Documents
In addition to any methods in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain
documents at the Feleti Barstow Public Library, National Park Office in
Ofu, the High School in Ta'u and other places of public access in
American Samoa.
Dated: July 30, 2014.
Stephen J. Zylstra,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2014-21667 Filed 9-17-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P