Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment and Associated Step-Down Plans, 17073-17076 [2015-07356]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Notices 17073 scheduled meeting of the subcommittee unnecessary. KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Cherokee County James K. Stovall, Acting Deputy State Director, Lands and Resources. Fish and Wildlife Service [FR Doc. 2015–07286 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am] Kansas Route 66 Historic District—North Baxter Springs, (Route 66 in Kansas MPS), N. Willow Ave. SE. 50th St., Baxter Springs, 15000141 BILLING CODE 4310–FB–P Clark County DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Girl Scout Little House, (New Deal-Era Resources of Kansas MPS), 448 W. 6th Ave., Ashland, 15000142 National Park Service Cowley County [NPS–WASO–NRNHL–17822; PPWOCRADI0, PCU00RP14.R50000] National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions Strother Field Tetrahedron Wind Indicator, (World War II-Era Aviation-Related Facilities of Kansas), 22215 Tupper St., Winfield, 15000143 Hodgeman County Nominations for the following properties being considered for listing or related actions in the National Register were received by the National Park Service before February 28, 2015. Pursuant to section 60.13 of 36 CFR part 60, written comments are being accepted concerning the significance of the nominated properties under the National Register criteria for evaluation. Comments may be forwarded by United States Postal Service, to the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW., MS 2280, Washington, DC 20240; by all other carriers, National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, 1201 Eye St. NW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20005; or by fax, 202–371–6447. Written or faxed comments should be submitted by April 15, 2015. 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: March 10, 2015. J. Paul Loether, Chief, National Register of Historic Places/ National Historic Landmarks Program. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES IOWA Polk County Plymouth Place, 4111 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 15000140 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 30, 2015 Jkt 235001 St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 14920 SE. 232 Rd., Kinsley, 15000144 Labette County Parsonian Hotel, The, 1725 Broadway Ave., Parsons, 15000145 Marion County Bown—Corby School, (Public Schools of Kansas MPS), 412 N. 2nd St., Marion, 15000146 Montgomery County Washington School, (Public Schools of Kansas MPS), 300 E. Myrtle St., Independence, 15000147 Morris County Hermit’s Cave on Belfry Hill, E. of N. Belfry St., generally from Columbia to Conn Sts., Council Grove, 15000148 Wabaunsee County Fix Farmstead, (Agriculture-Related Resources of Kansas MPS), 34554 Old K– 10 Rd., Alma, 15000149 MONTANA Madison County Doncaster Round Barn, Riverside Dr., Twin Bridges, 15000150 NEW JERSEY Essex County Eighteenth Avenue School, 229–243 18th Ave., Newark, 15000151 Collingsworth County State Highway 203 (Old TX 52) Bridge at Salt Fork of the Red River, (Road Infrastructure of Texas, 1866–1965 MPS), TX 203 at Salt Fork of Red R., Wellington, 15000152 Jefferson County District No. 17 School—Medlen School, (Rural School Buildings in Colorado MPS), Address Restricted, Morrison, 15000139 Palo Pinto County State Highway 16, Brazos River Bridge Segment, (Road Infrastructure of Texas, 1866–1965 MPS), TX 16 from 7.4 mi. NE. of US 180 to jct. of TX 16 & TX 254, Graford, 15000153 [FR Doc. 2015–07274 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312–51–P PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment and Associated Step-Down Plans Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment and associated step-down plans, including the Habitat Management Plan, Integrated Pest Management Plan, and the Visitor Services Plan, for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Oktibbeha, Noxubee, and Winston Counties, Mississippi. In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage the Refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the CCP and FONSI by writing to: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd., Brooksville, MS 39739. Alternatively, you may download the documents from our Internet Site: https:// southeast.fws.gov/planning under ‘‘Completed CCP Documents.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Reagan, Project Leader, 662–323– 5548, steve_reagan@fws.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: TEXAS COLORADO [FWS–R4–R–2015–N013]; [FXRS12650400000S3–123–FF04R02000] Sfmt 4703 Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. We started the process through a notice in the Federal Register on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 (78 FR 3024). For more about the process, see that notice. Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is located within three counties (Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston) in east-central Mississippi, and is approximately 17 miles south-southwest of Starkville and approximately 120 miles northnortheast of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. The Refuge is currently 48,219 acres. The primary establishing legislation for the Refuge is Executive Order 8444, dated June 14, 1940. Established as Noxubee NWR in 1940, the Refuge was subsequently renamed E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM 31MRN1 17074 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Notices Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR by Public Law 112–279 on February 14, 2012. 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 Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose for developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlifedependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for 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. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Comments We made copies of the Draft CCP/EA available for a 60-day public review and comment period via a Federal Register notice on Thursday August 28, 2014 (79 FR 51356). We provided four hard copies of the Draft CCP/EA to those individuals or organizations requesting a copy. The draft CCP/EA was also accessed via the internet. A total of 37 individuals, organizations, and government agencies provided comments on the Draft CCP/EA by U.S. Mail or email. Comments were received from private citizens; The Humane Society of the United States; Wild South; Mississippi State University; Safari Club International; Mississippi Entomological Museum; Center for Biological Diversity; Florida Gulf Coast University; Wolf River Conservancy; Oktibbeha Audubon Society; The Nature Conservancy; Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries, and Parks; Mississippi Department of Transportation; Mississippi Department of Archives and History; and Greenfire Law. CCP Alternatives, Including Our Preferred Alternative We developed three alternatives for managing the Refuge (Alternatives A, B, and C), with Alternative C selected for VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 30, 2015 Jkt 235001 implementation. This alternative will manage refuge resources to optimize native wildlife populations and habitats under a balanced and integrated approach, not only for federally listed species (red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW)) and migratory birds, but also for other native species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, Northern bobwhite, paddlefish, and forest-breeding birds. This alternative also provides opportunities for the six priority public uses (i.e., hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and interpretation and environmental education) and other wildlife-dependent activities found to be appropriate and compatible with the purpose for which the Refuge was established. Wildlife and Habitat Under this alternative, the Refuge would favor management that restores historic forest conditions while achieving Refuge purposes. Waterfowl: This alternative would provide approximately 1 million Duck Energy Days (DEDs) over a 110-day period yearly, through the possible combination of managed moist soil units, planted agricultural crops that can be flooded, aquatic vegetation and invertebrates within Refuge lakes, and seasonally flooded green-tree reservoirs which provide mast crops and invertebrates. Wood duck breeding opportunities would be enhanced using wood duck nest boxes, but greater emphasis would be placed on protecting trees with natural cavities throughout the bottomland forests. Trees found with existing cavities and those having unique wildlife values would be protected from timber harvest. Active manipulation of habitats and populations would occur as necessary to maintain biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health. Silvicultural treatments within bottomland hardwood habitats would receive low priority, but may be used to promote recruitment of red oak species within the overstory of those flooded forested habitats used by waterfowl. The Refuge would attempt to increase brood survival of waterfowl by managing shallow water aquatic habitats to produce and sustain protective shrubscrub cover with fringe area of the Refuge’s lakes. Manipulation of water level would be the primary tool used to produce the desired shrub-scrub cover. The Refuge would participate in wood duck banding programs and try to obtain Refuge quotas as assigned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s national Migratory Bird program, and limit human access to key areas used by waterfowl to reduce disturbance during critical life cycle stages. PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Forest Breeding Birds: Forest-breeding bird populations would be enhanced through improved nesting, brooding, and foraging opportunities by application of active habitat manipulation techniques within bottomland hardwood forested habitats and streamside management zones. Even and uneven aged silviculture, including selective thinning, patch cuts, group tree selections, shelterwoods, irregular shelterwoods, clearcuts, timber stand improvements, wildlife stand improvements, chemical treatments, and other methods, could be used to ensure hardwood species diversity, red oak recruitment into the overstory, and forest structure for the benefit of a diversity of wildlife. Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW): The number of RCW clusters would be based on continuous pine habitat as defined by historic conditions and the optimal partition size of 300 acres based on a loblolly forest stand surviving to at least 100 years of age. Based on a spatial analysis accounting for locations and size of pine stands and the current locations of active RCW groups, the Refuge is expected to be able to manage for 49 partitions. All RCW partitions would be managed according to the RCW Recovery Plan and, where sufficient habitat exists, to provide longterm good-quality foraging habitat. Habitat manipulations used to benefit RCWs could include silvicultural practices (e.g., active forest management, including but not limited to manual or mechanized precommercial thinning, commercial biomass thinning, mulching, firewood cutting, timber stand improvements, herbicide, irregular shelterwood, shelterwood, seedtree, patch cuts, afforestation, reforestation, and free thinning), prescribed fire, raking, mowing, creation of new artificial cavities, maintenance of suitable cavities, midstory reduction (chemical and/or mechanical control), integrated pest management, use of restrictor plates on cavities, snake exclusion devices, and kleptoparasite control. In order to sustain forest resources for future RCW habitat, harvesting of existing mature forests as part of regeneration efforts within present and future partitions may occur. No additional, non-historic pine habitats outside currently active partitions would be maintained or converted for support of the RCW. Refuge staff and possibly contractors would continue to scientifically monitor RCWs through observation and nest and fledge checks. Monitoring: Additional quantitative monitoring of a broad suite of wildlife and their habitats will be sought E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM 31MRN1 asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Notices through the participation of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), universities, and volunteers in the Refuge System’s Inventory and Monitoring program for development of standardized survey methods, cataloging and analyzing Refuge information. Invasive and Exotic Species: Efforts would be made to prevent the establishment of exotic invasive species and pest species. Bluff Lake: Deep water habitats within Bluff Lake would be created through dirt excavation to ensure consistency in recreational fisheries resources (i.e., crappie, bass, and sunfish). Excavated soil from the creation of the deep water habitat would be used to create islands within the lake to serve as bird rookery sites. Other existing water control structures on Bluff Lake and in areas upstream of the lake may also be modified or removed to allow fish passage. Paddlefish and Gulf Coast Walleye could benefit from the restoration. Additional ephemeral pools for amphibians would be artificially created throughout the Refuge through excavation in areas where excess water impedes road maintenance or threatens sedimentation of streams. Morgan Hill Prairie: The Morgan Hill Prairie Demonstration Area would remain but be reduced by more than 50 percent in size, and the remaining area would be restored into habitats similar to that indicated by historic conditions. Fields: Existing old fields that would not be a direct benefit to federally protected species or waterfowl would continue to be managed as old field sites for the benefit of native grassland species. Old fields that would be a direct benefit to federally protected species or waterfowl would be restored to historical species compositions through natural regeneration or the manual planting of trees. No new field sites would be created. Forest Management: Active forest management, including silvicultural treatments, prescribed fire, and chemical and/or mechanical midstory reduction, would occur throughout the Refuge’s habitats to achieve desired historic forest conditions, greater habitat diversity and greater forest structure to benefit RCW, forest interior birds, and a wider range of native wildlife. Upland forests would be managed for historic conditions and, when applicable, management would emphasize providing the needed habitat for federally listed species. If needed to support federally listed species, active forest management would occur using a variety of techniques, including timber VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 30, 2015 Jkt 235001 harvest, prescribed fire, and chemical and/or mechanical midstory reduction. Resource Protection Cultural Resources: To protect cultural resources, completing a comprehensive, Refuge-wide survey of archeological sites would be the goal as well as individual cultural resource surveys as needed for specific projects or sites. Partnerships would be developed with other agencies, institutions, Tribes, and other cultural groups, to seek ideas and possibly share staff positions. The Refuge would improve management and interpretation of the Refuge’s cultural resources. Land Acquisition: Conservation partnerships would be developed with neighboring landowners to have the greatest impact on maintaining or restoring the biological integrity of the local community. Fee title acquisition from willing sellers will focus on lands within the existing approved acquisition boundary that will most efficiently assist the Refuge in meeting the purposes for which it was established and the mission of the Service. Research Natural Areas (RNA): Under this alternative the two RNAs would no longer remain under this designation and would be managed as part of the larger surrounding units of similar type and managed for their historic conditions. Staff: A second wildlife law enforcement officer would be established, in combination with possible collateral duty officer positions to assist in protecting natural and cultural resources, along with public safety. Visitor Services The current level of visitor services programs would be expanded for the general public, and attempts made to provide more access for users with disabilities and youth. This alternative would establish a ‘‘Connecting People with Nature’’ area to consolidate activities and users requiring greater support to enjoy wildlife dependent activities. All existing wildlife-dependent uses and the supporting facilities would be maintained and, if resources are available, enhanced through possible increase and better maintenance in overlooks, boardwalks, and trails. An effort would be made to increase visitor safety and enjoyment through establishment of parking areas, improved management of vehicle flow, creation of paved walking and biking trails, and roadside bike lanes along Bluff Lake and Loakfoma Roads. Refuge PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17075 regulatory and informational signs would receive priority. Public activities found compatible include bicycle, boating, and picnicking in association with wildlife-dependent activities, geocaching for environmental education, recreational fishing and hunting, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Hunting: the Service would develop a weeklong large game (turkey and deer) hunt program to provide increased opportunities for disabled hunters in exchange for a one-week reduction in the general gun deer and turkey seasons. Deer hunting opportunities overall would be increased. The Service would work with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to develop family hunting and fishing opportunities. Fishing: Fishing opportunities would be expanded to include year-round designated bank fishing areas on Bluff Lake’s south shore. Fees: Alternative funding mechanisms, such as a general user fee under the Fee Program, would be used to spread costs of programs across all users. This alternative would continue participation in the existing Fee Program. Changes within the program would include establishment of a general access pass for all users to assist in the maintenance and development of public use programs and facilities (e.g., Daily Pass, Weekly Pass, or Annual Pass). Current Federal duck stamps and other congressionally authorized entrance fee passes would be accepted as a Refuge access pass. This additional fee would allow the Refuge to fully support and improve the Refuge’s public use programs to better meet public interest. Without additional fees, the current level of public use would not be sustainable based on base funding alone. Partnerships: Partnerships to conduct environmental education and off-site activities and increase volunteer involvement in all Refuge programs would be established. More effort would be placed toward developing cooperative programs sponsored through the Refuge’s Friends group. Staff: The current staff of 9 employees would be reorganized, with a goal of reaching 13 staff; this is still less than the optimal staff level of 18 as recommended within the 2008 Final Report for the Staffing Model for Field Stations. 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.). E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM 31MRN1 17076 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Notices MICHIGAN Dated: February 27, 2015. Mike Oetker, Acting Regional Director. Allegan County Francis Metallic Surfboat, 130 W. Center St., Douglas, 15000156 BILLING CODE 4310–55–P Meeting of the Advisory Committee; Meeting Branch County [FR Doc. 2015–07356 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am] JOINT BOARD FOR THE ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES AGENCY: Beardsley, Ezra E. and Florence (Holmes), House, 1063 Holmes Rd., Bronson Township, 15000157 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Jackson County The Executive Director of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries gives notice of a closed meeting of the Advisory Committee on Actuarial Examinations. DATES: The meeting will be held on April 27, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at The Savitz Organization, 1845 Walnut Street, 14th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. SUMMARY: Otsego Hotel, 102–106 Francis St., Jackson, 15000158 [NPS–WASO–NRNHL–17869; PPWOCRADI0, PCU00RP14.R50000] Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries. ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory Committee meeting. Wayne County Temple Baptist Church—King Solomon Baptist Church, 6102 & 6125 14th St., Detroit, 15000159 Nominations for the following properties being considered for listing or related actions in the National Register were received by the National Park Service before March 7, 2015. Pursuant to section 60.13 of 36 CFR part 60, written comments are being accepted concerning the significance of the nominated properties under the National Register criteria for evaluation. Comments may be forwarded by United States Postal Service, to the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW., MS 2280, Washington, DC 20240; by all other carriers, National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service,1201 Eye St. NW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20005; or by fax, 202–371–6447. Written or faxed comments should be submitted by April 15, 2015. 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. MONTANA Multnomah County Dated: March 13, 2015. J. Paul Loether, Chief, National Register of Historic Places/ National Historic Landmarks Program. Ott, David and Marianne, House, 2075 Palmblad Rd., Gresham, 15000167 A request for removal has been received for the following resource: Dated: March 25, 2015. Patrick W. McDonough, Executive Director, Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries. [FR Doc. 2015–07335 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am] IOWA asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions MICHIGAN Bay County DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Polk County Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa Building, 604 Locust St. & 316 6th Ave., Des Moines, 15000154 Bay City Bascule Bridge, (Highway Bridges of Michigan MPS) M–13/M–84 over East Channel of Saginaw R., Bay City, 99001465 Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act MARYLAND Yellowstone County Graf, Arnold, House, 633 Highland Park Dr., Billings, 15000160 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: NORTH CAROLINA Cabarrus County Coleman—Franklin—Cannon Mill, 625 Main St. SW., Concord, 15000161 Duplin County Carter—Simmons House, 218 Coy Smith Rd., Albertson, 15000162 Guilford County Carolina Casket Company, 812 Millis St., High Point, 15000163 Henderson County Sewell, Dillard B. and Georgia, House, 64 Clipper Ln., Penrose, 15000164 Orange County Chapel Hill Historic District (Boundary Increase), Roughly bounded by Carolina Ave., North, Cameron & Columbia Sts., Chapel Hill, 15000165 Polk County Stone Hedge, 222 Stone Hedge Ln., Tryon, 15000166 OREGON [FR Doc. 2015–07276 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312–51–P Allegany County 18:32 Mar 30, 2015 Jkt 235001 BILLING CODE 4830–01–P On March 23, 2015, the Department of Justice lodged a proposed consent decree with the United States District Evergreen, 15603 Trimble Rd. NW., Mount Savage, 15000155 VerDate Sep<11>2014 Patrick W. McDonough, Executive Director of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries, 703–414–3163. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that the Advisory Committee on Actuarial Examinations will meet at The Savitz Organization, 1845 Walnut Street, 14th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss topics and questions that may be recommended for inclusion on future Joint Board examinations in actuarial mathematics, pension law and methodology referred to in 29 U.S.C. 1242(a)(1)(B). A determination has been made as required by section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., that the subject of the meeting falls within the exception to the open meeting requirement set forth in Title 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B), and that the public interest requires that such meeting be closed to public participation. PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM 31MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 61 (Tuesday, March 31, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17073-17076]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07356]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2015-N013]; [FXRS12650400000S3-123-FF04R02000]


Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi; 
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant 
Impact for the Environmental Assessment and Associated Step-Down Plans

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the environmental 
assessment and associated step-down plans, including the Habitat 
Management Plan, Integrated Pest Management Plan, and the Visitor 
Services Plan, for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in 
Oktibbeha, Noxubee, and Winston Counties, Mississippi. In the final 
CCP, we describe how we will manage the Refuge for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the CCP and FONSI by writing to: 
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd., 
Brooksville, MS 39739. Alternatively, you may download the documents 
from our Internet Site: https://southeast.fws.gov/planning under 
``Completed CCP Documents.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Reagan, Project Leader, 662-323-
5548, steve_reagan@fws.gov

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Sam D. Hamilton 
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. We started the process through a 
notice in the Federal Register on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 (78 FR 
3024). For more about the process, see that notice.
    Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is 
located within three counties (Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston) in 
east-central Mississippi, and is approximately 17 miles south-southwest 
of Starkville and approximately 120 miles north-northeast of Jackson, 
the capital of Mississippi. The Refuge is currently 48,219 acres. The 
primary establishing legislation for the Refuge is Executive Order 
8444, dated June 14, 1940. Established as Noxubee NWR in 1940, the 
Refuge was subsequently renamed

[[Page 17074]]

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR by Public Law 112-279 on February 14, 2012.

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 Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires us to develop 
a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose for developing a 
CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan for achieving 
refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and 
wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our policies. In 
addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife 
and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational 
opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for 
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.

Comments

    We made copies of the Draft CCP/EA available for a 60-day public 
review and comment period via a Federal Register notice on Thursday 
August 28, 2014 (79 FR 51356). We provided four hard copies of the 
Draft CCP/EA to those individuals or organizations requesting a copy. 
The draft CCP/EA was also accessed via the internet. A total of 37 
individuals, organizations, and government agencies provided comments 
on the Draft CCP/EA by U.S. Mail or email. Comments were received from 
private citizens; The Humane Society of the United States; Wild South; 
Mississippi State University; Safari Club International; Mississippi 
Entomological Museum; Center for Biological Diversity; Florida Gulf 
Coast University; Wolf River Conservancy; Oktibbeha Audubon Society; 
The Nature Conservancy; Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries, 
and Parks; Mississippi Department of Transportation; Mississippi 
Department of Archives and History; and Greenfire Law.

CCP Alternatives, Including Our Preferred Alternative

    We developed three alternatives for managing the Refuge 
(Alternatives A, B, and C), with Alternative C selected for 
implementation. This alternative will manage refuge resources to 
optimize native wildlife populations and habitats under a balanced and 
integrated approach, not only for federally listed species (red-
cockaded woodpeckers (RCW)) and migratory birds, but also for other 
native species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, Northern 
bobwhite, paddlefish, and forest-breeding birds.
    This alternative also provides opportunities for the six priority 
public uses (i.e., hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
photography, and interpretation and environmental education) and other 
wildlife-dependent activities found to be appropriate and compatible 
with the purpose for which the Refuge was established.

Wildlife and Habitat

    Under this alternative, the Refuge would favor management that 
restores historic forest conditions while achieving Refuge purposes.
    Waterfowl: This alternative would provide approximately 1 million 
Duck Energy Days (DEDs) over a 110-day period yearly, through the 
possible combination of managed moist soil units, planted agricultural 
crops that can be flooded, aquatic vegetation and invertebrates within 
Refuge lakes, and seasonally flooded green-tree reservoirs which 
provide mast crops and invertebrates. Wood duck breeding opportunities 
would be enhanced using wood duck nest boxes, but greater emphasis 
would be placed on protecting trees with natural cavities throughout 
the bottomland forests. Trees found with existing cavities and those 
having unique wildlife values would be protected from timber harvest.
    Active manipulation of habitats and populations would occur as 
necessary to maintain biological integrity, diversity, and 
environmental health. Silvicultural treatments within bottomland 
hardwood habitats would receive low priority, but may be used to 
promote recruitment of red oak species within the overstory of those 
flooded forested habitats used by waterfowl. The Refuge would attempt 
to increase brood survival of waterfowl by managing shallow water 
aquatic habitats to produce and sustain protective shrub-scrub cover 
with fringe area of the Refuge's lakes. Manipulation of water level 
would be the primary tool used to produce the desired shrub-scrub 
cover.
    The Refuge would participate in wood duck banding programs and try 
to obtain Refuge quotas as assigned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service's national Migratory Bird program, and limit human access to 
key areas used by waterfowl to reduce disturbance during critical life 
cycle stages.
    Forest Breeding Birds: Forest-breeding bird populations would be 
enhanced through improved nesting, brooding, and foraging opportunities 
by application of active habitat manipulation techniques within 
bottomland hardwood forested habitats and streamside management zones. 
Even and uneven aged silviculture, including selective thinning, patch 
cuts, group tree selections, shelterwoods, irregular shelterwoods, 
clearcuts, timber stand improvements, wildlife stand improvements, 
chemical treatments, and other methods, could be used to ensure 
hardwood species diversity, red oak recruitment into the overstory, and 
forest structure for the benefit of a diversity of wildlife.
    Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW): The number of RCW clusters would be 
based on continuous pine habitat as defined by historic conditions and 
the optimal partition size of 300 acres based on a loblolly forest 
stand surviving to at least 100 years of age. Based on a spatial 
analysis accounting for locations and size of pine stands and the 
current locations of active RCW groups, the Refuge is expected to be 
able to manage for 49 partitions. All RCW partitions would be managed 
according to the RCW Recovery Plan and, where sufficient habitat 
exists, to provide long-term good-quality foraging habitat.
    Habitat manipulations used to benefit RCWs could include 
silvicultural practices (e.g., active forest management, including but 
not limited to manual or mechanized pre-commercial thinning, commercial 
biomass thinning, mulching, firewood cutting, timber stand 
improvements, herbicide, irregular shelterwood, shelterwood, seedtree, 
patch cuts, afforestation, reforestation, and free thinning), 
prescribed fire, raking, mowing, creation of new artificial cavities, 
maintenance of suitable cavities, midstory reduction (chemical and/or 
mechanical control), integrated pest management, use of restrictor 
plates on cavities, snake exclusion devices, and kleptoparasite 
control.
    In order to sustain forest resources for future RCW habitat, 
harvesting of existing mature forests as part of regeneration efforts 
within present and future partitions may occur. No additional, non-
historic pine habitats outside currently active partitions would be 
maintained or converted for support of the RCW. Refuge staff and 
possibly contractors would continue to scientifically monitor RCWs 
through observation and nest and fledge checks.
    Monitoring: Additional quantitative monitoring of a broad suite of 
wildlife and their habitats will be sought

[[Page 17075]]

through the participation of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), 
universities, and volunteers in the Refuge System's Inventory and 
Monitoring program for development of standardized survey methods, 
cataloging and analyzing Refuge information.
    Invasive and Exotic Species: Efforts would be made to prevent the 
establishment of exotic invasive species and pest species.
    Bluff Lake: Deep water habitats within Bluff Lake would be created 
through dirt excavation to ensure consistency in recreational fisheries 
resources (i.e., crappie, bass, and sunfish). Excavated soil from the 
creation of the deep water habitat would be used to create islands 
within the lake to serve as bird rookery sites. Other existing water 
control structures on Bluff Lake and in areas upstream of the lake may 
also be modified or removed to allow fish passage. Paddlefish and Gulf 
Coast Walleye could benefit from the restoration. Additional ephemeral 
pools for amphibians would be artificially created throughout the 
Refuge through excavation in areas where excess water impedes road 
maintenance or threatens sedimentation of streams.
    Morgan Hill Prairie: The Morgan Hill Prairie Demonstration Area 
would remain but be reduced by more than 50 percent in size, and the 
remaining area would be restored into habitats similar to that 
indicated by historic conditions.
    Fields: Existing old fields that would not be a direct benefit to 
federally protected species or waterfowl would continue to be managed 
as old field sites for the benefit of native grassland species. Old 
fields that would be a direct benefit to federally protected species or 
waterfowl would be restored to historical species compositions through 
natural regeneration or the manual planting of trees. No new field 
sites would be created.
    Forest Management: Active forest management, including 
silvicultural treatments, prescribed fire, and chemical and/or 
mechanical midstory reduction, would occur throughout the Refuge's 
habitats to achieve desired historic forest conditions, greater habitat 
diversity and greater forest structure to benefit RCW, forest interior 
birds, and a wider range of native wildlife. Upland forests would be 
managed for historic conditions and, when applicable, management would 
emphasize providing the needed habitat for federally listed species. If 
needed to support federally listed species, active forest management 
would occur using a variety of techniques, including timber harvest, 
prescribed fire, and chemical and/or mechanical midstory reduction.

Resource Protection

    Cultural Resources: To protect cultural resources, completing a 
comprehensive, Refuge-wide survey of archeological sites would be the 
goal as well as individual cultural resource surveys as needed for 
specific projects or sites. Partnerships would be developed with other 
agencies, institutions, Tribes, and other cultural groups, to seek 
ideas and possibly share staff positions. The Refuge would improve 
management and interpretation of the Refuge's cultural resources.
    Land Acquisition: Conservation partnerships would be developed with 
neighboring landowners to have the greatest impact on maintaining or 
restoring the biological integrity of the local community. Fee title 
acquisition from willing sellers will focus on lands within the 
existing approved acquisition boundary that will most efficiently 
assist the Refuge in meeting the purposes for which it was established 
and the mission of the Service.
    Research Natural Areas (RNA): Under this alternative the two RNAs 
would no longer remain under this designation and would be managed as 
part of the larger surrounding units of similar type and managed for 
their historic conditions.
    Staff: A second wildlife law enforcement officer would be 
established, in combination with possible collateral duty officer 
positions to assist in protecting natural and cultural resources, along 
with public safety.

Visitor Services

    The current level of visitor services programs would be expanded 
for the general public, and attempts made to provide more access for 
users with disabilities and youth. This alternative would establish a 
``Connecting People with Nature'' area to consolidate activities and 
users requiring greater support to enjoy wildlife dependent activities.
    All existing wildlife-dependent uses and the supporting facilities 
would be maintained and, if resources are available, enhanced through 
possible increase and better maintenance in overlooks, boardwalks, and 
trails. An effort would be made to increase visitor safety and 
enjoyment through establishment of parking areas, improved management 
of vehicle flow, creation of paved walking and biking trails, and 
roadside bike lanes along Bluff Lake and Loakfoma Roads. Refuge 
regulatory and informational signs would receive priority.
    Public activities found compatible include bicycle, boating, and 
picnicking in association with wildlife-dependent activities, 
geocaching for environmental education, recreational fishing and 
hunting, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental 
education and interpretation.
    Hunting: the Service would develop a weeklong large game (turkey 
and deer) hunt program to provide increased opportunities for disabled 
hunters in exchange for a one-week reduction in the general gun deer 
and turkey seasons. Deer hunting opportunities overall would be 
increased. The Service would work with the Mississippi Department of 
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to develop family hunting and fishing 
opportunities.
    Fishing: Fishing opportunities would be expanded to include year-
round designated bank fishing areas on Bluff Lake's south shore.
    Fees: Alternative funding mechanisms, such as a general user fee 
under the Fee Program, would be used to spread costs of programs across 
all users. This alternative would continue participation in the 
existing Fee Program. Changes within the program would include 
establishment of a general access pass for all users to assist in the 
maintenance and development of public use programs and facilities 
(e.g., Daily Pass, Weekly Pass, or Annual Pass). Current Federal duck 
stamps and other congressionally authorized entrance fee passes would 
be accepted as a Refuge access pass. This additional fee would allow 
the Refuge to fully support and improve the Refuge's public use 
programs to better meet public interest. Without additional fees, the 
current level of public use would not be sustainable based on base 
funding alone.
    Partnerships: Partnerships to conduct environmental education and 
off-site activities and increase volunteer involvement in all Refuge 
programs would be established. More effort would be placed toward 
developing cooperative programs sponsored through the Refuge's Friends 
group.
    Staff: The current staff of 9 employees would be reorganized, with 
a goal of reaching 13 staff; this is still less than the optimal staff 
level of 18 as recommended within the 2008 Final Report for the 
Staffing Model for Field Stations.

    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.).


[[Page 17076]]


    Dated: February 27, 2015.
Mike Oetker,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 2015-07356 Filed 3-30-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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