San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, CO; Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement, 76998-76999 [2015-31231]

Download as PDF jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 76998 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 238 / Friday, December 11, 2015 / Notices Status: Underutilized Comments: Documented deficiencies: Exterior siding, roofing, entry, and windows all have significant damage; stress cracks on ceiling; structurally unsound. Reasons: Extensive deterioration Millerton Storage and Warehouse Building—Building FRPP– R1785100500B Friant CA 93626 Landholding Agency: Interior Property Number: 61201540004 Status: Underutilized Directions: 5390 Millerton Rd. Comments: Documented deficiencies: Exterior siding, roofing, entry, windows all have significant damage; inundated by rodents and received significant water damage on exterior walls and the roof. Reasons: Extensive deterioration 4 Buildings MCB Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton CA 92055 Landholding Agency: Navy Property Number: 77201540013 Status: Excess Directions: 12104; 12105; 12106; 12107 Comments: Public access denied and no alternative method to gain access without compromising national security. Reasons: Secured Area Colorado Nelson Ranch House Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Florissant CO 80316 Landholding Agency: Interior Property Number: 61201540002 Status: Excess Comments: Documented deficiencies: Structurally unsound; several holes in floors and walls; significant rodent infestation; clear threat to physical safety. Reasons: Extensive deterioration District of Columbia Pot Storage Building #NA24 (1230B00024) US National Arboretum; 3501 New York Ave. Washington DC 20002 Landholding Agency: Agriculture Property Number: 15201540003 Status: Excess Comments: Documented deficiencies: Structurally unsound; roof is collapsing; clear threat to physical safety. Reasons: Extensive deterioration Florida 5 Buildings Naval Station Mayport Jacksonville FL 32228 Landholding Agency: Navy Property Number: 77201540012 Status: Excess Directions: 50–547276; 161–547280; 163– 67386; 437–547349; 1809A–67598 Comments: Public access denied and no alternative method to gain access without compromising national security. Reasons: Secured Area Tennessee 9949–68, Guard Booth Bear Creek Road at Scarboro Road Oak Ridge TN 37831 VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:55 Dec 10, 2015 Jkt 238001 Landholding Agency: Energy Property Number: 41201540002 Status: Unutilized Comments: Public access denied and no alternative method to gain access without compromising national security. Reasons: Secured Area Land Alabama 220 Acres of Land Naval Air Station Whiting Field Silverhill AL Landholding Agency: Navy Property Number: 77201540011 Status: Underutilized Comments: Public access denied and no alternative method to gain access without compromising national security. Reasons: Secured Area [FR Doc. 2015–30911 Filed 12–10–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R6–R–2015–N208; FF06R06000– FXRS12610600000–167] San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, CO; Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a record of decision (ROD) for the final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Refuge Complex). ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the ROD, the final CCP and final EIS, or other project information by any of the following methods: Agency Web site: Download a copy of the documents at https://www.fws.gov/ mountain-prairie/refuges/alm_bac_ mtv.php Email: slvrefugesplanning@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Request copy of San Luis Valley NWR Complex ROD’’ in the subject line of the message. U.S. mail: San Luis Valley NWR Complex, 8249 Emperius Road, Alamosa, CO 81101. Local Libraries: The final documents are available for review at the libraries listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Vaughn, Project Leader, at 719– SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 589–4021 (phone), or Laurie Shannon, Planning Team Leader, 303–236–4317 (phone) or laurie_shannon@fws.gov (email). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for The San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register (76 FR 14042, March 15, 2011). Following a lengthy scoping and alternatives development period, we published a second notice in the Federal Register (79 FR 50937, August 26, 2014), announcing the availability of the draft CCP and draft EIS and our intention to hold public meetings, and requesting comments. We then published a third notice in the Federal Register (80 FR 48328, August 12, 2015), announcing the publication of the final CCP and final EIS. The primary planning area for this decision includes Alamosa, Monte Vista, and Baca National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), which are located in Alamosa, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties in the San Luis Valley, Colorado. Wildlife habitat on the three national wildlife refuges includes diverse wetlands and playas, riparian areas, grasslands, and shrublands that provide important resources for many migratory birds, Rocky Mountain elk, deer, and a variety of other resident wildlife. About 18,000 to 20,000 greater sandhill cranes migrate through the valley every spring and fall, where they spend several weeks resting and foraging for food on and around the Monte Vista NWR. The federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher breeds along the Rio Grande on the Alamosa NWR. Baca NWR has one of two aboriginal (natural) populations of Rio Grande sucker found in the State. Visitors take part in a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational activities on the Refuge Complex. Every year, the Monte Vista Crane Festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to see sandhill cranes and waterfowl. The Monte Vista and Alamosa NWRs are also open for waterfowl and limited small game hunting, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and environmental education. As part of this CCP and EIS process, we have considered opening the Baca NWR for similar opportunities. Over 12,000 years of prehistory and history have been recorded in the San Luis Valley, and all three national wildlife refuges contain significant cultural resources. E:\FR\FM\11DEN1.SGM 11DEN1 76999 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 238 / Friday, December 11, 2015 / Notices In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements, this notice announces the availability of the ROD for the final CCP and final EIS for San Luis Valley NWR Complex. We completed a thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations associated with our actions. The ROD documents our selection of alternative B, the preferred alternative. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge Complex for the next 15 years. Alternative B, as we described in the final EIS/ROD, is the foundation for 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 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. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration Act. CCP Alternatives and Selected Alternative Our final CCP and final EIS (80 FR 48328; August 12, 2015) addressed several issues. To address these, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives: Alternative A—No Action; Alternative B—Wildlife Populations, Strategic Habitat Restoration, and Enhanced Public Uses; Alternative C— Habitat Restoration and Ecological Processes; and Alternative D—Maximize Public Use Opportunities. After consideration of the more than 1,000 comments that we received on the draft CCP and draft EIS, we have selected alternative B—Wildlife Populations, Strategic Habitat Restoration, and Enhanced Public Uses. It is the alternative that best meets the purposes of the refuges, the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the vision and management goals set for the Refuge Complex; and it adheres to Service policies and guidelines. It considers the interests and perspectives of many agencies, organization, tribes, and the public. Additionally, it is the environmentally preferred alternative. Under alternative B and in cooperation with our partners, we will maintain or restore the composition, structure, and function of the natural and modified habitats within the Refuge Complex. We will consider the ecological site characteristics and wildlife species needs on our Refuge Complex lands by developing sound and sustainable management strategies that preserve and restore ecological (biological) integrity, productivity, and biological diversity. We will apply strategic habitat conservation principles (a structured, science-driven, and adaptive approach) in determining how to best manage our lands for native fish, wildlife, and plant species, with a particular emphasis on migratory birds, waterfowl, and declining species listed under the Endangered Species Act (listed species). Compatible wildlifedependent public uses will be enhanced and expanded to include all three refuges. We will facilitate the protection, restoration, and conservation of important water resources through partnerships, public education, and stewardship. Public Availability of Documents In addition to any one method in you can view or obtain documents at the following locations: • Our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/ mountain-prairie/refuges/ refugesUpdate/alm_bac_mtv.php • Public libraries: ADDRESSES, Library Address Alamosa Public Library ........................... Carnegie Public Library ........................... Baca Grande Library ............................... Saguache Public Library ......................... 300 Hunt Avenue, Alamosa, CO 81101 .................................................................. 120 Jefferson Street, Monte Vista, CO 81144 ........................................................ 67487 County Road T, Crestone, CO 81131 .......................................................... 702 Pitkin Ave., Saguache, CO 81149 ................................................................... Dated: December 4, 2015. Matt Hogan, Acting Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2015–31231 Filed 12–10–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of the Secretary jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES [16XD4523WS DS10100000 DWSN00000. 000000 DP10020] Statement of Findings: Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2014 Office of the Secretary, Interior. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is publishing this notice in accordance with section 9 of the Bill SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:55 Dec 10, 2015 Jkt 238001 Williams River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2014 (P.L. 113–223) (Settlement Act). The publication of this notice causes the waivers and release of certain claims to become effective as required to implement the Settlement. DATES: This notice is effective December 11, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Address all comments and requests for additional information to Ruth Thayer, Chair, Hualapai Tribe Water Rights Settlement Negotiation Team, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, NV 89006. (702) 293–8426. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Settlement Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into the Big Sandy River-Planet Ranch Water Rights Settlement Agreement and the Hualapai Tribe Bill Williams River Water Rights PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Phone No. (719) (719) (719) (719) 589–6592 852–3931 256–4100 655–2551 Settlement Agreement, to provide for the lease of certain land located within Planet Ranch on the Bill Williams River in the State of Arizona to benefit the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, and to provide for the settlement of specific water rights claims in the Bill Williams River watershed in the State of Arizona. The non-federal settling parties submitted a signed settlement agreement to Congress prior to enactment of the Settlement Act (Pub. L. 113–223). The purposes of the Settlement Act are: (1) To achieve a fair, equitable, and final settlement of certain claims among certain parties to water rights in the Bill Williams River watershed in the State of Arizona for (A) the Hualapai Tribe (acting on behalf of the Tribe and members of the Tribe); and (B) the Department of the Interior, acting on behalf of the Department and, E:\FR\FM\11DEN1.SGM 11DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 238 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76998-76999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31231]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R6-R-2015-N208; FF06R06000-FXRS12610600000-167]


San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, CO; 
Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a record of decision (ROD) for the final comprehensive 
conservation plan (CCP) and final environmental impact statement (EIS) 
for the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Refuge 
Complex).

ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the ROD, the final CCP and 
final EIS, or other project information by any of the following 
methods:
    Agency Web site: Download a copy of the documents at https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/alm_bac_mtv.php
    Email: slvrefugesplanning@fws.gov. Include ``Request copy of San 
Luis Valley NWR Complex ROD'' in the subject line of the message.
    U.S. mail: San Luis Valley NWR Complex, 8249 Emperius Road, 
Alamosa, CO 81101.
    Local Libraries: The final documents are available for review at 
the libraries listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Vaughn, Project Leader, at 719-
589-4021 (phone), or Laurie Shannon, Planning Team Leader, 303-236-4317 
(phone) or laurie_shannon@fws.gov (email).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for The San Luis 
Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. We started this process 
through a notice in the Federal Register (76 FR 14042, March 15, 2011). 
Following a lengthy scoping and alternatives development period, we 
published a second notice in the Federal Register (79 FR 50937, August 
26, 2014), announcing the availability of the draft CCP and draft EIS 
and our intention to hold public meetings, and requesting comments. We 
then published a third notice in the Federal Register (80 FR 48328, 
August 12, 2015), announcing the publication of the final CCP and final 
EIS.
    The primary planning area for this decision includes Alamosa, Monte 
Vista, and Baca National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), which are located in 
Alamosa, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties in the San Luis Valley, 
Colorado.
    Wildlife habitat on the three national wildlife refuges includes 
diverse wetlands and playas, riparian areas, grasslands, and shrublands 
that provide important resources for many migratory birds, Rocky 
Mountain elk, deer, and a variety of other resident wildlife. About 
18,000 to 20,000 greater sandhill cranes migrate through the valley 
every spring and fall, where they spend several weeks resting and 
foraging for food on and around the Monte Vista NWR. The federally 
endangered southwestern willow flycatcher breeds along the Rio Grande 
on the Alamosa NWR. Baca NWR has one of two aboriginal (natural) 
populations of Rio Grande sucker found in the State.
    Visitors take part in a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational 
activities on the Refuge Complex. Every year, the Monte Vista Crane 
Festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to see sandhill cranes 
and waterfowl. The Monte Vista and Alamosa NWRs are also open for 
waterfowl and limited small game hunting, wildlife observation, 
photography, interpretation, and environmental education. As part of 
this CCP and EIS process, we have considered opening the Baca NWR for 
similar opportunities.
    Over 12,000 years of prehistory and history have been recorded in 
the San Luis Valley, and all three national wildlife refuges contain 
significant cultural resources.

[[Page 76999]]

    In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 
1506.6(b)) requirements, this notice announces the availability of the 
ROD for the final CCP and final EIS for San Luis Valley NWR Complex. We 
completed a thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and 
economic considerations associated with our actions. The ROD documents 
our selection of alternative B, the preferred alternative.
    The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge 
Complex for the next 15 years. Alternative B, as we described in the 
final EIS/ROD, is the foundation for 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 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. We 
will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance 
with the Administration Act.

CCP Alternatives and Selected Alternative

    Our final CCP and final EIS (80 FR 48328; August 12, 2015) 
addressed several issues. To address these, we developed and evaluated 
the following alternatives: Alternative A--No Action; Alternative B--
Wildlife Populations, Strategic Habitat Restoration, and Enhanced 
Public Uses; Alternative C--Habitat Restoration and Ecological 
Processes; and Alternative D--Maximize Public Use Opportunities.
    After consideration of the more than 1,000 comments that we 
received on the draft CCP and draft EIS, we have selected alternative 
B--Wildlife Populations, Strategic Habitat Restoration, and Enhanced 
Public Uses. It is the alternative that best meets the purposes of the 
refuges, the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the 
vision and management goals set for the Refuge Complex; and it adheres 
to Service policies and guidelines. It considers the interests and 
perspectives of many agencies, organization, tribes, and the public. 
Additionally, it is the environmentally preferred alternative.
    Under alternative B and in cooperation with our partners, we will 
maintain or restore the composition, structure, and function of the 
natural and modified habitats within the Refuge Complex. We will 
consider the ecological site characteristics and wildlife species needs 
on our Refuge Complex lands by developing sound and sustainable 
management strategies that preserve and restore ecological (biological) 
integrity, productivity, and biological diversity. We will apply 
strategic habitat conservation principles (a structured, science-
driven, and adaptive approach) in determining how to best manage our 
lands for native fish, wildlife, and plant species, with a particular 
emphasis on migratory birds, waterfowl, and declining species listed 
under the Endangered Species Act (listed species). Compatible wildlife-
dependent public uses will be enhanced and expanded to include all 
three refuges. We will facilitate the protection, restoration, and 
conservation of important water resources through partnerships, public 
education, and stewardship.

Public Availability of Documents

    In addition to any one method in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain 
documents at the following locations:
     Our Web site: https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/refugesUpdate/alm_bac_mtv.php
     Public libraries:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Library                    Address             Phone No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alamosa Public Library........  300 Hunt Avenue,          (719) 589-6592
                                 Alamosa, CO 81101.
Carnegie Public Library.......  120 Jefferson Street,     (719) 852-3931
                                 Monte Vista, CO
                                 81144.
Baca Grande Library...........  67487 County Road T,      (719) 256-4100
                                 Crestone, CO 81131.
Saguache Public Library.......  702 Pitkin Ave.,          (719) 655-2551
                                 Saguache, CO 81149.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Dated: December 4, 2015.
Matt Hogan,
Acting Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-31231 Filed 12-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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