Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Record of Decision for Final Environmental Impact Statement, 16198-16199 [2016-06628]

Download as PDF 16198 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 58 / Friday, March 25, 2016 / Notices The comments and recommendations that will be most useful and likely to influence agency decisions are: (1) Those supported by quantitative information or studies; and (2) Those that include citations to, and analyses of, the applicable laws and regulations. We will not consider or include in our administrative record comments we receive after the close of the comment period (see DATES) or comments delivered to an address other than those listed above (see ADDRESSES). B. May I review comments submitted by others? Comments, including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the street address listed under ADDRESSES. The public may review documents and other information applicants have sent in support of the application unless our allowing viewing would violate the Privacy Act or Freedom of Information Act. 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. II. Background To help us carry out our conservation responsibilities for affected species, and in consideration of section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), along with Executive Order 13576, ‘‘Delivering an Efficient, Effective, and Accountable Government,’’ and the President’s Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies of January 21, 2009—Transparency and Open Government (74 FR 4685; January 26, 2009), which call on all Federal agencies to promote openness and transparency in Government by disclosing information to the public, we invite public comment on these permit applications before final action is taken. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES III. Permit Applications Endangered Species Applicant: Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Inc., Baltimore, MD; PRT– 73578B The applicant requests a permit to reexport biological samples from wild mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei) to the United Kingdom for the purpose of scientific research. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:30 Mar 24, 2016 Jkt 238001 Applicant: Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY; PRT–77252B The applicant requests a permit to reexport biological samples from wild Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) to the United Kingdom for the purpose of scientific research. Applicant: Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife, Bozeman, MT; PRT–75654B The applicant requests a permit to import biological samples from Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) from National Trust for Nature Conservation, Sauraha, Nepal, for the purpose of scientific research. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5-year period. Applicant: Creation Kingdom Zoo Inc., Gate City, VA; PRT–84452B The applicant requests a captive-bred wildlife registration under 50 CFR 17.21(g) for the following species to enhance species propagation or survival: Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), black and white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra), white-fronted lemur (Eulemur albifrons), cotton-headed tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx), Lar gibbon (Hylobates lar), and leopard (Panthera pardus). This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5-year period. notification coverts activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5year period. Multiple Applicants The following applicants each request a permit to import the sport-hunted trophy of one male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Applicant: Arthur Webber, Glenside, PA; PRT–88754B Applicant: Douglas Wyatt, Amarillo, TX; PRT–88758B Applicant: Armour Mellon, Ligonier, PA; PRT–88822B Applicant: Matthew Saulsbury, Odessa, TX; PRT–88755B Applicant: Roger Turner, Midland, TX; PRT–88670B Brenda Tapia, Program Analyst/Data Administrator, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. 2016–06786 Filed 3–24–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–R–2015–N089; 1265–0000–10137– S3] Applicant: Clara Geissler, San Diego, CA; PRT–74736B The applicant requests a captive-bred wildlife registration under 50 CFR 17.21(g) for the following species to enhance species propagation or survival: Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) and Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra). This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5-year period. Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Record of Decision for Final Environmental Impact Statement Applicant: Evan Rosenoff, Cary, NC; PRT–51920A The applicant requests a captive-bred wildlife registration under 50 CFR 17.21(g) for the following species to enhance species propagation or survival: Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata). This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5-year period. SUMMARY: Applicant: University of California, Davis, CA; PRT–84562B The applicant requests a permit to import egg samples from wild leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) from St. Ketts and Nevis, for the purpose of scientific research. This PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and record of decision (ROD) for the final environmental impact statement (EIS). The CCP describes the Refuge’s management direction for the next 15 years, and includes the ROD, which explains our selection of Alternative 2 as the Refuge’s management direction. DATES: The Regional Director, Pacific Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, signed the ROD on April 3, 2015. ADDRESSES: The libraries providing public viewing of the CCP/ROD are listed under SUPPLEMENTARY E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 58 / Friday, March 25, 2016 / Notices INFORMATION. You may view or download a copy of the CCP/ROD at the Refuge’s Web site at https:// www.fws.gov/deerflat/ refugeplanning.html, or request a CD– ROM copy of the CCP/ROD by one of the following methods: Email: deerflat@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Deer Flat Refuge draft CCP/EIS’’ in the subject line of the message. Fax: Attn: Refuge Manager, 208–467– 1019. U.S. Mail: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 13751 Upper Embankment Road, Nampa, ID 83686. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 208–467–9278 to make an appointment during regular business hours at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Refuge Manager, 208–467–9278 (phone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Deer Flat Refuge. We started this process by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal Register on July 15, 2010 (75 FR 41232). We requested public comments on the draft CCP/EIS in a notice of availability published in the Federal Register on March 15, 2013 (78 FR 16526). For more information about the history and purposes of the Refuge, see that notice. We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment and responded to public comments in the final CCP/EIS released to the public through a Federal Register notice published on February 20, 2015 (80 FR 9279). We announce our decision and the availability of the CCP and ROD in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. Alternative 2, as we described it in the final CCP/EIS, was selected for implementation at the Refuge. The CCP will guide Refuge management for 15 years. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Background The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee (Refuge Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires us to complete 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, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:30 Mar 24, 2016 Jkt 238001 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 and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act. CCP/ROD Based on our comprehensive review and analysis of Deer Flat Refuge’s resources and issues, the Service selected Alternative 2, our preferred alternative, for implementation, as it is described in the final CCP/EIS, with two modifications described below. In reaching our decision to implement Alternative 2, we identified and analyzed its impacts to the Refuge environment in the Draft and Final CCPs/EISs. Issues, comments, concerns, and opportunities identified by all stakeholders throughout the planning process were considered and addressed. A summary of public comments and our responses is available in the CCP, in Appendix H. Changes Made to the Selected Alternative The following changes were made to wildlife-dependent public uses in the Lake Lowell Unit in Alternative 2 after the final CCP/EIS was released: D Noncompetitive jogging, bicycling, and horseback riding groups of 10 or fewer people are allowed without a special use permit (SUP). An SUP is still required for groups larger than 10, and competitive events are still prohibited. D Boats using wake-generating devices (wake-boats) are compatible with stipulations, including requiring wakeboats to use ballast filtering systems to prevent invasive species introductions. Wakes that impact grebe nests are a concern; however, the new no-wake zones will provide some additional protection, and we will continue to evaluate effects on wildlife to ensure the use remains compatible. Other CCP Actions We will protect Lake Lowell’s shoreline feeding and nesting sites for wintering and migratory birds by closing the lake October 1–April 14, establishing a 200-yard no-wake zone on the south side and in the Narrows, and expanding the southeast no-wake zone to Gotts Point. Fishing and wildlife interpretation will be emphasized, and with increased PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 16199 law enforcement, Gotts Point will open to vehicles. We will increase wildlife inventory and monitoring, invasive species control, and restoration on the Snake River Islands Unit, and we will adjust closures to protect nesting and wading birds. Wildlife observation and hunting for deer, upland species, and waterfowl will be allowed on the unit, and most islands will be open for shoreline fishing and free-roam activities June 15–January 31; and heron- and gull-nesting islands will be open July 1–January 31. For additional details, the CCP/ROD is available on the Refuge’s Web site: www.fws.gov/ deerflat/refugeplanning.html. Implementing some of the CCP actions will be subject to the availability of funding and any additional compliance requirements. Public Availability of Documents Review the CCP/ROD at the following libraries and sources under ADDRESSES. D Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell, ID 83605. D Homedale Public Library, 125 W Owyhee Ave., Homedale, ID 83628. D Lizard Butte District Library, 111 3rd Ave. W, Marsing, ID 83639. D Nampa Public Library, 101 11th Ave. S, Nampa, ID 83651. D Payette Public Library, 24 S 10th St., Payette, ID 83661. D Ada County District Library, 10664 W Victory Rd., Boise, ID 83709. Richard Hannan, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2016–06628 Filed 3–24–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–HQ–WSFR–2016–N052; FVWF94100900000–XXX–FF09W23000; FVWF51100900000–XXX–FF09W23000] Information Collection Request Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval; Annual Certification of Hunting and Sport Fishing Licenses Issued Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: We (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) have sent an Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for review and approval. We summarize the ICR below and describe the nature of the collection and the estimated burden and cost. This information collection is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2016. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 58 (Friday, March 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16198-16199]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06628]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2015-N089; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and 
Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan and Record of Decision for 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 the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) 
comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and record of decision (ROD) for 
the final environmental impact statement (EIS). The CCP describes the 
Refuge's management direction for the next 15 years, and includes the 
ROD, which explains our selection of Alternative 2 as the Refuge's 
management direction.

DATES: The Regional Director, Pacific Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, signed the ROD on April 3, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The libraries providing public viewing of the CCP/ROD are 
listed under SUPPLEMENTARY

[[Page 16199]]

INFORMATION. You may view or download a copy of the CCP/ROD at the 
Refuge's Web site at https://www.fws.gov/deerflat/refugeplanning.html, 
or request a CD-ROM copy of the CCP/ROD by one of the following 
methods:
    Email: deerflat@fws.gov. Include ``Deer Flat Refuge draft CCP/EIS'' 
in the subject line of the message.
    Fax: Attn: Refuge Manager, 208-467-1019.
    U.S. Mail: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 13751 Upper 
Embankment Road, Nampa, ID 83686.
    In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 208-467-9278 to make an 
appointment during regular business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Refuge Manager, 208-467-9278 (phone).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Deer Flat Refuge. 
We started this process by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal 
Register on July 15, 2010 (75 FR 41232). We requested public comments 
on the draft CCP/EIS in a notice of availability published in the 
Federal Register on March 15, 2013 (78 FR 16526). For more information 
about the history and purposes of the Refuge, see that notice.
    We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human 
environment and responded to public comments in the final CCP/EIS 
released to the public through a Federal Register notice published on 
February 20, 2015 (80 FR 9279).
    We announce our decision and the availability of the CCP and ROD in 
accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 
1506.6(b)) requirements. Alternative 2, as we described it in the final 
CCP/EIS, was selected for implementation at the Refuge. The CCP will 
guide Refuge management for 15 years.

Background

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee (Refuge Administration Act), as amended by the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires us to 
complete 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 and 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Refuge Administration Act.

CCP/ROD

    Based on our comprehensive review and analysis of Deer Flat 
Refuge's resources and issues, the Service selected Alternative 2, our 
preferred alternative, for implementation, as it is described in the 
final CCP/EIS, with two modifications described below. In reaching our 
decision to implement Alternative 2, we identified and analyzed its 
impacts to the Refuge environment in the Draft and Final CCPs/EISs. 
Issues, comments, concerns, and opportunities identified by all 
stakeholders throughout the planning process were considered and 
addressed. A summary of public comments and our responses is available 
in the CCP, in Appendix H.

Changes Made to the Selected Alternative

    The following changes were made to wildlife-dependent public uses 
in the Lake Lowell Unit in Alternative 2 after the final CCP/EIS was 
released:
    [ssquf] Noncompetitive jogging, bicycling, and horseback riding 
groups of 10 or fewer people are allowed without a special use permit 
(SUP). An SUP is still required for groups larger than 10, and 
competitive events are still prohibited.
    [ssquf] Boats using wake-generating devices (wake-boats) are 
compatible with stipulations, including requiring wake-boats to use 
ballast filtering systems to prevent invasive species introductions. 
Wakes that impact grebe nests are a concern; however, the new no-wake 
zones will provide some additional protection, and we will continue to 
evaluate effects on wildlife to ensure the use remains compatible.

Other CCP Actions

    We will protect Lake Lowell's shoreline feeding and nesting sites 
for wintering and migratory birds by closing the lake October 1-April 
14, establishing a 200-yard no-wake zone on the south side and in the 
Narrows, and expanding the southeast no-wake zone to Gotts Point.
    Fishing and wildlife interpretation will be emphasized, and with 
increased law enforcement, Gotts Point will open to vehicles. We will 
increase wildlife inventory and monitoring, invasive species control, 
and restoration on the Snake River Islands Unit, and we will adjust 
closures to protect nesting and wading birds. Wildlife observation and 
hunting for deer, upland species, and waterfowl will be allowed on the 
unit, and most islands will be open for shoreline fishing and free-roam 
activities June 15-January 31; and heron- and gull-nesting islands will 
be open July 1-January 31. For additional details, the CCP/ROD is 
available on the Refuge's Web site: www.fws.gov/deerflat/refugeplanning.html. Implementing some of the CCP actions will be 
subject to the availability of funding and any additional compliance 
requirements.

Public Availability of Documents

    Review the CCP/ROD at the following libraries and sources under 
ADDRESSES.
    [ssquf] Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell, ID 
83605.
    [ssquf] Homedale Public Library, 125 W Owyhee Ave., Homedale, ID 
83628.
    [ssquf] Lizard Butte District Library, 111 3rd Ave. W, Marsing, ID 
83639.
    [ssquf] Nampa Public Library, 101 11th Ave. S, Nampa, ID 83651.
    [ssquf] Payette Public Library, 24 S 10th St., Payette, ID 83661.
    [ssquf] Ada County District Library, 10664 W Victory Rd., Boise, ID 
83709.

Richard Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2016-06628 Filed 3-24-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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