Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County, Minnesota; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, 31655-31656 [2016-11803]

Download as PDF 31655 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 97 / Thursday, May 19, 2016 / Notices Completion time per response (minutes) Number of responses Activity Total annual burden hours (minutes) Follow-Up Interviews with Nonrespondents ................................................................................ 80 5 7 TOTALS ................................................................................................................................ 2,520 ........................ 458 Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: None. Notice of availability; request for comments. ACTION: III. Comments Dated: May 13, 2016. Tina A. Campbell, Chief, Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2016–11762 Filed 5–18–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R3–R–2016–N073; FXRS1261030000– 167–FF03R02000] Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County, Minnesota; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:47 May 18, 2016 We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental assessment (EA) for the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (refuge, NWR) for public review and comment. In this draft CCP/EA we describe how we propose to manage the refuge for the next 15 years. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by June 20, 2016. We will hold an open house–style meeting during the comment period to receive comments and provide information on the draft plan. In addition, we will use special mailings, newspaper articles, internet postings, and other media announcements to inform people of opportunities for input. ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods: • Email: r3planning@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Glacial Ridge Draft CCP/EA’’ in the subject line of the message. • Fax: Attention: Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR, 218–687–2225. • U.S. Mail: Attention: Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR, 17788 349th St. SE., Erskine, MN 56535. • In-Person Drop Off: You may drop off comments during regular business hours at the above addresses. You will find the draft CCP/EA, as well as information about the planning process and a summary of the CCP, on the planning Web site at https:// www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ glacialridge/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregg Knutsen, 218–687–2229 x16. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: We invite comments concerning this information collection on: • Whether or not the collection of information is necessary, including whether or not the information will have practical utility; • The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information; • Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this IC. 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. Jkt 238001 Introduction With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, which we began by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal Register (78 FR 3909) on January 17, 2013. For more about the initial process and the history of this refuge, see that notice. PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Background The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee) (Administration Act), requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service 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 Administration Act. Each unit of the NWRS was established for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for each refuge within the NWRS mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with each refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the NWRS. Additional Information The draft CCP/EA may be found at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ glacialridge/. That document incorporates an EA, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The draft CCP/EA includes detailed information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and management alternatives considered and proposed. The EA includes E:\FR\FM\19MYN1.SGM 19MYN1 31656 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 97 / Thursday, May 19, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES discussions of three alternative refuge management options. The Service’s preferred alternative is reflected in the draft CCP. The alternatives analyzed in detail include: • Alternative A: Current Management (No Action)—This alternative reflects the current management direction of Glacial Ridge NWR. It provides the baseline against which to compare other alternatives. For NEPA purposes, this is referred to as the ‘‘No Action’’ alternative. • Alternative B: Focused Habitat Management (Preferred Alternative)— Under this alternative, refuge management actions would approximate ecological processes that maintained native habitats prior to European settlement, emphasizing the use of multiple habitat disturbance regimes (e.g., fire, grazing, mowing). These actions would maintain and increase the diversity of native vegetation and wildlife communities that mimic presettlement conditions. Management activities would be ‘‘focused’’ via a refuge prioritization effort to maximize the intended impacts on priority units, given reduced refuge staff and funding. Public use opportunities would continue with minimal changes. Staff time and funding would focus on improving opportunities for self-guided interpretation of refuge habitats and wildlife using existing infrastructure. • Alternative C: Woody Vegetation Reduction Focus—The focus of this alternative would be the reduction of invasive woody vegetation cover (e.g., willow, aspen) across the refuge landscape during the lifespan of this CCP. The extent of woody cover is increasing due to a lack of regular vegetative disturbance and other factors. Management actions would focus on refuge units exhibiting woody vegetation cover that exceeds the amount found prior to European settlement. Public use opportunities would continue with minimal change. Staff time and funding would focus on improving opportunities for self-guided interpretation of refuge habitats and wildlife using existing infrastructure. Public Involvement We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public meeting. You can obtain the schedule from the address or Web site listed in this notice (see ADDRESSES). You may also submit comments anytime during the comment period. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:47 May 18, 2016 Jkt 238001 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. 2719(b)(1)(B)(iii), to the general prohibition contained in 25 U.S.C. 2719(a) on gaming on lands acquired in trust after October 17, 1988. The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs, on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, will immediately acquire title in the name of the United States of America in trust for the Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians, California. Charles M. Wooley, Acting Regional Director. Legal Description The 61.83 acres, more or less, are located in the County of Sonoma, State of California, and are described as follows: [FR Doc. 2016–11803 Filed 5–18–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs [167 A2100DD/AAKC001030/ A0A501010.999900] Land Acquisitions; Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice of final agency determination. AGENCY: The Assistant Secretary— Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 61.83 acres, more or less, of land in trust for the Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians, California, for gaming and other purposes on April 29, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Paula L. Hart, Director, Office of Indian Gaming, Bureau of Indian Affairs, MS– 3657 MIB, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240; telephone (202) 219–4066. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is published in the exercise of authority delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary— Indian Affairs by 209 Departmental Manual 8.1, and is published to comply with the requirements of 25 CFR 151.12(c)(2)(ii) that notice of the decision to acquire land in trust be promptly provided in the Federal Register. On April 29, 2016, the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs issued a decision to accept approximately 61.83 acres, more or less, of land into trust for the Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California (Tribe) under the authority of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, 25 U.S.C. 465. The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs determined that the Tribe’s request also meets the requirements of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act’s ‘‘restored lands’’ exception, 25 U.S.C. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 APN: 116–310–039–000, 116–310–035– 000 and 116–310–040–000 Parcel One Commencing at a point in the center of the main public road leading from Cloverdale to Healdsburg, at the southwesterly corner of the land of Allegrini, and which said point of beginning is the northwesterly corner of the land described in that certain deed dated February 16, 1916 executed by Mary M. Markell to Fred J. Daniels and recorded February 24, 1917, in liber 350 of deeds, at page 101, Sonoma County records, reference to which deed is hereby expressly made; running thence north 47°28′ East, along the southerly boundary line of the land of said Allegrini a distance of 18.03 chains to the southeast corner of said Allegrini property being the point of beginning of the property hereby conveyed; thence continuing north 47°28′ East along the southerly line of the land of Lile crossing the right of way of the Northwestern Pacific Railway Company, a distance of 35.74 chains to a point on the gravel bar on the Russian River and being the northeasterly corner of the land so conveyed as aforesaid by said Mary M. Markell to Fred J. Daniels; thence south 36°36′ East, on said gravel bar 9.78 chains; thence south 47°28′ West, being parallel with the northerly line of said lands conveyed by said Mary M. Markell to Fred J. Daniels a distance of 35.61 chains; thence North 37°19′ West, a distance 9.77 chains to the place of beginning. Excepting therefrom 4.50 acres as conveyed to the city of Cloverdale by deed recorded July 18, 1940 in book 505 of official records, at page 358, Serial No. B–21341. Also excepting therefrom that portion conveyed to the State of California by deed recorded November 7, 1974, in book 2910 of official records, at page 437, Instrument No. P–28163, Sonoma County Records. Also excepting therefrom that portion of the above described property E:\FR\FM\19MYN1.SGM 19MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31655-31656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11803]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R3-R-2016-N073; FXRS1261030000-167-FF03R02000]

Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County, Minnesota;
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and
environmental assessment (EA) for the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife
Refuge (refuge, NWR) for public review and comment. In this draft CCP/
EA we describe how we propose to manage the refuge for the next 15
years.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments
by June 20, 2016. We will hold an open house-style meeting during the
comment period to receive comments and provide information on the draft
plan. In addition, we will use special mailings, newspaper articles,
internet postings, and other media announcements to inform people of
opportunities for input.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any
of the following methods:
Email: r3planning@fws.gov. Include ``Glacial Ridge Draft
CCP/EA'' in the subject line of the message.
Fax: Attention: Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR, 218-
687-2225.
U.S. Mail: Attention: Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR,
17788 349th St. SE., Erskine, MN 56535.
In-Person Drop Off: You may drop off comments during
regular business hours at the above addresses.
You will find the draft CCP/EA, as well as information about the
planning process and a summary of the CCP, on the planning Web site at
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/glacialridge/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregg Knutsen, 218-687-2229 x16.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Glacial Ridge
National Wildlife Refuge, which we began by publishing a notice of
intent in the Federal Register (78 FR 3909) on January 17, 2013. For
more about the initial process and the history of this refuge, see that
notice.

Background

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as
amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997
(16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Administration Act), requires us to develop a
CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP
is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving
refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National
Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), consistent with sound principles of fish
and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service
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 Administration Act.
Each unit of the NWRS was established for specific purposes. We use
these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the
management goals and objectives for each refuge within the NWRS
mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The
planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management
goals and objectives that will ensure the best possible approach to
wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for
wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with
each refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of the NWRS.

Additional Information

The draft CCP/EA may be found at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/glacialridge/. That document incorporates an EA,
prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The draft CCP/EA includes detailed
information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and management
alternatives considered and proposed. The EA includes

[[Page 31656]]

discussions of three alternative refuge management options. The
Service's preferred alternative is reflected in the draft CCP.
The alternatives analyzed in detail include:
Alternative A: Current Management (No Action)--This
alternative reflects the current management direction of Glacial Ridge
NWR. It provides the baseline against which to compare other
alternatives. For NEPA purposes, this is referred to as the ``No
Action'' alternative.
Alternative B: Focused Habitat Management (Preferred
Alternative)--Under this alternative, refuge management actions would
approximate ecological processes that maintained native habitats prior
to European settlement, emphasizing the use of multiple habitat
disturbance regimes (e.g., fire, grazing, mowing). These actions would
maintain and increase the diversity of native vegetation and wildlife
communities that mimic pre-settlement conditions. Management activities
would be ``focused'' via a refuge prioritization effort to maximize the
intended impacts on priority units, given reduced refuge staff and
funding. Public use opportunities would continue with minimal changes.
Staff time and funding would focus on improving opportunities for self-
guided interpretation of refuge habitats and wildlife using existing
infrastructure.
Alternative C: Woody Vegetation Reduction Focus--The focus
of this alternative would be the reduction of invasive woody vegetation
cover (e.g., willow, aspen) across the refuge landscape during the
lifespan of this CCP. The extent of woody cover is increasing due to a
lack of regular vegetative disturbance and other factors. Management
actions would focus on refuge units exhibiting woody vegetation cover
that exceeds the amount found prior to European settlement. Public use
opportunities would continue with minimal change. Staff time and
funding would focus on improving opportunities for self-guided
interpretation of refuge habitats and wildlife using existing
infrastructure.

Public Involvement

We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public
meeting. You can obtain the schedule from the address or Web site
listed in this notice (see ADDRESSES). You may also submit comments
anytime during the comment period.

Public Availability of Comments

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.

Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 2016-11803 Filed 5-18-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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