National Elk Refuge, Teton County, Wyoming; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment, 79516-79517 [2016-27268]

Download as PDF 79516 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 219 / Monday, November 14, 2016 / Notices the final recovery plan. We considered the information we received from peer reviewers in our preparation and approval of this final recovery plan. Specifically, we made a slight modification to recovery criteria (see below) by adding the clarification of 500 individuals in the definition of a viable population. We also adjusted budgets of recovery actions in the implementation schedule. Recovery Plan Components Objectives for Reclassification to Threatened and Delisting The goal of this recovery plan is to conserve populations of laurel dace and enable the species to recover to the point that listing under the Act is no longer necessary. Because recovery and delisting will take a long time to achieve, and may be unachievable, an intermediate goal of this recovery plan is to reduce threats to the point that the species could be reclassified from endangered to threatened. Reclassification to Threatened Reclassification of the laurel dace to threatened status will be possible when habitat conditions in occupied streams are suitable for the conservation of the species, and viable populations are present throughout suitable habitat in five of the six currently occupied streams. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Delisting In order for the laurel dace to recover to the point that listing under the Act is no longer necessary, it will be necessary to conserve all existing populations by maintaining, and in some cases restoring, suitable habitat conditions in all streams where the species currently occurs. It will also be necessary to discover or establish one additional population. Criteria for Reclassification From Endangered to Threatened or Delisting The following criteria will be used to determine whether the objectives for reclassification and delisting described above have been met. The criteria will be achieved by reducing or removing threats to the species’ habitat and conserving or establishing viable populations throughout the species’ range, as determined by monitoring of demographic and genetic parameters. Criteria for Reclassification From Endangered to Threatened Criterion 1: Suitable instream habitat, flows, and water quality for laurel dace, as defined by Recovery Tasks in the recovery plan, exist in occupied streams. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Nov 10, 2016 Jkt 241001 Criterion 2: Viable populations * are present throughout suitable habitat in Bumbee, Moccasin, and Youngs Creeks, and at least two of the following streams: Soddy Creek, Cupp Creek or Horn Branch. Criteria for Delisting Criterion 1: Suitable instream habitat, flows, and water quality for laurel dace exist in all occupied streams, and mechanisms exist to ensure that land use activities (including road maintenance) in catchments of streams inhabited by laurel dace will be compatible with the species’ conservation for the foreseeable future. Such mechanisms could include, but are not necessarily limited to, conservation agreements, conservation easements, land acquisition, and habitat conservation plans. Criterion 2: Viable populations * are present throughout suitable habitat in Bumbee, Moccasin, Youngs, Soddy, and Cupp Creeks and Horn Branch, and one additional viable population, created either through reintroduction into Laurel Branch or by discovery of an additional wild population. * Populations will be considered viable when the following demographic and genetic conditions exist: • Demographics—Monitoring data demonstrate that (a) populations are stable or increasing, (b) average census size is at least 500 individuals and two or more age-classes are consistently present over a period of time encompassing five generations (i.e., 15 years), and (c) evidence of recruitment is not absent in more than 3 years or during consecutive years at any point within that period of time. • Genetics—Populations will be considered to have sufficient genetic variation to be viable if measurements of observed number of alleles and estimates of heterozygosity and effective population size have remained stable or increased during the five generations used to establish demographic viability. Authority The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). Dated: August 22, 2016. Mike Oetker, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. 2016–27272 Filed 11–10–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R6–R–2016–N040; FF06R06000– FXRS12610600000–167] National Elk Refuge, Teton County, Wyoming; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) for the National Elk Refuge (Refuge, NWR). In this final CCP, we describe how we intend to manage the refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: You will find the final CCP, a summary of the final CCP, and the EA/ FONSI on the planning Web site: https:// www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/ wy_ner.php. A limited number of hard copies and CD–ROMs are available. You may request one by any of the following methods: • Email: nationalelkrefuge@fws.gov. Include ‘‘National Elk Refuge CCP’’ in the subject line of the message. • U.S. Mail: National Elk Refuge, P.O. Box 510, Jackson, WY, 83001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Kallin, Refuge Manager, at 307– 733–9212 (phone), or Toni Griffin, Planning Team Leader, 303–236–4378 (phone) or toni_griffin@fws.gov (email). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Introduction With this notice, we continue the CCP process for the National Elk Refuge, which we began by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal Register (75 FR 65370) on October 22, 2010. For more about the initial process and the history of this refuge, see that notice. We released the draft CCP and EA to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a notice of availability (79 FR 53440) on September 9, 2014. The 45-day comment period ended on October 24, 2014. A summary of public comments and the agency responses is included in the final CCP. 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), E:\FR\FM\14NON1.SGM 14NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 219 / Monday, November 14, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 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 final CCP may be found at https:// www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/ wy_ner.php. The final CCP includes detailed information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and management alternative selected. The Web site also includes an EA, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The EA includes discussion of four alternative refuge management options. The Service’s selected alternative is reflected in the final CCP, and also in the FONSI. The selected alternative focuses on habitat and wildlife management that allow for natural processes to promote habitats. Some habitats, such as wetlands, will be managed to enhance swan habitat and improve forage quantity and quality for elk and bison. The refuge will increase opportunities for wildlife-dependent public uses such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education. We will keep some areas undeveloped, return some areas to a VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Nov 10, 2016 Jkt 241001 natural state, and increase development in other areas to enhance visitor services. A detailed description of objectives and actions included in this selected alternative is found in chapter 4 of the final CCP. Dated: September 23, 2016. Noreen Walsh, Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2016–27268 Filed 11–10–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Geological Survey [GX17EE000101100] Announcement of National Geospatial Advisory Committee Meeting AGENCY: U.S. Geological Survey, Interior. ACTION: Notice of meeting 79517 9. Please register by contacting Lucia Foulkes at the Federal Geographic Data Committee (703–648–4142, lfoulkes@ usgs.gov). Comments may also be submitted to the NGAC in writing. DATES: The meeting will be held on December 14, 2016, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Mahoney, U.S. Geological Survey (206– 220–4621). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Meetings of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee are open to the public. Additional information about the NGAC and the meeting are available at www.fgdc.gov/ngac. Kenneth Shaffer, Deputy Executive Director, Federal Geographic Data Committee. [FR Doc. 2016–27285 Filed 11–10–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4338–11–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR The National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC) will meet on December 14, 2016, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. The meeting will be held via web conference and teleconference. The NGAC, which is composed of representatives from governmental, private sector, non-profit, and academic organizations, has been established to advise the Chair of the Federal Geographic Data Committee on management of Federal geospatial programs, the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and the implementation of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A–16. Topics to be addressed at the meeting include: —FGDC Update —NGAC Subcommittee Reports —Review of NGAC Papers —Transition Planning —Planning for 2017 NGAC Activities Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting must register in advance. Please register by contacting Lucia Foulkes at the Federal Geographic Data Committee (703–648–4142, lfoulkes@usgs.gov). Meeting registrations are due by December 9, 2016. Meeting information (web conference and teleconference instructions) will be provided to registrants prior to the meeting. While the meeting will be open to the public, attendance may be limited due to web conference and teleconference capacity. The meeting will include an opportunity for public comment. Attendees wishing to provide public comment should register by December SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Bureau of Land Management [LLCO956000 L71300000.BJ0000 LVTSC1600100 16X] Notice of Filing of Plats of Survey; Colorado Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of filing of plats of survey; Colorado. AGENCY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado State Office is publishing this notice to inform the public of the official filing of the survey plat listed below. The plat will be available for viewing in the BLM Colorado State Office. DATES: The plat described in this notice was filed on November 4, 2016. ADDRESSES: BLM Colorado State Office, Cadastral Survey, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215–7093. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Bloom, Chief Cadastral Surveyor for Colorado, (303) 239–3856. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The supplemental plat in Township 11 South, Range 69 West, Sixth Principal SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14NON1.SGM 14NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 219 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 79516-79517]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27268]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R6-R-2016-N040; FF06R06000-FXRS12610600000-167]


National Elk Refuge, Teton County, Wyoming; Final Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for 
Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and 
finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental 
assessment (EA) for the National Elk Refuge (Refuge, NWR). In this 
final CCP, we describe how we intend to manage the refuge for the next 
15 years.

ADDRESSES: You will find the final CCP, a summary of the final CCP, and 
the EA/FONSI on the planning Web site: https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/wy_ner.php. A limited number of hard copies and CD-ROMs 
are available. You may request one by any of the following methods:
     Email: nationalelkrefuge@fws.gov. Include ``National Elk 
Refuge CCP'' in the subject line of the message.
     U.S. Mail: National Elk Refuge, P.O. Box 510, Jackson, WY, 
83001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Kallin, Refuge Manager, at 307-
733-9212 (phone), or Toni Griffin, Planning Team Leader, 303-236-4378 
(phone) or toni_griffin@fws.gov (email).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we continue the CCP process for the National Elk 
Refuge, which we began by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal 
Register (75 FR 65370) on October 22, 2010. For more about the initial 
process and the history of this refuge, see that notice. We released 
the draft CCP and EA to the public, announcing and requesting comments 
in a notice of availability (79 FR 53440) on September 9, 2014. The 45-
day comment period ended on October 24, 2014. A summary of public 
comments and the agency responses is included in the final CCP.

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),

[[Page 79517]]

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 final CCP may be found at https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/wy_ner.php. The final CCP includes detailed information about 
the planning process, refuge, issues, and management alternative 
selected. The Web site also includes an EA, prepared in accordance with 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). 
The EA includes discussion of four alternative refuge management 
options. The Service's selected alternative is reflected in the final 
CCP, and also in the FONSI.
    The selected alternative focuses on habitat and wildlife management 
that allow for natural processes to promote habitats. Some habitats, 
such as wetlands, will be managed to enhance swan habitat and improve 
forage quantity and quality for elk and bison. The refuge will increase 
opportunities for wildlife-dependent public uses such as hunting, 
fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental 
education. We will keep some areas undeveloped, return some areas to a 
natural state, and increase development in other areas to enhance 
visitor services. A detailed description of objectives and actions 
included in this selected alternative is found in chapter 4 of the 
final CCP.

    Dated: September 23, 2016.
Noreen Walsh,
Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-27268 Filed 11-10-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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