Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County, Minnesota; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Environmental Assessment, and Finding of No Significant Impact, 89497-89498 [2016-29672]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2016 / Notices Today’s delegation also supersedes all prior delegations of authority for OLHCHH. Dated: November 28, 2016. ´ Julian Castro, Secretary. Section A. Authority Delegated [FR Doc. 2016–29653 Filed 12–9–16; 8:45 am] Background BILLING CODE 4210–67–P The Secretary hereby delegates to the Director of OLHCHH, all authority of the Secretary pursuant to the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821 et seq.), the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851 et seq.), sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 (12 U.S.C. 1701z–1 and 1701z–2), and authorizing legislation pertaining to lead hazard control and/or healthy homes contained within annual appropriations acts for matters pertaining to lead hazard control and healthy homes. This includes the oversight and enforcement of the Lead Disclosure Rule and the oversight of the Lead Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR part 35, subparts A through R) for all HUD programs and enforcement of the Lead Safe Housing Rule for Multifamily Housing programs, the Single Family Asset Management program, and PIH programs. PIH enforcement actions include coordination with the appropriate PIH field office. The Director of OLHCHH also has responsibility for ensuring compliance, within assistance programs administered by OLHCHH, with relevant environmental requirements described in 24 CFR part 50, and with HUD responsibilities under 24 CFR part 58 in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Related Laws and Authorities, See, 81 FR 66075, September 26, 2016. Section B. Authority Excepted The authority delegated in this document does not include the authority to sue or be sued or to issue or waive regulations. The Secretary authorizes the Director of OLHCHH to redelegate the authority described in Section A. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Section D. Authority Superseded This delegation supersedes all previous delegations of authority to OLHCHH. The Secretary may revoke the authority authorized herein, in whole or part, at any time. Authority: Section 7(d) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3535(d)). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 241001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R3–R–2016–N134; FXRS1261030000– 178–FF03R02000] Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County, Minnesota; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Environmental Assessment, and Finding of No Significant Impact 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), environmental assessment (EA), and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (refuge, NWR). In this final CCP we describe how we propose 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 at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ GlacialRidge/. A limited number of hard copies and CD–ROMs are available. You may request one by any of the following methods: • Email: r3planning@fws.gov. Include ‘‘Glacial Ridge Final CCP/EA’’ in the subject line of the message. • U.S. Mail: Attention: Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR, 17788 349th St. SE., Erskine, MN 56535. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregg Knutsen, 218–687–2229 x16. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Introduction Section C. Authority To Redelegate With this notice, we complete 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. We released the draft CCP and EA to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a notice of availability (81 FR 31655) on May 19, 2016. The 42-day comment period ended on June 20, 2016. A summary of public comments and the agency responses are included in the final CCP. PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 89497 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 final CCP/EA may be found at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/ glacialridge/. The document incorporates an EA and FONSI, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The CCP/EA includes detailed information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and management alternatives considered and proposed. The EA includes discussions of three alternative refuge management options. The Service’s preferred alternative is reflected in the final CCP. The selected alternative for Glacial Ridge NWR includes refuge management actions that approximate ecological processes that maintained native habitats prior to European E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1 89498 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2016 / Notices 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. Charles M. Wooley, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. 2016–29672 Filed 12–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–ES–2016–N093; FF04E00000– 1113–0000–178] Proposed Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances for Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: This notice advises the public that the Florida Department of Military Affairs, via the Florida Armory Board (applicant), has applied for an enhancement of survival permit associated with a candidate conservation agreement with assurances (CCAA) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The permit application includes a proposed CCAA between the applicant, the Service, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for 22 species, including 2 Federal candidate species—the striped newt and the gopher tortoise—and 20 other at-risk species, including Florida State-listed species. The CCAA will cover 46,494 acres of the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, which is located in Clay County, Florida. The duration of the CCAA is 15 years. We invite public comments on the application. DATES: We must receive written comments at our Regional Office (see ADDRESSES) on or before January 11, 2017. ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents for Review: You may obtain a copy of the application and associated documents by contacting Mr. Jay Herrington, Field mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:59 Dec 09, 2016 Jkt 241001 Supervisor, Fish and Wildlife Service, North Florida Ecological Services Field Office, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Documents are also available for public inspection by appointment during normal business hours at the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Regional Office, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30345, or at the Service’s North Florida Ecological Services Field Office. Note that requests for application documents must be in writing to be processed. When requesting information about or submitting comments regarding this notice, please reference ‘‘Camp Blanding Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances; TE 72196B’’ in your correspondence. Submitting Comments: See the Public Comments section under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Harris, At-Risk Species Coordinator, at the Atlanta Regional Office (see ADDRESSES), telephone: 404– 679–7066; or Ms. Lourdes Mena, Endangered Species Biologist, at the North Florida Ecological Services Field Office (see ADDRESSES), telephone: 904– 731–3119. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice advises the public that the Florida Department of Military Affairs via the Florida Armory Board (applicant) has applied for an enhancement of survival permit (permit) associated with a candidate conservation agreement with assurances (CCAA) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The permit application includes a proposed CCAA between the applicant, the Service, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for 22 species, including 2 Federal candidate species—the striped newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) and the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)—and 20 other at-risk species, including Florida State-listed species (covered species). The CCAA will cover 46,494 acres of the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, which is located in Clay County, Florida (enrolled lands). The duration of the CCAA is 15 years. We invite public comments on the application. Introduction CCAAs encourage private and other non-Federal property owners to implement conservation efforts for candidate and at-risk species while providing regulatory assurances to the property owners that they will not be subjected to increased property use PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 restrictions should the species become listed as threatened or endangered under the Act. Application requirements and issuance criteria for enhancement of survival permits through CCAAs are found in 50 CFR 17.22(d) and 17.32(d). Under the CCAA, the applicant agrees to voluntarily undertake conservation practices on the enrolled lands to protect, enhance, restore, and/or maintain habitat benefiting the covered species. In turn, the applicant will receive regulatory assurances and incidental take authorization should a covered species be federally listed in the future. The conservation practices vary according to the six habitat types that support the covered species on the enrolled lands. These practices include use of prescribed fire and thinning to maintain forest habitats, protection of wetlands and streams through the maintenance of riparian zones and prohibition of impoundments and channelization, and other actions such as monitoring and control of invasive exotic species. Request for Information We specifically request information, views, and opinions from the public via this notice on our proposed Federal action, including our determination that the applicant’s proposal, including the proposed mitigation and minimization measures, would have minor or negligible effects on the species covered in their CCAA. Therefore, our proposed issuance of the requested permit qualifies as a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act, as provided by Department of the Interior implementing regulations in part 46 of title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations (43 CFR 46.205, 46.210, and 46.215). A low-effect CCAA is one involving (1) Minor or negligible effects on federally listed or candidate species and their habitats, and (2) minor or negligible effects on other environmental values or resources. We also solicit information regarding the adequacy of the CCAA per 50 CFR parts 13 and 17. Public 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 request in your comment that we withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. E:\FR\FM\12DEN1.SGM 12DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 238 (Monday, December 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 89497-89498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29672]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R3-R-2016-N134; FXRS1261030000-178-FF03R02000]


Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County, Minnesota; 
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Environmental Assessment, and 
Finding of No Significant Impact

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), 
environmental assessment (EA), and finding of no significant impact 
(FONSI) for the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (refuge, NWR). 
In this final CCP we describe how we propose 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 at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/GlacialRidge/. A limited number of hard copies and 
CD-ROMs are available. You may request one by any of the following 
methods:
     Email: r3planning@fws.gov. Include ``Glacial Ridge Final 
CCP/EA'' in the subject line of the message.
     U.S. Mail: Attention: Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR, 
17788 349th St. SE., Erskine, MN 56535.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we complete 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. We released the draft CCP and EA to the public, announcing and 
requesting comments in a notice of availability (81 FR 31655) on May 
19, 2016. The 42-day comment period ended on June 20, 2016. A summary 
of public comments and the agency responses are 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), 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/EA may be found at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/
planning/glacialridge/. The document incorporates an EA and 
FONSI, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The CCP/EA includes detailed 
information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and management 
alternatives considered and proposed. The EA includes discussions of 
three alternative refuge management options. The Service's preferred 
alternative is reflected in the final CCP.
    The selected alternative for Glacial Ridge NWR includes refuge 
management actions that approximate ecological processes that 
maintained native habitats prior to European

[[Page 89498]]

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.

Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 2016-29672 Filed 12-9-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.