Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan; Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuges, and the Northwest Montana Wetland Management Districts, Montana, 22844-22846 [2017-10111]
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22844
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 95 / Thursday, May 18, 2017 / Notices
Introduction
The notice complies with our CCP
policy to (1) advise other Federal and
State agencies, Tribes, and the public of
our intention to conduct planning on
this refuge and (2) to obtain suggestions
and information on the scope of
additional issues to consider during
development of the CCP. Through the
CCP, we intend to evaluate how we will
manage NBR. Participation in the
planning process will be encouraged
and facilitated by various means,
including news releases and public
meetings. Notification of all such
meetings will be announced in the local
press and on the NBR Web site.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Background
The CCP Process
The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966,
(Administration Act), as amended by
the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C.
668dd–668ee), requires us to develop a
CCP for each national wildlife refuge.
The purpose of 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.
We will conduct environmental
review pursuant to the provisions of the
National Environmental Policy Act of
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:43 May 17, 2017
Jkt 241001
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), by
preparing an environmental impact
statement (EIS). The Service intends to
invite the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) to participate as
a cooperating agency as provided by 40
CFR 1508.5.
We will prepare a CCP and EIS which
will describe how we will manage NBR
over the next 15 years. To facilitate
sound planning and environmental
assessment, we intend to gather
information necessary for the
preparation of the CCP/EIS and obtain
suggestions and information from other
agencies, municipalities, and the public
on the scope of issues to be addressed
in the CCP/EIS. We will separately
consider CCPs for Pablo, Lost Trail, and
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuges, and
the Northwest Montana Lake County
Wetland Management District and the
waterfowl production areas therein,
which are also part of the National
Bison Range Complex.
The National Bison Range
In 1908, the first purchase of land for
the exclusive protection of wildlife
occurred when Congress appropriated
money for the establishment of NBR.
The overall mission of the NBR is to
maintain a representative herd of bison,
under reasonably natural conditions, to
ensure the preservation of the species
for continued public enjoyment. The
NBR is 18,800 acres and supports
between 350 and 500 bison. The
National Bison Range lies entirely
within the boundary of the Flathead
Indian Reservation of the Confederated
Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT).
Members of the CSKT have a cultural,
historical, or geographic connection to
the land and resources of the NBR.
Additional Information
The mission for NBR, and purposes
for which it was established, are used to
develop and prioritize management
goals and objectives within the National
Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to
guide which public uses will occur on
the Refuge. The planning process is a
way for the Service and the public to
evaluate management goals and
objectives for the best possible
conservation efforts of this important
wildlife habitat while providing for
wildlife-dependent recreation
opportunities that are compatible with
the Refuges’ establishing purposes and
the mission of the National Wildlife
Refuge System. We will conduct a CCP
process that will provide opportunity
for tribal, State, and local governments;
Federal and State agencies;
organizations; and the public to
participate in issue scoping and public
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
comment. We are requesting input on
issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions
for the future management of NBR.
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.
Dated: April 26, 2017.
Anna Munoz,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 2017–10110 Filed 5–17–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–R6–R–2017–N072;
FXRS12610600000–178–FF06R00000]
Notice of Intent to Prepare a
Comprehensive Conservation Plan;
Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe
National Wildlife Refuges, and the
Northwest Montana Wetland
Management Districts, Montana
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a
comprehensive conservation plan;
request for comments.
AGENCY:
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), intend to
gather information necessary to prepare
a draft Comprehensive Conservation
Plan (CCP) and associated
Environmental Assessment for Pablo,
Lost Trail, and Ninepipe National
Wildlife Refuges, and the Northwest
Montana Wetland Management
Districts, all of which are units of the
National Wildlife Refuge System. The
three Refuges and Wetland Management
Districts are all part of the National
Bison Range Complex. Elsewhere in this
Federal Register, we are also publishing
a revised notice of intent to prepare a
draft CCP for the National Bison Range.
We are accepting comments on these
two notices simultaneously.
DATES: To ensure consideration, written
comments must be received or
postmarked on or before June 19, 2017.
ADDRESSES: If you wish to comment on
the scope of the Comprehensive
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM
18MYN1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 95 / Thursday, May 18, 2017 / Notices
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Conservation Plan/Environmental
Assessment, you may submit your
comments by any of the following
methods:
D Email: scoping_pablo_ninepipe@
fws.gov.
D U.S. Mail or Hand-Delivery: Toni
Griffin, Refuge Planner, NBR CCP, 134
Union Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Toni
Griffin, Refuge Planner, by mail (see
ADDRESSES), or by telephone at (303)
236–4378.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service),
intend to gather information necessary
to prepare a draft Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated
Environmental Assessment (EA) for
Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe National
Wildlife Refuges, and the Northwest
Montana Wetland Management
Districts, all of which are units of the
National Wildlife Refuge System. The
three Refuges and Wetland Management
Districts are all part of the National
Bison Range Complex. Elsewhere in this
Federal Register, we are also publishing
a revised notice of intent to prepare a
draft CCP for the National Bison Range.
We are accepting comments on these
two notices simultaneously.
Introduction
The CCP for Pablo, Lost Trail, and
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuges, and
the Northwest Montana Wetland
Management Districts, will describe the
desired future conditions of the units
and provide long-range guidance and
management direction to Refuge staff on
how best to achieve refuge purposes.
The notice complies with our CCP
policy to (1) advise other Federal and
State agencies, Tribes, and the public of
our intention to conduct planning on
this refuge complex, and (2) to obtain
suggestions and information on the
scope of additional issues to consider
during development of the CCP.
Through the CCP, the Service intends to
evaluate how it will manage Pablo, Lost
Trail, and Ninepipe National Wildlife
Refuges, and the Northwest Montana
Wetland Management Districts.
This notice is in compliance with
Service Refuge Planning policy to
advise other agencies and the public of
our intentions, and to obtain suggestions
and information on the scope of issues
to be considered in the planning
process. Participation in the planning
process will be encouraged and
facilitated by various means, including
news releases and public meetings.
Notification of all such meetings will be
announced in the local press and on the
NBR Web site: https://www.fws.gov/
refuge/national_bison_range/.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:43 May 17, 2017
Jkt 241001
Background
The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966,
(Administration Act), as amended by
the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C.
668dd–668ee), requires us to develop a
CCP for each national wildlife refuge.
The purpose of 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.
We will conduct environmental
review pursuant to the provisions of the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), by
preparing an environmental assessment
(EA). The Service intends to consult
with the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) during this
process.
The Service will prepare a CCP and
EA that will describe how it will
manage the units over the next 15 years.
To facilitate sound planning and
environmental assessment, the Service
intends to gather information necessary
for the preparation of the CCP/EA and
obtain suggestions and information from
other agencies and the public on the
scope of issues to be addressed in the
CCP/EA.
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
22845
History of the Refuges and Wetland
Management Districts
Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife
Refuges were each established as
easement refuges in 1921 ‘‘as a refuge
and breeding ground for native birds,’’
(Executive Order 3503, Ninepipe;
Executive Order 3504, Pablo). Lost Trail
National Wildlife Refuge was
established on August 24, 1999, and
became the 519th refuge in the National
Wildlife Refuge System. It was
established for use by migratory birds,
conservation of fish and wildlife
resources, fish and wildlife oriented
recreation, and the conservation of
endangered or threatened species.
Finally, the Northwest Montana
Wetland Management Districts are lands
acquired ‘‘as Waterfowl Production
Areas’’ subject to ‘‘all of the provisions
of [the Migratory Bird Conservation Act
. . . except the inviolate sanctuary
provisions’’ (Migratory Bird Hunting
and Conservation Stamp Act, 16 U.S.C.
718). Ninepipe and Pablo National
Wildlife Refuges, and the portion of the
Wetland Management District in Lake
County, Montana, lie within the exterior
boundaries of the Flathead Indian
Reservation of the Confederated Salish
and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT). Members
of the CSKT have a cultural, historical,
or geographic connection to the land
and resources of the Range.
Additional Information
The mission and purposes for which
the units were established are used to
develop and prioritize management
goals and objectives within the National
Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to
guide which public uses will occur on
the units of the Complex. The planning
process is a way for the Service and the
public to evaluate management goals
and objectives for the best possible
conservation efforts of this important
wildlife habitat, while providing for
wildlife-dependent recreation
opportunities that are compatible with
the Refuges’ establishing purposes and
the mission of the National Wildlife
Refuge System.
We will conduct a comprehensive
conservation planning process that will
provide opportunity for tribal, State,
and local governments; Federal and
State agencies; organizations; and the
public to participate in issue scoping
and public comment. We are requesting
input for issues, concerns, ideas, and
suggestions for the future management
of Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe
National Wildlife Refuges, and the
Northwest Montana Wetland
Management Districts.
E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM
18MYN1
22846
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 95 / Thursday, May 18, 2017 / Notices
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.
Dated: April 25, 2017.
Noreen Walsh,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Denver, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 2017–10007 Filed 5–17–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4337–15–P
Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire
Rod From Belarus, Italy, Korea,
Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey,
Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and the
United Kingdom; Determinations
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
[178A2100DD/AAKC001030/
A0A501010.999900253G]
record 1
Notice of Service Area Designation
Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
This notice announces
approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA) of the designation of Kern County,
California, as a service area for the Tejon
Indian Tribe for purposes of operating
the BIA financial assistance and/or
social services programs as authorized
under 25 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) part 20.
DATES: This service area designation is
effective as of May 18, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Evangeline Campbell, Chief, Division of
Human Services, Office of Indian
Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Telephone (202) 513–7622, email
address: evangeline.campbell@bia.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Tejon
Indian Tribe submitted to BIA a request
with supporting documentation to
designate Kern County, California, as its
service area under 25 CFR 20.201. The
Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs has
approved the request based on an
evaluation of the information provided.
This notice designates Kern County, in
the State of California, as the service
area appropriate for the provision of BIA
financial assistance and/or social
services for the Tejon Indian Tribe. The
part 20 regulations have full force and
effect when a tribe operates the BIA
financial assistance and/or social
services in the service area location.
However, the Tejon Indian Tribe is not
SUMMARY:
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Dated: May 1, 2017.
Michael S. Black,
Acting Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs.
[Investigation Nos. 701–TA–573–574 and
731–TA–1349–1358 (Preliminary)]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
13:43 May 17, 2017
Authority: 25 CFR 20.201.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[FR Doc. 2017–10111 Filed 5–17–17; 8:45 am]
VerDate Sep<11>2014
authorized to contract for or operate the
Tribal Work Experience Program
(TWEP) (25 CFR 20.320—20.323) and
the Disaster Assistance program (25 CFR
20.327 and 20.328), as both programs
remain unfunded by Congress.
Jkt 241001
On the basis of the
developed
in the subject investigations, the United
States International Trade Commission
(‘‘Commission’’) determines, pursuant
to the Tariff Act of 1930 (‘‘the Act’’),
that there is a reasonable indication that
an industry in the United States is
materially injured by reason of imports
of wire rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea,
Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey,
Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and
United Kingdom, provided for in
subheadings 7213.91.30, 7213.91.45,
7213.99.00, 7227.20.00, and 7227.90.60
of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States, that are alleged to be
sold in the United States at less than fair
value (‘‘LTFV’’) and imports of wire rod
that are alleged to be subsidized by the
government of Turkey.2 The
Commission also determines that an
industry in the United States is
threatened with material injury by
reason of imports of wire rod that are
alleged to be subsidized by the
government of Italy.
Commencement of Final Phase
Investigations
Pursuant to section 207.18 of the
Commission’s rules, the Commission
also gives notice of the commencement
of the final phase of its investigations.
The Commission will issue a final phase
notice of scheduling, which will be
published in the Federal Register as
provided in section 207.21 of the
Commission’s rules, upon notice from
1 The record is defined in sec. 207.2(f) of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (19
CFR 207.2(f)).
2 Commissioner F. Scott Kieff not participating.
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
the Department of Commerce
(‘‘Commerce’’) of affirmative
preliminary determinations in the
investigations under sections 703(b) or
733(b) of the Act, or, if the preliminary
determinations are negative, upon
notice of affirmative final
determinations in those investigations
under sections 705(a) or 735(a) of the
Act. Parties that filed entries of
appearance in the preliminary phase of
the investigations need not enter a
separate appearance for the final phase
of the investigations. Industrial users,
and, if the merchandise under
investigation is sold at the retail level,
representative consumer organizations
have the right to appear as parties in
Commission antidumping and
countervailing duty investigations. The
Secretary will prepare a public service
list containing the names and addresses
of all persons, or their representatives,
who are parties to the investigations.
Background
On March 28, 2017, Charter Steel,
Saukville, Wisconsin; Gerdau
Ameristeel US Inc., Tampa, Florida;
Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.,
Peoria, Illinois; and Nucor Corporation,
Charlotte, North Carolina filed petitions
with the Commission and Commerce,
alleging that an industry in the United
States is materially injured or
threatened with material injury by
reason of LTFV and subsidized imports
of wire rod from Italy and Turkey and
LTFV imports of wire rod from Belarus,
Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa,
Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab
Emirates, and United Kingdom.
Accordingly, effective March 28, 2017,
the Commission, pursuant to sections
703(a) and 733(a) of the Act (19 U.S.C.
1671b(a) and 1673b(a)), instituted
countervailing duty investigation Nos.
701–TA–573–574 and antidumping
duty investigation Nos. 731–TA–1349–
1358 (Preliminary).
Notice of the institution of the
Commission’s investigations and of a
public conference to be held in
connection therewith was given by
posting copies of the notice in the Office
of the Secretary, U.S. International
Trade Commission, Washington, DC,
and by publishing the notice in the
Federal Register of April 3, 2017 (82 FR
16232). The conference was held in
Washington, DC, on April 18, 2017, and
all persons who requested the
opportunity were permitted to appear in
person or by counsel.
The Commission made these
determinations pursuant to sections
703(a) and 733(a) of the Act (19 U.S.C.
1671b(a) and 1673b(a)). It completed
and filed its determinations in these
E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM
18MYN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 95 (Thursday, May 18, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22844-22846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10111]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R6-R-2017-N072; FXRS12610600000-178-FF06R00000]
Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan;
Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuges, and the
Northwest Montana Wetland Management Districts, Montana
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan;
request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to
gather information necessary to prepare a draft Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated Environmental Assessment for
Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuges, and the
Northwest Montana Wetland Management Districts, all of which are units
of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The three Refuges and Wetland
Management Districts are all part of the National Bison Range Complex.
Elsewhere in this Federal Register, we are also publishing a revised
notice of intent to prepare a draft CCP for the National Bison Range.
We are accepting comments on these two notices simultaneously.
DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received or
postmarked on or before June 19, 2017.
ADDRESSES: If you wish to comment on the scope of the Comprehensive
[[Page 22845]]
Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment, you may submit your
comments by any of the following methods:
[ssquf] Email: scoping_pablo_ninepipe@fws.gov.
[ssquf] U.S. Mail or Hand-Delivery: Toni Griffin, Refuge Planner,
NBR CCP, 134 Union Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Toni Griffin, Refuge Planner, by mail
(see ADDRESSES), or by telephone at (303) 236-4378.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service), intend to gather information necessary to prepare a draft
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated Environmental
Assessment (EA) for Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe National Wildlife
Refuges, and the Northwest Montana Wetland Management Districts, all of
which are units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The three
Refuges and Wetland Management Districts are all part of the National
Bison Range Complex. Elsewhere in this Federal Register, we are also
publishing a revised notice of intent to prepare a draft CCP for the
National Bison Range. We are accepting comments on these two notices
simultaneously.
Introduction
The CCP for Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe National Wildlife
Refuges, and the Northwest Montana Wetland Management Districts, will
describe the desired future conditions of the units and provide long-
range guidance and management direction to Refuge staff on how best to
achieve refuge purposes. The notice complies with our CCP policy to (1)
advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our
intention to conduct planning on this refuge complex, and (2) to obtain
suggestions and information on the scope of additional issues to
consider during development of the CCP. Through the CCP, the Service
intends to evaluate how it will manage Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe
National Wildlife Refuges, and the Northwest Montana Wetland Management
Districts.
This notice is in compliance with Service Refuge Planning policy to
advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain
suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in
the planning process. Participation in the planning process will be
encouraged and facilitated by various means, including news releases
and public meetings. Notification of all such meetings will be
announced in the local press and on the NBR Web site: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_range/.
Background
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966,
(Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), requires us to develop
a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose of 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.
We will conduct environmental review pursuant to the provisions of
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.),
by preparing an environmental assessment (EA). The Service intends to
consult with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) during
this process.
The Service will prepare a CCP and EA that will describe how it
will manage the units over the next 15 years. To facilitate sound
planning and environmental assessment, the Service intends to gather
information necessary for the preparation of the CCP/EA and obtain
suggestions and information from other agencies and the public on the
scope of issues to be addressed in the CCP/EA.
History of the Refuges and Wetland Management Districts
Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife Refuges were each established
as easement refuges in 1921 ``as a refuge and breeding ground for
native birds,'' (Executive Order 3503, Ninepipe; Executive Order 3504,
Pablo). Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge was established on August
24, 1999, and became the 519th refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge
System. It was established for use by migratory birds, conservation of
fish and wildlife resources, fish and wildlife oriented recreation, and
the conservation of endangered or threatened species. Finally, the
Northwest Montana Wetland Management Districts are lands acquired ``as
Waterfowl Production Areas'' subject to ``all of the provisions of [the
Migratory Bird Conservation Act . . . except the inviolate sanctuary
provisions'' (Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, 16
U.S.C. 718). Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife Refuges, and the
portion of the Wetland Management District in Lake County, Montana, lie
within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation of
the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT). Members of the CSKT
have a cultural, historical, or geographic connection to the land and
resources of the Range.
Additional Information
The mission and purposes for which the units were established are
used to develop and prioritize management goals and objectives within
the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to guide which public
uses will occur on the units of the Complex. The planning process is a
way for the Service and the public to evaluate management goals and
objectives for the best possible conservation efforts of this important
wildlife habitat, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation
opportunities that are compatible with the Refuges' establishing
purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
We will conduct a comprehensive conservation planning process that
will provide opportunity for tribal, State, and local governments;
Federal and State agencies; organizations; and the public to
participate in issue scoping and public comment. We are requesting
input for issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future
management of Pablo, Lost Trail, and Ninepipe National Wildlife
Refuges, and the Northwest Montana Wetland Management Districts.
[[Page 22846]]
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.
Dated: April 25, 2017.
Noreen Walsh,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 2017-10111 Filed 5-17-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
