Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UT, and Bear River Watershed Conservation Area in UT, ID, and WY, 11929-11931 [2023-03863]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 37 / Friday, February 24, 2023 / Notices Permit application No. Applicant Species Location ES56588D– 2. Martin Melville; Marietta, GA. Kentucky ......... Presence probable/ absence surveys. Capture, handle, identify, and release. Amendment. ES079863–4 Michael Gangloff; Boone, NC. Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Presence/probable absence surveys. Capture, identify, tag, collect buccal swabs, release, and salvage relic shells. Renewal and amendment. ES31057A–3 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; Raleigh, NC. North Carolina and South Carolina. Scientific research, captive propagation, and relocation and reintroduction activities. Collect, transport, hold in captivity for longer than 45 days, release, translocate, and euthanize. Renewal and amendment. ES069280–6 Alabama Department of Transportation; Montgomery, AL. Fishes: Cumberland darter (Etheostoma susanae); Mussels: clubshell (Pleurobema clava), cracking pearlymussel (Hemistena lata), Cumberland bean (Villosa trabalis), Cumberland elktoe (Alasmidonta atropurpurea), Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidans), dromedary pearlymussel (Dromus dromas), fanshell (Cyprogenia stegaria), fat pocketbook (Potamilus capax), fluted kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus subtentus), littlewing pearlymussel (Pegias fabula), orangefoot pimpleback (Plethobasus cooperianus), oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis), pink mucket (Lampsilis abrupta), rayed bean (Villosa fabalis), ring pink (Obovaria retusa), rough pigtoe (Pleurobema plenum), rough rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica strigillata), sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus), slabside pearlymussel (Pleuronaia dolabelloides), snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra), spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta), tan riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkeri [= E. walkeri]), and winged mapleleaf (Quadrula fragosa). Canoe Creek clubshell (Pleurobema athearni), fluted kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus subtentus), Georgia pigtoe (Pleurobema hanleyianum), rayed bean (Villosa fabalis), and spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta). Fishes: Cape Fear shiner (Notropis mekistocholas), Carolina madtom (Noturus furiosus), and Roanoke logperch (Percina rex); Mussels: Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana), Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata), dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon), James spinymussel (Parvaspina collina), littlewing pearlymussel (Pegias fabula), and Tar River spinymussel (Parvaspina steinstansana). Mammals: Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates); Reptiles: eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus), and gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus); Amphibians: Red Hills salamander (Phaeognathus hubrichti). Alabama ......... Presence/probable absence surveys. Mammals, flattened musk turtle, and amphibians: Capture, handle, and release; and eastern indigo snake and gopher tortoise: scope burrows. Renewal. Public Availability of Comments ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES 11929 Written comments we receive become part of the administrative record associated with this action. 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. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:15 Feb 23, 2023 Jkt 259001 Activity Type of take Permit action organizations or businesses, will be made available for public disclosure in their entirety. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Next Steps [FWS–R6–NWRS–2022–N025; FF06R0ZS00– FXRS12610600000–223] If we decide to issue a permit to an applicant listed in this notice, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register. Authority We publish this notice under section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). John Tirpak, Deputy Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. 2023–03893 Filed 2–23–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Fish and Wildlife Service Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UT, and Bear River Watershed Conservation Area in UT, ID, and WY Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments. AGENCY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24FEN1.SGM 24FEN1 11930 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 37 / Friday, February 24, 2023 / Notices ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and Bear River Watershed Conservation Area, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and its implementing regulations. The Service provides this notice in compliance with the Service’s CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Native American Tribes, and the public of intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received or postmarked on or before March 27, 2023. Media, newspapers, Refuge offices, and the websites for Refuges contained within the Bear Lake Watershed Conservation Area (Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, and Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge) will be used to inform the public and State and local government agencies of the opportunities for written input throughout the CCP planning process. Open-house style meeting(s) will be held throughout the scoping phase of the comprehensive conservation plan development process. ADDRESSES: Please submit comments and questions by one of the following methods: • Email: BearRiver@fws.gov; or • U.S. mail: Erin Holmes, Project Leader, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, 2155 W Forest St., Brigham City, UT 84302. For more information, please see Public Availability of Comments in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Holmes, 435–723–5887 (phone). Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, the Service initiates the process for developing a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City, Utah, and the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area in the states of Utah, Idaho, and VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:15 Feb 23, 2023 Jkt 259001 Wyoming. This notice complies with the CCP policy to: (1) advise other Federal and State agencies, Native American Tribes, and the public of the intention to conduct detailed planning on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area; and (2) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the environmental document and during development of the CCP. The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee; Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service 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, 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, plans identify compatible wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including, where appropriate, opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Each plan must be updated every 15 years in accordance with the Administration Act. Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established for specific purposes. These purposes are used as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a way for the Service and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives for the best possible conservation approach to this important wildlife habitat, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with the refuge’s establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The CCP process provides participation opportunities for Tribal, State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public. The Service encourages input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, and suggestions for the future management of Bear River PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Migratory Bird Refuge and the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area. National Environmental Policy Act Compliance An environmental review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; and the policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. Tribal Responsibilities The Service has unique responsibilities to Tribes, including under the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.); the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. 1996); Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001); Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.); Joint Secretarial Order 3403, Fulfilling the Trust Responsibility to Indian Tribes in the Stewardship of Federal Lands and Waters (November 15, 2021); Secretarial Order 3206, American Indian Tribal Rights, FederalTribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act (June 5, 1997); Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites (61 FR 26771, May 29, 1996); and the Service’s Native American Policy. We apply the term ‘‘Tribal’’ or ‘‘Tribe(s)’’ generally to federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Tribal entities. We will refer to Native Hawaiian Organizations separately when we intend to include those entities. The Service will separately consult with Tribes on the proposals set forth in this notice of intent. We will also ensure that those Tribes wishing to engage directly in the NEPA process will have the opportunity to do so. As part of this process, we will protect the confidential nature of any consultations and other communications we have with Tribes, to the extent permitted by the Freedom of Information Act and other laws. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge was established by Presidential Proclamation in 1928 and Public Law 304 of the 70th Congress as ‘‘suitable refuge and feeding, and breeding grounds for migratory wild fowl.’’ Currently, the Refuge encompasses 77,102 acres and is comprised of deltaic wetlands that make up numerous wetland impoundments, wet meadows, and uplands. Located at the terminus of the Bear River, and part of the Great Salt E:\FR\FM\24FEN1.SGM 24FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 37 / Friday, February 24, 2023 / Notices Lake (GSL) ecosystem, the Refuge is a priority area within the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area and plays a critical role in providing habitat for migratory birds along the Central and Pacific Flyways. More than 210 species of birds have been documented during migration on the Refuge, and 70 species are known to nest there. During migration, the GSL ecosystem provides habitat for an estimated 217 million waterfowl use-days in the fall and 60 million waterfowl use-days in spring (Intermountain West Joint Venture 2013). Refuge habitats alone may support up to 500,000 waterfowl and 200,000 shorebirds annually during migration. In addition, about 15 percent of the western population of tundra swan utilizes Refuge habitats during fall and may remain throughout the winter in mild years. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES Bear River Watershed Conservation Area Bear River Watershed Conservation Area, which encompasses Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, was established in 2016. This conservation easement program has the potential to protect up to 920,000 acres of wetland, grassland, and agricultural land in the Bear River Watershed by purchasing easements on private land from willing landowners within the roughly 4.8million-acre project area. As of September 2021, 3,283.44 acres within the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area have been protected by conservation easements. Conservation easements are a legal agreement between a willing landowner and the Service. The Service purchases the conservation easements in the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area with money generated by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. These funds are derived from oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, motorboat fuel tax revenues, and sale of surplus Federal property. Public Availability of Comments All information provided voluntarily by mail, by phone, or at public meetings (e.g., names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded during meetings) becomes part of the official public record. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:15 Feb 23, 2023 Jkt 259001 withhold your personal identifying information from public review, the Service cannot guarantee we will be able to do so. Authority This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–57. Anna Munoz, Deputy Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region. [FR Doc. 2023–03863 Filed 2–23–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–WASO–NAGPRA–NPS0035385; PPWOCRADN0–PCU00RP14.R50000] Notice of Inventory Completion Amendment: New Mexico State University Museum, Las Cruces, NM; U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office, Las Cruces, NM; and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest, Silver City, NM, and Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville, AZ National Park Service, Interior. Notice; amendment. AGENCY: ACTION: In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the New Mexico State University Museum; U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest and Apache Sitgreaves National Forest have amended a Notice of Inventory Completion published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2023. This notice amends the cultural affiliation of a collection removed from Apache County AZ, Don˜a Ana County, NM, Grant County, NM, Lincoln County, NM, Luna County, NM, Otero County, NM, Sierra County, NM and, in certain instances, from locations unknown. SUMMARY: Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects in this notice may occur on or after March 27, 2023. ADDRESSES: Dr. Fumi Arakawa, New Mexico State University Museum Director’s Office, 1525 Stewart, Room 331, P.O. Box 30001, MSC:3BV, Las Cruces, NM 88003–8001, email farakawa@nmsu.edu. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11931 This notice is published as part of the National Park Service’s administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA. The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the New Mexico State University Museum (University Museum); U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office (BLM); and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Gila National Forest, Silver City, NM (Gila NF), and Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville, AZ (Apache Sitgreaves NF). The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice. Additional information on the amendments and determinations in this notice, including the results of consultation, can be found in the inventory or related records held by the University Museum. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Amendment This notice amends the determinations published in a Notice of Inventory Completion in the Federal Register (88 FR 2129–2132, January 12, 2023). Repatriation of the items in the original Notice of Inventory Completion has not occurred. This amendment adds to the list of culturally affiliated Indian Tribes. Some of the culturally affiliated Indian Tribes were inadvertently omitted from the published notice. Determinations (as Amended) Pursuant to NAGPRA and its implementing regulations, and after consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, the New Mexico State University Museum, Bureau of Land Management, Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, and Gila National Forest has determined that: • The human remains represent the physical remains of 288 individuals of Native American ancestry. • The 1,079 objects are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony. • There is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the human remains and associated funerary objects and the Comanche Nation, Oklahoma; Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Mescalero Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation, New Mexico; Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico, & Utah; Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico; Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; Pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico; Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico; Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico; Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico; Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico; E:\FR\FM\24FEN1.SGM 24FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 37 (Friday, February 24, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11929-11931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03863]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R6-NWRS-2022-N025; FF06R0ZS00-FXRS12610600000-223]


Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bear 
River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UT, and Bear River 
Watershed Conservation Area in UT, ID, and WY

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather 
information necessary to prepare a

[[Page 11930]]

comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for Bear River Migratory Bird 
Refuge and Bear River Watershed Conservation Area, pursuant to the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and its implementing 
regulations. The Service provides this notice in compliance with the 
Service's CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Native 
American Tribes, and the public of intentions, and to obtain 
suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the 
planning process.

DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received or 
postmarked on or before March 27, 2023.
    Media, newspapers, Refuge offices, and the websites for Refuges 
contained within the Bear Lake Watershed Conservation Area (Bear River 
Migratory Bird Refuge, Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, Cokeville 
Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, 
and Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge) will be used to inform the 
public and State and local government agencies of the opportunities for 
written input throughout the CCP planning process. Open-house style 
meeting(s) will be held throughout the scoping phase of the 
comprehensive conservation plan development process.

ADDRESSES: Please submit comments and questions by one of the following 
methods:
     Email: [email protected]; or
     U.S. mail: Erin Holmes, Project Leader, Bear River 
Migratory Bird Refuge, 2155 W Forest St., Brigham City, UT 84302.
    For more information, please see Public Availability of Comments in 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Holmes, 435-723-5887 (phone). 
Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of 
hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or 
TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals 
outside the United States should use the relay services offered within 
their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in 
the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, the Service initiates the process for developing 
a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Bear River Migratory 
Bird Refuge, Brigham City, Utah, and the Bear River Watershed 
Conservation Area in the states of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. This 
notice complies with the CCP policy to: (1) advise other Federal and 
State agencies, Native American Tribes, and the public of the intention 
to conduct detailed planning on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge 
and the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area; and (2) obtain 
suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the 
environmental document and during development of the CCP.

The CCP Process

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee; Administration Act), as amended by the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service 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, 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, plans identify compatible 
wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, 
including, where appropriate, opportunities for hunting, fishing, 
wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education 
and interpretation. Each plan must be updated every 15 years in 
accordance with the Administration Act.
    Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established 
for specific purposes. These purposes are used as the foundation for 
developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for 
each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to 
determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a 
way for the Service and the public to evaluate management goals and 
objectives for the best possible conservation approach to this 
important wildlife habitat, while providing for wildlife-dependent 
recreation opportunities that are compatible with the refuge's 
establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System.
    The CCP process provides participation opportunities for Tribal, 
State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public. 
The Service encourages input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas, 
and suggestions for the future management of Bear River Migratory Bird 
Refuge and the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area.

National Environmental Policy Act Compliance

    An environmental review of this project will be conducted in 
accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA 
regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other appropriate Federal laws 
and regulations; and the policies and procedures for compliance with 
those laws and regulations.

Tribal Responsibilities

    The Service has unique responsibilities to Tribes, including under 
the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.); the 
American Indian Religious Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. 1996); Native American 
Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001); Religious 
Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.); Joint 
Secretarial Order 3403, Fulfilling the Trust Responsibility to Indian 
Tribes in the Stewardship of Federal Lands and Waters (November 15, 
2021); Secretarial Order 3206, American Indian Tribal Rights, Federal-
Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act (June 5, 
1997); Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites (61 FR 26771, May 29, 
1996); and the Service's Native American Policy. We apply the term 
``Tribal'' or ``Tribe(s)'' generally to federally recognized Tribes and 
Alaska Native Tribal entities. We will refer to Native Hawaiian 
Organizations separately when we intend to include those entities.
    The Service will separately consult with Tribes on the proposals 
set forth in this notice of intent. We will also ensure that those 
Tribes wishing to engage directly in the NEPA process will have the 
opportunity to do so. As part of this process, we will protect the 
confidential nature of any consultations and other communications we 
have with Tribes, to the extent permitted by the Freedom of Information 
Act and other laws.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

    Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge was established by Presidential 
Proclamation in 1928 and Public Law 304 of the 70th Congress as 
``suitable refuge and feeding, and breeding grounds for migratory wild 
fowl.'' Currently, the Refuge encompasses 77,102 acres and is comprised 
of deltaic wetlands that make up numerous wetland impoundments, wet 
meadows, and uplands. Located at the terminus of the Bear River, and 
part of the Great Salt

[[Page 11931]]

Lake (GSL) ecosystem, the Refuge is a priority area within the Bear 
River Watershed Conservation Area and plays a critical role in 
providing habitat for migratory birds along the Central and Pacific 
Flyways. More than 210 species of birds have been documented during 
migration on the Refuge, and 70 species are known to nest there. During 
migration, the GSL ecosystem provides habitat for an estimated 217 
million waterfowl use-days in the fall and 60 million waterfowl use-
days in spring (Intermountain West Joint Venture 2013). Refuge habitats 
alone may support up to 500,000 waterfowl and 200,000 shorebirds 
annually during migration. In addition, about 15 percent of the western 
population of tundra swan utilizes Refuge habitats during fall and may 
remain throughout the winter in mild years.

Bear River Watershed Conservation Area

    Bear River Watershed Conservation Area, which encompasses Bear 
River Migratory Bird Refuge, Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife 
Refuge, and Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, was established in 
2016. This conservation easement program has the potential to protect 
up to 920,000 acres of wetland, grassland, and agricultural land in the 
Bear River Watershed by purchasing easements on private land from 
willing landowners within the roughly 4.8-million-acre project area. As 
of September 2021, 3,283.44 acres within the Bear River Watershed 
Conservation Area have been protected by conservation easements. 
Conservation easements are a legal agreement between a willing 
landowner and the Service. The Service purchases the conservation 
easements in the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area with money 
generated by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. These 
funds are derived from oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental 
Shelf, motorboat fuel tax revenues, and sale of surplus Federal 
property.

Public Availability of Comments

    All information provided voluntarily by mail, by phone, or at 
public meetings (e.g., names, addresses, letters of comment, input 
recorded during meetings) becomes part of the official public record. 
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, the Service cannot guarantee we will be 
able to do so.

Authority

    This notice is published under the authority of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57.

Anna Munoz,
Deputy Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region.
[FR Doc. 2023-03863 Filed 2-23-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P


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