Department of the Interior July 13, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Subpart 8364, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces its intentions to temporarily close certain BLM-administered public lands to all types of motor vehicle use during the period of time the Buffalo Field Office develops, completes, and approves a management plan for recently acquired lands. These lands are hereafter referred to as ``Welch Management Area.'' This temporary closure is needed to protect public lands and resources from the effects of unauthorized use and motorized vehicle use of existing roads and two-track trails that were present when the land was transferred to the United States Government.

This notice advises the public that the fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan 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 wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The purpose of this notice is to achieve the following: 1. Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and 2. Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document.