Department of the Interior January 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the reopening of the public comment period on the proposal to designate critical habitat for 11 species of Hawaiian picture-wing flies (Drosophila aglaia, D. differens, D. hemipeza, D. heteroneura, D. montgomeryi, D. mulli, D. musaphilia, D. obatai, D. ochrobasis, D. substenoptera, and D. tarphytrichia) and the availability of the draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for these species. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule and the associated draft economic analysis. We estimate costs related to conservation activities for the proposed designation of critical habitat for the 11 species of Hawaiian picture- wing flies under sections 4, 7, and 10 of the Act to be approximately $933,270 to $6,742,520 over 20 years, or $46,664 to $337,126 annually in undiscounted 2006 dollars. We estimate costs to range from $749,600 to $5,139,460 over 20 years, or $50,385 to $345,454 annually using a three percent discount rate. We estimate costs using a seven percent discount rate to range from $597,940 to $3,794,230 over 20 years, or $56,441 to $358,149 annually.

Notice is hereby given of the 2007 annual meeting of the ACWI. This meeting is to discuss broad policy-related topics relating to national water initiatives; and the development and dissemination of water information, through reports from eight ACWI subgroups. The agenda will include an update on the next phase of the National Water Quality Monitoring Network for U.S. Coastal Waters and their Tributaries, as well as consideration of a proposed new Subcommittee on Ground Water. The ACWI has been established under the authority of the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M92-01 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the ACWI is to provide a forum for water information users and professionals to advise the Federal Government of activities and plans that may improve the effectiveness of meeting the Nation's water information needs. Member organizations help to foster communications between the Federal and non-Federal sectors on sharing water information. Membership represents a wide range of water resources interests and functions. Representation on the ACWI includes all levels of government, academia, private industry, and professional and technical societies. Member organizations designate their representatives and alternates. Membership is limited to a maximum of 35 organizations.

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 pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 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.

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 pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and its implementing regulations. This plan and environmental assessment will cover Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge, Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, and Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, the refuges that make up the Central Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuges are in Crittendon, Jackson, Mississippi, Monroe, Prairie, White, and Woodruff Counties, Arkansas. 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.