Fish and Wildlife Service March 19, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service intends to gather information necessary to prepare comprehensive conservation plans and environmental assessments pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations for Mandalay and Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuges in Terrebonne and Saint Mary Parishes, Louisiana. Mandalay and Bayou Teche Refuges are two of the eight refuges administered by the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex. 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 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 documents.