Federal Register: December 27, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 247)
DOCID: FR Doc 04-28142
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
NOTICE: NOTICES
ACTION: Comprehensive conservation plans; availability, etc.:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of availability.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
DATES: Implementation of the CCP will not begin sooner than 30 days following the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. This CCP is prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and describes how the Service intends to manage this refuge over the next 15 years.
SUMMARY:
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, WI,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C.
[[Page 77262]]
668dd668ee et seq) requires a CCP. The purpose in developing CCPs is
to provide refuge managers with a 15year strategy for achieving refuge
purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife
Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife
science, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In
addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife
and their habitats, the 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
these CCPs at least every 15 years in accordance with the National
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 43214370d).
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and for use as an inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds. Located in central Wisconsin, the Refuge includes 43,696 acres consisting of wetlands and open water areas, pine, oak, and aspen forests, grasslands, and rare savannas.
Three alternatives were considered in the EA: (1) No action; (2)
follow the course set in the 1979 Master Plan; or (3) follow the course
established in the CCP (preferred alternative). Significant issues
addressed in the CCP include the proposal to acquire land within the
Yellow River Focus Area and management of endangered species that use
the Refuge, including the Eastern massassagua rattlesnake, the Karner
blue butterfly, and a migratory flock of Whooping Cranes. There was
strong public interest in the plan, and the Service provided many
opportunities for public comment in meetings in the community.
Following a 60day comment period on the Draft CCP (65 FR 46940, August
1, 2000), a revised Draft CCP was produced and another 60day comment
period was provided (66 FR 52776, October 17, 2001). The plan was
revised to address the issues raised by the public, including the
decision to reduce the area within the Yellow River Focus Area where
land acquisition would be one of the tools available to facilitate
restoration and conservation efforts. Assistance to local landowners
would remain the priority means of habitat restoration and conservation
throughout the Focus Area. It has been determined that the CCP is not a
major Federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the
human environment, within the meaning of Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
Dated: March 26, 2003.
Marvin E. Moriarty,
Acting Regional Director.
Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register December 20, 2004.
[FR Doc. 0428142 Filed 122304; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 431055M
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Larry Wargowski at 608-565-2551.