[Federal Register: March 12, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 48)] [Notices] [Page 12111-12112] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr12mr98-96] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Meetings AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of meetings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces meetings of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and its Western Regional Panel to be held in conjunction with the Eighth International Zebra Mussel and Aquatic Nuisance Species Conference. Topics to be addressed during the meetings are identified. DATES: The Western Regional Panel will meet from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 1998, and the Task Force will meet from 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 1998 through 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 1998. ADDRESSES: The Western Regional Panel meeting will be held at the Double Tree Hotel, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, California. The Task Force will meet at the Red Lion Sacramento Inn, 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento, California. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda R. Drees, Coordinator, Western Regional Panel at 913-539-3474, Extension 20, or Bob Peoples, Executive Secretary, Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, at 703-358-2025. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. I), this notice announces meetings of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and its Western Regional Panel. The Task Force was established by the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. Full agendas are planned for both meetings. Thursday afternoon, the Task Force will hear presentations reviewing the status of and prospects for controlling and preventing the spread of zebra mussels and a report of Task Force staff activities. In addition, there will be an update on the Administration's alien invasive species initiative, a report of the recent meeting of Task Force principals and progress on the unified budget initiative that was agreed to at that meeting, and presentation on progress developing the Task Force web site. Friday, several Task Force operational issues will be discussed, including membership, regional panel and committee policies, elaboration of the process for submittal and evaluation of aquatic nuisance species control program proposals, and proposed Task Force guidance for State and interstate ANS management plans. The Task Force's regional panels and committees will report on their activities and accomplishments. Information and updates will be provided on a number of topics, including the San Francisco Bay/Inland Delta Public Workshop, the Forum on Ecological Surveys, activities related to green crabs, several ballast water/shipping issues, and Gulf of Mexico initiatives. The Western Regional Panel will hear from members about nonindigenous species of concern and prevention and control activities, including efforts in the Pacific Northwest, the 100th Meridian Initiative to Prevent Western Spread of Zebra Mussels, and the status of and plans for State and interstate aquatic nuisance species management [[Page 12112]] plans. A presentation will be made on striking a balance between prevention and control activities. Panel operating procedures and committee work plans will be discussed and approved. Minutes of both meetings will be maintained by the Executive Secretary, Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, Suite 840, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203-1622. Minutes of the Western Regional Panel meeting will also be maintained by the Panel's Coordinator, c/o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 315 Houston Street, Suite E, Manhattan, Kansas 660502. Minutes for the meetings will be available at these locations for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, within 30 days following the meetings. Dated: March 9, 1998. Gary Edwards, Co-Chair, Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, Assistant Director-- Fisheries. [FR Doc. 98-6368 Filed 3-11-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-M