[Federal Register: July 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 143)]
[Notices]
[Page 40615-40616]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27jy99-86]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of intent To prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans for
Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife
Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to
prepare comprehensive conservation plans and environmental documents
(environmental assessments) for Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
in Dixie and Levy Counties, Florida, and Cedar Keys National Wildlife
Refuge in Levy County, Florida. The Service is furnishing this notice
in compliance with Service comprehensive conservation planning policy
and the National Environmental Policy Act and implementing regulations.
Public scoping meetings will be held in the near future for both of
these refuges. An announcement of the meeting will appear in the
Federal Register.
[[Page 40616]]
ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for information concerning either
refuge may be addressed to: Refuge Manager, Lower Suwannee National
Wildlife Refuge, 16450 NW 31st Place, Chiefland, Florida 32626-4874.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is the policy of the Fish and Wildlife
Service to have all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System
managed in accordance with an approved comprehensive conservation plan.
The plan guides management decisions and identifies refuge goals,
objectives, and strategies for achieving refuge purposes. Public input
into this planning process is encouraged. The plan will provide other
agencies and the public with a clear understanding of the desired
conditions of the refuge and how the Service will implement management
strategies. Some of the issues to be addressed in the plan include the
following:
(a) Public use management;
(b) Habitat management;
(c) Wildlife population management; and
(d) Cultural resource identification and protection.
Alternatives that address the issues and management strategies
associated with these topics will be included in the environmental
documents. A separate plan will be prepared for each refuge.
The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge was established on
April 10, 1979, under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Act to
protect the lower Suwannee River ecosystem. The 52,935-acre refuge,
which is predominantly wetlands, is bisected by 20 miles of Stephen
Foster's famous Suwannee River and includes 26 miles of the Gulf Coast.
The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge was established by
Executive Order 5158 on July 16, 1929, as a breeding ground for
migratory birds. The refuge supports one of the largest nesting
colonies of pelicans, herons, egrets and ibis in north Florida, and
consists of 12 islands ranging in size from 1 to 120 acres.
Dated: July 12, 1999.
Sam D. Hamilton,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 99-19053 Filed 7-26-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M