[Federal Register: March 9, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 45)]
[Notices]
[Page 11685-11686]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09mr05-103]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental
Assessment for the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Marshall County,
MN

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Draft
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA)
is available for Agassiz NWR, Minnesota.
    The CCP was 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. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the
agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.

DATES: Written comments on the Draft CCP/EA will be accepted up to 30
days after publication of this notice in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Draft CCP are available on compact disk or
hard copy. You may access and download a copy via the planning Web site
(http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/agassiz/index.html) or you may obtain

a copy by writing to the following address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Division of Conservation Planning, Bishop Henry Whipple
Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Anderson at (218) 449-4115.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Agassiz National Wildlife, established
in 1937, is located in the northwest corner of Minnesota at the
juncture of the northern boreal forest, the eastern deciduous forest,
and the tallgrass prairie. The Refuge's 61,500 acres are a key breeding
ground for 17 species of ducks, as well as an important migration rest
stop for waterfowl, but it is also noted for gray wolves, moose, and
nesting Bald Eagles.
    The EA evaluates three different approaches, or alternatives, to
future management of the Agassiz NWR. The plan also identifies
wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public
including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation. The preferred alternative
calls for (1) larger areas of prairie grasslands and sedge meadow
habitats, (2) increased winter wildlife observation opportunities, and
(3) expanded deer hunting opportunities, late-season ruffed grouse
hunting, and an early fall youth waterfowl hunt on a portion of the
refuge.
    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. 668dd-668ee et seq.) requires a CCP. The purpose in
developing CCPs 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 science, conservation, legal mandates, and Service
policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction for
conserving wildlife and their habitats, the CCPs identify wildlife-
dependent 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. 4321-
4370d).


[[Page 11686]]


    Dated: November 8, 2004.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, Region 3, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Fort Snelling, MN.
[FR Doc. 05-4557 Filed 3-8-05; 8:45 am]

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