[Federal Register: June 6, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 110)]
[Notices]
[Page 32349-32352]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06jn08-102]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R4-R-2008-N0015; 40136-1265-0000-S3]
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, Barbour and Russell Counties,
AL, and Stewart and Quitman Counties, GA
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability: draft comprehensive conservation plan
and environmental assessment; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and
environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Eufaula National Wildlife
Refuge for public review and comment. In this Draft CCP/EA, we describe
the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge for the 15
years following approval of the Final CCP.
DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments
by July 21, 2008. We will hold a public meeting. We will announce the
upcoming meeting in the local news media.
ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the Draft CCP/EA should be addressed
to Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, 367 Highway 165, Eufaula, AL
36027-8187; Telephone 334/687-4065. The Draft CCP/EA may also be
accessed and downloaded from the Service's Internet Web site http://
southeast.fws.gov/planning. Comments on the Draft CCP/EA may be
submitted to the above address or via electronic mail to mike--
dawson@fws.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Dawson, Refuge Planner, Jackson,
MS; 601/965-4903, extension 20.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Eufaula National
Wildlife Refuge. We started the process through a notice in the Federal
Register on January 26, 2006 (71 FR 4373).
Background
The CCP Process
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), which amended the National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966, requires us to develop a CCP for each
national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide
refuge managers with a 15-year plan 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 our policies. In addition to
outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their
habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities
available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing,
wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education
and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15
years in accordance with the Improvement Act and NEPA.
CCP Alternatives, Including Our Proposed Alternative
We developed four alternatives for managing the refuge and chose
Alternative D as the proposed alternative. Each alternative would
pursue the same four broad refuge goals. These goals are: (1) Wildlife;
(2) habitat; (3) public use; and (4) refuge administration.
Alternatives
A full description of each alternative is in the Draft CCP/EA. We
summarize each alternative below.
Alternative A--Current Management (No Action)
In general, Alternative A would maintain current management
direction, that is, the refuge's habitats and wildlife populations
would continue to be managed as they have in recent years. Public use
patterns would remain relatively unchanged from those that exist at
present.
We would conserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife populations
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered
species.
We would provide a complex of habitats, both moist-soil and grain
crops, to meet the foraging needs of 15,000 wintering ducks. This would
assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in meeting its
goals. We would also provide adequate open space (upland crop fields)
for winter utilization and feeding of at least 350 geese and cranes. In
addition, staff and/or volunteers would maintain 100 wood duck boxes on
the refuge.
We would continue forest management at current levels and
intensity. We would maintain 175 acres of grassland habitat for the
benefit of grassland birds. In addition, we would use various tools to
maintain tall emergent vegetation sufficient to support a population of
10 king rails and to benefit other species of marsh birds.
For the benefit of wading birds, known rookeries would be protected
but there would be no active management of foraging habitat for herons
and egrets. Likewise, no active management for shorebirds would take
place. However, we would provide protective conservation measures for
Federal or State listed species and habitats for future ecological
existence.
We would employ sound scientific principles to manage healthy
populations of resident wildlife species. We would control domestic,
feral, or
[[Page 32350]]
pest animals, especially feral hogs, removing an average of 65 hogs
annually.
We would provide suitable habitats for native wildlife populations
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered
species.
We would utilize farming on 500 acres to provide food, cover, and
sanctuary areas for wildlife and other species, as well as manage
approximately 2,600 acres that are forestland to provide benefits for
forest-dependent wildlife.
We would use fire as a management tool on approximately 300 acres
annually in suitable habitats for species and habitat conservation. We
would also continue management of moist-soil wetlands (approximately
1,175 acres), with emphasis on providing for waterfowl and other
aquatic birds' foraging and life-history requirements.
We would continue to control invasive plant species at current
levels of approximately 25 miles of shoreline and 750 acres annually
(aquatic plants), and preventive and maintenance control of upland
invasive species (500 acres annually in croplands).
We would provide the public with quality wildlife-dependent
recreation and environmental education and interpretation that lead to
greater understanding and enjoyment of fish, wildlife, and their
habitats.
The refuge hunting program would continue to be carried out in
accordance with Service policy and State and Federal laws, including
seasons for deer, waterfowl, squirrels, rabbits, and mourning doves.
Incidental management and enforcement of fishing regulations would
occur. We would maintain existing wildlife observation facilities for
visitors, including two observation platforms, the wildlife drive, and
the interpretive trail. We would also continue to provide an
environmental education program on- and off-refuge, without a public
use specialist, and limited interpretation at the headquarters and on
the interpretive trail.
We would continue to plan but would not build a visitor center.
Visitor contact would take place at the new refuge office/headquarters.
The refuge staff presently consists of six positions: refuge manager,
assistant refuge manager, wildlife biologist, office assistant,
maintenance worker, and engineering equipment operator. There would
continue to be limited management of cultural resources based on known
locations of identified cultural, historical, and archaeological
resources. We would follow standard procedures to protect cultural
resources whenever projects involving excavation were undertaken.
Alternative B--Enhanced Wildlife and Habitat Management
We would intensify and expand wildlife and habitat management on
the refuge, thereby increasing benefits for wildlife species and
fulfilling the refuge purposes and goals. Public use opportunities
would remain approximately the same as they are now.
We would conserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife populations
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered
species.
We would provide a complex of habitats, both moist-soil and grain
crops, to meet the foraging needs of 25,000 wintering ducks. This would
assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in meeting its
goals. We would also provide adequate open space (upland crop fields)
for winter utilization and feeding of at least 500 geese and cranes. In
addition, staff and/or volunteers would maintain 200 wood duck boxes.
We would provide forest habitat conditions conducive to supporting
both priority pine and hardwood associated bird species by 2010. By
2008, we would provide high-quality grassland habitat to support
grassland bird species on as many acres as possible, while achieving
priority waterfowl objectives. In addition, by 2010, this alternative
would promote tall emergent vegetation sufficient to support a
population of 10-40 king rails and to benefit other species of marsh
birds.
For the benefit of wading birds, by 2010, we would provide for both
secure nesting sites and ample foraging habitat. Also by 2010, we would
furnish at least two areas of up to 20 acres each for shorebirds,
during both northbound and southbound movements. We would provide
protective conservation measures for Federal or State listed species
and habitats for future ecological existence.
We would expand our capability and effort to implement sound
scientific principles to better manage healthy populations of resident
wildlife species. We would control domestic, feral, or pest animals,
especially feral hogs, removing an average of 100-plus hogs annually,
or as needed.
We would provide suitable habitats for native wildlife populations
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered
species. We would work toward achieving several objectives to fulfill
this habitat goal.
We would gradually reduce cooperative farmer cropland acreage to
300 acres (from 500 acres at present) over the 15-year life of the CCP.
Additionally, we would cultivate crops on 100 acres to provide food,
cover, and sanctuary areas for wildlife and other species.
We would employ silvicultural treatments to improve 2,800 acres of
forestland to provide benefits to forest-dependent wildlife. We would
also use fire as a management tool on approximately 800-1,000 acres
annually in suitable habitats for species and habitat conservation.
Management of moist-soil wetlands (approximately 1,200 acres) would be
intensified, with emphasis on waterfowl and other aquatic birds'
foraging and life-history requirements.
We would aggressively control aquatic invasive plant species on
approximately 25 miles of shoreline, or as needed, and 1,250 acres
annually. We would also conduct preventive and maintenance control of
upland invasive plant species.
We would provide the public with quality wildlife-dependent
recreation and environmental education and interpretation that lead to
greater understanding and enjoyment of fish, wildlife, and their
habitats. Because Alternative B emphasizes expanded habitat and
wildlife management, as to public use matters Alternative B is very
similar to Alternative A.
We would continue to carry out the hunting program in accordance
with Service policy and State and Federal laws, including seasons for
deer, waterfowl, squirrels, rabbits, and mourning doves. By 2010, we
would document the impact of sport fishing and fishing tournaments on
sensitive wildlife and habitat resources to serve as a basis for
discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers and Alabama and Georgia
authorities on the possibility of establishing no-wake zones in
sensitive areas. We would maintain existing wildlife observation
facilities for visitors, including two observation platforms, the
wildlife drive, and the interpretive trail. We would also continue to
provide the existing environmental education program on- and off-
refuge, without a public use specialist, and limited interpretation at
the headquarters and on the interpretive trail.
We would provide for sufficient staffing, facilities, and
infrastructure to
[[Page 32351]]
fulfill the refuge's purpose and the goals and objectives of the CCP.
Under Alternative B, we would enlarge the current staff by adding three
full-time positions: biological science technician, maintenance worker,
and law enforcement officer.
Within 15 years of CCP approval, we would develop and begin to
implement a cultural resources management plan. In the meantime, there
would continue to be limited management of cultural resources based on
known locations of identified cultural, historical, and archaeological
resources. We would follow standard procedures to protect cultural
resources whenever projects involving excavation were undertaken.
We would increase cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers and
the States of Alabama and Georgia on invasives' management, and with
the States on overall refuge management, including restoration of
longleaf pine forests. We would work to establish a Friends group
(support group) by 2022.
We would continue to plan but would not build a visitor center.
Visitor contact would take place at the new refuge office/headquarters.
Alternative C--Enhanced Wildlife-Dependent Public Use
Alternative C would emphasize enhanced wildlife-dependent public
use on the refuge. Additional efforts and expenditures would be made to
expand the public use program, visitor facilities, and the overall
level of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the
public. Special emphasis would be placed on promoting the six priority
public uses of the Refuge System (e.g., hunting, fishing, wildlife
observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and
interpretation) as identified in the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act.
We would conserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife populations
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered
species.
We would provide a complex of habitats, both moist-soil and grain
crops, to meet the foraging needs of 25,000 wintering ducks. This would
assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in meeting its
goal. We would also provide adequate open space (upland crop fields)
for winter utilization and feeding of at least 500 geese and cranes. In
addition, staff and/or volunteers would maintain 200 wood duck boxes.
By 2010, we would provide forest habitat conditions conducive to
supporting both priority pine and hardwood associated bird species. By
2008, we would provide high-quality grassland habitat to support
grassland bird species on as many acres as possible, while achieving
priority waterfowl objectives. In addition, by 2010, we would promote
tall emergent vegetation sufficient to support a population of 10-40
king rails and to benefit other species of marsh birds.
For the benefit of wading birds, by 2010, we would provide for both
secure nesting sites and ample foraging habitat. Also by 2010, we would
furnish at least two areas of up to 20 acres each for shorebirds,
during both northbound and southbound movements. We would provide
protective conservation measures for Federal or State listed species
and habitats for future ecological existence.
We would expand our capability and effort to implement sound
scientific principles to better manage healthy populations of resident
wildlife species. Domestic, feral, or pest animals, especially feral
hogs, would be controlled, removing an average of 100-plus hogs
annually, or as needed, by considering implementation of a feral hog
hunting season.
We would provide suitable habitats for native wildlife populations
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered
species.
We would gradually reduce cooperative farmer cropland acreage to
300 acres (from 500 acres at present) over the 15-year life of the CCP.
Additionally, we would cultivate crops on 100 acres to provide food,
cover, and sanctuary areas for wildlife and other species.
We would manage approximately 2,600 acres of forestland to provide
benefits to forest-dependent wildlife. Fire would be used as a
management tool on approximately 300 acres annually in suitable
habitats for species and habitat conservation. Management of moist-soil
wetlands (approximately 1,200 acres) would be intensified, with
emphasis on waterfowl and other aquatic birds foraging and life-history
requirements.
We would aggressively control aquatic invasive plant species on
approximately 25 miles of shoreline, or as needed, and 1,250 acres
annually. We would also conduct preventive and maintenance control of
upland invasive plant species.
We would provide the public with quality wildlife-dependent
recreation and environmental education and interpretation that lead to
greater understanding and enjoyment of fish and wildlife and their
habitats. We would continue to work toward expanding overall public use
opportunities.
By 2012, in addition to maintaining all existing hunts and seasons,
we would consider adding a youth wild turkey quota hunt and an
alligator hunt on open water areas of the refuge. By 2010, boat launch
facilities and bank fishing opportunities would be expanded. All
existing wildlife observation and photography facilities would be
maintained, and within 10 years of CCP approval, we would: (1)
Designate a one-way loop in the Houston Bottoms, and add additional
pull-offs to the existing wildlife drive; (2) improve existing
interpretive trail and add foot trails between Lakepoint State Park and
the refuge; and (3) add one photo blind in the Houston impoundment or
goose pen impoundment.
We would provide for sufficient staffing, facilities, and
infrastructure to fulfill the refuge's purpose and the goals and
objectives of the CCP. We would enlarge the current staff by adding
four full-time positions: biological science technician, maintenance
worker, park ranger (non-law enforcement), and law enforcement officer.
There would continue to be limited management of cultural resources
based on known locations of identified historical and archaeological
resources. We would follow standard procedures to protect cultural
resources whenever projects involving excavation were undertaken. We
would cooperate with the Army Corps of Engineers and the States of
Alabama and Georgia on management of invasive species, and with both
States on overall refuge management.
By 2022, or within 15 years of CCP approval, we would construct and
begin to operate a visitor center east of U.S. Highway 431, adjacent to
the Kennedy Unit. This center would serve as a focal point of public
use opportunities.
Alternative D--Balanced Wildlife/Habitat Management and Public Use
Activities (Proposed Alternative)
The proposed action would expand both wildlife and habitat
management efforts, as well as public use opportunities, in a balanced
fashion.
We would conserve, protect, and enhance native wildlife populations
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered
species.
We would provide a complex of habitats, both moist-soil and grain
[[Page 32352]]
crops, to meet the foraging needs of 25,000 wintering ducks. This would
assist the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in meeting its
goal. We would also provide adequate open space (upland crop fields)
for winter utilization and feeding of at least 500 geese and cranes. In
addition, staff and/or volunteers would maintain 200 wood duck boxes on
the refuge.
By 2010, we would provide forest habitat conditions conducive to
supporting both priority pine and hardwood associated bird species. By
2008, we would provide high-quality grassland habitat to support
grassland bird species on 220 to 300 acres, while achieving priority
waterfowl objectives. This would include planting native warm season
grass species on old farm fields. In addition, by 2010, this would
promote tall emergent vegetation sufficient to support a population of
10-20 king rails and to benefit other species of marsh birds.
For the benefit of wading birds, by 2010, we would provide for both
secure nesting sites and ample foraging habitat. Also by 2010, we would
furnish at least two areas of up to 20 acres each for shorebirds,
during both northbound and southbound movements. In addition, we would
provide protective conservation measures for Federal or State listed
species and habitats for future ecological existence.
We would expand the capability and effort to implement sound
scientific principles to better manage healthy populations of resident
wildlife species. We would also control domestic, feral, or pest
animals, especially feral hogs, removing an average of 100-plus hogs
annually, or as needed.
We would provide suitable habitats for native wildlife populations
representative of the middle Chattahoochee River Valley, including
waterfowl, other migratory birds, and threatened and endangered
species.
We would gradually reduce cooperative farmer cropland acreage to
300 acres (from 500 acres at present) over the 15-year life of the CCP.
Additionally, we would cultivate crops on 100 to 300 acres to provide
food, cover, and sanctuary areas for wildlife and other species. This
would provide adequate habitat for wintering waterfowl and provide
quality dove hunting opportunities.
We would employ silvicultural treatments to improve 2,800 acres of
forestland to benefit forest-dependent wildlife. We would also use fire
as a management tool on approximately 800-1,000 acres annually in
suitable habitats for species and habitat conservation. Management of
moist-soil wetlands (approximately 1,200 acres) would be intensified,
with emphasis on waterfowl and other aquatic birds' foraging and life-
history requirements.
We would aggressively control aquatic invasive plant species on
approximately 25 miles of shoreline, or as needed, and 1,250 acres
annually. We would also conduct preventive and maintenance control of
upland invasive plant species.
We would provide the public with quality wildlife-dependent
recreation and environmental education and interpretation that lead to
greater understanding and enjoyment of fish and wildlife and their
habitats. We would work to expand overall public use opportunities.
In addition to maintaining all existing hunts and seasons, we would
consider adding a youth wild turkey quota hunt by 2015. Boat launch
facilities and bank fishing opportunities would be expanded by 2015.
Also by 2015, we would document the impact of sport fishing and fishing
tournaments on sensitive wildlife and habitat resources to serve as a
basis for discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers and Alabama and
Georgia authorities on the possibility of establishing no-wake zones in
sensitive areas.
All existing wildlife observation and photography facilities would
be maintained and within 10 years of CCP approval we would: (1)
Designate a one-way loop in the Houston Bottoms and add additional
pull-offs to the existing wildlife drive; (2) improve existing
interpretive trail and add foot trails between Lakepoint State Park and
the refuge; (3) add one photo blind in the Houston impoundment or goose
pen impoundment; and (4) construct an observation platform adjacent to
the hour glass impoundment on the wildlife drive and assess the need
for an additional viewing platform in the area of Houston Bottoms.
In terms of environmental education and interpretation, we would
maintain existing opportunities and facilities, and by 2022, we would
establish a new visitor center.
We would provide for sufficient staffing, facilities, and
infrastructure to fulfill the refuge's purpose and the goals and
objectives of the CCP. We would enlarge the current staff by adding
five full-time positions: biological science technician, maintenance
worker, two park rangers (non-law enforcement), and law enforcement
officer.
Within 15 years of CCP approval, we would develop and begin to
implement a cultural resources management plan. In the meantime, there
would continue to be limited management of cultural resources based on
known locations of historical and archaeological resources. We would
follow standard procedures to protect cultural resources whenever
projects involving excavation were undertaken.
We would increase cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers and
the States of Alabama and Georgia on invasives' management, and with
both States on overall refuge management, including restoration of
longleaf pine forests. We would work to establish a refuge Friends
group (support group) by 2022.
By 2022, or within 15 years of CCP approval, we would construct and
begin to operate a visitor center east of U.S. Highway 431 adjacent to
the Kennedy Unit. This center would serve as a focal point of public
use opportunities on the refuge.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be
aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying
information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
Next Step
After the comment period ends for the Draft CCP/EA, we will analyze
the comments and address them in the form of a Final CCP and Finding of
No Significant Impact.
Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law
105-57.
Dated: December 31, 2007.
Jon Andrew,
Acting Regional Director.
Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the
Federal Register on June 3, 2008.
[FR Doc. E8-12713 Filed 6-5-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P