[Federal Register: June 26, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 124)]
[Notices]
[Page 36350-36352]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26jn08-84]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R6-R-2008-N0122; 60138-1265-6CCP-S3]
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Sullys Hill National
Game Preserve, Fort Totten, ND
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce that
our Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental
Assessment (EA) for Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is available.
This Draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage this
refuge for the next 15 years.
DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments
on the draft CCP/EA by July 28, 2008.
[[Page 36351]]
ADDRESSES: Please provide written comments to Laura King, Planning Team
Leader, c/o Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, 9756 143\1/2\ Ave., SE.,
Cayuga, North Dakota 58013 or via facsimile at (701) 724-3683; or
electronically to laura_king@fws.gov. A copy of the CCP/EA may be
obtained by writing to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of
Refuge Planning, 134 Union Boulevard, Suite 300, Lakewood, Colorado
80228; or by download from http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura King, (701) 724-3596 (phone);
701-724-3683 (fax); or laura_king@fws.gov (e-mail).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Sullys Hill National Game Preserve,
established in 1904, is a 1,675-acre National Wildlife Refuge sitting
on the south shores of Devils Lake, about 10 miles south of the city of
Devils Lake, North Dakota. This Refuge supports a unique community of
habitats such as an oak, ash, basswood and aspen woodland, mixed
grassed prairie, and some natural wetlands. These diverse habitats
provide ``edge'' habitat for over 250 species of migratory birds,
plains bison, Rocky Mountain elk, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and
prairie dogs.
The Refuge is one of only 19 designated natural areas in North
Dakota, of which only four are National Wildlife Refuges. It is also
one of only four Refuges nationally established for bison conservation.
Sullys Hill National Game Preserve has over 60,000 visitors
annually. The Refuge is becoming a progressive regional conservation
learning center, promoting the conservation role of the National
Wildlife Refuge System while educating visitors about the functions and
benefits of prairie wetlands and grasslands. Per its legislative
purpose, there is no hunting permitted on this Refuge.
This draft CCP/EA identifies and evaluates three alternatives for
managing the refuge for the next 15 years. Under Alternative A,
funding, staff levels, and management activities at the Refuge would
not change. Ungulates would be maintained at historic levels (25-35
bison, 20-30 elk and 30-50 white-tailed deer). Season-long grazing with
infrequent prescribed fire would continue, limiting forest regeneration
and resulting in continued decline of native prairie. Available habitat
for forest interior breeding birds would be limited. Herd health
history would continue to be collected and shared with applicable State
and Federal agencies. The environmental education and interpretation
program would continue to take requests to participate in various
teacher and/or Service staff-led on-site conservation programs. Visitor
use would be limited to the seasonal auto tour route, nature trails,
and visitor center depending primarily on volunteer availability.
Cultural resource evaluations would be done to fulfill compliance with
historic preservation laws. Only one staff person would be assigned to
this Refuge.
Under Alternative B, habitat management would begin to address
reduced forest regeneration by managing the uncontrolled browsing of
bison, elk, and white-tailed deer within the big game forests.
Ungulates would be maintained, as per the Fenced Animal Management Plan
(25-40 bison; 15-25 elk; 10-30 white-tailed deer). The refuge would
establish woodland restoration units, totalling 80 acres, using various
management tools including exclusion fences. Chemical, biological and
mechanical techniques (such as prescribed fire) would be used to
enhance habitats for the benefit of grassland and forest interior
breeding birds. Fuels treatment (including prescribed fire or other
mechanical means) would be used to reduce hazardous fuels, minimizing
the threat to life and property. Invasive species would be treated and
areas restored. Visitors would be provided seasonal opportunities to
view wildlife and learn about the Refuge. There would be an increase in
on-site educational programs for adults and children. These and other
special events would be designed to garner support and appreciation for
the Refuge, North Dakota's wetland and grassland resources, and the
conservation role of the Refuge System. The Refuges limited fishery
would be used for educational programs only. There would be an
increased law enforcement presence, particularly during peak visitor-
use days. Cultural resource surveys would be completed in high
probability areas. Two full time and one career seasonal staff would be
added to address visitor services, biological, law enforcement, and
maintenance needs.
Under Alternative C, the Proposed Action, habitat management would
address enhancing and restoring native prairie and promoting forest
regeneration. Ungulate populations would be maintained at lower levels
(<=20 bison, <=18 elk, and <=18 white-tailed deer) to control the
overgrazing and overbrowsing that has impacted Refuge habitats.
Management tools, including exclusion fences and other appropriate
methods such as chemical, biological, and mechanical techniques
(including prescribed fire) will be used to restore and enhance habitat
for the benefit of forest interior breeding and grassland nesting
birds. Selected hay land acres would be restored to native prairie.
Fuels treatment (including prescribed fire or other mechanical means)
would be used to reduce hazardous fuels, minimizing the threat to life
and property. Invasive species would be treated and areas restored. The
ungulate herd health program would take a more active disease
surveillance and treatment approach, including timely introduction of
ungulates to maintain genetic health, particularly for the Refuges
plains bison.
There would be an increase in delivery of both on-site and off-site
programming of youth environmental education programs. In cooperation
with local teachers, a formal wetland and grassland conservation
curriculum would be designed for targeted grade levels and meet local
and State standards. Emphasis would be placed on developing education
partnerships with Spirit Lake Nation schools and agencies. The Refuges
limited fishery would be used for educational programs only. Visitor,
facility, and wildlife safety would be improved through regular routine
patrols during peak and off-peak public use. A comprehensive cultural
resource survey of the Refuge would be completed in partnership with
other agencies and organizations. Four full-time staff would be
recruited to expand, develop, and conduct biological, visitor services,
law enforcement, and maintenance programs.
All public comment information provided voluntarily by mail, by
phone, or at meetings (for example, names, addresses, letters of
comment, input recorded during meetings) becomes part of the official
Public Record. If requested under the Freedom of Information Act by a
private citizen or organization, the Service may provide copies of such
information. The Environmental Review of this project will be conducted
in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA
Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other appropriate Federal laws
and regulations; Executive Order 12996; the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997; and Service policies and procedures for
compliance with those laws and regulations.
[[Page 36352]]
Dated: May 27, 2008.
James J. Slack,
Deputy Regional Director.
[FR Doc. E8-14483 Filed 6-25-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P