[Federal Register: April 15, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 73)]
[Notices]
[Page 20329]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15ap08-123]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R3-R-2008-N0047; 30136-1265-0000-S3]
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement for the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin
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 Final
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) is available for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge.
The Final CCP/EIS 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: A Record of Decision will be signed by the Regional Director,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3, Fort Snelling, Minnesota, no
sooner than 30 days after publication of this notice by the
Environmental Protection Agency, in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final CCP/EIS may be viewed at the Trempealeau
National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and public libraries near the
refuge. You may access and download a copy via the Planning Web site at
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/trempealeau, or you may obtain a
copy on compact disk by contacting: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Division of Conservation Planning, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal
Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111 (1-800-247-
1247, extension 5429) or Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488
Refuge Road, Trempealeau, WI 54661-7246 (608-539-2311). A limited
number of hardcopies for distribution will be available at the Refuge
Headquarters.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vickie Hirschboeck, (608) 539-2311
extension 12.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Refuge, established by an Executive
Order in 1936 to provide a refuge and breeding ground for migratory
birds and other wildlife, encompasses 6,226 acres. The Refuge is part
of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Complex. An estimated 70,000 visitors enjoy birding, hiking, biking,
hunting, fishing, or photography at the Refuge. Over 2,000 young people
learn about their environment each year through education programs. A
dedicated force of volunteers contributes to the quality of the visitor
experience, as well as successful habitat management.
The Draft CCP/EIS was released for public review June 12, 2007, for
a 60-day comment period ending August 11, 2007. During the comment
period the Refuge hosted a public meeting and a workshop attended by a
total of 28 people. We received written comments from 18 individuals,
two special interest groups, and two governmental agencies during the
comment period.
In response to comments by the State of Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources, we made three modifications to species lists, added
three strategies, and modified one objective and accompanying strategy
in the preferred alternative. We also amended our discussion of climate
change impacts. We consider all modifications minor.
When the Record of Decision is available, we will publish a notice
of availability in the Federal Register. The Record of Decision will
document which alternative in the Final CCP/EIS will become the 15-year
CCP for 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 the Service to develop a CCP
for each National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP 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
management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In
addition to outlining broad management direction for conserving
wildlife and their habitats, the CCP identifies 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).
Dated: February 15, 2008.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E8-7911 Filed 4-14-08; 8:45 am]
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