[Federal Register: June 1, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 104)]
[Notices]
[Page 30422-30423]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01jn10-104]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R3-R-2010-N042; 30136-1265-0000-S3]
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Chariton County, MO
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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and draft
environmental assessment (EA) for Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge
(NWR) for public review and comment. In this draft CCP/EA we describe
how we propose to manage the refuge for the next 15 years.
DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments
by July 5, 2010. An open house style meeting will be held during the
comment period to receive comments and provide information on the draft
plan. Special mailings, newspaper articles, internet postings, and
other media announcements will inform people of the meetings and
opportunities for written comments.
ADDRESSES: Comments or requests for more information can be sent by any
of the following methods. You may also drop off comments in person at
Swan Lake NWR.
1. Agency Web site: View or download a copy of the document and
comment at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/SwanLake/index.html.
2. E-mail: r3planning@fws.gov. Include ``Swan Lake Draft CCP/EA''
in the subject line of the message.
3. Fax: 660-856-3687.
4. Mail: Attention: Refuge Manager, Swan Lake National Wildlife
Refuge, 16194 Swan Lake Avenue, Sumner, Missouri 64681.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Whitson, 660-856-3323.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Swan Lake NWR,
which we began by publishing a notice of intent on (71 FR 20722-20723,
April 21, 2006). For more about the initial process and the history of
this refuge, see that notice.
Swan Lake NWR was established in 1937 by Executive Order 7563 to
serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other
wildlife. The Refuge includes 10,670 acres and is also responsible for
managing 57 easements and outlying fee title tracts scattered across 15
counties in Missouri.
Background
The CCP Process
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), requires us to develop a comprehensive
conservation plan 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
on conserving wildlife and their habitats, plans identify wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife
photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
CCP Alternatives and Our Preferred Alternative
Priority Issues
During the public scoping process, we, other stakeholders and
partners, and the public identified several priority issues, which
include habitat management, sedimentation, flooding, and demand for
additional recreation opportunities and visitor services. To address
these issues, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives
during the planning process.
Alternative 1: Current Management Direction and Activities (No Action)
The current management direction of Swan Lake NWR would be
maintained under this alternative. For NEPA purposes, this is referred
to as the ``No Action'' alternative, a misnomer as some changes will
occur over the next 15 years. Management includes conservation,
restoration, and preservation but occurs opportunistically as budgets
allow. Farming and water management would continue in those areas where
it currently exists. Some programs, especially environmental education
and outreach, would see improvements only if budgets increase in the
future.
[[Page 30423]]
Alternative 2
Under Alternative 2, we will focus on restoring Refuge streams as
free flowing streams with fluctuating water levels and increasing the
amount of native habitats. Many of the constructed management areas
(moist soil units, open waters, and agricultural areas) are restored to
more natural or historic landscape conditions. Duck and small game
hunting are introduced as well as increased seasonal access for
wildlife observation.
Alternative 3: (Preferred Alternative)
Under Alternative 3, we will mimic components of historic
hydrologic function within Refuge streams by allowing seasonal and
annual variations in water levels. Manage up to 1,300 acres of emergent
wetland habitat using moist soil techniques. Increase the amount of wet
meadow and native prairie and reduce the amount of cropland. We will
increase opportunities for hunting and wildlife observation as in
Alternative 2, but also increase emphasis on interpretation and
education and develop additional volunteer opportunities.
Public Meeting
We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public
meeting. You can obtain the schedule from the address or Web site
listed in this notice (see addresses). You may also submit comments
anytime during the comment period.
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.
Dated: April 6, 2010.
Christopher P. Jensen,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. 2010-13009 Filed 5-28-10; 8:45 am]
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