[Federal Register: April 16, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 73)]
[Notices]
[Page 19988-19989]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16ap10-101]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R4-R-2010-N022; 40136-1265-0000-S3]
Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge, Jefferson County, AL
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 Watercress Darter National
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) 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 May 17, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the Draft CCP/EA by writing to: Mr.
Stephen A. Miller, Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box
5087, Anniston, AL 36205; telephone: 256/848-6833. The Draft CCP/EA is
available on compact disk or in hard copy. You may also access and
download the document from the Service's Internet Web site: http://
southeast.fws.gov/planning/under ``Draft Documents.'' Comments on the
Draft CCP/EA may be submitted to the above address or via electronic
mail to: stephen_a_miller@fws.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Dawson, Refuge Planner,
Jackson, MS; 601/965-4903, extension 20.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Watercress Darter
NWR. We started the process through a notice in the Federal Register on
March 12, 2007 (72 FR 11048).
Background
The CCP Process
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997, requires us to develop a CCP for each national
wildlife refuge. The purpose for 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 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 Administration Act.
CCP Alternatives, Including Our Proposed Alternative
We developed three alternatives for managing the refuge and chose
``Alternative C'' as the proposed alternative. A full description of
each alternative is in the Draft CCP/EA. We summarize each alternative
below.
Alternative A--Current Management (No Action)
The current management of Watercress Darter NWR recognizes the
importance of looking beyond the refuge boundary. We continue to seek
partnerships with adjacent landowners to protect and enhance the
habitat for the endangered watercress darter. Upland management
emphasizes the maintenance and restoration of native vegetative
communities. Environmental parameters are monitored, adding additional
parameters as issues arise. We currently monitor long-term trends for
exotic invasive species. Other institutions are sought to investigate
topics in detail. Wildlife observation is incorporated in the current
public use program. Some outreach avenues have been established at both
the State and local level. Watercress Darter NWR is currently managed
by the staff of the Mountain Longleaf NWR, which is located 90 miles to
the north.
Alternative B--Refuge Focused Management
Under this alternative, we would focus on activities within the
jurisdictional boundaries of Watercress Darter NWR. We would rely on
interest groups to collect information on outside threats. We would
emphasize protection of the endangered watercress darter, restoration
of native communities, and the health of resident wildlife species.
Environmental monitoring would demonstrate long-term trends,
environmental changes, or the results of management practices on refuge
lands. Research, management, protection, education, and public use
would be conducted to maximize benefits to Watercress Darter NWR. Land
acquisition would be emphasized on high-priority areas within the
approved acquisition boundary. The staff needed to fully implement this
alternative would include four positions to be shared with Cahaba River
NWR.
Alternative C--Integrated Landscape Management (Proposed Alternative)
Threats to the refuge are becoming more prominent as development
activities occur in the city of Bessemer, Alabama. Watercress Darter
NWR is a small system that can be greatly compromised by activities a
distance away from its boundary. Under Alternative C, we fully
recognize the impact these activities may have on the integrity of the
refuge. We would continue the activities as stated under Alternative A
and extend beyond the immediate neighbors to address issues associated
with the aquifer and spring recharge area, watershed, and biota
exchange pathways. Extensive resource sharing and networking with other
protected areas, State and local government agencies, non-governmental
organizations, specialists, researchers, and private citizens would
expand the knowledge base and develop cooperation among interest
groups. Restoration of natural systems, native communities, and healthy
environments would be emphasized, thus promoting regionally a high
quality of life. Monitoring environmental parameters and flora and
fauna would be incorporated into an integrated study to
[[Page 19989]]
gain knowledge on the health of the refuge ecosystem. Education and
outreach would be expanded, with an emphasis on cultural and historical
resources including groundwater springs. An increase in staff would
occur under this alternative in order to place greater emphasis on
landscape management. Additional staff members needed to fully
implement this alternative would include one position stationed at
Watercress Darter NWR and four positions to be shared between Cahaba
River NWR and Watercress Darter NWR.
Next Step
After the comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and
address them.
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.
Authority
This notice is published under the authority of the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57.
Dated: February 25, 2010.
Jeffrey M. Fleming,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 2010-8720 Filed 4-15-10; 8:45 am]
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