[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 246 (Friday, December 21, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75644-75646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-30852]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R1-R-2012-N169; 1265-0000-10137-S3]
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, OR; Final
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Final Environmental Impact
Statement
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of the final comprehensive conservation plan and
environmental impact statement (CCP/EIS) for the Malheur National
Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). In the final CCP/EIS, we describe
alternatives, including our preferred alternative, for managing the
Refuge for the next 15 years.
DATES: We will sign a record of decision no sooner than 30 days after
publication of this notice.
ADDRESSES: You may download a copy of the final CCP/EIS, or contact us
to request a printed or CD-ROM copy of the document, as follows.
Agency Web Site: Download the final CCP/EIS at www.fws.gov/pacific/planning.
Email: FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include ``Malheur NWR CCP/EIS''
in the subject line of your request for a printed or CD-ROM copy of the
final CCP/EIS.
Fax: Attn: Tim Bodeen, Project Leader, (541) 493-2405.
Mail: Tim Bodeen, Project Leader, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge,
36391 Sodhouse Lane, Princeton, OR 97221.
In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Schedule an appointment with Refuge
staff to view or obtain a final CCP/EIS during regular business hours
by calling (541) 493-2612.
Local Libraries: The final CCP/EIS is available for review at the
libraries listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Bodeen, (541) 493-2612.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we announce the availability of the final CCP/EIS
for the Refuge. We started this process through a notice in the Federal
Register (74 FR 31046; June 29, 2009). We released the Draft CCP/EIS to
the public, and requested comments on it in a notice of availability in
the Federal Register (77 FR 13141, March 5, 2012).
The Refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908
as the Lake Malheur Bird Reservation, to prevent plume hunters from
decimating colonial nesting bird populations. The Refuge protected
unclaimed lands encompassed by Malheur, Mud, and Harney Lakes as a
preserve and breeding ground for native birds. The Refuge was expanded
to include the Blitzen Valley in 1935, and the Double-O Unit in 1941.
The Refuge's establishing purposes include: ``A refuge and breeding
ground for migratory birds and other wild life'' and ``for use as an
inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory
birds.''
The Refuge consists of more than 187,000 acres of open water
(marsh, river, and stream), wetlands, springs, riparian areas,
irrigated meadows, grain fields, and shrub-steppe uplands. The Refuge's
abundance of water in an otherwise arid landscape attracts a
significant portion of the Pacific Flyway's migrating bird population
during the spring. The large concentration of migrating birds is
recognized in flyway and regional bird conservation plans, and BirdLife
International designated the Refuge an Important Bird Area. Populations
of breeding waterfowl and waterbirds on Malheur Lake and other Refuge
wetlands have, however, dropped substantially from historic levels.
This decline is widely attributed to high populations of nonnative
common carp living in the lake and in adjacent water bodies. The
bottom-feeding carp impacts bird populations by competing for insect
and plant food sources, and uprooting vegetation and disturbing silt in
ponds and lakebeds. The resulting silt plumes degrade aquatic habitat
and interfere with plant and insect production.
We announce the availability of the Refuge's final CCP/EIS in
accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 40 CFR
1506.6(b) requirements. We included a thorough analysis of impacts on
the human environment in the final CCP/EIS.
The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge for
the next 15 years. Alternative 2, as we described in the final CCP/EIS,
is our preferred alternative, and the foundation of the CCP.
Background
The CCP Process
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 16
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee (Refuge Administration Act), 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 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 for
conserving wildlife and
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their habitats, CCPs identify 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
the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge
Administration Act.
CCP Alternatives, Including the Preferred Alternative
We evaluated three alternatives for managing the Refuge for the
next 15 years in the final CCP/EIS. Based on our analysis, we
identified Alternative 2 as our preferred alternative; it was modified
in the final CCP/EIS to address the comments we received on the Draft
CCP/EIS. Summaries of our alternatives follow.
Alternative 1 (No Action)
Under Alternative 1, the Refuge would continue current practices.
Malheur, Harney, and Mud Lakes would remain largely unmanaged, flooding
and retreating according to annual weather fluctuations, with nonnative
carp populations continuing to degrade these habitats. Other lake and
wetland habitats in the Blitzen Valley and Double-O Units would be
managed using rotational flooding and dewatering, to enhance
productivity for waterfowl and to control carp. The Blitzen River's six
dams, fish screens, and ladders would remain in place. Existing river
conditions would remain. Native fish passage structures, maintenance of
existing carp barriers, and rehabilitation of riparian vegetation would
continue. Additional riverine enhancement would consist of small-scale
in-stream improvements, when resources are available. We would continue
to focus on information gathering for carp control.
Current habitat management in meadows, marshes, and uplands would
continue. We would continue to address the needs of various waterbirds,
shorebirds, and waterfowl by providing meadow and marsh habitat
conditions necessary for nesting, pairing, and migration. Flood
irrigation on meadow habitats with diversions from the Blitzen River
would continue March 1 through July 25. Plant litter, which becomes
detrimental to some wildlife species over time, would continue to be
reduced using prescribed burning, haying (on or after August 10), and
rakebunch grazing (on or after September 1). Approximately 40 percent
of Refuge meadows would continue to be hayed or grazed annually.
Emergent vegetation encroachment into wet meadows would continue,
because extended flood irrigation creates favorable conditions for
cattails.
Public uses, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, and environmental education and interpretation, would
continue using the current facilities. No new public use facilities
would be developed. Areas not on the main roads closed to public access
would remain closed to provide sanctuary for wildlife.
Cultural resources, specifically archaeological resources, would
continue to be considered during Refuge project planning. Historic
resources would continue to be stabilized and restored as funding
becomes available. Paleontological resources would continue to be
protected. Interpretation of archaeological and historic resources
would remain the same under Alternative 1.
Alternative 2 (Preferred Alternative)
Under Alternative 2, our preferred alternative, our principal focus
for habitat management would be to improve the aquatic health of lakes
and wetlands, primarily by controlling nonnative common carp. As
turbidity decreases and submergent vegetation and associated
invertebrate species become more abundant, the productivity of Malheur
Lake, Boca Lake, Warbler Pond, and other water bodies within the Refuge
would increase for a variety of waterbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds.
Based on site-specific science, a variety of assessment and control
tools may be used with the aid of partners to reduce carp populations.
Control strategies would include the application of piscicide, chemo-
attractants, and chemo-repellants; barrier placements; commercial
harvest; recreational angling; water manipulation; and other control
methods. The need for continued amendments to and construction of
strategically placed in-stream structures, such as traps, screens, and
fish wheels that allow native fish passage and impede carp movement,
would also be considered. We would initiate necessary assessments and
actions to develop a riverine strategy as resources become available.
If aquatic health and carp objectives are met and sustained, more staff
time would be available for river related issues.
Wetlands and terrestrial habitats would be managed for the life
history needs of focal species, with a strong emphasis on flexibility.
Tools would include, but not be limited to, late summer haying and
autumn/winter rakebunch grazing to meet the foraging needs of early
arriving wildlife species. During periods of active plant growth,
management tools would include highly prescriptive grazing, mowing,
farming, and extended dewatering, to reclaim acres overrun with
invasive common cattail and reed canarygrass plants, or to rehabilitate
plant communities.
We would upgrade or develop overlooks, elevated viewing platforms,
and photography blinds. We would maintain and replant cottonwood trees
and other trees and shrubs at six historic sites, to provide rare and
incidental passerine habitat and high-quality wildlife viewing
experiences for birders. Trails would be built or upgraded to provide
access for visitors with mobility impairments, in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Docent-led Refuge tours would
occur approximately monthly at different locations, including guided
kayak and canoe tours on Malheur Lake.
We would emphasize modern media for interpretation. The George
Benson Memorial Museum would be enhanced, and additional outdoor
interpretive panels would be placed. Special Refuge events and
presentations would be expanded. Environmental education (EE) would be
provided, and we would develop an outdoor EE shelter and learning area
at Refuge Headquarters.
Increased vehicle access would be provided at three sites year
round--Boat Landing Road near Refuge Headquarters, Krumbo Lane to
Krumbo Reservoir, and the southern portion of East Canal Road north to
the confluence of Bridge Creek. We would provide up to eight outdoor
welcome and orientation panels to guide visitors. Visitor amenities,
such as picnic tables, shelters, and vault toilets, would be upgraded
and provided in new locations. We would develop an expanded visitor
contact station and gift shop at Refuge Headquarters, and a seasonal
contact station at the P Ranch Unit, to facilitate contact between
visitors, Refuge staff, and volunteers.
The upland game hunt would open approximately three weeks earlier
than it currently opens. The northern part of Malheur Lake and the
Buena Vista Unit would remain open under existing regulations. Proposed
waterfowl hunt areas would more than double the existing hunt area, by
opening a new access point, a portion of the south-central area of
Malheur Lake, and the Buena Vista Unit to waterfowl hunting. The
hunting season in the new areas would begin on the fourth Saturday in
October, and end on the last day of the State's waterfowl season. The
existing youth hunt would be promoted, and access improvements would be
made to Saddle Butte. In partnership with
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potential users, the Refuge would also support adding ADA-compatible
facilities for waterfowl hunters with mobility impairments in the Buena
Vista Unit.
We would pursue a land exchange with BLM, transferring lands within
the Boundary Unit west of State Highway 205 and other small parcels to
BLM, in exchange for appropriate BLM lands. The land exchange would not
affect hunting opportunities.
Fishing opportunities would continue at Krumbo Reservoir, along the
upper Blitzen River, at the southern portion of East Canal, and at Mud
and Bridge Creeks, and vehicle access to fishing sites would expand. In
addition, the Refuge would develop a new pedestrian crossing at Bridge
Creek, and provide a new late-summer bank-fishing opportunity on the
Blitzen River, from Sodhouse Lane to the bridge on Boat Landing Road.
Orientation and information would be added to fishing areas. Triploid
rainbow trout stocking would continue at Krumbo Reservoir, and a
genetic study of redband trout would be conducted.
Step-down management plans for historic, archaeological, and
paleontological resources would be developed in cooperation with
partners. Interpretation of historic sites would be expanded.
Opportunities for American Indians to collect plant materials for
traditional uses would be expanded. Monitoring and inventory of
archaeological resources would increase. Step-down habitat and wildlife
species inventory and monitoring plans would be developed, emphasizing
focal species and national monitoring efforts. Plant community
responses to meadow management strategies would be monitored through a
third party scientific process. A database would be created to track
data collected for all monitoring plans. We would continue to emphasize
partnerships to maximize adaptive management.
Our volunteer program would continue, with an emphasis on
increasing recruitment, retention, and return rates. Refuge staff would
pursue sustainable practices to achieve energy independence and carbon
negative Refuge management.
Alternative 3
Under Alternative 3, most of the habitat management practices under
Alternative 2 would occur. The primary difference is that we would
place equal emphasis on aquatic health (carp control) and developing a
comprehensive riverine strategy. A detailed assessment of the
geomorphology, ecology, hydrology, and management function of the
Blitzen River would occur for the first 7 years. This site-specific
scientific information will then form the basis for any needed pilot
projects and implementation of a comprehensive management strategy.
Management under Alternative 3 for wildlife viewing, photography,
and welcome and orientation would be similar to Alternative 2, but
there would be less emphasis on developed facilities, and more emphasis
on self-guided and off-trail experiences. To promote this, a variety of
access changes would occur. The 42-mile Blitzen Valley auto tour route
(Center Patrol Road) would be closed to vehicle access August 15 to the
fourth Friday of October in the Buena Vista Unit, and August 15 to
March 1 in the P Ranch Unit, and would be redesigned into two or three
shorter, year-round, auto tour routes. Walk-in free-roam access along
the closed portions of the Center Patrol Road, and on the dike tops in
the Buena Vista and P Ranch Units, would be allowed during the periods
listed above to provide opportunities for self-guided and off-trail
experiences. This would provide 11 weeks of free-roam opportunities in
the Buena Vista Unit, and 27 weeks in the P Ranch Unit. Vehicle access
to Krumbo Reservoir would be permitted from the fourth Friday of
November to April; walk-in access would be allowed at other times of
the year. The southern portion of East Canal Road to the confluence of
Bridge Creek at the East Canal would remain open to year-round walk-in
access. Year-round vehicle access would be allowed on Boat Landing Road
near Refuge Headquarters, to the Malheur Lake elevated viewing
platform. Both spur and loop trails a mile or less in length would be
developed, as would a number of viewing overlooks and platforms.
Existing trails would be upgraded to ADA standards.
The historic Audubon photography blind at Refuge Headquarters
Display Pond would be restored under Alternative 3. In free-roam areas,
temporary photography blinds would be permitted. The Refuge would
maintain and replant trees and shrubs at four historic sites to provide
habitat for and viewing of rare and incidental passerines.
The upland game and waterfowl hunts would be managed similar to
Alternative 2, except that a Buena Vista waterfowl hunt would not be
permitted, and ADA facilities would not be developed. A youth hunt
would be explored for the Double-O Unit on the State-designated
weekend.
Fishing opportunities and management would be the same as
Alternative 2, except that vehicle access to fishing areas would be
less, which could limit the number of people fishing. Volunteer
programs, EE and interpretation, docent-led tours, the land exchange
with BLM, cultural and paleontological management, energy independence,
and inventory and monitoring would be managed the same as under
Alternative 2.
Comments
We solicited comments on the Draft CCP/EIS from March 5 to May 4,
2012 (77 FR 13139, March 5, 2012). We received comments from agencies,
organizations, and individuals. To address the comments, minor changes
and clarifications were made to the final CCP/EIS, and documented in
Appendix N.
Public Availability of Documents
In addition to the information in ADDRESSES, printed copies of the
document will be available for review at the following libraries:
Harney County Library at 80 West ``D'' Street, Burns, OR 97720; and
Bend Public Library, 601 NW., Wall Street, Bend, OR 97701.
Dated: December 13, 2012.
Hugh Morrison,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2012-30852 Filed 12-20-12; 8:45 am]
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