[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 51 (Friday, March 15, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16523-16526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05902]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R1-R-2012-N104; 1265-0000-10137-S3]
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and
Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Draft Comprehensive
Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; 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 and
environmental impact statement (Draft CCP/EIS) for the Deer Flat
National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge, NWR) for public review and comment.
In these documents, we describe alternatives, including our preferred
alternative, for managing the Refuge for 15 years following approval of
the final CCP.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by
May 16, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments or requests for copies or more
information by any of the following methods. You may request hard
copies or a CD-ROM of the documents.
Email: deerflat@fws.gov. Include ``Deer Flat Refuge draft CCP/EIS''
in the subject line of the message.
Fax: Attn: Jennifer Brown-Scott, Refuge Manager, 208-467-1019.
U.S. Mail: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 13751 Upper
Embankment Road, Nampa, ID 83686
In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Call 208-467-9278 to make
an appointment (necessary for viewing/pickup only) during regular
business hours at the above address. For more information on locations
for viewing or obtaining documents, see Public Availability of
Documents under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Brown-Scott, Refuge Manager,
208-467-9278.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Deer Flat NWR. We
started this process through a notice published in the Federal Register
on July 15, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 135). We now announce the
availability of the Draft CCP/EIS, prepared pursuant to the National
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as well as other legal
mandates and our policies.
Habitat management activities proposed in the Draft CCP/EIS include
improving the conditions of wetland, riparian, mudflat, and shrub-
steppe habitats, with emphasis on reducing invasive species and
reducing disturbance to wildlife and habitats from public use
activities through no-wake zones and targeted seasonal closures.
Public-use management actions proposed in the Draft CCP/EIS include
expanding and improving trails, signs, and visitor contact facilities
for wildlife observation and photography; improving shoreline access
for anglers;
[[Page 16524]]
continuing fishing and hunting coordination with the States; improving
information available to all visitors; and reducing illegal activities.
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 (Refuge System) that is consistent with
sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal
mandates, and Refuge System policies. In addition to outlining broad
management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs
identify compatible 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.
Deer Flat NWR encompasses approximately 11,000 acres, primarily in
southwest Idaho, but includes a small portion within eastern Oregon.
The Refuge was established for the following purpose: ``as a refuge and
breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife'' Executive
Order 7655, dated July 12, 1937. Additional Refuge lands were acquired,
for one or more of the following purposes: ``* * * for use as an
inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory
birds'' 16 U.S.C. 715d (Migratory Bird Conservation Act); ``suitable
for--(1) incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational
development, (2) the protection of natural resources, (3) the
conservation of endangered species or threatened species * * *'' 16
U.S.C. 460k-1; and ``* * * the Secretary * * * may accept and use * * *
real * * * property. Such acceptance may be accomplished under the
terms and conditions of restrictive covenants imposed by donors * * *''
16 U.S.C. 460k-2 (Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k--460k-4), as
amended).
The Refuge provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife,
including nesting western and Clark's grebes, bald eagles, great blue
and black-crowned night herons, Canada geese, and osprey; feeding
habitat for a variety of shorebirds including Wilson's phalarope, long-
billed curlew, long-billed dowitcher, and black-necked stilt; and
habitats used during migration for a variety of raptors and passerines.
Lake Lowell is the most prominent landscape feature, encompassing
nearly 9,000 acres. The open water, emergent beds, mudflats, and
riparian-emergent interface produced by the lake are important for many
types of wildlife. The upland and riparian habitats on the 104 islands
that comprise the Snake River Islands Unit make them important to
migrants along the river corridor.
In addition to fulfilling the purposes for which the Refuge was
established, the Draft CCP/EIS also provides scientifically-grounded
guidance for improving the Refuge's shrub-steppe, riparian, wetland,
mudflat, and open water habitats to facilitate long-term conservation
of native plants, animals, and migratory birds while providing
compatible high-quality public-use programs for hunting, fishing,
wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and
interpretation. The Draft CCP/EIS identifies actions to protect and
sustain the Refuge's nesting waterbirds, the migratory shorebird
populations, and wildlife and habitat diversity.
CCP Alternatives We Are Considering
The Service identified and evaluated four alternatives for managing
Deer Flat NWR for the next 15 years, including a No-Action Alternative
(Alternative 1). Brief descriptions of the alternatives follow.
Alternative 1 (Status Quo, No-Action Alternative)
Alternative 1 is the no-action alternative required by NEPA.
Wildlife and habitat and public use management would continue at
current levels as described below.
Management of wildlife and habitat on the Lake Lowell Unit would
continue to involve basic population monitoring activities, invasive
species control, and limited restoration. Invasive plant control would
be conducted by one staff member and volunteers using mechanical,
chemical, and biological controls.
A no-wake zone would continue to the southeast of Parking Lot 1 and
the entire lake would close for winter migration from October 1 to
April 14 each year. No other on-water protection would be provided for
wildlife. The emergent vegetation along the shoreline of Lake Lowell,
which provides erosion control, nesting habitat for grebes and other
birds, foraging habitat for waterfowl and wading birds, as well as
forage, nesting and brood rearing habitat for numerous fisheries, would
remain unprotected.
Compatible existing public uses would continue and include the six
priority wildlife-dependent recreational uses of the NWRS--hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education
and interpretation as well as nonwildlife-dependent activities such as
horseback riding, biking, jogging, motorized boating, use of personal
watercraft, water skiing, picnicking, and swimming. Under Alternative
1, there are few actions that would alter when, where, or how public
uses are allowed to occur within the Refuge. Nearly the entire Refuge
would continue to be available for on-trail public recreation,
including wildlife observation, photography, jogging, bicycling, on-
leash dog walking, and horseback riding. No additional trail or lake
access would be provided. Upland and waterfowl hunting would continue
to be allowed between Parking Lots 1 and 8, and from the east boundary
of Gotts Point to the east boundary of the Leavitt Tract. A youth
waterfowl hunt would continue to be hosted in current waterfowl hunt
zones. Gotts Point would remain closed to vehicular traffic and limited
bank fishing opportunities would exist around the lake. Lake users
would continue to participate in numerous surface water recreational
activities. The lake would open to boating on April 15 and close on
September 30. The current no-wake zone, from Parking Lot 1 east, would
remain in place.
Environmental education would continue to be conducted for on- and
off-site programs. Public contact with Deer Flat NWR staff would remain
limited and intermittent due to the small number of Refuge employees.
Opportunities for visitors to obtain additional information while
visiting the Refuge would remain largely dependent on kiosks,
brochures, and the availability of volunteers.
Management of wildlife and habitats on the Snake River Islands Unit
would continue to involve basic population monitoring activities.
Because of the logistical difficulties and small staff, limited
invasive species control and/or restoration efforts would be conducted
on the Snake River islands.
Existing public uses on the islands would continue and include
wildlife observation and deer, upland, and waterfowl hunting. The Snake
River Islands are open from June 1 to January 31 for off-trail, free-
roam activities, including shoreline fishing.
[[Page 16525]]
Alternative 2 (Service Preferred)
Alternative 2 would emphasize connecting urban families to nature
by providing access to new facilities and programs for a wide range of
compatible wildlife-dependent and nonwildlife-dependent recreational
activities. Activities would be managed differently than in the status
quo alternative to protect wildlife, reduce conflicts between users,
and increase safety. Under the Preferred Alternative, fishing access
would be promoted and wildlife interpretation would be emphasized and
integrated into all visitor activities to increase awareness and
understanding of Refuge resources. Under Alternative 2, the Service
would protect and enhance habitat throughout the Refuge. We would
protect Lake Lowell's shoreline feeding and nesting sites through no-
wake zones and seasonal closures. Emphasis would be placed on
developing interpretive programs that increase visitors' awareness of
the Refuge's purposes and goals, and encourage conservation-oriented
activities. Gotts Point would be opened to vehicular traffic upon
completion of a cooperative agreement with Canyon County, for increased
law enforcement presence. The Preferred Alternative provides
protections and enhancements for wildlife not found in the status quo
alternative, while still allowing almost all upland and on-water
recreational opportunities currently occurring at the Refuge.
In order to provide needed protections for lake-dependent wildlife,
management of Lake Lowell under Alternative 2 would include a 200-yard
no-wake zone along the south side of the lake between Parking Lots 1
and 8, continuation of the wintering closure from October 1 to April 14
each year, no-wake zones in the Narrows, and an expansion of the no-
wake zone in the southeast end to include Gotts Point. Motorized boats
would be allowed in the no-wake zones; however, boaters would be
allowed to travel at speeds that do not create a wake (generally 5 mph
or slower). The Preferred Alternative would also create seasonally
closed areas to protect migratory bird species' habitats, such as heron
rookeries, eagle nests, and grebe nesting colonies. An increase in
habitat enhancement through more intensive and targeted invasive
species removal and vegetation manipulation is proposed. Increases in
wildlife and habitat research and assessments would be focused on
providing a strong scientific base for future management decisions.
Alternative 2 would provide access for a wide range of compatible
outdoor recreational activities while putting in place measures (e.g.,
no-wake zones and seasonal closures) to protect wildlife. Fishing and
interpretation would be emphasized to serve a growing urban and diverse
population. Public use opportunities would connect people with nature
to increase awareness of wildlife conservation.
Under the Preferred Alternative, Refuge staff would emphasize
management of the Snake River Islands by increasing wildlife inventory
and monitoring efforts and increasing invasive species control
(following the Integrated Pest Management Plan) and restoration
efforts. Islands management would be prioritized using several factors
and managed accordingly. Island closure dates would be adjusted to
better protect nesting geese, wading birds, and gulls and terns. An
array of management techniques may be used, including prescribed fire
and aerial application of herbicide and/or seed.
Compatible existing public uses would continue on the Snake River
Islands Unit, including wildlife observation, deer hunting, and hunting
for upland species and waterfowl on over 1,200 acres. Most of the Snake
River Islands Unit would be open for off-trail, free-roam activities,
including shoreline fishing, from June 15 to January 31. Heron and
gull-nesting islands (4-6 islands) would be open for off-trail, free-
roam activities from July 1 to January 31.
Alternative 3
Alternative 3 would provide additional protection for wildlife not
found in the status quo alternative or Alternative 2 while allowing
most surface-water recreational activities currently occurring and some
of the current upland uses.
To provide additional protections for lake-dependent wildlife,
emergent plant beds in Murphy's Neck and from Parking Lot 3 to 8 would
be closed to human activity all year. The entire lake would be closed
seasonally to protect wintering and migrating birds. All active and
historic grebe nesting colony areas would be closed to public use by
establishing a 500-yard closure during boating season. There would be a
100-yard seasonal closure to protect shorebird habitat along the
shoreline from Murphy's Neck to the Narrows. A 200-yard closed area and
a 200-yard no-wake zone would protect emergent beds and wildlife on the
south side of the west pool. An increase in habitat enhancement through
invasive species removal and vegetation manipulation is proposed.
Increases in wildlife and habitat research and assessments would be
focused on providing a strong scientific base for future management
decisions.
Under Alternative 3, the lake would be open to use from April 15 to
September 20 with only no-wake activities allowed in the east pool and
wake-causing activities allowed from noon to one hour before sunset in
the west pool. To improve the quality of both upland and waterfowl
hunting, upland game bird hunting would be allowed only on the east end
of the Refuge from the west boundary of the Leavitt Tract to the
entrance at Greenhurst Road. A controlled waterfowl hunt (e.g., permit
system or sign in/out) would be allowed only on the south side of the
lake between Parking Lots 3 and 8 with a 25-shotgun-shell limit. Other
wildlife-dependent activities would be allowed concurrent with the
upland hunt and on the proposed boardwalk between Parking Lots 3 and 8.
However, all trails in the waterfowl hunt area would be closed to the
non-hunting public from Parking Lots 3 through 8. The boating season
would end on September 20 in order to increase the quality of the youth
hunt and reduce the possibility of unsafe hunter/boater interactions.
The Refuge would not be open to some activities including horseback
riding and dog walking. Bicycling would be allowed on the trail
adjacent to the entrance road.
Refuge staff would emphasize management of the Snake River Islands
by increasing wildlife inventory and monitoring efforts and increasing
invasive species control (following the Integrated Pest Management
Plan) and restoration efforts. Islands management would be prioritized
using several factors and managed accordingly. Island closure dates
would be adjusted to better protect nesting geese, wading birds, and
gulls and terns. An array of management techniques may be used
including prescribed fire and aerial application of herbicide and/or
seed.
Existing public uses would continue on the Snake River Islands and
include wildlife observation and deer, upland, and waterfowl hunting on
1,219 acres. Most of the Snake River Islands Unit would be open for
off-trail, free-roam activities, including shoreline fishing, from June
15 to January 31. Heron and gull-nesting islands (4-6 islands) would be
open for off-trail, free-roam activities from July 1 to January 31.
Overall, Alternative 3 attempts to increase the quality of
compatible wildlife-dependent recreation by eliminating horseback
riding and dog walking and segregating high-speed
[[Page 16526]]
boating from wildlife-dependent users. However, a drawback of the no-
wake zone changes would be to increase the amount of time it would take
wildlife-dependent users to reach high-quality wildlife areas.
Alternative 4
Alternative 4 is the most protective alternative providing wildlife
restrictions not found in Alternatives 1-3. To reduce disturbance to
feeding and resting wildlife, only boating at no-wake speeds would be
allowed on Lake Lowell. All emergent beds and the southeast end of the
lake would be closed to public use to protect nesting and feeding
waterbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds. The entire lake would continue
to be closed for wintering and migrating birds from October 1 to April
14 each year. An increase in habitat enhancement through invasive
species removal and vegetation manipulation is proposed. Increases in
wildlife and habitat research and assessments would be focused on
providing a strong scientific base for future management decisions.
Under Alternative 4, there are numerous actions which would alter
when, where, and how public uses would be allowed on the Lake Lowell
Unit. Boating would be allowed at no-wake speeds on all areas of the
lake open to the public from April 15 to September 30. Several portions
of the Refuge would be closed to all public activity. The Refuge would
not be open to nonwildlife-dependent activities including horseback
riding, dog walking, or bicycling.
Alternative 4 includes several elements to protect wildlife and
enhance the Refuge recreational experience. To minimize conflicts with
and improve the quality of the waterfowl hunt program, upland game
hunting would no longer be allowed at the Lake Lowell Unit. Waterfowl
hunting would be allowed on the south side of the Lake Lowell Unit from
Parking Lots 1-8 with a 25-shotgun-shell limit.
Refuge staff would emphasize management of the Snake River Islands
by increasing wildlife inventory and monitoring efforts and increasing
invasive species control (following the Integrated Pest Management
Plan) and restoration efforts. Island management would be prioritized
using several factors and managed accordingly. Island closure dates
would be adjusted to better protect nesting geese, wading birds, and
gulls and terns. An array of management techniques may be used
including prescribed fire and aerial application of herbicide and/or
seed.
Existing public uses would continue on the Snake River Islands and
include wildlife observation and deer, upland and waterfowl hunting on
1,219 acres. Most of the Snake River Islands Unit would be open for
off-trail, free-roam activities, including shoreline fishing, from June
15 to January 31. Heron and gull-nesting islands (4-6 islands) would be
open for off-trail, free-roam activities from July 1 to January 31.
Public Availability of Documents
In addition to methods in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain
documents at the following locations.
Our Web site: http://www.fws.gov/deerflat/refugeplanning.html.
Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell, ID 83605
Homedale Public Library, 125 W Owyhee Ave, Homedale, ID 83628
Lizard Butte District Library, 111 3rd Ave W, Marsing, ID 83639
Nampa Public Library, 101 11th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651
Payette Public Library, 24 S 10th St., Payette, ID 83661
Ada County District Library, 10664 W Victory Rd, Boise, ID 83709
Submitting Comments
Public comments are requested, considered, and incorporated
throughout the planning process; please see DATES for due dates.
Comments on the Draft CCP/EIS will be analyzed by the Service and
addressed in final planning documents.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone number, email 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: February 7, 2013.
Richard R. Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2013-05902 Filed 3-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P