[Federal Register: December 6, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 235)]
[Notices]               
[Page 76275]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06de00-94]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

 
Notice of Intent To Issue 2 Draft Comprehensive Conservation 
Plans and Associated Environmental Assessments for 2 National Wildlife 
Refuges in the Southwest Region

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) has prepared draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans 
(CCP) and associated Environmental Assessments for the Balcones 
Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Austin, Texas; and the Buenos 
Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Sasabe, Arizona, pursuant to the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and its implementing regulations.

DATES: The Service will be open to written comments through March 5, 
2001.

ADDRESSES: Copies may be obtained by writing to: Mr. Tom Baca, Natural 
Resource Planner, Division of Refuges, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306. Comments should be submitted 
to: Mr. Tom Baca, Natural Resource Planner, Division of Refuges, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is Service policy to have all lands 
within the National Wildlife Refuge System managed in accordance with 
an approved CCP. The CCP guides management decisions and identifies 
refuge goals, long-range objectives, and strategies for achieving 
refuge purposes. The planning process has considered many elements, 
including habitat and wildlife management, habitat protection and 
acquisition, public and recreational uses, and cultural resources. 
Public input into this planning process has assisted in the development 
of the draft documents. The CCP will provide other agencies and the 
public with a clear understanding of the desired conditions for the 
Refuges and how the Service will implement management strategies.
    The Service intends to consider comments and advice generated in 
response to the draft documents prior to the preparation of a final 
CCP. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with Service 
CCP policy: (1) To advise other agencies and the public of the 
availability of the draft documents, and (2) to obtain suggestions and 
advice for consideration in preparation of final documents.
    The Service anticipates that final CCP documents and any associated 
NEPA documents will be available by July 31, 2001.

    Dated: November 29, 2000.
Thomas C. Bauer,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 00-31065 Filed 12-5-00; 8:45 am]
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