[Federal Register: November 5, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 213)]
[Notices]
[Page 57328-57329]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05no09-77]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R6-R-2009-N211; 60138-1265-6CCP-S3]
Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Lincoln County, WY
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan,
a hunt plan, and environmental assessment; announcement of open house
public scoping meetings; and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to
prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP), a hunt plan, and
environmental assessment (EA) for Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife
Refuge. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to
advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our
intentions and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of
issues to consider in the planning process. We are also announcing
public meetings and requesting public comments.
DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written comments by
December 31, 2009. We will hold public meetings to begin the CCP and
hunt plan planning process; see Public Meetings under SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION for dates, times, and locations.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any
of the following methods.
E-mail: bernardo_garza@fws.gov. Include ``Cokeville Meadows CCP/
Hunt Plan'' in the subject line of the message.
Fax: Bernardo Garza, (303) 236-4792.
U.S. Mail: P.O. Box 25486--DFC, Denver, CO 80225-0486.
In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments during regular
business hours at 134 Union Boulevard, Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80228.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Millegan, Project Leader,
Seedskadee NWR Complex, (307) 875-2187 x 19, carl_millegan@fws.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Introduction
With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP and
a Hunt Plan for the Cokeville Meadows NWR, in Lincoln County, WY. This
notice complies with our CCP policy to (1) advise other Federal and
State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct
detailed planning on this refuge and (2) obtain suggestions and
information on the scope of issues to consider in the environmental
document and during development of the CCP and the Hunt Plan.
Background
The CCP Process
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (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 on conserving wildlife
and 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 Administration
Act.
Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established
for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for
developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for
each refuge within the National Wildlife Refuge System mission and to
determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a
way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives
that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and
habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation
opportunities that are compatible with each refuge's establishing
purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Our CCP process provides participation opportunities for Tribal,
State, and local governments; agencies; organizations; and the public.
At this time we encourage input in the form of issues, concerns, ideas,
and suggestions for the future management of Cokeville Meadows NWR.
We will conduct the environmental review of this project and
develop an Environmental Assessment in accordance with the requirements
of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other
appropriate Federal laws and regulations; and our policies and
procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations.
Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Cokeville Meadows NWR was established for the conservation of the
wetlands of the Nation in order to maintain the public benefits they
provide and to help fulfill international obligations contained in
various migratory bird treaties and conventions as well as for use as
an inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds. This refuge contains a
mosaic of wet meadows and cattail/bulrush sloughs. Many of these
wetlands were originally created and maintained by agricultural
practices. Cokeville Meadows NWR provides nesting habitat for 32 water
bird species and, if developed, these habitats could provide suitable
nesting habitat for the trumpeter swan, a species of management
concern. Refuge habitats also provide important habitat for resident
species. Greater sage grouse use upland sagebrush areas for nesting
while riparian areas provide important feeding sites for their broods.
Big game, including antelope, mule deer, and elk also utilize Refuge
habitats.
[[Page 57329]]
Public Meetings
The public will have an opportunity to provide input at two public
meetings.
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Date Time Location
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November 17, 2009....................... 6-9 p.m.................... Cokeville High School, Auditorium, 435
Pine Street, Cokeville, WY 83114.
November 18, 2009....................... 6-9 p.m.................... Best Western Fossil Country Inn & Suites,
Conference Room,
760 Highway 189/30, Kemmerer, WY 83101.
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You may also send comments anytime during the planning process by
mail, e-mail, or fax (see ADDRESSES). There will be additional
opportunities to provide public input once we have prepared a draft
CCP.
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: October 7, 2009.
Richard A Coleman,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. E9-26670 Filed 11-4-09; 8:45 am]
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