80_FR_17134 80 FR 17073 - Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment and Associated Step-Down Plans

80 FR 17073 - Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment and Associated Step-Down Plans

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 61 (March 31, 2015)

Page Range17073-17076
FR Document2015-07356

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment and associated step-down plans, including the Habitat Management Plan, Integrated Pest Management Plan, and the Visitor Services Plan, for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Oktibbeha, Noxubee, and Winston Counties, Mississippi. In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage the Refuge for the next 15 years.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 61 (Tuesday, March 31, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 61 (Tuesday, March 31, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17073-17076]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07356]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2015-N013]; [FXRS12650400000S3-123-FF04R02000]


Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi; 
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant 
Impact for the Environmental Assessment and Associated Step-Down Plans

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the environmental 
assessment and associated step-down plans, including the Habitat 
Management Plan, Integrated Pest Management Plan, and the Visitor 
Services Plan, for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in 
Oktibbeha, Noxubee, and Winston Counties, Mississippi. In the final 
CCP, we describe how we will manage the Refuge for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the CCP and FONSI by writing to: 
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd., 
Brooksville, MS 39739. Alternatively, you may download the documents 
from our Internet Site: http://southeast.fws.gov/planning under 
``Completed CCP Documents.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Reagan, Project Leader, 662-323-
5548, [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for Sam D. Hamilton 
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. We started the process through a 
notice in the Federal Register on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 (78 FR 
3024). For more about the process, see that notice.
    Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is 
located within three counties (Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston) in 
east-central Mississippi, and is approximately 17 miles south-southwest 
of Starkville and approximately 120 miles north-northeast of Jackson, 
the capital of Mississippi. The Refuge is currently 48,219 acres. The 
primary establishing legislation for the Refuge is Executive Order 
8444, dated June 14, 1940. Established as Noxubee NWR in 1940, the 
Refuge was subsequently renamed

[[Page 17074]]

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR by Public Law 112-279 on February 14, 2012.

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, 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.

Comments

    We made copies of the Draft CCP/EA available for a 60-day public 
review and comment period via a Federal Register notice on Thursday 
August 28, 2014 (79 FR 51356). We provided four hard copies of the 
Draft CCP/EA to those individuals or organizations requesting a copy. 
The draft CCP/EA was also accessed via the internet. A total of 37 
individuals, organizations, and government agencies provided comments 
on the Draft CCP/EA by U.S. Mail or email. Comments were received from 
private citizens; The Humane Society of the United States; Wild South; 
Mississippi State University; Safari Club International; Mississippi 
Entomological Museum; Center for Biological Diversity; Florida Gulf 
Coast University; Wolf River Conservancy; Oktibbeha Audubon Society; 
The Nature Conservancy; Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries, 
and Parks; Mississippi Department of Transportation; Mississippi 
Department of Archives and History; and Greenfire Law.

CCP Alternatives, Including Our Preferred Alternative

    We developed three alternatives for managing the Refuge 
(Alternatives A, B, and C), with Alternative C selected for 
implementation. This alternative will manage refuge resources to 
optimize native wildlife populations and habitats under a balanced and 
integrated approach, not only for federally listed species (red-
cockaded woodpeckers (RCW)) and migratory birds, but also for other 
native species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, Northern 
bobwhite, paddlefish, and forest-breeding birds.
    This alternative also provides opportunities for the six priority 
public uses (i.e., hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
photography, and interpretation and environmental education) and other 
wildlife-dependent activities found to be appropriate and compatible 
with the purpose for which the Refuge was established.

Wildlife and Habitat

    Under this alternative, the Refuge would favor management that 
restores historic forest conditions while achieving Refuge purposes.
    Waterfowl: This alternative would provide approximately 1 million 
Duck Energy Days (DEDs) over a 110-day period yearly, through the 
possible combination of managed moist soil units, planted agricultural 
crops that can be flooded, aquatic vegetation and invertebrates within 
Refuge lakes, and seasonally flooded green-tree reservoirs which 
provide mast crops and invertebrates. Wood duck breeding opportunities 
would be enhanced using wood duck nest boxes, but greater emphasis 
would be placed on protecting trees with natural cavities throughout 
the bottomland forests. Trees found with existing cavities and those 
having unique wildlife values would be protected from timber harvest.
    Active manipulation of habitats and populations would occur as 
necessary to maintain biological integrity, diversity, and 
environmental health. Silvicultural treatments within bottomland 
hardwood habitats would receive low priority, but may be used to 
promote recruitment of red oak species within the overstory of those 
flooded forested habitats used by waterfowl. The Refuge would attempt 
to increase brood survival of waterfowl by managing shallow water 
aquatic habitats to produce and sustain protective shrub-scrub cover 
with fringe area of the Refuge's lakes. Manipulation of water level 
would be the primary tool used to produce the desired shrub-scrub 
cover.
    The Refuge would participate in wood duck banding programs and try 
to obtain Refuge quotas as assigned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service's national Migratory Bird program, and limit human access to 
key areas used by waterfowl to reduce disturbance during critical life 
cycle stages.
    Forest Breeding Birds: Forest-breeding bird populations would be 
enhanced through improved nesting, brooding, and foraging opportunities 
by application of active habitat manipulation techniques within 
bottomland hardwood forested habitats and streamside management zones. 
Even and uneven aged silviculture, including selective thinning, patch 
cuts, group tree selections, shelterwoods, irregular shelterwoods, 
clearcuts, timber stand improvements, wildlife stand improvements, 
chemical treatments, and other methods, could be used to ensure 
hardwood species diversity, red oak recruitment into the overstory, and 
forest structure for the benefit of a diversity of wildlife.
    Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW): The number of RCW clusters would be 
based on continuous pine habitat as defined by historic conditions and 
the optimal partition size of 300 acres based on a loblolly forest 
stand surviving to at least 100 years of age. Based on a spatial 
analysis accounting for locations and size of pine stands and the 
current locations of active RCW groups, the Refuge is expected to be 
able to manage for 49 partitions. All RCW partitions would be managed 
according to the RCW Recovery Plan and, where sufficient habitat 
exists, to provide long-term good-quality foraging habitat.
    Habitat manipulations used to benefit RCWs could include 
silvicultural practices (e.g., active forest management, including but 
not limited to manual or mechanized pre-commercial thinning, commercial 
biomass thinning, mulching, firewood cutting, timber stand 
improvements, herbicide, irregular shelterwood, shelterwood, seedtree, 
patch cuts, afforestation, reforestation, and free thinning), 
prescribed fire, raking, mowing, creation of new artificial cavities, 
maintenance of suitable cavities, midstory reduction (chemical and/or 
mechanical control), integrated pest management, use of restrictor 
plates on cavities, snake exclusion devices, and kleptoparasite 
control.
    In order to sustain forest resources for future RCW habitat, 
harvesting of existing mature forests as part of regeneration efforts 
within present and future partitions may occur. No additional, non-
historic pine habitats outside currently active partitions would be 
maintained or converted for support of the RCW. Refuge staff and 
possibly contractors would continue to scientifically monitor RCWs 
through observation and nest and fledge checks.
    Monitoring: Additional quantitative monitoring of a broad suite of 
wildlife and their habitats will be sought

[[Page 17075]]

through the participation of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), 
universities, and volunteers in the Refuge System's Inventory and 
Monitoring program for development of standardized survey methods, 
cataloging and analyzing Refuge information.
    Invasive and Exotic Species: Efforts would be made to prevent the 
establishment of exotic invasive species and pest species.
    Bluff Lake: Deep water habitats within Bluff Lake would be created 
through dirt excavation to ensure consistency in recreational fisheries 
resources (i.e., crappie, bass, and sunfish). Excavated soil from the 
creation of the deep water habitat would be used to create islands 
within the lake to serve as bird rookery sites. Other existing water 
control structures on Bluff Lake and in areas upstream of the lake may 
also be modified or removed to allow fish passage. Paddlefish and Gulf 
Coast Walleye could benefit from the restoration. Additional ephemeral 
pools for amphibians would be artificially created throughout the 
Refuge through excavation in areas where excess water impedes road 
maintenance or threatens sedimentation of streams.
    Morgan Hill Prairie: The Morgan Hill Prairie Demonstration Area 
would remain but be reduced by more than 50 percent in size, and the 
remaining area would be restored into habitats similar to that 
indicated by historic conditions.
    Fields: Existing old fields that would not be a direct benefit to 
federally protected species or waterfowl would continue to be managed 
as old field sites for the benefit of native grassland species. Old 
fields that would be a direct benefit to federally protected species or 
waterfowl would be restored to historical species compositions through 
natural regeneration or the manual planting of trees. No new field 
sites would be created.
    Forest Management: Active forest management, including 
silvicultural treatments, prescribed fire, and chemical and/or 
mechanical midstory reduction, would occur throughout the Refuge's 
habitats to achieve desired historic forest conditions, greater habitat 
diversity and greater forest structure to benefit RCW, forest interior 
birds, and a wider range of native wildlife. Upland forests would be 
managed for historic conditions and, when applicable, management would 
emphasize providing the needed habitat for federally listed species. If 
needed to support federally listed species, active forest management 
would occur using a variety of techniques, including timber harvest, 
prescribed fire, and chemical and/or mechanical midstory reduction.

Resource Protection

    Cultural Resources: To protect cultural resources, completing a 
comprehensive, Refuge-wide survey of archeological sites would be the 
goal as well as individual cultural resource surveys as needed for 
specific projects or sites. Partnerships would be developed with other 
agencies, institutions, Tribes, and other cultural groups, to seek 
ideas and possibly share staff positions. The Refuge would improve 
management and interpretation of the Refuge's cultural resources.
    Land Acquisition: Conservation partnerships would be developed with 
neighboring landowners to have the greatest impact on maintaining or 
restoring the biological integrity of the local community. Fee title 
acquisition from willing sellers will focus on lands within the 
existing approved acquisition boundary that will most efficiently 
assist the Refuge in meeting the purposes for which it was established 
and the mission of the Service.
    Research Natural Areas (RNA): Under this alternative the two RNAs 
would no longer remain under this designation and would be managed as 
part of the larger surrounding units of similar type and managed for 
their historic conditions.
    Staff: A second wildlife law enforcement officer would be 
established, in combination with possible collateral duty officer 
positions to assist in protecting natural and cultural resources, along 
with public safety.

Visitor Services

    The current level of visitor services programs would be expanded 
for the general public, and attempts made to provide more access for 
users with disabilities and youth. This alternative would establish a 
``Connecting People with Nature'' area to consolidate activities and 
users requiring greater support to enjoy wildlife dependent activities.
    All existing wildlife-dependent uses and the supporting facilities 
would be maintained and, if resources are available, enhanced through 
possible increase and better maintenance in overlooks, boardwalks, and 
trails. An effort would be made to increase visitor safety and 
enjoyment through establishment of parking areas, improved management 
of vehicle flow, creation of paved walking and biking trails, and 
roadside bike lanes along Bluff Lake and Loakfoma Roads. Refuge 
regulatory and informational signs would receive priority.
    Public activities found compatible include bicycle, boating, and 
picnicking in association with wildlife-dependent activities, 
geocaching for environmental education, recreational fishing and 
hunting, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental 
education and interpretation.
    Hunting: the Service would develop a weeklong large game (turkey 
and deer) hunt program to provide increased opportunities for disabled 
hunters in exchange for a one-week reduction in the general gun deer 
and turkey seasons. Deer hunting opportunities overall would be 
increased. The Service would work with the Mississippi Department of 
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to develop family hunting and fishing 
opportunities.
    Fishing: Fishing opportunities would be expanded to include year-
round designated bank fishing areas on Bluff Lake's south shore.
    Fees: Alternative funding mechanisms, such as a general user fee 
under the Fee Program, would be used to spread costs of programs across 
all users. This alternative would continue participation in the 
existing Fee Program. Changes within the program would include 
establishment of a general access pass for all users to assist in the 
maintenance and development of public use programs and facilities 
(e.g., Daily Pass, Weekly Pass, or Annual Pass). Current Federal duck 
stamps and other congressionally authorized entrance fee passes would 
be accepted as a Refuge access pass. This additional fee would allow 
the Refuge to fully support and improve the Refuge's public use 
programs to better meet public interest. Without additional fees, the 
current level of public use would not be sustainable based on base 
funding alone.
    Partnerships: Partnerships to conduct environmental education and 
off-site activities and increase volunteer involvement in all Refuge 
programs would be established. More effort would be placed toward 
developing cooperative programs sponsored through the Refuge's Friends 
group.
    Staff: The current staff of 9 employees would be reorganized, with 
a goal of reaching 13 staff; this is still less than the optimal staff 
level of 18 as recommended within the 2008 Final Report for the 
Staffing Model for Field Stations.

    Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 
668dd et seq.).


[[Page 17076]]


    Dated: February 27, 2015.
Mike Oetker,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 2015-07356 Filed 3-30-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P



                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Notices                                            17073

                                                    scheduled meeting of the subcommittee                   KANSAS                                                DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                                    unnecessary.                                            Cherokee County
                                                                                                                                                                  Fish and Wildlife Service
                                                    James K. Stovall,                                       Kansas Route 66 Historic District—North
                                                    Acting Deputy State Director, Lands and                   Baxter Springs, (Route 66 in Kansas MPS),           [FWS–R4–R–2015–N013];
                                                    Resources.                                                N. Willow Ave. SE. 50th St., Baxter                 [FXRS12650400000S3–123–FF04R02000]
                                                    [FR Doc. 2015–07286 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am]               Springs, 15000141
                                                                                                                                                                  Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National
                                                    BILLING CODE 4310–FB–P                                  Clark County                                          Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi; Final
                                                                                                            Girl Scout Little House, (New Deal-Era                Comprehensive Conservation Plan and
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                                Resources of Kansas MPS), 448 W. 6th                Finding of No Significant Impact for
                                                                                                              Ave., Ashland, 15000142                             the Environmental Assessment and
                                                    National Park Service                                   Cowley County
                                                                                                                                                                  Associated Step-Down Plans
                                                                                                            Strother Field Tetrahedron Wind Indicator,            AGENCY:   Fish and Wildlife Service,
                                                    [NPS–WASO–NRNHL–17822;                                    (World War II-Era Aviation-Related                  Interior.
                                                    PPWOCRADI0, PCU00RP14.R50000]                             Facilities of Kansas), 22215 Tupper St.,            ACTION: Notice of availability.
                                                                                                              Winfield, 15000143
                                                    National Register of Historic Places;                                                                         SUMMARY:   We, the U.S. Fish and
                                                    Notification of Pending Nominations                     Hodgeman County
                                                                                                                                                                  Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
                                                    and Related Actions                                     St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 14920 SE. 232             availability of the final Comprehensive
                                                                                                              Rd., Kinsley, 15000144                              Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of
                                                      Nominations for the following
                                                    properties being considered for listing                 Labette County                                        No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the
                                                    or related actions in the National                      Parsonian Hotel, The, 1725 Broadway Ave.,
                                                                                                                                                                  environmental assessment and
                                                    Register were received by the National                    Parsons, 15000145
                                                                                                                                                                  associated step-down plans, including
                                                    Park Service before February 28, 2015.                                                                        the Habitat Management Plan,
                                                                                                            Marion County                                         Integrated Pest Management Plan, and
                                                    Pursuant to section 60.13 of 36 CFR part
                                                    60, written comments are being                          Bown—Corby School, (Public Schools of                 the Visitor Services Plan, for Sam D.
                                                    accepted concerning the significance of                   Kansas MPS), 412 N. 2nd St., Marion,                Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife
                                                    the nominated properties under the                        15000146                                            Refuge in Oktibbeha, Noxubee, and
                                                    National Register criteria for evaluation.                                                                    Winston Counties, Mississippi. In the
                                                                                                            Montgomery County
                                                    Comments may be forwarded by United                                                                           final CCP, we describe how we will
                                                                                                            Washington School, (Public Schools of                 manage the Refuge for the next 15 years.
                                                    States Postal Service, to the National                   Kansas MPS), 300 E. Myrtle St.,
                                                    Register of Historic Places, National                                                                         ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of
                                                                                                             Independence, 15000147
                                                    Park Service, 1849 C St. NW., MS 2280,                                                                        the CCP and FONSI by writing to: Sam
                                                    Washington, DC 20240; by all other                      Morris County                                         D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife
                                                    carriers, National Register of Historic                 Hermit’s Cave on Belfry Hill, E. of N. Belfry         Refuge, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd.,
                                                    Places, National Park Service, 1201 Eye                  St., generally from Columbia to Conn Sts.,           Brooksville, MS 39739. Alternatively,
                                                    St. NW., 8th floor, Washington, DC                       Council Grove, 15000148                              you may download the documents from
                                                    20005; or by fax, 202–371–6447. Written                                                                       our Internet Site: http://
                                                                                                            Wabaunsee County
                                                    or faxed comments should be submitted                                                                         southeast.fws.gov/planning under
                                                    by April 15, 2015. Before including your                Fix Farmstead, (Agriculture-Related                   ‘‘Completed CCP Documents.’’
                                                    address, phone number, email address,                     Resources of Kansas MPS), 34554 Old K–
                                                                                                                                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                              10 Rd., Alma, 15000149
                                                    or other personal identifying                                                                                 Steve Reagan, Project Leader, 662–323–
                                                    information in your comment, you                        MONTANA                                               5548, steve_reagan@fws.gov
                                                    should be aware that your entire                                                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                            Madison County
                                                    comment—including your personal
                                                    identifying information—may be made                     Doncaster Round Barn, Riverside Dr., Twin             Introduction
                                                    publicly available at any time. While                     Bridges, 15000150
                                                                                                                                                                    With this notice, we finalize the CCP
                                                    you can ask us in your comment to                       NEW JERSEY                                            process for Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee
                                                    withhold your personal identifying                                                                            National Wildlife Refuge. We started the
                                                    information from public review, we                      Essex County
                                                                                                                                                                  process through a notice in the Federal
                                                    cannot guarantee that we will be able to                Eighteenth Avenue School, 229–243 18th                Register on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
                                                    do so.                                                    Ave., Newark, 15000151                              (78 FR 3024). For more about the
                                                       Dated: March 10, 2015.                               TEXAS                                                 process, see that notice.
                                                    J. Paul Loether,                                        Collingsworth County
                                                                                                                                                                    Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National
                                                    Chief, National Register of Historic Places/            State Highway 203 (Old TX 52) Bridge at Salt          Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is located
                                                    National Historic Landmarks Program.                      Fork of the Red River, (Road Infrastructure         within three counties (Noxubee,
                                                                                                              of Texas, 1866–1965 MPS), TX 203 at Salt            Oktibbeha, and Winston) in east-central
                                                    COLORADO                                                                                                      Mississippi, and is approximately 17
                                                                                                              Fork of Red R., Wellington, 15000152
                                                                                                                                                                  miles south-southwest of Starkville and
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    Jefferson County
                                                                                                            Palo Pinto County                                     approximately 120 miles north-
                                                    District No. 17 School—Medlen School,
                                                      (Rural School Buildings in Colorado MPS),             State Highway 16, Brazos River Bridge                 northeast of Jackson, the capital of
                                                      Address Restricted, Morrison, 15000139                  Segment, (Road Infrastructure of Texas,             Mississippi. The Refuge is currently
                                                                                                              1866–1965 MPS), TX 16 from 7.4 mi. NE.              48,219 acres. The primary establishing
                                                    IOWA                                                      of US 180 to jct. of TX 16 & TX 254,                legislation for the Refuge is Executive
                                                    Polk County                                               Graford, 15000153                                   Order 8444, dated June 14, 1940.
                                                    Plymouth Place, 4111 Ingersoll Ave., Des                [FR Doc. 2015–07274 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am]           Established as Noxubee NWR in 1940,
                                                      Moines, 15000140                                      BILLING CODE 4312–51–P                                the Refuge was subsequently renamed


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:32 Mar 30, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00049   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM   31MRN1


                                                    17074                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Notices

                                                    Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR by                          implementation. This alternative will                    Forest Breeding Birds: Forest-breeding
                                                    Public Law 112–279 on February 14,                      manage refuge resources to optimize                   bird populations would be enhanced
                                                    2012.                                                   native wildlife populations and habitats              through improved nesting, brooding,
                                                                                                            under a balanced and integrated                       and foraging opportunities by
                                                    Background
                                                                                                            approach, not only for federally listed               application of active habitat
                                                    The CCP Process                                         species (red-cockaded woodpeckers                     manipulation techniques within
                                                                                                            (RCW)) and migratory birds, but also for              bottomland hardwood forested habitats
                                                      The National Wildlife Refuge System
                                                                                                            other native species such as white-tailed             and streamside management zones.
                                                    Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.
                                                                                                            deer, wild turkey, Northern bobwhite,                 Even and uneven aged silviculture,
                                                    668dd–668ee) (Administration Act), as
                                                                                                            paddlefish, and forest-breeding birds.                including selective thinning, patch cuts,
                                                    amended by the National Wildlife                          This alternative also provides                      group tree selections, shelterwoods,
                                                    Refuge System Improvement Act of                        opportunities for the six priority public             irregular shelterwoods, clearcuts, timber
                                                    1997, requires us to develop a CCP for                  uses (i.e., hunting, fishing, wildlife                stand improvements, wildlife stand
                                                    each national wildlife refuge. The                      observation, wildlife photography, and                improvements, chemical treatments,
                                                    purpose for developing a CCP is to                      interpretation and environmental                      and other methods, could be used to
                                                    provide refuge managers with a 15-year                  education) and other wildlife-dependent               ensure hardwood species diversity, red
                                                    plan for achieving refuge purposes and                  activities found to be appropriate and                oak recruitment into the overstory, and
                                                    contributing toward the mission of the                  compatible with the purpose for which                 forest structure for the benefit of a
                                                    National Wildlife Refuge System,                        the Refuge was established.                           diversity of wildlife.
                                                    consistent with sound principles of fish                                                                         Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW):
                                                    and wildlife management, conservation,                  Wildlife and Habitat
                                                                                                                                                                  The number of RCW clusters would be
                                                    legal mandates, and our policies. In                       Under this alternative, the Refuge                 based on continuous pine habitat as
                                                    addition to outlining broad management                  would favor management that restores                  defined by historic conditions and the
                                                    direction on conserving wildlife and                    historic forest conditions while                      optimal partition size of 300 acres based
                                                    their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-                 achieving Refuge purposes.                            on a loblolly forest stand surviving to at
                                                    dependent recreational opportunities                       Waterfowl: This alternative would                  least 100 years of age. Based on a spatial
                                                    available to the public, including                      provide approximately 1 million Duck                  analysis accounting for locations and
                                                    opportunities for hunting, fishing,                     Energy Days (DEDs) over a 110-day                     size of pine stands and the current
                                                    wildlife observation, wildlife                          period yearly, through the possible                   locations of active RCW groups, the
                                                    photography, and environmental                          combination of managed moist soil                     Refuge is expected to be able to manage
                                                    education and interpretation. We will                   units, planted agricultural crops that                for 49 partitions. All RCW partitions
                                                    review and update the CCP at least                      can be flooded, aquatic vegetation and                would be managed according to the
                                                    every 15 years in accordance with the                   invertebrates within Refuge lakes, and                RCW Recovery Plan and, where
                                                    Administration Act.                                     seasonally flooded green-tree reservoirs              sufficient habitat exists, to provide long-
                                                                                                            which provide mast crops and                          term good-quality foraging habitat.
                                                    Comments
                                                                                                            invertebrates. Wood duck breeding                        Habitat manipulations used to benefit
                                                       We made copies of the Draft CCP/EA                   opportunities would be enhanced using                 RCWs could include silvicultural
                                                    available for a 60-day public review and                wood duck nest boxes, but greater                     practices (e.g., active forest
                                                    comment period via a Federal Register                   emphasis would be placed on protecting                management, including but not limited
                                                    notice on Thursday August 28, 2014 (79                  trees with natural cavities throughout                to manual or mechanized pre-
                                                    FR 51356). We provided four hard                        the bottomland forests. Trees found                   commercial thinning, commercial
                                                    copies of the Draft CCP/EA to those                     with existing cavities and those having               biomass thinning, mulching, firewood
                                                    individuals or organizations requesting                 unique wildlife values would be                       cutting, timber stand improvements,
                                                    a copy. The draft CCP/EA was also                       protected from timber harvest.                        herbicide, irregular shelterwood,
                                                    accessed via the internet. A total of 37                   Active manipulation of habitats and                shelterwood, seedtree, patch cuts,
                                                    individuals, organizations, and                         populations would occur as necessary to               afforestation, reforestation, and free
                                                    government agencies provided                            maintain biological integrity, diversity,             thinning), prescribed fire, raking,
                                                    comments on the Draft CCP/EA by U.S.                    and environmental health. Silvicultural               mowing, creation of new artificial
                                                    Mail or email. Comments were received                   treatments within bottomland hardwood                 cavities, maintenance of suitable
                                                    from private citizens; The Humane                       habitats would receive low priority, but              cavities, midstory reduction (chemical
                                                    Society of the United States; Wild                      may be used to promote recruitment of                 and/or mechanical control), integrated
                                                    South; Mississippi State University;                    red oak species within the overstory of               pest management, use of restrictor
                                                    Safari Club International; Mississippi                  those flooded forested habitats used by               plates on cavities, snake exclusion
                                                    Entomological Museum; Center for                        waterfowl. The Refuge would attempt to                devices, and kleptoparasite control.
                                                    Biological Diversity; Florida Gulf Coast                increase brood survival of waterfowl by                  In order to sustain forest resources for
                                                    University; Wolf River Conservancy;                     managing shallow water aquatic habitats               future RCW habitat, harvesting of
                                                    Oktibbeha Audubon Society; The                          to produce and sustain protective shrub-              existing mature forests as part of
                                                    Nature Conservancy; Mississippi                         scrub cover with fringe area of the                   regeneration efforts within present and
                                                    Department of Wildlife Fisheries, and                   Refuge’s lakes. Manipulation of water                 future partitions may occur. No
                                                    Parks; Mississippi Department of                        level would be the primary tool used to               additional, non-historic pine habitats
                                                                                                            produce the desired shrub-scrub cover.                outside currently active partitions
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    Transportation; Mississippi Department
                                                    of Archives and History; and Greenfire                     The Refuge would participate in wood               would be maintained or converted for
                                                    Law.                                                    duck banding programs and try to                      support of the RCW. Refuge staff and
                                                                                                            obtain Refuge quotas as assigned by the               possibly contractors would continue to
                                                    CCP Alternatives, Including Our                         U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s                      scientifically monitor RCWs through
                                                    Preferred Alternative                                   national Migratory Bird program, and                  observation and nest and fledge checks.
                                                      We developed three alternatives for                   limit human access to key areas used by                  Monitoring: Additional quantitative
                                                    managing the Refuge (Alternatives A, B,                 waterfowl to reduce disturbance during                monitoring of a broad suite of wildlife
                                                    and C), with Alternative C selected for                 critical life cycle stages.                           and their habitats will be sought


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:32 Mar 30, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00050   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM   31MRN1


                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Notices                                               17075

                                                    through the participation of                            harvest, prescribed fire, and chemical                regulatory and informational signs
                                                    nongovernmental organizations (NGOs),                   and/or mechanical midstory reduction.                 would receive priority.
                                                    universities, and volunteers in the                                                                             Public activities found compatible
                                                                                                            Resource Protection
                                                    Refuge System’s Inventory and                                                                                 include bicycle, boating, and picnicking
                                                    Monitoring program for development of                     Cultural Resources: To protect                      in association with wildlife-dependent
                                                    standardized survey methods,                            cultural resources, completing a                      activities, geocaching for environmental
                                                    cataloging and analyzing Refuge                         comprehensive, Refuge-wide survey of                  education, recreational fishing and
                                                    information.                                            archeological sites would be the goal as              hunting, wildlife observation, wildlife
                                                       Invasive and Exotic Species: Efforts                 well as individual cultural resource                  photography, and environmental
                                                    would be made to prevent the                            surveys as needed for specific projects               education and interpretation.
                                                    establishment of exotic invasive species                or sites. Partnerships would be                         Hunting: the Service would develop a
                                                    and pest species.                                       developed with other agencies,                        weeklong large game (turkey and deer)
                                                       Bluff Lake: Deep water habitats within               institutions, Tribes, and other cultural              hunt program to provide increased
                                                    Bluff Lake would be created through                     groups, to seek ideas and possibly share              opportunities for disabled hunters in
                                                    dirt excavation to ensure consistency in                staff positions. The Refuge would                     exchange for a one-week reduction in
                                                    recreational fisheries resources (i.e.,                 improve management and interpretation                 the general gun deer and turkey seasons.
                                                    crappie, bass, and sunfish). Excavated                  of the Refuge’s cultural resources.                   Deer hunting opportunities overall
                                                    soil from the creation of the deep water                  Land Acquisition: Conservation                      would be increased. The Service would
                                                    habitat would be used to create islands                 partnerships would be developed with                  work with the Mississippi Department
                                                    within the lake to serve as bird rookery                neighboring landowners to have the                    of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to
                                                    sites. Other existing water control                     greatest impact on maintaining or                     develop family hunting and fishing
                                                    structures on Bluff Lake and in areas                   restoring the biological integrity of the             opportunities.
                                                    upstream of the lake may also be                        local community. Fee title acquisition                  Fishing: Fishing opportunities would
                                                    modified or removed to allow fish                       from willing sellers will focus on lands              be expanded to include year-round
                                                    passage. Paddlefish and Gulf Coast                      within the existing approved acquisition              designated bank fishing areas on Bluff
                                                    Walleye could benefit from the                          boundary that will most efficiently                   Lake’s south shore.
                                                    restoration. Additional ephemeral pools                 assist the Refuge in meeting the                        Fees: Alternative funding
                                                    for amphibians would be artificially                    purposes for which it was established                 mechanisms, such as a general user fee
                                                    created throughout the Refuge through                   and the mission of the Service.                       under the Fee Program, would be used
                                                    excavation in areas where excess water                    Research Natural Areas (RNA): Under                 to spread costs of programs across all
                                                    impedes road maintenance or threatens                   this alternative the two RNAs would no                users. This alternative would continue
                                                    sedimentation of streams.                               longer remain under this designation                  participation in the existing Fee
                                                       Morgan Hill Prairie: The Morgan Hill                 and would be managed as part of the                   Program. Changes within the program
                                                    Prairie Demonstration Area would                        larger surrounding units of similar type              would include establishment of a
                                                    remain but be reduced by more than 50                   and managed for their historic                        general access pass for all users to assist
                                                    percent in size, and the remaining area                 conditions.                                           in the maintenance and development of
                                                    would be restored into habitats similar                   Staff: A second wildlife law                        public use programs and facilities (e.g.,
                                                    to that indicated by historic conditions.               enforcement officer would be                          Daily Pass, Weekly Pass, or Annual
                                                       Fields: Existing old fields that would               established, in combination with                      Pass). Current Federal duck stamps and
                                                    not be a direct benefit to federally                    possible collateral duty officer positions            other congressionally authorized
                                                    protected species or waterfowl would                    to assist in protecting natural and                   entrance fee passes would be accepted
                                                    continue to be managed as old field sites               cultural resources, along with public                 as a Refuge access pass. This additional
                                                    for the benefit of native grassland                     safety.                                               fee would allow the Refuge to fully
                                                    species. Old fields that would be a                                                                           support and improve the Refuge’s
                                                                                                            Visitor Services
                                                    direct benefit to federally protected                                                                         public use programs to better meet
                                                    species or waterfowl would be restored                     The current level of visitor services              public interest. Without additional fees,
                                                    to historical species compositions                      programs would be expanded for the                    the current level of public use would
                                                    through natural regeneration or the                     general public, and attempts made to                  not be sustainable based on base
                                                    manual planting of trees. No new field                  provide more access for users with                    funding alone.
                                                    sites would be created.                                 disabilities and youth. This alternative                Partnerships: Partnerships to conduct
                                                       Forest Management: Active forest                     would establish a ‘‘Connecting People                 environmental education and off-site
                                                    management, including silvicultural                     with Nature’’ area to consolidate                     activities and increase volunteer
                                                    treatments, prescribed fire, and                        activities and users requiring greater                involvement in all Refuge programs
                                                    chemical and/or mechanical midstory                     support to enjoy wildlife dependent                   would be established. More effort would
                                                    reduction, would occur throughout the                   activities.                                           be placed toward developing
                                                    Refuge’s habitats to achieve desired                       All existing wildlife-dependent uses               cooperative programs sponsored
                                                    historic forest conditions, greater habitat             and the supporting facilities would be                through the Refuge’s Friends group.
                                                    diversity and greater forest structure to               maintained and, if resources are                        Staff: The current staff of 9 employees
                                                    benefit RCW, forest interior birds, and a               available, enhanced through possible                  would be reorganized, with a goal of
                                                    wider range of native wildlife. Upland                  increase and better maintenance in                    reaching 13 staff; this is still less than
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    forests would be managed for historic                   overlooks, boardwalks, and trails. An                 the optimal staff level of 18 as
                                                    conditions and, when applicable,                        effort would be made to increase visitor              recommended within the 2008 Final
                                                    management would emphasize                              safety and enjoyment through                          Report for the Staffing Model for Field
                                                    providing the needed habitat for                        establishment of parking areas,                       Stations.
                                                    federally listed species. If needed to                  improved management of vehicle flow,                    Authority: This notice is published under
                                                    support federally listed species, active                creation of paved walking and biking                  the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge
                                                    forest management would occur using a                   trails, and roadside bike lanes along                 System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C.
                                                    variety of techniques, including timber                 Bluff Lake and Loakfoma Roads. Refuge                 668dd et seq.).



                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:32 Mar 30, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00051   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM   31MRN1


                                                    17076                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Notices

                                                     Dated: February 27, 2015.                              MICHIGAN                                              JOINT BOARD FOR THE
                                                    Mike Oetker,                                            Allegan County                                        ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES
                                                    Acting Regional Director.                               Francis Metallic Surfboat, 130 W. Center St.,         Meeting of the Advisory Committee;
                                                    [FR Doc. 2015–07356 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am]               Douglas, 15000156                                   Meeting
                                                    BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
                                                                                                            Branch County                                         AGENCY: Joint Board for the Enrollment
                                                                                                            Beardsley, Ezra E. and Florence (Holmes),             of Actuaries.
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                                House, 1063 Holmes Rd., Bronson                     ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory
                                                                                                              Township, 15000157                                  Committee meeting.
                                                    National Park Service
                                                                                                            Jackson County
                                                                                                                                                                  SUMMARY:   The Executive Director of the
                                                                                                            Otsego Hotel, 102–106 Francis St., Jackson,           Joint Board for the Enrollment of
                                                    [NPS–WASO–NRNHL–17869;
                                                                                                              15000158                                            Actuaries gives notice of a closed
                                                    PPWOCRADI0, PCU00RP14.R50000]
                                                                                                            Wayne County                                          meeting of the Advisory Committee on
                                                    National Register of Historic Places;                                                                         Actuarial Examinations.
                                                                                                            Temple Baptist Church—King Solomon
                                                    Notification of Pending Nominations                       Baptist Church, 6102 & 6125 14th St.,               DATES: The meeting will be held on
                                                    and Related Actions                                       Detroit, 15000159                                   April 27, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00
                                                                                                                                                                  p.m.
                                                      Nominations for the following                         MONTANA                                               ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
                                                    properties being considered for listing                 Yellowstone County                                    The Savitz Organization, 1845 Walnut
                                                    or related actions in the National                                                                            Street, 14th Floor, Philadelphia, PA
                                                    Register were received by the National                  Graf, Arnold, House, 633 Highland Park Dr.,
                                                                                                              Billings, 15000160                                  19103.
                                                    Park Service before March 7, 2015.
                                                                                                                                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                    Pursuant to section 60.13 of 36 CFR part                NORTH CAROLINA
                                                    60, written comments are being                                                                                Patrick W. McDonough, Executive
                                                    accepted concerning the significance of
                                                                                                            Cabarrus County                                       Director of the Joint Board for the
                                                                                                            Coleman—Franklin—Cannon Mill, 625 Main                Enrollment of Actuaries, 703–414–3163.
                                                    the nominated properties under the
                                                    National Register criteria for evaluation.                St. SW., Concord, 15000161                          SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is
                                                    Comments may be forwarded by United                                                                           hereby given that the Advisory
                                                                                                            Duplin County
                                                    States Postal Service, to the National                                                                        Committee on Actuarial Examinations
                                                                                                            Carter—Simmons House, 218 Coy Smith Rd.,              will meet at The Savitz Organization,
                                                    Register of Historic Places, National
                                                                                                              Albertson, 15000162                                 1845 Walnut Street, 14th Floor,
                                                    Park Service, 1849 C St. NW., MS 2280,
                                                    Washington, DC 20240; by all other                      Guilford County                                       Philadelphia, PA 19103.
                                                    carriers, National Register of Historic                                                                         The purpose of the meeting is to
                                                                                                            Carolina Casket Company, 812 Millis St.,
                                                    Places, National Park Service,1201 Eye                                                                        discuss topics and questions that may
                                                                                                              High Point, 15000163
                                                    St. NW., 8th floor, Washington, DC                                                                            be recommended for inclusion on future
                                                    20005; or by fax, 202–371–6447. Written                 Henderson County                                      Joint Board examinations in actuarial
                                                    or faxed comments should be submitted                   Sewell, Dillard B. and Georgia, House, 64             mathematics, pension law and
                                                    by April 15, 2015. Before including your                  Clipper Ln., Penrose, 15000164                      methodology referred to in 29 U.S.C.
                                                    address, phone number, email address,                                                                         1242(a)(1)(B).
                                                                                                            Orange County                                           A determination has been made as
                                                    or other personal identifying
                                                                                                            Chapel Hill Historic District (Boundary               required by section 10(d) of the Federal
                                                    information in your comment, you
                                                                                                              Increase), Roughly bounded by Carolina              Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.,
                                                    should be aware that your entire
                                                                                                              Ave., North, Cameron & Columbia Sts.,               that the subject of the meeting falls
                                                    comment—including your personal
                                                                                                              Chapel Hill, 15000165                               within the exception to the open
                                                    identifying information—may be made
                                                                                                                                                                  meeting requirement set forth in Title 5
                                                    publicly available at any time. While                   Polk County
                                                                                                                                                                  U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B), and that the public
                                                    you can ask us in your comment to                       Stone Hedge, 222 Stone Hedge Ln., Tryon,              interest requires that such meeting be
                                                    withhold your personal identifying                        15000166                                            closed to public participation.
                                                    information from public review, we
                                                    cannot guarantee that we will be able to                OREGON                                                  Dated: March 25, 2015.
                                                    do so.                                                  Multnomah County                                      Patrick W. McDonough,
                                                                                                                                                                  Executive Director, Joint Board for the
                                                       Dated: March 13, 2015.                               Ott, David and Marianne, House, 2075                  Enrollment of Actuaries.
                                                    J. Paul Loether,                                          Palmblad Rd., Gresham, 15000167
                                                                                                                                                                  [FR Doc. 2015–07335 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am]
                                                    Chief, National Register of Historic Places/              A request for removal has been received for
                                                                                                                                                                  BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
                                                    National Historic Landmarks Program.                    the following resource:
                                                                                                            MICHIGAN
                                                    IOWA
                                                                                                            Bay County
                                                                                                                                                                  DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
                                                    Polk County
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                            Bay City Bascule Bridge, (Highway Bridges of          Notice of Lodging of Proposed
                                                    Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa
                                                                                                              Michigan MPS) M–13/M–84 over East                   Consent Decree Under the
                                                      Building, 604 Locust St. & 316 6th Ave.,
                                                                                                              Channel of Saginaw R., Bay City, 99001465           Comprehensive Environmental
                                                      Des Moines, 15000154
                                                                                                            [FR Doc. 2015–07276 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am]           Response, Compensation, and Liability
                                                    MARYLAND                                                                                                      Act
                                                                                                            BILLING CODE 4312–51–P
                                                    Allegany County                                                                                                 On March 23, 2015, the Department of
                                                    Evergreen, 15603 Trimble Rd. NW., Mount                                                                       Justice lodged a proposed consent
                                                      Savage, 15000155                                                                                            decree with the United States District


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:32 Mar 30, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00052   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM   31MRN1



Document Created: 2015-12-18 11:48:42
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 11:48:42
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of availability.
ContactSteve Reagan, Project Leader, 662-323- 5548, [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 17073 

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR