80_FR_19748 80 FR 19678 - Record of Decision for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement; Fairbanks, Alaska

80 FR 19678 - Record of Decision for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement; Fairbanks, Alaska

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 70 (April 13, 2015)

Page Range19678-19685
FR Document2015-08526

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We prepared this ROD pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. The Service is furnishing this notice to advise the public and other agencies of our decision and of availability of the ROD.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 70 (Monday, April 13, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 70 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19678-19685]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08526]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R7-R-2015-N026; FXRS12650700000-134-FF07R06000]


Record of Decision for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Final 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement; 
Fairbanks, Alaska

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; Record of Decision.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Arctic National 
Wildlife

[[Page 19679]]

Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Final 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We prepared this ROD pursuant to 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and its 
implementing regulations. The Service is furnishing this notice to 
advise the public and other agencies of our decision and of 
availability of the ROD.

DATES: The ROD was signed on April 3, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may view the ROD and final CCP/EIS by any of the 
following methods:
    Web site: Download a copy of the document(s) at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/arctic/ccp.html.
    Email: [email protected]; include ``Arctic National Wildlife 
Refuge final CCP/EIS ROD'' in the subject line of the message for an 
electronic copy.
    Fax: Attn: Stephanie Brady, Project Team Leader, (907) 786-3901.
    U.S. Mail: Stephanie Brady, Project Team Leader, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 1011 East Tudor Rd., MS-231, Anchorage, AK 99503.
    In-Person Viewing or Pickup: You may view or pick up a copy of the 
ROD and final CCP/EIS (on Compact Disc) during regular business hours 
at the address listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Brady, (907) 306-7448, or at 
one of the addresses above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this notice, we finalize the CCP/EIS 
process for Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), Alaska. In 
accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) 
requirements, this notice announces the availability of the ROD for the 
final CCP/EIS for Arctic Refuge. The final CCP/EIS provides broad 
policy guidance and establishes management direction for Arctic Refuge 
for the next 15 years. For further information about our decision-
making process, see our notice of availability of our revised 
comprehensive conservation plan and final environmental impact 
statement, which published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2015 
(80 FR 4303).
    The ROD documents our selection of Alternative E (the Preferred 
Alternative) as described in the Final Revised Conservation Plan and 
Environmental Impact Statement for Arctic Refuge. Alternative E 
reflects the intent to manage Arctic Refuge to achieve the mission of 
the National Wildlife Refuge System and meet the purposes for which the 
Refuge was established. Alternative E conserves the fish, wildlife, and 
habitats of Arctic Refuge and facilitates subsistence and recreation in 
settings that emphasize natural, unaltered landscapes. Alternative E 
also emphasizes natural processes across the Refuge. Large-scale 
changes to the landscape are not anticipated.
    This decision recommends approximately 12.28 million existing acres 
of Arctic Refuge for Wilderness designation. This recommendation will 
remain in effect unless withdrawn or until revised or submitted to 
Congress. Only Congress can make the final decision to designate 
Wilderness. This ROD also recommends that four of the Refuge's rivers 
be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Designation 
of a wild and scenic river requires an Act of Congress. The maps below 
show the proposed wilderness areas, and exclusions from the proposed 
wilderness areas, which are defined in greater detail in the Service's 
Wilderness Review, EIS Appendix H. The proposed additions to the 
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System are described in the Service 
Wild and Scenic River Review, EIS Appendix I.
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BILLING CODE 4310-55-C

Introduction

    Under Section 303(2) of the Alaska National Interest Lands 
Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), the purposes for which the Arctic 
Refuge was established and shall be managed include:
    (i) To conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their 
natural diversity including, but not limited to, the Porcupine caribou 
herd (including participation in coordinated ecological studies and 
management of this herd and the Western Arctic caribou herd), polar 
bears, grizzly bears, muskox, dall sheep, wolves, wolverines, snow 
geese, peregrine falcons and other migratory birds and arctic char and 
grayling;
    (ii) to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United 
States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats;
    (iii) to provide, in a manner consistent with the purposes set 
forth in subparagraphs (i) and (ii), the opportunity for continued 
subsistence uses by local residents, and
    (iv) to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable and in a manner 
consistent with the purposes set forth in paragraph (i), water quality 
and necessary water quantity within the refuge.
    Section 304(g) of ANILCA directs the Secretary of the Interior to 
prepare and,

[[Page 19683]]

from time to time, revise a plan for each refuge in Alaska. The Plan is 
based on an identification and description of resources of the Arctic 
Refuge, including fish and wildlife resources and wilderness values, 
and must:
    (i) Designate areas within the refuge according to their respective 
resources and values;
    (ii) specify the programs for conserving fish and wildlife and the 
programs relating to maintaining the identified values proposed to be 
implemented within each such area; and
    (iii) specify the uses within each such area which may be 
compatible with the major purposes of the refuge.
    The Plan must also set forth those opportunities which will be 
provided within the refuge for fish and wildlife-oriented recreation, 
ecological research, environmental education and interpretation of 
refuge resources and values, if such recreation, research, education, 
and interpretation is compatible with the purposes of the refuge.
    This Plan revision process implements ANILCA; the National Wildlife 
Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended; other Federal 
laws, and the Service Planning Policy (602 FW 1-3). According to 
ANILCA, the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 
NEPA, and Service planning policy, the Service must ensure adequate and 
effective interagency coordination and public participation during the 
planning process. Interested and affected parties such as State 
agencies, tribal governments, Native organizations, non-governmental 
organizations, and local and national residents who may be affected by 
decisions in the Plan must be provided meaningful opportunities to 
present their views.
    The purpose of this planning process was to revise the Refuge's 
original Plan, which was approved and adopted in 1988. The 1988 Plan 
contained no goals or objectives and had outdated management direction. 
In the Refuge planning process, the Service identified and analyzed 
significant issues to objectively consider a wide range of approaches 
that could be taken to address each issue. Three significant planning 
issues were identified by the Service for consideration during revision 
of the Plan:
    1. Should one or more areas of the Refuge be recommended for 
Wilderness designation?
    2. Should additional wild and scenic rivers be recommended for 
inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System?
    3. How will the Refuge manage Kongakut River visitor use to protect 
resources and visitor experience?
    The Revised Plan is designed to provide broad policy guidance and 
establishes management direction for Arctic Refuge for the next 15 
years. It describes how the Service will conserve fish, wildlife, 
plants, and their habitats, while providing opportunities for 
subsistence and for wildlife-dependent recreational uses. The Revised 
Plan includes a vision statement for Refuge management; short/long-term 
goals and objectives to guide management activities on Refuge lands and 
waters; and a description of uses that are appropriate and compatible 
with the Refuge's purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife 
Refuge System. The Revised Plan is designed to be a dynamic, living 
document that will require monitoring and periodic reviews and updates.
    The process of developing this Revised Plan has allowed the Service 
to:
    [ssquf] Ensure that the purposes of the Refuge and the mission of 
the Refuge System are fulfilled;
    [ssquf] Establish a long-term vision for the Refuge;
    [ssquf] Establish management goals and objectives;
    [ssquf] Define compatible uses;
    [ssquf] Update management direction related to national and 
regional policies and guidelines used to implement Federal laws 
governing Refuge management;
    [ssquf] Describe and maintain the resources and special values of 
Arctic Refuge;
    [ssquf] Incorporate new scientific information on factors affecting 
Refuge resources as well as surrounding areas, including climate 
change;
    [ssquf] Evaluate current Refuge management direction based on 
changing public use of the Refuge and its resources;
    [ssquf] Ensure that opportunities are available for interested 
parties to participate in the development of management direction;
    [ssquf] Provide a systematic process for making and documenting 
resource management decisions;
    [ssquf] Establish broad management direction for Refuge programs 
and activities;
    [ssquf] Provide continuity in Refuge management;
    [ssquf] Provide additional guidance for budget requests; and
    [ssquf] Provide additional guidance for planning work and 
evaluating accomplishments.

Alternatives Considered

    Six alternatives were considered in detail in the Revised Plan and 
final EIS. Five of the six alternatives included the proposed goals and 
objectives and the revised management policies and guidelines described 
in Chapter 2 of the Revised Plan. The six alternatives considered three 
significant planning issues: Wilderness recommendations, wild and 
scenic river recommendations, and Kongakut River visitor use 
management.

Alternative A: Current Management (No Action)

    Alternative A provides the baseline against which the other 
alternatives were compared. Under Alternative A, the Refuge would 
continue to be managed according to the direction included in the 1988 
Plan, and the Refuge's proposed goals and objectives would not be 
adopted.
    Wilderness: No new areas would be recommended for Wilderness 
designation.
    Wild and Scenic Rivers: No new rivers would be recommended for 
inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
    Kongakut River Visitor Use Management: Kongakut River visitor use 
would continue to be managed with the following practices:
    [ssquf] Group size limits would be required for guided groups (7 
hikers, 10 floaters).
    [ssquf] There would be no group size limits for non-guided groups, 
although we recommend using the commercial limits of 7 hikers and 10 
floaters.
    [ssquf] Information on low-impact camping and other best practices 
would continue to be available on the Refuge Web site.
    [ssquf] Commercial service providers would continue to have special 
use permits with occasional compliance checks by the Service.
    [ssquf] Monitoring of physical and social conditions and visitor 
impacts would continue to occur occasionally.
    [ssquf] Air operator permit holders would be required to land on 
non-vegetated surfaces and asked to follow all Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) advisories during flight operations.
    [ssquf] The Service would prepare a Public Use Management Plan (as 
required by the 1988 Plan).

Alternative B

    Alternative B would adopt the goals and objectives and the revised 
management policies and guidelines described in Chapter 2 of the 
Revised Plan.
    Wilderness: Recommend the Brooks Range Wilderness Study Area to 
Congress for Wilderness designation.

[[Page 19684]]

    Wild and Scenic Rivers: Recommend the Hulahula, Kongakut, and Marsh 
Fork Canning Rivers to Congress for inclusion into the National Wild 
and Scenic Rivers System.
    Kongakut River Visitor Use Management: Under this alternative, and 
immediately upon Plan approval, contingent on funding and staff 
availability, we would proceed with two concurrent step-down plans: a 
Visitor-Use Management Plan (VUMP) and a Wilderness Stewardship Plan 
(WSP). In addition to the practices identified under Alternative A, we 
would implement interim measures:
    [ssquf] Expand monitoring of degraded sites,
    [ssquf] Develop new outreach materials with targeted messages,
    [ssquf] Work with guides to reduce visitor volume,
    [ssquf] Work with air operators to disperse flights over high-use 
areas,
    [ssquf] Publish a schedule of when guides will be launching trips,
    [ssquf] Increase enforcement of permit conditions and Refuge 
regulations, and
    [ssquf] Set an interim cap on commercial recreation guides from 
present through 2016 or through completion of the VUMP/WSP, whichever 
comes first.

Alternative C

    Alternative C would adopt the goals and objectives and the revised 
management policies and guidelines described in Chapter 2 of the 
Revised Plan.
    Wilderness: Recommend the Coastal Plain Wilderness Study Area to 
Congress for Wilderness designation.
    Wild and Scenic Rivers: Recommend the Atigun River to Congress for 
inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
    Kongakut River Visitor Use Management: Under this alternative, 
management would be the same as under Alternative B.

Alternative D

    Alternative D would adopt the goals and objectives and the revised 
management policies and guidelines described in Chapter 2 of the 
Revised Plan.
    Wilderness: Recommend the Brooks Range and Porcupine Plateau 
Wilderness Study Areas to Congress for Wilderness designation.
    Wild and Scenic Rivers: Recommend the Atigun, Kongakut, and Marsh 
Fork Canning Rivers, and those portions of the Hulahula River managed 
by the Refuge, to Congress for inclusion into the National Wild and 
Scenic Rivers System.
    Kongakut River Visitor Use Management: Under this alternative, 
management would be the same as Alternative B, except there would be no 
interim cap on commercial recreation guides.

Alternative E: Preferred Alternative

    Alternative E would adopt the goals and objectives and the revised 
management policies and guidelines described in Chapter 2 of the 
Revised Plan.
    Wilderness: Recommend the Brooks Range, Porcupine Plateau, and 
Coastal Plain Wilderness Study Areas to Congress for Wilderness 
designation.
    Wild and Scenic Rivers: Recommend the Atigun, Hulahula, Kongakut, 
and Marsh Fork Canning Rivers to Congress for inclusion into the 
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
    Kongakut River Visitor Use: Under this alternative, management 
would be the same as under Alternative D.

Alternative F

    Alternative F would adopt the goals and objectives and the revised 
management policies and guidelines described in Chapter 2 of the 
Revised Plan.
    Wilderness: No new areas would be recommended for Wilderness 
designation.
    Wild and Scenic River: No new rivers would be recommended for 
inclusion into the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
    Kongakut River Visitor Use: Under this alternative, management 
would be the same as under Alternative D.

Factors We Considered in Decisionmaking

    As explained further below, it is our decision to adopt Alternative 
E (the Preferred Alternative), as described in the final Revised CCP/
EIS for Arctic Refuge. This decision includes the Service 
recommendation of approximately 12.28 million existing acres for 
Wilderness designation by Congress. This decision also recommends four 
of the Refuge's rivers be included in the National Wild and Scenic 
Rivers System. Designation of a Wilderness Area and Wild and Scenic 
Rivers requires an act of Congress.
    Adoption of Alternative E reflects our decision that this 
alternative best meets the Service's purpose and need to manage Arctic 
Refuge to achieve the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System 
and to meet the purposes for which the Refuge was established. This 
alternative conserves the fish, wildlife and habitats of Arctic Refuge 
and facilitates subsistence and recreation in settings that emphasize 
natural, unaltered landscapes and natural processes. Arctic Refuge 
encompasses a wide range of arctic and subarctic ecosystems, unaltered 
landforms, and native flora and fauna. The Refuge is a place of free-
functioning ecological and evolutionary processes, exhibiting a high 
degree of biological integrity, natural diversity, and environmental 
health. Alternative E best represents the Service's commitment to 
implement the Arctic Refuge's vision statement:

    This untamed arctic landscape continues to sustain the 
ecological diversity and special values that inspired the Refuge's 
establishment. Natural processes continue and traditional cultures 
thrive with the seasons and changing times; physical and mental 
challenges test our bodies, minds and spirit; and we honor the land, 
the wildlife and the native people with respect and restraint. 
Through responsible stewardship this vast wilderness is passed on, 
undiminished, to future generations.

    Selection of this Alternative recognizes that Arctic Refuge 
exemplifies the characteristics of wilderness. Embodying tangible and 
intangible values, the Refuge's wilderness characteristics include 
natural conditions, natural quiet, wild character, and exceptional 
opportunities for solitude, adventure, and immersion in the natural 
world.
    Decision:
    Arctic Refuge is nationally recognized for its unique and wide 
range of arctic and subarctic ecosystems that retain a high degree of 
biological integrity and natural diversity. The Refuge exemplifies the 
idea of wilderness embodying tangible and intangible values including 
natural conditions, natural quiet, wild character, and exceptional 
opportunities for solitude, adventure, and immersion in the natural 
world. The Refuge represents deep-rooted American cultural values about 
frontiers, open spaces, and wilderness. It is one of the finest 
representations of the wilderness that helped shape our national 
character and identity.
    In making the decision, we reviewed and carefully considered the 
relevant issues, concerns, and public input received throughout the 
planning process, comments on the draft and final Revised CCP/EIS, and 
other factors including refuge purposes and relevant laws, regulations, 
and policies.
    Alternative E best accomplishes refuge purposes; best achieves the 
mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System; and best meets the 
visions and goals identified in the plan. It best provides long-term 
protection of fish and wildlife habitat while providing recreational 
and other opportunities in a natural environment while minimizing and 
preventing human-caused change.


[[Page 19685]]


    Dated: April 3, 2015.
Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska.
[FR Doc. 2015-08526 Filed 4-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-55-P



                                                  19678                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 70 / Monday, April 13, 2015 / Notices

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                                                  29–19 ............................   D 4128 ........................   Recommended Guidelines for the Analysis of Organic Chemicals and Mixtures by Gas
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mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                                                           petroleum products by         Interior.
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                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014      18:43 Apr 10, 2015      Jkt 235001    PO 00000     Frm 00049   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\13APN1.SGM   13APN1


                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 70 / Monday, April 13, 2015 / Notices                                           19679

                                                  Refuge Final Comprehensive                              during regular business hours at the                  Alternative E conserves the fish,
                                                  Conservation Plan (CCP) and Final                       address listed above.                                 wildlife, and habitats of Arctic Refuge
                                                  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      and facilitates subsistence and
                                                  We prepared this ROD pursuant to the                    Stephanie Brady, (907) 306–7448, or at                recreation in settings that emphasize
                                                  National Environmental Policy Act of                    one of the addresses above.                           natural, unaltered landscapes.
                                                  1969 (NEPA) and its implementing                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this                  Alternative E also emphasizes natural
                                                  regulations. The Service is furnishing                  notice, we finalize the CCP/EIS process               processes across the Refuge. Large-scale
                                                  this notice to advise the public and                    for Arctic National Wildlife Refuge                   changes to the landscape are not
                                                  other agencies of our decision and of                   (Refuge), Alaska. In accordance with                  anticipated.
                                                  availability of the ROD.                                National Environmental Policy Act (40                   This decision recommends
                                                  DATES: The ROD was signed on April 3,                   CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements, this notice              approximately 12.28 million existing
                                                  2015.                                                   announces the availability of the ROD                 acres of Arctic Refuge for Wilderness
                                                                                                          for the final CCP/EIS for Arctic Refuge.              designation. This recommendation will
                                                  ADDRESSES: You may view the ROD and
                                                                                                          The final CCP/EIS provides broad policy               remain in effect unless withdrawn or
                                                  final CCP/EIS by any of the following
                                                                                                          guidance and establishes management                   until revised or submitted to Congress.
                                                  methods:
                                                                                                          direction for Arctic Refuge for the next              Only Congress can make the final
                                                     Web site: Download a copy of the                     15 years. For further information about               decision to designate Wilderness. This
                                                  document(s) at http://www.fws.gov/                      our decision-making process, see our                  ROD also recommends that four of the
                                                  refuge/arctic/ccp.html.                                 notice of availability of our revised                 Refuge’s rivers be included in the
                                                     Email: arcticrefugeccp@fws.gov;                      comprehensive conservation plan and                   National Wild and Scenic Rivers
                                                  include ‘‘Arctic National Wildlife                      final environmental impact statement,                 System. Designation of a wild and
                                                  Refuge final CCP/EIS ROD’’ in the                       which published in the Federal Register               scenic river requires an Act of Congress.
                                                  subject line of the message for an                      on January 27, 2015 (80 FR 4303).                     The maps below show the proposed
                                                  electronic copy.                                           The ROD documents our selection of                 wilderness areas, and exclusions from
                                                     Fax: Attn: Stephanie Brady, Project                  Alternative E (the Preferred Alternative)             the proposed wilderness areas, which
                                                  Team Leader, (907) 786–3901.                            as described in the Final Revised                     are defined in greater detail in the
                                                     U.S. Mail: Stephanie Brady, Project                  Conservation Plan and Environmental                   Service’s Wilderness Review, EIS
                                                  Team Leader, U.S. Fish and Wildlife                     Impact Statement for Arctic Refuge.                   Appendix H. The proposed additions to
                                                  Service, 1011 East Tudor Rd., MS–231,                   Alternative E reflects the intent to                  the National Wild and Scenic Rivers
                                                  Anchorage, AK 99503.                                    manage Arctic Refuge to achieve the                   System are described in the Service
                                                     In-Person Viewing or Pickup: You                     mission of the National Wildlife Refuge               Wild and Scenic River Review, EIS
                                                  may view or pick up a copy of the ROD                   System and meet the purposes for                      Appendix I.
                                                  and final CCP/EIS (on Compact Disc)                     which the Refuge was established.                     BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
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       ) Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
841         Proposed Wilderness Areas

              ET     Coastal Plain Proposed
            Baaed) Wilderness Area
            —      Western Brooks Range
               24 ProposedWildemness Area

           ESS ProponedWildernoss Area
         Other Features

          smemiest    U.S. —   Canada Border
                     Native Corporation Land

                     Arctic Refuge Boundary:

                     Designated Wildemness Boundary




woom


          140°W   145 30W   145°W                         144sow



                                                                      Map H—2
                                              Arctic National Wildlife Refuge




                                                                                                                      saononN/sIOZ ‘gt tudy ‘Aepuopy/os ‘ON ‘08 ‘TOA /JdeistSay fe1apaq
                                        Brooks Range Wilderness Study Area
                                                   Exclusions

                                    "                 Non—suitable area

                                    @ Non—suitable and non—qualifiedarea

                                                              Other Features

                                        -             Doyon, Limited
                                        -             Native allotment
                                    m                 Arctic Refuge Boundary                                      &
68°15N




                                                                                                                  P

                                    $             0               ?                              9    i9files




                                        Alaska Albers Equal Area Contc Projection, 1983 North American Datum.
                                                                                                        03—0164




                                                                                                                  z
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                                                                                                                  8




         146°W    145 80W   145°W                           144°30W




                                                                                                                                     18961


                                                  19682                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 70 / Monday, April 13, 2015 / Notices




                                                  BILLING CODE 4310–55–C                                  participation in coordinated ecological                  (iii) to provide, in a manner consistent
                                                  Introduction                                            studies and management of this herd                   with the purposes set forth in
                                                                                                          and the Western Arctic caribou herd),                 subparagraphs (i) and (ii), the
                                                    Under Section 303(2) of the Alaska                    polar bears, grizzly bears, muskox, dall              opportunity for continued subsistence
                                                  National Interest Lands Conservation                                                                          uses by local residents, and
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                                                                                                          sheep, wolves, wolverines, snow geese,
                                                  Act of 1980 (ANILCA), the purposes for                  peregrine falcons and other migratory                    (iv) to ensure, to the maximum extent
                                                  which the Arctic Refuge was established                 birds and arctic char and grayling;                   practicable and in a manner consistent
                                                  and shall be managed include:                                                                                 with the purposes set forth in paragraph
                                                                                                            (ii) to fulfill the international treaty
                                                    (i) To conserve fish and wildlife                                                                           (i), water quality and necessary water
                                                                                                          obligations of the United States with
                                                  populations and habitats in their natural                                                                     quantity within the refuge.
                                                                                                          respect to fish and wildlife and their
                                                  diversity including, but not limited to,                                                                         Section 304(g) of ANILCA directs the
                                                                                                          habitats;
                                                                                                                                                                                                              EN13AP15.008</GPH>




                                                  the Porcupine caribou herd (including                                                                         Secretary of the Interior to prepare and,


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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 70 / Monday, April 13, 2015 / Notices                                            19683

                                                  from time to time, revise a plan for each                  2. Should additional wild and scenic               Alternatives Considered
                                                  refuge in Alaska. The Plan is based on                  rivers be recommended for inclusion in                   Six alternatives were considered in
                                                  an identification and description of                    the National Wild and Scenic Rivers                   detail in the Revised Plan and final EIS.
                                                  resources of the Arctic Refuge,                         System?                                               Five of the six alternatives included the
                                                  including fish and wildlife resources                      3. How will the Refuge manage
                                                                                                                                                                proposed goals and objectives and the
                                                  and wilderness values, and must:                        Kongakut River visitor use to protect
                                                                                                                                                                revised management policies and
                                                     (i) Designate areas within the refuge                resources and visitor experience?
                                                                                                             The Revised Plan is designed to                    guidelines described in Chapter 2 of the
                                                  according to their respective resources
                                                                                                          provide broad policy guidance and                     Revised Plan. The six alternatives
                                                  and values;
                                                     (ii) specify the programs for                        establishes management direction for                  considered three significant planning
                                                  conserving fish and wildlife and the                    Arctic Refuge for the next 15 years. It               issues: Wilderness recommendations,
                                                  programs relating to maintaining the                    describes how the Service will conserve               wild and scenic river recommendations,
                                                  identified values proposed to be                        fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats,           and Kongakut River visitor use
                                                  implemented within each such area;                      while providing opportunities for                     management.
                                                  and                                                     subsistence and for wildlife-dependent                Alternative A: Current Management (No
                                                     (iii) specify the uses within each such              recreational uses. The Revised Plan                   Action)
                                                  area which may be compatible with the                   includes a vision statement for Refuge
                                                  major purposes of the refuge.                           management; short/long-term goals and                   Alternative A provides the baseline
                                                     The Plan must also set forth those                   objectives to guide management                        against which the other alternatives
                                                  opportunities which will be provided                    activities on Refuge lands and waters;                were compared. Under Alternative A,
                                                  within the refuge for fish and wildlife-                and a description of uses that are                    the Refuge would continue to be
                                                  oriented recreation, ecological research,               appropriate and compatible with the                   managed according to the direction
                                                  environmental education and                             Refuge’s purposes and the mission of                  included in the 1988 Plan, and the
                                                  interpretation of refuge resources and                  the National Wildlife Refuge System.                  Refuge’s proposed goals and objectives
                                                  values, if such recreation, research,                   The Revised Plan is designed to be a                  would not be adopted.
                                                  education, and interpretation is                        dynamic, living document that will                      Wilderness: No new areas would be
                                                  compatible with the purposes of the                     require monitoring and periodic reviews               recommended for Wilderness
                                                  refuge.                                                 and updates.                                          designation.
                                                     This Plan revision process                              The process of developing this                       Wild and Scenic Rivers: No new rivers
                                                  implements ANILCA; the National                         Revised Plan has allowed the Service to:              would be recommended for inclusion in
                                                  Wildlife Refuge System Administration                      D Ensure that the purposes of the                  the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
                                                  Act of 1966, as amended by the National                 Refuge and the mission of the Refuge                    Kongakut River Visitor Use
                                                  Wildlife Refuge System Improvement                      System are fulfilled;                                 Management: Kongakut River visitor use
                                                  Act of 1997; the National Environmental                    D Establish a long-term vision for the             would continue to be managed with the
                                                  Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended;                  Refuge;                                               following practices:
                                                  other Federal laws, and the Service                        D Establish management goals and                     D Group size limits would be required
                                                  Planning Policy (602 FW 1–3).                           objectives;                                           for guided groups (7 hikers, 10 floaters).
                                                  According to ANILCA, the National                          D Define compatible uses;                            D There would be no group size limits
                                                  Wildlife Refuge System Improvement                         D Update management direction                      for non-guided groups, although we
                                                  Act of 1997, NEPA, and Service                          related to national and regional policies             recommend using the commercial limits
                                                  planning policy, the Service must                       and guidelines used to implement                      of 7 hikers and 10 floaters.
                                                  ensure adequate and effective                           Federal laws governing Refuge                           D Information on low-impact camping
                                                  interagency coordination and public                     management;                                           and other best practices would continue
                                                  participation during the planning                          D Describe and maintain the resources              to be available on the Refuge Web site.
                                                  process. Interested and affected parties                and special values of Arctic Refuge;                    D Commercial service providers would
                                                                                                             D Incorporate new scientific                       continue to have special use permits
                                                  such as State agencies, tribal
                                                                                                          information on factors affecting Refuge
                                                  governments, Native organizations, non-                                                                       with occasional compliance checks by
                                                                                                          resources as well as surrounding areas,
                                                  governmental organizations, and local                                                                         the Service.
                                                                                                          including climate change;
                                                  and national residents who may be                          D Evaluate current Refuge                            D Monitoring of physical and social
                                                  affected by decisions in the Plan must                  management direction based on                         conditions and visitor impacts would
                                                  be provided meaningful opportunities to                 changing public use of the Refuge and                 continue to occur occasionally.
                                                  present their views.                                    its resources;                                          D Air operator permit holders would
                                                     The purpose of this planning process                    D Ensure that opportunities are                    be required to land on non-vegetated
                                                  was to revise the Refuge’s original Plan,               available for interested parties to                   surfaces and asked to follow all Federal
                                                  which was approved and adopted in                       participate in the development of                     Aviation Administration (FAA)
                                                  1988. The 1988 Plan contained no goals                  management direction;                                 advisories during flight operations.
                                                  or objectives and had outdated                             D Provide a systematic process for                   D The Service would prepare a Public
                                                  management direction. In the Refuge                     making and documenting resource                       Use Management Plan (as required by
                                                  planning process, the Service identified                management decisions;                                 the 1988 Plan).
                                                  and analyzed significant issues to                         D Establish broad management                       Alternative B
                                                  objectively consider a wide range of                    direction for Refuge programs and
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                                                  approaches that could be taken to                       activities;                                             Alternative B would adopt the goals
                                                  address each issue. Three significant                      D Provide continuity in Refuge                     and objectives and the revised
                                                  planning issues were identified by the                  management;                                           management policies and guidelines
                                                  Service for consideration during                           D Provide additional guidance for                  described in Chapter 2 of the Revised
                                                  revision of the Plan:                                   budget requests; and                                  Plan.
                                                     1. Should one or more areas of the                      D Provide additional guidance for                    Wilderness: Recommend the Brooks
                                                  Refuge be recommended for Wilderness                    planning work and evaluating                          Range Wilderness Study Area to
                                                  designation?                                            accomplishments.                                      Congress for Wilderness designation.


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                                                  19684                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 70 / Monday, April 13, 2015 / Notices

                                                     Wild and Scenic Rivers: Recommend                    management would be the same as                       wide range of arctic and subarctic
                                                  the Hulahula, Kongakut, and Marsh                       Alternative B, except there would be no               ecosystems, unaltered landforms, and
                                                  Fork Canning Rivers to Congress for                     interim cap on commercial recreation                  native flora and fauna. The Refuge is a
                                                  inclusion into the National Wild and                    guides.                                               place of free-functioning ecological and
                                                  Scenic Rivers System.                                                                                         evolutionary processes, exhibiting a
                                                     Kongakut River Visitor Use                           Alternative E: Preferred Alternative
                                                                                                                                                                high degree of biological integrity,
                                                  Management: Under this alternative,                       Alternative E would adopt the goals                 natural diversity, and environmental
                                                  and immediately upon Plan approval,                     and objectives and the revised                        health. Alternative E best represents the
                                                  contingent on funding and staff                         management policies and guidelines                    Service’s commitment to implement the
                                                  availability, we would proceed with two                 described in Chapter 2 of the Revised                 Arctic Refuge’s vision statement:
                                                  concurrent step-down plans: a Visitor-                  Plan.
                                                                                                                                                                  This untamed arctic landscape continues
                                                  Use Management Plan (VUMP) and a                          Wilderness: Recommend the Brooks                    to sustain the ecological diversity and special
                                                  Wilderness Stewardship Plan (WSP). In                   Range, Porcupine Plateau, and Coastal                 values that inspired the Refuge’s
                                                  addition to the practices identified                    Plain Wilderness Study Areas to                       establishment. Natural processes continue
                                                  under Alternative A, we would                           Congress for Wilderness designation.                  and traditional cultures thrive with the
                                                  implement interim measures:                               Wild and Scenic Rivers: Recommend                   seasons and changing times; physical and
                                                     D Expand monitoring of degraded                      the Atigun, Hulahula, Kongakut, and                   mental challenges test our bodies, minds and
                                                  sites,                                                  Marsh Fork Canning Rivers to Congress                 spirit; and we honor the land, the wildlife
                                                     D Develop new outreach materials                     for inclusion into the National Wild and              and the native people with respect and
                                                  with targeted messages,                                 Scenic Rivers System.                                 restraint. Through responsible stewardship
                                                     D Work with guides to reduce visitor                   Kongakut River Visitor Use: Under                   this vast wilderness is passed on,
                                                  volume,                                                                                                       undiminished, to future generations.
                                                                                                          this alternative, management would be
                                                     D Work with air operators to disperse                the same as under Alternative D.                         Selection of this Alternative
                                                  flights over high-use areas,                                                                                  recognizes that Arctic Refuge
                                                     D Publish a schedule of when guides                  Alternative F                                         exemplifies the characteristics of
                                                  will be launching trips,                                  Alternative F would adopt the goals                 wilderness. Embodying tangible and
                                                     D Increase enforcement of permit                     and objectives and the revised                        intangible values, the Refuge’s
                                                  conditions and Refuge regulations, and                  management policies and guidelines                    wilderness characteristics include
                                                     D Set an interim cap on commercial                   described in Chapter 2 of the Revised                 natural conditions, natural quiet, wild
                                                  recreation guides from present through                  Plan.                                                 character, and exceptional opportunities
                                                  2016 or through completion of the                         Wilderness: No new areas would be                   for solitude, adventure, and immersion
                                                  VUMP/WSP, whichever comes first.                        recommended for Wilderness                            in the natural world.
                                                  Alternative C                                           designation.                                             Decision:
                                                                                                            Wild and Scenic River: No new rivers                   Arctic Refuge is nationally recognized
                                                    Alternative C would adopt the goals                                                                         for its unique and wide range of arctic
                                                                                                          would be recommended for inclusion
                                                  and objectives and the revised                                                                                and subarctic ecosystems that retain a
                                                                                                          into the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
                                                  management policies and guidelines
                                                                                                            Kongakut River Visitor Use: Under                   high degree of biological integrity and
                                                  described in Chapter 2 of the Revised
                                                                                                          this alternative, management would be                 natural diversity. The Refuge
                                                  Plan.
                                                    Wilderness: Recommend the Coastal                     the same as under Alternative D.                      exemplifies the idea of wilderness
                                                  Plain Wilderness Study Area to                                                                                embodying tangible and intangible
                                                                                                          Factors We Considered in
                                                  Congress for Wilderness designation.                                                                          values including natural conditions,
                                                                                                          Decisionmaking
                                                    Wild and Scenic Rivers: Recommend                                                                           natural quiet, wild character, and
                                                                                                             As explained further below, it is our              exceptional opportunities for solitude,
                                                  the Atigun River to Congress for
                                                                                                          decision to adopt Alternative E (the                  adventure, and immersion in the natural
                                                  inclusion into the National Wild and
                                                                                                          Preferred Alternative), as described in               world. The Refuge represents deep-
                                                  Scenic Rivers System.
                                                    Kongakut River Visitor Use                            the final Revised CCP/EIS for Arctic                  rooted American cultural values about
                                                  Management: Under this alternative,                     Refuge. This decision includes the                    frontiers, open spaces, and wilderness.
                                                  management would be the same as                         Service recommendation of                             It is one of the finest representations of
                                                  under Alternative B.                                    approximately 12.28 million existing                  the wilderness that helped shape our
                                                                                                          acres for Wilderness designation by                   national character and identity.
                                                  Alternative D                                           Congress. This decision also                             In making the decision, we reviewed
                                                    Alternative D would adopt the goals                   recommends four of the Refuge’s rivers                and carefully considered the relevant
                                                  and objectives and the revised                          be included in the National Wild and                  issues, concerns, and public input
                                                  management policies and guidelines                      Scenic Rivers System. Designation of a                received throughout the planning
                                                  described in Chapter 2 of the Revised                   Wilderness Area and Wild and Scenic                   process, comments on the draft and
                                                  Plan.                                                   Rivers requires an act of Congress.                   final Revised CCP/EIS, and other factors
                                                    Wilderness: Recommend the Brooks                         Adoption of Alternative E reflects our             including refuge purposes and relevant
                                                  Range and Porcupine Plateau                             decision that this alternative best meets             laws, regulations, and policies.
                                                  Wilderness Study Areas to Congress for                  the Service’s purpose and need to                        Alternative E best accomplishes
                                                  Wilderness designation.                                 manage Arctic Refuge to achieve the                   refuge purposes; best achieves the
                                                    Wild and Scenic Rivers: Recommend                     mission of the National Wildlife Refuge               mission of the National Wildlife Refuge
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                                                  the Atigun, Kongakut, and Marsh Fork                    System and to meet the purposes for                   System; and best meets the visions and
                                                  Canning Rivers, and those portions of                   which the Refuge was established. This                goals identified in the plan. It best
                                                  the Hulahula River managed by the                       alternative conserves the fish, wildlife              provides long-term protection of fish
                                                  Refuge, to Congress for inclusion into                  and habitats of Arctic Refuge and                     and wildlife habitat while providing
                                                  the National Wild and Scenic Rivers                     facilitates subsistence and recreation in             recreational and other opportunities in
                                                  System.                                                 settings that emphasize natural,                      a natural environment while
                                                    Kongakut River Visitor Use                            unaltered landscapes and natural                      minimizing and preventing human-
                                                  Management: Under this alternative,                     processes. Arctic Refuge encompasses a                caused change.


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                                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 70 / Monday, April 13, 2015 / Notices                                                                             19685

                                                    Dated: April 3, 2015.                                                   ADDRESSES:   Comments may be                                     ways to enhance the quality, utility and
                                                  Geoffrey L. Haskett,                                                      submitted by mail, fax, or electronic                            clarity of the information collection; and
                                                  Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife                                 mail.                                                            (4) ways to minimize the information
                                                  Service, Anchorage, Alaska.                                                 Mail: U.S. Department of the Interior,                         collection burden on respondents, such
                                                  [FR Doc. 2015–08526 Filed 4–10–15; 8:45 am]                               Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C                                as use of automated means of collection
                                                  BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
                                                                                                                            Street NW., Room 2134LM, Attention:                              of the information. A summary of the
                                                                                                                            Jean Sonneman, Washington, DC 20240.                             public comments will accompany our
                                                                                                                              Fax: to Jean Sonneman at 202–245–                              submission of the information collection
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                                                0050.                                                            requests to OMB.
                                                                                                                              Electronic mail:                                                 The following information pertains to
                                                  Bureau of Land Management                                                 Jean_Sonneman@blm.gov.                                           this information collection:
                                                                                                                              Please indicate ‘‘Attn: 1004–0165’’
                                                                                                                            regardless of the form of your                                     Title: Cave Management: Cave
                                                  [LNM9300000 L12200000 XX0000]                                                                                                              Nominations and Confidential
                                                                                                                            comments.
                                                                                                                                                                                             Information (43 CFR part 37).
                                                  Renewal of Approved Information                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                   Forms: None.
                                                  Collection; OMB Control No. 1004–                                         James Goodbar, at 575–234–5929.
                                                                                                                                                                                               OMB Control Number: 1004–0165.
                                                  0165                                                                      Persons who use a telecommunication
                                                                                                                            device for the deaf may call the Federal                           Abstract: The information covered in
                                                  AGENCY:       Bureau of Land Management,                                  Information Relay Service at 1–800–                              this request applies to caves on Federal
                                                  Interior.                                                                 877–8339, to leave a message for Mr.                             lands administered by the BLM,
                                                                                                                            Goodbar.                                                         National Park Service, U.S. Fish and
                                                       60-Day Notice and Request for
                                                  ACTION:                                                                                                                                    Wildlife Service, and Bureau of
                                                  Comments.                                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB                                   Reclamation. The BLM collects
                                                                                                                            regulations at 5 CFR 1320, which                                 information from appropriate private
                                                  SUMMARY:   In compliance with the                                         implement provisions of the Paperwork                            sector interests, including ‘‘cavers,’’ in
                                                  Paperwork Reduction Act, the Bureau of                                    Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3521,                              order to update a list of significant caves
                                                  Land Management (BLM) invites public                                      require that interested members of the                           that are under the jurisdiction of the
                                                  comments on, and plans to request                                         public and affected agencies be given an                         agencies listed above. The BLM also
                                                  approval to continue, the collection of                                   opportunity to comment on information                            processes requests for confidential
                                                  information that is necessary to                                          collection and recordkeeping activities                          information regarding significant caves.
                                                  implement two provisions of the                                           (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d) and 1320.12(a)).                            The information enables the BLM to
                                                  Federal Cave Resources Protection Act                                     This notice identifies an information                            comply with the Federal Cave Resources
                                                  — one which requires Federal agencies                                     collection that the BLM plans to submit                          Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 4301–4310).
                                                  to consult with interested parties to                                     to OMB for approval. The Paperwork
                                                                                                                                                                                               Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
                                                  develop a listing of significant caves,                                   Reduction Act provides that an agency
                                                                                                                            may not conduct or sponsor a collection                            Estimated Number and Description of
                                                  and another under which Federal and                                                                                                        Respondents: 14 individuals and
                                                  State governmental agencies and bona                                      of information unless it displays a
                                                                                                                            currently valid OMB control number.                              households.
                                                  fide educational and research
                                                                                                                            Until OMB approves a collection of                                 Estimated Reporting and
                                                  institutions may request confidential
                                                                                                                            information, you are not obligated to                            Recordkeeping ‘‘Hour’’ Burden: 84
                                                  information regarding significant caves.
                                                                                                                            respond.                                                         hours.
                                                  The Office of Management and Budget
                                                  (OMB) has assigned control number                                           The BLM will request a 3-year term of                            Estimated Reporting and
                                                  1004–0165 to this information                                             approval for this information collection                         Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’
                                                  collection.                                                               activity. Comments are invited on: (1)                           Burden: None.
                                                                                                                            The need for the collection of                                     The following table details the
                                                  DATES: Submit comments on the                                             information for the performance of the                           individual components and respective
                                                  proposed information collection by June                                   functions of the agency; (2) the accuracy                        hour burdens of this information
                                                  12, 2015.                                                                 of the agency’s burden estimates; (3)                            collection request:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          D.
                                                                                           A.                                                                    B.                             C.                                    Total hours
                                                                                  Type of response                                                      Number of responses            Time per response                        (column B × column C)

                                                  Cave Nomination .........................................................................                         10                                 8                                 80
                                                  Request for Confidential Cave Information .................................                                        4                                 1                                  4

                                                        Totals ....................................................................................                 14               ........................................            84



                                                    Before including your address, phone                                    person identifying information—may be                            cannot guarantee that we will be able to
                                                  number, email address, or other person                                    made publicly available at any time.                             do so.
                                                  identifying information in your                                           While you can ask us in your comment
                                                                                                                                                                                             Jean Sonneman,
                                                  comment, you should be aware that                                         to withhold your personal identifying
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                                                  your entire comment—including your                                        information from public review, we                               Bureau of Land Management, Information
                                                                                                                                                                                             Collection Clearance Officer.
                                                                                                                                                                                             [FR Doc. 2015–08408 Filed 4–10–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                                                             BILLING CODE 4310–84–P




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Document Created: 2015-12-18 11:22:30
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 11:22:30
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; Record of Decision.
DatesThe ROD was signed on April 3, 2015.
ContactStephanie Brady, (907) 306-7448, or at
FR Citation80 FR 19678 

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