80_FR_63782 80 FR 63580 - Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, AL

80 FR 63580 - Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, AL

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 202 (October 20, 2015)

Page Range63580-63583
FR Document2015-26614

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Bibb County, Alabama for public review and comment. In this Draft CCP/EA, we describe the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge for the 15 years following approval of the Final CCP.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 202 (Tuesday, October 20, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 202 (Tuesday, October 20, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63580-63583]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26614]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2015-N056: FXRS12650400000S3-123-FF04R02000]


Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, AL

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and 
environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Cahaba River National 
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Bibb County, Alabama for public review and 
comment. In this Draft CCP/EA, we describe the alternative we propose 
to use to manage this refuge for the 15 years following approval of the 
Final CCP.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by November 19, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the Draft CCP/EA by downloading the 
document from our Internet Site at http://fws.gov/southeast/planning/PDFdocuments/cahaba-river-draft-ccp.pdf. Comments on the Draft CCP/EA 
may also be submitted to Sarah Clardy-Draft CCP Comments at P.O. Box 
5087, Anniston, AL 36205 or by email to: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Sarah Clardy, Refuge Manager, 
Cahaba River NWR, P.O. Box 5087, Anniston, AL 36205; or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Cahaba River NWR 
started through a notice in the Federal Register on Tuesday, November 
13, 2012 (77 FR 27526). For more about the refuge and our CCP process, 
please see that notice.
    Cahaba River NWR was established in 2002 under the authority of the 
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act, Public Law 
106-331, dated October 19, 2000. This legislation directed the 
Secretary of the Interior to acquire up to 3,500 acres of lands and 
waters to establish the refuge. In 2004, the Regional Director of the 
Service (Southeast Region) authorized the expansion of the acquisition 
boundary of the refuge to include an additional 340 acres of property 
at the confluence of the Cahaba and Little Cahaba Rivers. In 2006, Pub. 
Law 109-363 was signed by the President, authorizing further expansion 
of the acquisition boundary by 3,600 acres. In 2008, the Regional 
Director authorized a 360-acre expansion of the acquisition boundary. 
As of 2015, the refuge has an approved acquisition boundary of 7,784 
acres of which 3,689.63 acres have been acquired in fee-title in Bibb 
County.
    The refuge was established to: (1) Conserve, enhance, and restore 
the native aquatic and terrestrial community characteristics of the 
Cahaba River (including associated fish, wildlife, and plant species); 
(2) conserve, enhance, and restore habitat to maintain and assist in 
the recovery of plants and animals that are listed under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973; (3) provide opportunities for compatible wildlife-
dependent recreation; and (4)

[[Page 63581]]

facilitate partnerships among the Service, local communities, 
conservation organizations, and other non-Federal entities to encourage 
participation in the conservation of the refuge's resources.

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.
    Priority resource issues addressed in the Draft CCP/EA include: 
Fish and Wildlife Populations, Habitat Management, Resource 
Protections, Visitor Services, and Refuge Administration.

CCP Alternatives, Including Our Proposed Alternative

    We developed three alternatives for managing the refuge 
(Alternatives A, B, and C), with Alternative B as our proposed 
alternative. A full description of each alternative is in the Draft 
CCP/EA. We summarize each alternative below.

Alternative A: Current Management--No Action

Wildlife and Habitat Management
    There would be no management of riverine and Cahaba lily/water 
willow shoals habitats and exotic aquatic plants and Beaver Pond would 
not be managed.
    There would be no management of the following habitats: Beech, oak, 
laurel and azalea forest; Cahaba riverwash herbaceous vegetation; 
canebrake; oak, beech and sedge forest; oak, hickory, and iris forest; 
oak, holly, and sparkleberry forest; and tuliptree and sensitive fern 
forest. For interior longleaf pine woodland and longleaf pine 
plantations, prescribed fire would be applied to approximately 250 
acres every few years to help reduce encroachment of hardwoods and 
support a more diverse groundcover. No management of planted loblolly 
pine stands to restore to longleaf pine historically found in the 
watershed would occur. There would be no management of invasive or 
exotic species within the refuge boundaries.
    Genetic and population monitoring of Georgia aster that began in 
2012 by the Atlanta Botanical Garden will continue. Ecological Services 
(FWS) would monitor and provide recommendations for management 
opportunities for Georgia rockcress or glades, however there would be 
no management implemented.
    There would be no active management by the refuge of federally-
listed fish, mussels, and snails, with the exception of management via 
communication and education with local landowners about sedimentation 
and nutrient loading of aquatic habitats and providing sediment control 
through regular road maintenance of River Trace Road. Additionally, we 
would coordinate access to potential aquatic animal release sites by 
the State or other partners for reintroduction purposes.
    With the exception of occasional surveys and periodic management 
activities in select pine-dominated forest stands, no additional 
management would likely be conducted for migratory birds. For the 
endangered gray bat, surveys would be conducted sporadically.
Visitor Services
    All hunting, fishing, environmental education, interpretation, 
wildlife observation, and wildlife photography opportunities would 
remain the same. Canoeing and kayaking would continue to occur on the 
refuge. The concrete basin used to launch boats upstream of the refuge 
would not be replaced if damaged.
Resource Protection
    Several water resource management activities would likely continue. 
Currently, four water quality monitoring points are sampled quarterly 
(testing for heavy metals) as part of mine reclamation efforts. Testing 
would continue to occur from 2013 through 2015. In terms of protecting 
lands, the refuge would continue to explore conservation options with 
only willing landowners within acquisition boundary as funding and 
opportunities arise. These could include fee-title purchases or less-
than-fee options, such as easement purchases, management agreements, 
etc.
    Currently, there are no known cultural resources, and a 
comprehensive assessment would probably not be conducted. However, if 
sites are identified, the refuge will ensure cultural resource 
management and protection strategies are implemented.
Refuge Administration
    The refuge manager would continue to be stationed in Anniston, AL, 
with oversight duties also including Mountain Longleaf and Watercress 
Darter NWRs. A deputy manager position would likely not be filled. The 
zone officer would continue to conduct periodic law enforcement patrols 
and respond to reported incidents on the refuge.
    On an as-needed basis, work crews from Wheeler NWR and possibly 
other refuges would periodically maintain and repair roads and unpaved 
parking areas, replace culverts, and maintain boundary markers. The 
refuge would solicit the help of volunteers to assist with maintenance 
of trails and repairing benches, etc. No facilities would be built on 
or near the refuge under this alternative.
    The refuge would continue relationships with current partners to 
expand the refuge's capacity to protect and monitor biological 
resources, implement habitat improvement projects, enhance interaction 
and education of refuge visitors through on and off site events and 
encourage cooperative programs with academic institutions and 
nongovernmental organizations

Alternative B: Expand Habitat and Wildlife Management (Proposed 
Alternative)

Wildlife and Habitat Management
    The refuge would monitor the health and distribution of the Cahaba 
Lily population and work to educate the public about the fragility of 
these habitats to human disturbance. We would chemically control 
alligator weed on an annual basis.
    The refuge would re-inventory and create maps for the following 
habitats: Beech, oak, laurel and azalea forest; Cahaba riverwash 
herbaceous vegetation; canebrake; oak, beech and sedge forest; oak, 
hickory, and iris forest; oak, holly, and sparkleberry forest; and 
tuliptree and sensitive fern forest. The refuge would work to re-
establish viable canebrake communities.
    For interior longleaf pine woodland; loblolly pine plantation; and 
longleaf

[[Page 63582]]

pine plantation we would designate stand conditions for restoration 
purposes and reestablish a recurring fire regime. Surveys would be 
conducted to determine if glades habitat exists with the refuge 
boundary. The refuge would implement control measures and monitoring of 
invasive plant species (Chinese Privet, Alligator Weed, Kudzu, Mimosa, 
etc.) as appropriate.
    For Georgia aster, we would work with partners to conduct 
additional surveys and create a GIS database to map Georgia aster 
distribution. We would work with partners to continue surveys for 
Georgia rockcress and implement management strategies (including timber 
management and invasive species removal) to increase population size 
and the number of locations.
    The refuge would develop an educational program and evaluate 
overutilization of recreational use on the refuge and restore stream 
habitat that potentially impacts federally-listed mussels, snails, and 
fish. We would also work with partners to identify and provide access 
for reintroductions of these species.
    For neotropical migratory birds, we would resume biotic inventories 
utilizing refuge staff, local universities and partners. Habitats would 
be restored for focal species where appropriate. In addition, use of 
prescribed fire would be utilized to improve conditions for focal 
species that are dependent upon pine-dominated habitats.
    The refuge would inventory and monitor for gray bats, bald eagles, 
and other surrogate species.
Visitor Services
    Opportunities for wildlife observation, wildlife photography, 
environmental education, and interpretation would be expanded. The 
refuge would maintain bicycle riding opportunities and the current 
launch site for canoeing and kayaking.
Resource Protection
    The refuge would participate as stakeholder on regional water 
quality improvement efforts within the upper Cahaba Basin; work to 
improve water quality of refuge tributary streams through partnerships 
with adjacent land owners; and establish cooperative programs and 
partnerships with the University of Alabama for lands along the western 
refuge boundary. The refuge would also install a stream gage within the 
refuge boundary. Testing would continue to occur on four water quality 
monitoring points as part of mine reclamation efforts.
    We would work with partners to identify and provide assistance to 
landowners to conserve priority lands within the Cahaba River watershed 
by providing long term protection of valued resources within the 
watershed. The refuge would work with the regional archaeologist to 
complete a comprehensive historical and archaeological resource survey.
Refuge Administration
    Seven additional complex staff would be needed to carry out the 
proposed projects. These positions include: An assistant refuge 
manager, biologist, equipment operator, park ranger, forester, law 
enforcement officer and biological technician.
    The refuge would improve River Trace Road (e.g. install low water 
crossings and culverts, improve road surface, etc.), protect the River 
Trace Road from erosion (undercutting by river), and improve Belcher 
Road through regular maintenance.
    No facilities would be built on or near the refuge however, a new 
complex office and maintenance shop would be constructed in Anniston, 
AL.
    The refuge would train volunteers to conduct interpretive programs 
(emphasizing the need for wildlife and habitat and wildlife management) 
and implement projects (interpretive signs, invasive species control, 
biological monitoring, etc.). The volunteer program would be expanded 
to include an Americorp team.

Alternative C: Emphasize Natural and Primitive Processes

Wildlife and Habitat Management
    Management of riverine and Cahaba lily/water willow shoals habitats 
would remain the same as Alternative A. For Beaver Pond, we would 
evaluate feasibility for restoring its natural hydrology.
    There would be no change in management for the following habitats: 
Beech, oak, laurel and azalea forest; Cahaba riverwash herbaceous 
vegetation; canebrake; oak, beech and sedge forest; oak, hickory, and 
iris forest; oak, holly, and sparkleberry forest; and tuliptree and 
sensitive fern forest. We would replace planted loblolly pine 
plantation stands, with longleaf pine, on an opportunistic basis. For 
interior longleaf pine woodland and longleaf pine plantation, we would 
use prescribed fire only to minimize threat of wildfire. There would be 
no surveys conducted for glades and no active management for Georgia 
aster.
    Management for federally listed aquatic species, neotropical 
migratory birds, gray bat, bald eagle, and other surrogate species 
would be the same as under Alternative B.
Visitor Services
    River Trace Road would be closed to motor vehicles and converted to 
a trail. We would work with partners to develop and present educational 
programs that emphasize the role of natural ecological processes in 
shaping wildlife habitats.
    We would develop interpretive materials and messages that emphasize 
the role of natural and primitive processes in shaping wildlife 
habitats. We would remove the concrete basin that is used to launch 
canoes and kayaks.
Resource Protection
    For water quality, management would be similar to Alternative B, 
but we would also ensure that mine tailings do not contaminate 
groundwater through removal or other means. We would restore the 
natural hydrology on the refuge in areas where there is the greatest 
need.
    Land protection efforts would focus on tracts within the 
acquisition boundary based on their potential role in creating a more 
connected and functional ecosystem.
Refuge Administration
    Under this alternative, the following three additional staff would 
be required: Biologist, biological technician, and equipment operator.
    We would evaluate which road-side ditches and culverts would need 
to be altered to restore the former hydrology and reduce sedimentation. 
No facilities would be leased, acquired, or built under this 
alternative.
Volunteers and Other Partnerships
    We would offer our volunteers training to conduct interpretive 
programs that emphasize the role of natural and primitive processes in 
shaping wildlife habitat.

Next Step

    After the comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and 
address them in the Final CCP.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying

[[Page 63583]]

information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

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.).

    Dated: October 14, 2015.
Richard P. Ingram,
Acting Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System.
[FR Doc. 2015-26614 Filed 10-19-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P



                                                  63580                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 202 / Tuesday, October 20, 2015 / Notices

                                                  directed to the OMB USCIS Desk Officer                  Overview of This Information                          in Bibb County, Alabama for public
                                                  via email at oira_submission@                           Collection                                            review and comment. In this Draft CCP/
                                                  omb.eop.gov. Comments may also be                         (1) Type of Information Collection                  EA, we describe the alternative we
                                                  submitted via fax at (202) 395–5806. All                Request: Revision of a Currently                      propose to use to manage this refuge for
                                                  submissions received must include the                   Approved Collection.                                  the 15 years following approval of the
                                                  agency name and the OMB Control                           (2) Title of the Form/Collection:                   Final CCP.
                                                  Number 1615–0034.                                       Notice of Appeal of Decision Under                    DATES: To ensure consideration, we
                                                     You may wish to consider limiting the                Section 210 or 245A.                                  must receive your written comments by
                                                  amount of personal information that you                   (3) Agency form number, if any, and                 November 19, 2015.
                                                  provide in any voluntary submission                     the applicable component of the DHS                   ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of
                                                  you make. For additional information                    sponsoring the collection: Form I–694;                the Draft CCP/EA by downloading the
                                                  please read the Privacy Act notice that                 USCIS.                                                document from our Internet Site at
                                                  is available via the link in the footer of                (4) Affected public who will be asked               http://fws.gov/southeast/planning/PDF
                                                  http://www.regulations.gov.                             or required to respond, as well as a brief            documents/cahaba-river-draft-ccp.pdf.
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFOMRATION CONTACT:                        abstract: Primary: Individuals or                     Comments on the Draft CCP/EA may
                                                  USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy,                   households. USCIS uses the information                also be submitted to Sarah Clardy-Draft
                                                  Regulatory Coordination Division, Laura                 provided on Form I–694 in considering                 CCP Comments at P.O. Box 5087,
                                                  Dawkins, Chief, 20 Massachusetts                        the appeal from a finding that an                     Anniston, AL 36205 or by email to:
                                                  Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529–                       applicant is ineligible for legalization              cahabariverccp@fws.gov.
                                                  2140, Telephone number (202) 272–                       under section 210 and 245A of the Act                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
                                                  8377 (comments are not accepted via                     or is ineligible for a related waiver of              Sarah Clardy, Refuge Manager, Cahaba
                                                  telephone message). Please note contact                 inadmissibility.                                      River NWR, P.O. Box 5087, Anniston,
                                                  information provided here is solely for                   (5) An estimate of the total number of              AL 36205; or cahabariverccp@fws.gov.
                                                  questions regarding this notice. It is not              respondents and the amount of time                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  for individual case status inquiries.                   estimated for an average respondent to
                                                  Applicants seeking information about                    respond: The estimated total number of                Introduction
                                                  the status of their individual cases can                respondents for the information                         With this notice, we continue the CCP
                                                  check Case Status Online, available at                  collection Form I–694 is 50 and the                   process for Cahaba River NWR started
                                                  the USCIS Web site at http://                           estimated hour burden per response is                 through a notice in the Federal Register
                                                  www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS                        1.5 hours.                                            on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 (77 FR
                                                  National Customer Service Center at                       (6) An estimate of the total public                 27526). For more about the refuge and
                                                  (800) 375–5283; TTY (800) 767–1833.                     burden (in hours) associated with the                 our CCP process, please see that notice.
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              collection: The total estimated annual                  Cahaba River NWR was established in
                                                                                                          hour burden associated with this                      2002 under the authority of the Cahaba
                                                  Comments                                                collection is 75 hours.                               River National Wildlife Refuge
                                                    You may access the information                          (7) An estimate of the total public                 Establishment Act, Public Law 106–331,
                                                  collection instrument with instructions,                burden (in cost) associated with the                  dated October 19, 2000. This legislation
                                                  or additional information by visiting the               collection: $6,312.50.                                directed the Secretary of the Interior to
                                                  Federal eRulemaking Portal site at:                       Dated: October 14, 2015.                            acquire up to 3,500 acres of lands and
                                                  http://www.regulations.gov and enter                    Laura Dawkins,
                                                                                                                                                                waters to establish the refuge. In 2004,
                                                  USCIS–2007–0034 in the search box.                                                                            the Regional Director of the Service
                                                                                                          Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division,
                                                  Written comments and suggestions from                   Office of Policy and Strategy, U.S. Citizenship
                                                                                                                                                                (Southeast Region) authorized the
                                                  the public and affected agencies should                 and Immigration Services, Department of               expansion of the acquisition boundary
                                                  address one or more of the following                    Homeland Security.                                    of the refuge to include an additional
                                                  four points:                                            [FR Doc. 2015–26531 Filed 10–19–15; 8:45 am]          340 acres of property at the confluence
                                                    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed                     BILLING CODE 9111–97–P
                                                                                                                                                                of the Cahaba and Little Cahaba Rivers.
                                                  collection of information is necessary                                                                        In 2006, Pub. Law 109–363 was signed
                                                  for the proper performance of the                                                                             by the President, authorizing further
                                                  functions of the agency, including                                                                            expansion of the acquisition boundary
                                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                                  whether the information will have                                                                             by 3,600 acres. In 2008, the Regional
                                                  practical utility;                                      Fish and Wildlife Service                             Director authorized a 360-acre
                                                    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the                                                                            expansion of the acquisition boundary.
                                                  agency’s estimate of the burden of the                  [FWS–R4–R–2015–N056:                                  As of 2015, the refuge has an approved
                                                  proposed collection of information,                     FXRS12650400000S3–123–FF04R02000]                     acquisition boundary of 7,784 acres of
                                                  including the validity of the                                                                                 which 3,689.63 acres have been
                                                                                                          Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge,
                                                  methodology and assumptions used;                                                                             acquired in fee-title in Bibb County.
                                                                                                          AL
                                                    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and                                                                         The refuge was established to: (1)
                                                  clarity of the information to be                        AGENCY:   Fish and Wildlife Service,                  Conserve, enhance, and restore the
                                                  collected; and                                          Interior.                                             native aquatic and terrestrial
                                                    (4) Minimize the burden of the                        ACTION: Notice of availability; request               community characteristics of the Cahaba
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                  collection of information on those who                  for comments.                                         River (including associated fish,
                                                  are to respond, including through the                                                                         wildlife, and plant species); (2)
                                                  use of appropriate automated,                           SUMMARY:   We, the U.S. Fish and                      conserve, enhance, and restore habitat
                                                  electronic, mechanical, or other                        Wildlife Service (Service), announce the              to maintain and assist in the recovery of
                                                  technological collection techniques or                  availability of a draft comprehensive                 plants and animals that are listed under
                                                  other forms of information technology,                  conservation plan and environmental                   the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (3)
                                                  e.g., permitting electronic submission of               assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Cahaba                  provide opportunities for compatible
                                                  responses.                                              River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)                  wildlife-dependent recreation; and (4)


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:55 Oct 19, 2015   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00083   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM   20OCN1


                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 202 / Tuesday, October 20, 2015 / Notices                                         63581

                                                  facilitate partnerships among the                       sensitive fern forest. For interior                   purchases or less-than-fee options, such
                                                  Service, local communities,                             longleaf pine woodland and longleaf                   as easement purchases, management
                                                  conservation organizations, and other                   pine plantations, prescribed fire would               agreements, etc.
                                                  non-Federal entities to encourage                       be applied to approximately 250 acres                   Currently, there are no known
                                                  participation in the conservation of the                every few years to help reduce                        cultural resources, and a comprehensive
                                                  refuge’s resources.                                     encroachment of hardwoods and                         assessment would probably not be
                                                                                                          support a more diverse groundcover. No                conducted. However, if sites are
                                                  Background                                              management of planted loblolly pine                   identified, the refuge will ensure
                                                  The CCP Process                                         stands to restore to longleaf pine                    cultural resource management and
                                                    The National Wildlife Refuge System                   historically found in the watershed                   protection strategies are implemented.
                                                  Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.                   would occur. There would be no
                                                                                                          management of invasive or exotic                      Refuge Administration
                                                  668dd–668ee) (Administration Act), as
                                                  amended by the National Wildlife                        species within the refuge boundaries.                    The refuge manager would continue
                                                                                                             Genetic and population monitoring of               to be stationed in Anniston, AL, with
                                                  Refuge System Improvement Act of
                                                                                                          Georgia aster that began in 2012 by the               oversight duties also including
                                                  1997, requires us to develop a CCP for
                                                                                                          Atlanta Botanical Garden will continue.               Mountain Longleaf and Watercress
                                                  each national wildlife refuge. The
                                                                                                          Ecological Services (FWS) would                       Darter NWRs. A deputy manager
                                                  purpose for developing a CCP is to
                                                                                                          monitor and provide recommendations                   position would likely not be filled. The
                                                  provide refuge managers with a 15-year
                                                                                                          for management opportunities for                      zone officer would continue to conduct
                                                  plan for achieving refuge purposes and
                                                                                                          Georgia rockcress or glades, however                  periodic law enforcement patrols and
                                                  contributing toward the mission of the
                                                                                                          there would be no management                          respond to reported incidents on the
                                                  National Wildlife Refuge System,
                                                                                                          implemented.                                          refuge.
                                                  consistent with sound principles of fish                   There would be no active                              On an as-needed basis, work crews
                                                  and wildlife management, conservation,                  management by the refuge of federally-                from Wheeler NWR and possibly other
                                                  legal mandates, and our policies. In                    listed fish, mussels, and snails, with the            refuges would periodically maintain
                                                  addition to outlining broad management                  exception of management via                           and repair roads and unpaved parking
                                                  direction on conserving wildlife and                    communication and education with                      areas, replace culverts, and maintain
                                                  their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-                 local landowners about sedimentation                  boundary markers. The refuge would
                                                  dependent recreational opportunities                    and nutrient loading of aquatic habitats              solicit the help of volunteers to assist
                                                  available to the public, including                      and providing sediment control through                with maintenance of trails and repairing
                                                  opportunities for hunting, fishing,                     regular road maintenance of River Trace               benches, etc. No facilities would be
                                                  wildlife observation, wildlife                          Road. Additionally, we would                          built on or near the refuge under this
                                                  photography, and environmental                          coordinate access to potential aquatic                alternative.
                                                  education and interpretation. We will                   animal release sites by the State or other               The refuge would continue
                                                  review and update the CCP at least                      partners for reintroduction purposes.                 relationships with current partners to
                                                  every 15 years in accordance with the                      With the exception of occasional                   expand the refuge’s capacity to protect
                                                  Administration Act.                                     surveys and periodic management
                                                    Priority resource issues addressed in                                                                       and monitor biological resources,
                                                                                                          activities in select pine-dominated                   implement habitat improvement
                                                  the Draft CCP/EA include: Fish and                      forest stands, no additional management
                                                  Wildlife Populations, Habitat                                                                                 projects, enhance interaction and
                                                                                                          would likely be conducted for migratory               education of refuge visitors through on
                                                  Management, Resource Protections,                       birds. For the endangered gray bat,
                                                  Visitor Services, and Refuge                                                                                  and off site events and encourage
                                                                                                          surveys would be conducted                            cooperative programs with academic
                                                  Administration.                                         sporadically.                                         institutions and nongovernmental
                                                  CCP Alternatives, Including Our                         Visitor Services                                      organizations
                                                  Proposed Alternative
                                                                                                            All hunting, fishing, environmental                 Alternative B: Expand Habitat and
                                                    We developed three alternatives for                   education, interpretation, wildlife                   Wildlife Management (Proposed
                                                  managing the refuge (Alternatives A, B,                 observation, and wildlife photography                 Alternative)
                                                  and C), with Alternative B as our                       opportunities would remain the same.
                                                  proposed alternative. A full description                                                                      Wildlife and Habitat Management
                                                                                                          Canoeing and kayaking would continue
                                                  of each alternative is in the Draft CCP/                to occur on the refuge. The concrete                    The refuge would monitor the health
                                                  EA. We summarize each alternative                       basin used to launch boats upstream of                and distribution of the Cahaba Lily
                                                  below.                                                  the refuge would not be replaced if                   population and work to educate the
                                                  Alternative A: Current Management—                      damaged.                                              public about the fragility of these
                                                  No Action                                                                                                     habitats to human disturbance. We
                                                                                                          Resource Protection                                   would chemically control alligator weed
                                                  Wildlife and Habitat Management                           Several water resource management                   on an annual basis.
                                                    There would be no management of                       activities would likely continue.                       The refuge would re-inventory and
                                                  riverine and Cahaba lily/water willow                   Currently, four water quality monitoring              create maps for the following habitats:
                                                  shoals habitats and exotic aquatic plants               points are sampled quarterly (testing for             Beech, oak, laurel and azalea forest;
                                                  and Beaver Pond would not be                            heavy metals) as part of mine                         Cahaba riverwash herbaceous
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                  managed.                                                reclamation efforts. Testing would                    vegetation; canebrake; oak, beech and
                                                    There would be no management of the                   continue to occur from 2013 through                   sedge forest; oak, hickory, and iris
                                                  following habitats: Beech, oak, laurel                  2015. In terms of protecting lands, the               forest; oak, holly, and sparkleberry
                                                  and azalea forest; Cahaba riverwash                     refuge would continue to explore                      forest; and tuliptree and sensitive fern
                                                  herbaceous vegetation; canebrake; oak,                  conservation options with only willing                forest. The refuge would work to re-
                                                  beech and sedge forest; oak, hickory,                   landowners within acquisition                         establish viable canebrake communities.
                                                  and iris forest; oak, holly, and                        boundary as funding and opportunities                   For interior longleaf pine woodland;
                                                  sparkleberry forest; and tuliptree and                  arise. These could include fee-title                  loblolly pine plantation; and longleaf


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:55 Oct 19, 2015   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00084   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM   20OCN1


                                                  63582                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 202 / Tuesday, October 20, 2015 / Notices

                                                  pine plantation we would designate                        We would work with partners to                      birds, gray bat, bald eagle, and other
                                                  stand conditions for restoration                        identify and provide assistance to                    surrogate species would be the same as
                                                  purposes and reestablish a recurring fire               landowners to conserve priority lands                 under Alternative B.
                                                  regime. Surveys would be conducted to                   within the Cahaba River watershed by
                                                                                                                                                                Visitor Services
                                                  determine if glades habitat exists with                 providing long term protection of
                                                  the refuge boundary. The refuge would                   valued resources within the watershed.                  River Trace Road would be closed to
                                                  implement control measures and                          The refuge would work with the                        motor vehicles and converted to a trail.
                                                  monitoring of invasive plant species                    regional archaeologist to complete a                  We would work with partners to
                                                  (Chinese Privet, Alligator Weed, Kudzu,                 comprehensive historical and                          develop and present educational
                                                  Mimosa, etc.) as appropriate.                           archaeological resource survey.                       programs that emphasize the role of
                                                     For Georgia aster, we would work                                                                           natural ecological processes in shaping
                                                                                                          Refuge Administration                                 wildlife habitats.
                                                  with partners to conduct additional
                                                  surveys and create a GIS database to                      Seven additional complex staff would                  We would develop interpretive
                                                  map Georgia aster distribution. We                      be needed to carry out the proposed                   materials and messages that emphasize
                                                  would work with partners to continue                    projects. These positions include: An                 the role of natural and primitive
                                                  surveys for Georgia rockcress and                       assistant refuge manager, biologist,                  processes in shaping wildlife habitats.
                                                  implement management strategies                         equipment operator, park ranger,                      We would remove the concrete basin
                                                  (including timber management and                        forester, law enforcement officer and                 that is used to launch canoes and
                                                  invasive species removal) to increase                   biological technician.                                kayaks.
                                                  population size and the number of                         The refuge would improve River
                                                                                                                                                                Resource Protection
                                                  locations.                                              Trace Road (e.g. install low water
                                                     The refuge would develop an                          crossings and culverts, improve road                    For water quality, management would
                                                  educational program and evaluate                        surface, etc.), protect the River Trace               be similar to Alternative B, but we
                                                  overutilization of recreational use on the              Road from erosion (undercutting by                    would also ensure that mine tailings do
                                                  refuge and restore stream habitat that                  river), and improve Belcher Road                      not contaminate groundwater through
                                                  potentially impacts federally-listed                    through regular maintenance.                          removal or other means. We would
                                                  mussels, snails, and fish. We would also                  No facilities would be built on or near             restore the natural hydrology on the
                                                  work with partners to identify and                      the refuge however, a new complex                     refuge in areas where there is the
                                                  provide access for reintroductions of                   office and maintenance shop would be                  greatest need.
                                                                                                          constructed in Anniston, AL.                            Land protection efforts would focus
                                                  these species.
                                                                                                            The refuge would train volunteers to                on tracts within the acquisition
                                                     For neotropical migratory birds, we
                                                                                                          conduct interpretive programs                         boundary based on their potential role
                                                  would resume biotic inventories
                                                                                                          (emphasizing the need for wildlife and                in creating a more connected and
                                                  utilizing refuge staff, local universities
                                                                                                          habitat and wildlife management) and                  functional ecosystem.
                                                  and partners. Habitats would be restored
                                                  for focal species where appropriate. In                 implement projects (interpretive signs,               Refuge Administration
                                                  addition, use of prescribed fire would be               invasive species control, biological
                                                                                                          monitoring, etc.). The volunteer                         Under this alternative, the following
                                                  utilized to improve conditions for focal                                                                      three additional staff would be required:
                                                  species that are dependent upon pine-                   program would be expanded to include
                                                                                                          an Americorp team.                                    Biologist, biological technician, and
                                                  dominated habitats.                                                                                           equipment operator.
                                                     The refuge would inventory and                       Alternative C: Emphasize Natural and                     We would evaluate which road-side
                                                  monitor for gray bats, bald eagles, and                 Primitive Processes                                   ditches and culverts would need to be
                                                  other surrogate species.                                                                                      altered to restore the former hydrology
                                                                                                          Wildlife and Habitat Management
                                                  Visitor Services                                                                                              and reduce sedimentation. No facilities
                                                                                                             Management of riverine and Cahaba                  would be leased, acquired, or built
                                                     Opportunities for wildlife                           lily/water willow shoals habitats would               under this alternative.
                                                  observation, wildlife photography,                      remain the same as Alternative A. For
                                                  environmental education, and                            Beaver Pond, we would evaluate                        Volunteers and Other Partnerships
                                                  interpretation would be expanded. The                   feasibility for restoring its natural                    We would offer our volunteers
                                                  refuge would maintain bicycle riding                    hydrology.                                            training to conduct interpretive
                                                  opportunities and the current launch                       There would be no change in                        programs that emphasize the role of
                                                  site for canoeing and kayaking.                         management for the following habitats:                natural and primitive processes in
                                                                                                          Beech, oak, laurel and azalea forest;                 shaping wildlife habitat.
                                                  Resource Protection
                                                                                                          Cahaba riverwash herbaceous
                                                    The refuge would participate as                       vegetation; canebrake; oak, beech and                 Next Step
                                                  stakeholder on regional water quality                   sedge forest; oak, hickory, and iris                    After the comment period ends, we
                                                  improvement efforts within the upper                    forest; oak, holly, and sparkleberry                  will analyze the comments and address
                                                  Cahaba Basin; work to improve water                     forest; and tuliptree and sensitive fern              them in the Final CCP.
                                                  quality of refuge tributary streams                     forest. We would replace planted
                                                  through partnerships with adjacent land                 loblolly pine plantation stands, with                 Public Availability of Comments
                                                  owners; and establish cooperative                       longleaf pine, on an opportunistic basis.               Before including your address, phone
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                  programs and partnerships with the                      For interior longleaf pine woodland and               number, email address, or other
                                                  University of Alabama for lands along                   longleaf pine plantation, we would use                personal identifying information in your
                                                  the western refuge boundary. The refuge                 prescribed fire only to minimize threat               comment, you should be aware that
                                                  would also install a stream gage within                 of wildfire. There would be no surveys                your entire comment—including your
                                                  the refuge boundary. Testing would                      conducted for glades and no active                    personal identifying information—may
                                                  continue to occur on four water quality                 management for Georgia aster.                         be made publicly available at any time.
                                                  monitoring points as part of mine                          Management for federally listed                    While you can ask us in your comment
                                                  reclamation efforts.                                    aquatic species, neotropical migratory                to withhold your personal identifying


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:55 Oct 19, 2015   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00085   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM   20OCN1


                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 202 / Tuesday, October 20, 2015 / Notices                                          63583

                                                  information from public review, we                      Resolution No. T–117–12, dated July 5,                SUMMARY:    History Colorado, formerly
                                                  cannot guarantee that we will be able to                2012, in which the Yakama Nation                      Colorado Historical Society, has
                                                  do so.                                                  requested that the State of Washington                completed an inventory of human
                                                                                                          retrocede partial civil and criminal                  remains, in consultation with the
                                                  Authority
                                                                                                          jurisdiction to the Tribe.                            appropriate Indian tribes or Native
                                                    This notice is published under the                      Dated: October 14, 2015.                            Hawaiian organizations, and has
                                                  authority of the National Wildlife                                                                            determined that there is no cultural
                                                                                                          Kevin K. Washburn,
                                                  Refuge System Improvement Act of                                                                              affiliation between the human remains
                                                  1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.).                         Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs.
                                                                                                                                                                and any present-day Indian tribes or
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2015–26620 Filed 10–19–15; 8:45 am]          Native Hawaiian organizations.
                                                    Dated: October 14, 2015.
                                                  Richard P. Ingram,
                                                                                                          BILLING CODE 4337–15–P                                Representatives of any Indian tribe or
                                                  Acting Regional Chief, National Wildlife
                                                                                                                                                                Native Hawaiian organization not
                                                  Refuge System.                                                                                                identified in this notice that wish to
                                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                            request transfer of control of these
                                                  [FR Doc. 2015–26614 Filed 10–19–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                          Bureau of Land Management                             human remains should submit a written
                                                  BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
                                                                                                                                                                request to History Colorado. If no
                                                                                                          [LLWO210000.16X.L11100000.PH0000                      additional requestors come forward,
                                                                                                          LXSISGST0000]                                         transfer of control of the human remains
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                                                                                                                                                to the Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian
                                                                                                          Notice of Proposed Withdrawal;                        organizations stated in this notice may
                                                  Bureau of Indian Affairs                                Sagebrush Focal Areas; Idaho,                         proceed.
                                                  [156A2100DD/AAKC001030/                                 Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and
                                                                                                                                                                DATES: Representatives of any Indian
                                                  A0A501010.999900 253G]                                  Wyoming and Notice of Intent To
                                                                                                          Prepare an Environmental Impact                       tribe or Native Hawaiian organization
                                                  Acceptance of Retrocession of                           Statement                                             not identified in this notice that wish to
                                                  Jurisdiction for the Yakama Nation                                                                            request transfer of control of these
                                                                                                          Correction                                            human remains should submit a written
                                                  AGENCY:    Bureau of Indian Affairs,                                                                          request with information in support of
                                                  Interior.                                               AGENCY:   Bureau of Land Management,
                                                                                                          Interior.                                             the request to History Colorado at the
                                                  ACTION: Notice.                                                                                               address in this notice by November 19,
                                                                                                          ACTION: Correction Notice.
                                                                                                                                                                2015.
                                                  SUMMARY:   The Department of Interior
                                                                                                          SUMMARY:   This action corrects the                   ADDRESSES: Sheila Goff, NAGPRA
                                                  (Department) has accepted retrocession
                                                  to the United States of partial civil and               language found in the SUPPLEMENTARY                   Liaison, History Colorado, 1200
                                                  criminal jurisdiction over the Yakama                   INFORMATION section of a notice                       Broadway, Denver, CO 80203, telephone
                                                  Nation from the State of Washington.                    published in the Federal Register on                  (303) 866–4531, email sheila.goff@
                                                                                                          Thursday, September 24, 2015 (80 FR                   state.co.us.
                                                  DATES: The Department accepted
                                                  retrocession on October 19, 2015.                       57635 to 57637).                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is
                                                  Complete implementation of                                On page 57636, column 2, beginning                  here given in accordance with the
                                                  jurisdiction will be effective April 19,                on line 9, the text which reads ‘‘The                 Native American Graves Protection and
                                                  2016.                                                   Sagebrush Focal Areas include all                     Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C.
                                                                                                          public and National Forest System lands               3003, of the completion of an inventory
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     Mr.                identified in the townships below:’’, is              of human remains under the control of
                                                  Darren Cruzan, Deputy Director—Office                   hereby corrected to read, ‘‘The                       History Colorado, Denver, CO.
                                                  of Justice Services, Bureau of Indian                   Sagebrush Focal Areas consist of those                   This notice is published as part of the
                                                  Affairs, (202) 208–5787.                                public and National Forest System lands               National Park Service’s administrative
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the                    within the townships below that are                   responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25
                                                  authority of 25 U.S.C. 1323, vested in                  identified as Sagebrush Focal Areas on                U.S.C. 3003(d)(3) and 43 CFR 10.11(d).
                                                  the Secretary of the Interior by                        the map posted on the BLM Web site at                 The determinations in this notice are
                                                  Executive Order No. 11435 of November                   http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/                     the sole responsibility of the museum,
                                                  21, 1968, 33 FR 17339, and re-delegated                 more/sagegrouse.html:’’                               institution, or Federal agency that has
                                                  to the Assistant Secretary—Indian                                                                             control of the Native American human
                                                                                                          Steven A. Ellis,
                                                  Affairs, the United States accepts partial                                                                    remains. The National Park Service is
                                                  civil and criminal jurisdiction over the                Deputy Director, Operations.
                                                                                                                                                                not responsible for the determinations
                                                  Yakama Nation which was acquired by                     [FR Doc. 2015–26633 Filed 10–19–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                                in this notice.
                                                  the State of Washington, under Public                   BILLING CODE 4310–84–P
                                                  Law 83–280, 67 Stat. 588, codified as                                                                         Consultation
                                                  amended at 18 U.S.C. 1162, 28 U.S.C.                                                                            A detailed assessment of the human
                                                  1360, and as provided in Revised Code                   DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                            remains was made by History Colorado
                                                  of Washington 37.12.010, 37.12.021,                                                                           professional staff in consultation with
                                                                                                          National Park Service                                 representatives of the Arapaho Tribe of
                                                  37.12.030, 37.12.040, and 37.12.060
                                                  (1963), and 37.12.050 (1957).                           [NPS–WASO–NAGPRA–19337:                               the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming;
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    This retrocession was offered by the                  PPWOCRADN0–PCU00RP14.R50000]                          Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes,
                                                  State of Washington in Proclamation by                                                                        Oklahoma (previously listed as the
                                                  the Governor 14–01, signed on January                   Notice of Inventory Completion:                       Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of
                                                  17, 2014, and transmitted to the                        History Colorado, Formerly Colorado                   Oklahoma); Comanche Nation,
                                                  Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs in                   Historical Society, Denver, CO                        Oklahoma; Fort Sill Apache Tribe of
                                                  accordance with the process in Revised                  AGENCY:   National Park Service, Interior.            Oklahoma; Jicarilla Apache Nation, New
                                                  Code of Washington 37.12.160 (2012),                                                                          Mexico; Kiowa Indian Tribe of
                                                                                                          ACTION:   Notice.
                                                  and as provided by Tribal Council                                                                             Oklahoma; Mescalero Apache Tribe of


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:55 Oct 19, 2015   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00086   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM   20OCN1



Document Created: 2015-12-14 15:25:43
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 15:25:43
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; request for comments.
DatesTo ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by November 19, 2015.
ContactMs. Sarah Clardy, Refuge Manager, Cahaba River NWR, P.O. Box 5087, Anniston, AL 36205; or [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 63580 

2024 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR