80 FR 9279 - Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 34 (February 20, 2015)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 34 (February 20, 2015)
| Page Range | 9279-9280 | |
| FR Document | 2015-03523 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 34 (Friday, February 20, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 9279-9280] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-03523] [[Page 9279]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R1-R-2013-N279; 1265-0000-10137-S3] Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce that our final comprehensive conservation plan and environmental impact statement (CCP/EIS) for the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is available. In the final CCP/EIS, we describe how we propose to manage the Refuge for 15 years. DATES: We will complete a record of decision 30 days after publication of this notice. ADDRESSES: The libraries providing public viewing of the final CCP/EIS are listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. You may view, obtain, or request CD-ROM copies of the final CCP/EIS by the following methods. Web site: http://www.fws.gov/deerflat/refugeplanning.html. Email: [email protected]. Include ``Deer Flat Refuge draft CCP/EIS'' in the subject line of the message. Fax: Attn: Refuge Manager, 208-467-1019. U.S. Mail: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 13751 Upper Embankment Road, Nampa, ID 83686. In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call 208-467-9278 to make an appointment during regular business hours at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Refuge Manager, 208-467-9278 (phone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we announce the availability of the Refuge's final CCP/EIS in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 40 CFR 1506.6(b) requirements. We started this process through a notice published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2010 (75 FR 41232). We released the draft CCP/EIS to the public, and requested public comments, in a notice of availability published in the Federal Register on March 15, 2013 (78 FR 16526). We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment in the final CCP/EIS, and responded to public comments. The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge for 15 years. Alternative 2, as we described in the Final CCP/EIS, is our preferred alternative. Background The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee (Refuge 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 (Refuge System), consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with the Refuge Administration Act. CCP/EIS Alternatives We evaluated four alternatives for managing Deer Flat Refuge; Alternative 2 is our preferred alternative. Based on feedback on the draft CCP/EIS, some modifications have been made to Alternative 2 and are summarized below. A full description of all alternatives, including changes to our preferred alternative, can be found in the final CCP/EIS at the sources identified in ADDRESSES. Changes to Alternative 2 [ssquf] A youth waterfowl hunt would be opened in all waterfowl hunt zones. [ssquf] Ice fishing would be allowed in Fishing Areas A and B within 200 yards of the dams, subject to areas posted by the Bureau of Reclamation. [ssquf] Sailing regattas would be allowed on Lake Lowell in April and May with stipulations. [ssquf] Swimming would be encouraged in designated areas, and would continue to be allowed elsewhere in Lake Lowell with stipulations. [ssquf] Organized group events (e.g., weddings, reunions) that are not wildlife-dependent would be allowed at the Lower Dam Recreation Area with stipulations. Other Features of Alternative 2 Under Alternative 2, we would emphasize connecting families to nature by providing access to new recreational facilities and programs on the Refuge such as developing a visitor contact station, new trails, and a platform for fishing and wildlife observation at the Lower Dam Recreation Area. Nearly all existing upland and on-water recreation would continue. Fishing access would be promoted, and wildlife interpretation would be emphasized and integrated into all Refuge visitor activities. Other compatible wildlife-dependent public uses would continue, including wildlife observation, and waterfowl and upland game hunting. Gotts Point would be opened for automobiles after we complete a law enforcement cooperative agreement with Canyon County. Activities would be managed to protect wildlife, reduce conflicts between uses, and increase safety. Alternative 2 also includes protections and enhancements for Refuge wildlife. Seasonally closed areas and no-wake zones on Lake Lowell would protect heron rookeries, eagle nests, and grebe nesting colonies, and shoreline feeding and nesting habitats. Motorized boats would be allowed in no-wake zones, at speeds that do not create a wake (generally 5 mph or slower). The lake would continue to be closed October 1-April 14 each year. The no-wake zone on the lake's southeast end would expand to include Gotts Point. A no-wake zone would be added in the Narrows, and a 200-yard no-wake zone would be added along the lake's south side between Parking Lots 1 and 8. Habitat enhancement would increase. We would implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan to conduct more intensive and targeted invasive species removal and vegetation manipulation. We would increase wildlife and habitat research and assessments, to build a strong scientific base for future management decisions. On the Snake River Islands Unit, we would increase wildlife inventory and monitoring under Alternative 2, and implement an IPM plan to control invasive species and restore habitat. We would prioritize the islands' management needs and manage accordingly. Management techniques would include prescribed fire and aerial application of herbicide and seed. Island closure dates would be adjusted to better protect nesting geese, wading birds, gulls, and terns. [[Page 9280]] Existing compatible public uses provided on the islands, including wildlife observation, deer hunting, and hunting for upland species and waterfowl, would continue on more than 1,200 acres. Most of the islands would be open for off-trail/free-roam activities June 15-January 31, including shoreline fishing. Heron and gull-nesting islands (4-6 islands) would be open for free-roam activities July 1-January 31. Public Availability of Documents Review the CCP/EIS at the following libraries, and sources under ADDRESSES. [ssquf] Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St, Caldwell, ID 83605. [ssquf] Homedale Public Library, 125 W Owyhee Ave, Homedale, ID 83628. [ssquf] Lizard Butte District Library, 111 3rd Ave W, Marsing, ID 83639. [ssquf] Nampa Public Library, 101 11th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651. [ssquf] Payette Public Library, 24 S 10th St, Payette, ID 83661. [ssquf] Ada County District Library, 10664 W Victory Rd, Boise, ID 83709. Comments We received comments on the draft CCP/EIS from 170 agencies, organizations, and individuals, and a petition with 426 signatures. We addressed the comments in the final CCP/EIS by making changes and clarifications to Alternative 2 as appropriate. The changes are explained in the final CCP/EIS, in Appendix H Public Involvement. Dated: February 11, 2015. Richard Hannan, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2015-03523 Filed 2-19-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 34 / Friday, February 20, 2015 / Notices 9279
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR environment in the final CCP/EIS, and wildlife-dependent would be allowed at
responded to public comments. the Lower Dam Recreation Area with
Fish and Wildlife Service The CCP will guide us in managing stipulations.
[FWS–R1–R–2013–N279; 1265–0000–10137– and administering the Refuge for 15
Other Features of Alternative 2
S3] years. Alternative 2, as we described in
the Final CCP/EIS, is our preferred Under Alternative 2, we would
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, alternative. emphasize connecting families to nature
Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and by providing access to new recreational
Background facilities and programs on the Refuge
Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur
County, OR; Final Comprehensive The CCP Process such as developing a visitor contact
Conservation Plan and Environmental station, new trails, and a platform for
The National Wildlife Refuge System fishing and wildlife observation at the
Impact Statement Administration Act of 1966, 16 U.S.C. Lower Dam Recreation Area. Nearly all
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, 668dd-668ee (Refuge Administration existing upland and on-water recreation
Interior. Act), as amended by the National would continue. Fishing access would
ACTION: Notice of availability.
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement be promoted, and wildlife interpretation
Act of 1997, requires us to develop a would be emphasized and integrated
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and CCP for each national wildlife refuge. into all Refuge visitor activities. Other
Wildlife Service (Service), announce The purpose for developing a CCP is to compatible wildlife-dependent public
that our final comprehensive provide refuge managers with a 15-year uses would continue, including wildlife
conservation plan and environmental plan for achieving refuge purposes and observation, and waterfowl and upland
impact statement (CCP/EIS) for the Deer contributing toward the mission of the game hunting. Gotts Point would be
Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is National Wildlife Refuge System opened for automobiles after we
available. In the final CCP/EIS, we (Refuge System), consistent with sound complete a law enforcement cooperative
describe how we propose to manage the principles of fish and wildlife agreement with Canyon County.
Refuge for 15 years. management, conservation, legal Activities would be managed to protect
DATES: We will complete a record of mandates, and our policies. In addition wildlife, reduce conflicts between uses,
decision 30 days after publication of to outlining broad management and increase safety.
this notice. direction on conserving wildlife and Alternative 2 also includes
their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife- protections and enhancements for
ADDRESSES: The libraries providing
dependent recreational opportunities Refuge wildlife. Seasonally closed areas
public viewing of the final CCP/EIS are
available to the public, including and no-wake zones on Lake Lowell
listed under SUPPLEMENTARY
opportunities for hunting, fishing, would protect heron rookeries, eagle
INFORMATION. You may view, obtain, or
wildlife observation and photography, nests, and grebe nesting colonies, and
request CD–ROM copies of the final
and environmental education and shoreline feeding and nesting habitats.
CCP/EIS by the following methods.
interpretation. We will review and Motorized boats would be allowed in
Web site: http://www.fws.gov/deerflat/
update the CCP at least every 15 years no-wake zones, at speeds that do not
refugeplanning.html.
in accordance with the Refuge create a wake (generally 5 mph or
Email: deerflat@fws.gov. Include
Administration Act. slower). The lake would continue to be
‘‘Deer Flat Refuge draft CCP/EIS’’ in the
closed October 1–April 14 each year.
subject line of the message. CCP/EIS Alternatives
The no-wake zone on the lake’s
Fax: Attn: Refuge Manager, 208–467– We evaluated four alternatives for southeast end would expand to include
1019. managing Deer Flat Refuge; Alternative Gotts Point. A no-wake zone would be
U.S. Mail: Deer Flat National Wildlife 2 is our preferred alternative. Based on added in the Narrows, and a 200-yard
Refuge, 13751 Upper Embankment feedback on the draft CCP/EIS, some no-wake zone would be added along the
Road, Nampa, ID 83686. modifications have been made to lake’s south side between Parking Lots
In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call Alternative 2 and are summarized 1 and 8.
208–467–9278 to make an appointment below. A full description of all Habitat enhancement would increase.
during regular business hours at the alternatives, including changes to our We would implement an Integrated Pest
above address. preferred alternative, can be found in Management (IPM) plan to conduct
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the final CCP/EIS at the sources more intensive and targeted invasive
Refuge Manager, 208–467–9278 (phone). identified in ADDRESSES. species removal and vegetation
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: manipulation. We would increase
Changes to Alternative 2
wildlife and habitat research and
Introduction D A youth waterfowl hunt would be assessments, to build a strong scientific
With this notice, we announce the opened in all waterfowl hunt zones. base for future management decisions.
availability of the Refuge’s final CCP/ D Ice fishing would be allowed in On the Snake River Islands Unit, we
EIS in accordance with National Fishing Areas A and B within 200 yards would increase wildlife inventory and
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 40 of the dams, subject to areas posted by monitoring under Alternative 2, and
CFR 1506.6(b) requirements. We started the Bureau of Reclamation. implement an IPM plan to control
this process through a notice published D Sailing regattas would be allowed invasive species and restore habitat. We
in the Federal Register on July 15, 2010 on Lake Lowell in April and May with would prioritize the islands’
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
(75 FR 41232). We released the draft stipulations. management needs and manage
CCP/EIS to the public, and requested D Swimming would be encouraged in accordingly. Management techniques
public comments, in a notice of designated areas, and would continue to would include prescribed fire and aerial
availability published in the Federal be allowed elsewhere in Lake Lowell application of herbicide and seed.
Register on March 15, 2013 (78 FR with stipulations. Island closure dates would be adjusted
16526). We completed a thorough D Organized group events (e.g., to better protect nesting geese, wading
analysis of impacts on the human weddings, reunions) that are not birds, gulls, and terns.
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![9280 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 34 / Friday, February 20, 2015 / Notices
Existing compatible public uses Idaho, which would otherwise expire on DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
provided on the islands, including March 30, 2015.
wildlife observation, deer hunting, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
hunting for upland species and DATES: Effective Date: March 31, 2015.
[Docket No. BOEM–2014–0078;
waterfowl, would continue on more FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff MMAA104000]
than 1,200 acres. Most of the islands Cartwright, BLM Idaho State Office,
would be open for off-trail/free-roam 208–962–3680. Persons who use a Outer Continental Shelf, Alaska OCS
activities June 15-January 31, including telecommunications device for the deaf Region, Chukchi Sea Planning Area,
shoreline fishing. Heron and gull- (TDD) may call the Federal Information Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193
nesting islands (4–6 islands) would be Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy
open for free-roam activities July 1- to reach the Bureau of Land Management (BOEM), Interior.
January 31. Management contact. The FIRS is ACTION: Notice of Availability of a Final
Public Availability of Documents available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Second Supplemental Environmental
to leave a message or question with the Impact Statement.
Review the CCP/EIS at the following
libraries, and sources under ADDRESSES. above individual. You will receive a
reply during normal business hours. SUMMARY: BOEM is announcing the
D Caldwell Public Library, 1010 availability of a Final Second
Dearborn St, Caldwell, ID 83605. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Supplemental Environmental Impact
D Homedale Public Library, 125 W purpose for which the withdrawal was Statement (SEIS) for the Chukchi Sea
Owyhee Ave, Homedale, ID 83628. first made requires this extension in Planning Area, Outer Continental Shelf
D Lizard Butte District Library, 111 order to continue to protect and reserve (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 (Lease
3rd Ave W, Marsing, ID 83639. the lands for use as an administrative Sale 193). The Final Second SEIS (OCS
D Nampa Public Library, 101 11th site—the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service EIS/EA BOEM 2014–669) provides new
Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651. Grays Lake Refuge Headquarters. The analysis in accordance with the United
D Payette Public Library, 24 S 10th St, withdrawal extended by this order will States District Court for the District of
Payette, ID 83661. Alaska (District Court) Order remanding
expire on March 30, 2035, unless, as a
D Ada County District Library, 10664 Lease Sale 193 to BOEM. The District
result of a review conducted prior to the
W Victory Rd, Boise, ID 83709. Court’s order instructs BOEM to address
expiration date pursuant to Section
Comments 204(f) of the Federal Land Policy and the deficiency in the 2007 Final EIS
(OCS EIS/EA MMS 2007–026) identified
We received comments on the draft Management Act of 1976, (43 U.S.C.
by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
CCP/EIS from 170 agencies, 1714 (f)), the Secretary determines that
Ninth Circuit (Ninth Circuit). The Ninth
organizations, and individuals, and a the withdrawal shall be further Circuit held that the EIS supporting the
petition with 426 signatures. We extended. decision to hold Lease Sale 193
addressed the comments in the final Order arbitrarily relied on a one billion barrel
CCP/EIS by making changes and oil production estimate. The Final
clarifications to Alternative 2 as By virtue of the authority vested in Second SEIS provides a revised
appropriate. The changes are explained the Secretary of the Interior by Section exploration and development scenario
in the final CCP/EIS, in Appendix H 204 of the Federal Land Policy and and an accompanying analysis of
Public Involvement. Management Act of 1976, (43 U.S.C. potential impacts of the proposed action
Dated: February 11, 2015. 1714), it is ordered as follows: alternatives. The Final Second SEIS
Richard Hannan, identifies Alternative IV (Corridor II
Public Land Order No. 7130 (60 FR
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Deferral) as BOEM’s preferred
16585 (1995)), which transferred
Portland, Oregon. alternative.
jurisdiction of 37.5 acres of public land
[FR Doc. 2015–03523 Filed 2–19–15; 8:45 am] withdrawn from settlement, sale, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Chukchi
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P location or entry under the public land Sea OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 was
laws, including the United States held in February 2008. The Minerals
mining laws, but not the mineral leasing Management Service (MMS)
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (predecessor to BOEM) received high
laws, from the U.S. Forest Service to the
bids totaling approximately $2.7 billion
Bureau of Land Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife in order to
and issued 487 leases. The lease sale
protect the Grays Lake Refuge
decision was challenged in the District
[14XF5020LA FF01R05000 FVRS 8451 01 Headquarters, is hereby extended until Court. In 2010, the District Court
0000 0; IDI–29793] March 30, 2035. remanded the case to the agency to
Public Land Order No. 7830; Extension Dated: February 7, 2015. remedy deficiencies pertaining to the
of Public Land Order No. 7130; Idaho Janice M. Schneider, agency’s compliance with the National
Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Management. BOEM released a Final SEIS in August
Interior. [FR Doc. 2015–03508 Filed 2–19–15; 8:45 am]
2011 and the Secretary of the Interior
ACTION: Public land order. reaffirmed the lease sale in October
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
2011. In February 2012, the District
SUMMARY: This order extends Public Court ruled the Department of the
Land Order No. 7130 for an additional Interior had met its NEPA obligations on
20-year period. This extension is remand. In April 2012, the plaintiffs
necessary to continue to protect and appealed the District Court’s decision to
reserve the lands for the U.S. Fish and the Ninth Circuit.
Wildlife Service Grays Lake Refuge In a January 22, 2014, opinion, the
Headquarters in Bonneville County, Ninth Circuit found MMS’ ‘‘reliance in
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Document Created: 2015-12-18 13:02:01
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 13:02:01
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability. | |
| Dates | We will complete a record of decision 30 days after publication of this notice. | |
| Contact | Refuge Manager, 208-467-9278 (phone). | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 9279 |
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