81_FR_16256 81 FR 16198 - Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Record of Decision for Final Environmental Impact Statement

81 FR 16198 - Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Record of Decision for Final Environmental Impact Statement

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 58 (March 25, 2016)

Page Range16198-16199
FR Document2016-06628

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and record of decision (ROD) for the final environmental impact statement (EIS). The CCP describes the Refuge's management direction for the next 15 years, and includes the ROD, which explains our selection of Alternative 2 as the Refuge's management direction.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 58 (Friday, March 25, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 58 (Friday, March 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16198-16199]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06628]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-R-2015-N089; 1265-0000-10137-S3]


Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and 
Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan and Record of Decision for Final Environmental Impact 
Statement

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) 
comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and record of decision (ROD) for 
the final environmental impact statement (EIS). The CCP describes the 
Refuge's management direction for the next 15 years, and includes the 
ROD, which explains our selection of Alternative 2 as the Refuge's 
management direction.

DATES: The Regional Director, Pacific Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, signed the ROD on April 3, 2015.

ADDRESSES: The libraries providing public viewing of the CCP/ROD are 
listed under SUPPLEMENTARY

[[Page 16199]]

INFORMATION. You may view or download a copy of the CCP/ROD at the 
Refuge's Web site at http://www.fws.gov/deerflat/refugeplanning.html, 
or request a CD-ROM copy of the CCP/ROD by one of the following 
methods:
    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 finalize the CCP process for Deer Flat Refuge. 
We started this process by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal 
Register on July 15, 2010 (75 FR 41232). We requested public comments 
on the draft CCP/EIS in a notice of availability published in the 
Federal Register on March 15, 2013 (78 FR 16526). For more information 
about the history and purposes of the Refuge, see that notice.
    We completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human 
environment and responded to public comments in the final CCP/EIS 
released to the public through a Federal Register notice published on 
February 20, 2015 (80 FR 9279).
    We announce our decision and the availability of the CCP and ROD in 
accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 
1506.6(b)) requirements. Alternative 2, as we described it in the final 
CCP/EIS, was selected for implementation at the Refuge. The CCP will 
guide Refuge management for 15 years.

Background

    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 
complete a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose for 
developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan for 
achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of 
fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our 
policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on 
conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Refuge Administration Act.

CCP/ROD

    Based on our comprehensive review and analysis of Deer Flat 
Refuge's resources and issues, the Service selected Alternative 2, our 
preferred alternative, for implementation, as it is described in the 
final CCP/EIS, with two modifications described below. In reaching our 
decision to implement Alternative 2, we identified and analyzed its 
impacts to the Refuge environment in the Draft and Final CCPs/EISs. 
Issues, comments, concerns, and opportunities identified by all 
stakeholders throughout the planning process were considered and 
addressed. A summary of public comments and our responses is available 
in the CCP, in Appendix H.

Changes Made to the Selected Alternative

    The following changes were made to wildlife-dependent public uses 
in the Lake Lowell Unit in Alternative 2 after the final CCP/EIS was 
released:
    [ssquf] Noncompetitive jogging, bicycling, and horseback riding 
groups of 10 or fewer people are allowed without a special use permit 
(SUP). An SUP is still required for groups larger than 10, and 
competitive events are still prohibited.
    [ssquf] Boats using wake-generating devices (wake-boats) are 
compatible with stipulations, including requiring wake-boats to use 
ballast filtering systems to prevent invasive species introductions. 
Wakes that impact grebe nests are a concern; however, the new no-wake 
zones will provide some additional protection, and we will continue to 
evaluate effects on wildlife to ensure the use remains compatible.

Other CCP Actions

    We will protect Lake Lowell's shoreline feeding and nesting sites 
for wintering and migratory birds by closing the lake October 1-April 
14, establishing a 200-yard no-wake zone on the south side and in the 
Narrows, and expanding the southeast no-wake zone to Gotts Point.
    Fishing and wildlife interpretation will be emphasized, and with 
increased law enforcement, Gotts Point will open to vehicles. We will 
increase wildlife inventory and monitoring, invasive species control, 
and restoration on the Snake River Islands Unit, and we will adjust 
closures to protect nesting and wading birds. Wildlife observation and 
hunting for deer, upland species, and waterfowl will be allowed on the 
unit, and most islands will be open for shoreline fishing and free-roam 
activities June 15-January 31; and heron- and gull-nesting islands will 
be open July 1-January 31. For additional details, the CCP/ROD is 
available on the Refuge's Web site: www.fws.gov/deerflat/refugeplanning.html. Implementing some of the CCP actions will be 
subject to the availability of funding and any additional compliance 
requirements.

Public Availability of Documents

    Review the CCP/ROD 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.

Richard Hannan,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2016-06628 Filed 3-24-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

16198 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 58 / Friday, March 25, 2016 / Notices The comments and recommendations Applicant: Wildlife Conservation notification coverts activities to be that will be most useful and likely to Society, Bronx, NY; PRT–77252B conducted by the applicant over a 5- influence agency decisions are: (1) The applicant requests a permit to re- year period. Those supported by quantitative export biological samples from wild Multiple Applicants information or studies; and (2) Those Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) to that include citations to, and analyses the United Kingdom for the purpose of The following applicants each request of, the applicable laws and regulations. scientific research. a permit to import the sport-hunted We will not consider or include in our trophy of one male bontebok administrative record comments we Applicant: Veterinary Initiative for (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled receive after the close of the comment Endangered Wildlife, Bozeman, MT; from a captive herd maintained under period (see DATES) or comments PRT–75654B the management program of the delivered to an address other than those The applicant requests a permit to Republic of South Africa, for the listed above (see ADDRESSES). import biological samples from Bengal purpose of enhancement of the survival tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and Indian of the species. B. May I review comments submitted by others? rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) from Applicant: Arthur Webber, Glenside, National Trust for Nature Conservation, PA; PRT–88754B Comments, including names and Sauraha, Nepal, for the purpose of Applicant: Douglas Wyatt, Amarillo, street addresses of respondents, will be scientific research. This notification TX; PRT–88758B available for public review at the street covers activities to be conducted by the Applicant: Armour Mellon, Ligonier, address listed under ADDRESSES. The applicant over a 5-year period. PA; PRT–88822B public may review documents and other Applicant: Matthew Saulsbury, Odessa, information applicants have sent in Applicant: Creation Kingdom Zoo Inc., TX; PRT–88755B support of the application unless our Gate City, VA; PRT–84452B Applicant: Roger Turner, Midland, TX; allowing viewing would violate the The applicant requests a captive-bred PRT–88670B Privacy Act or Freedom of Information wildlife registration under 50 CFR Act. Before including your address, 17.21(g) for the following species to Brenda Tapia, phone number, email address, or other enhance species propagation or Program Analyst/Data Administrator, Branch personal identifying information in your survival: Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur of Permits, Division of Management comment, you should be aware that Authority. catta), black and white ruffed lemur your entire comment—including your (Varecia variegata), red ruffed lemur [FR Doc. 2016–06786 Filed 3–24–16; 8:45 am] personal identifying information—may (Varecia rubra), white-fronted lemur BILLING CODE 4333–15–P be made publicly available at any time. (Eulemur albifrons), cotton-headed While you can ask us in your comment tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), mandrill to withhold your personal identifying (Mandrillus sphinx), Lar gibbon DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR information from public review, we (Hylobates lar), and leopard (Panthera Fish and Wildlife Service cannot guarantee that we will be able to pardus). This notification covers do so. activities to be conducted by the [FWS–R1–R–2015–N089; 1265–0000–10137– applicant over a 5-year period. S3] II. Background To help us carry out our conservation Applicant: Clara Geissler, San Diego, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, responsibilities for affected species, and CA; PRT–74736B Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and in consideration of section 10(a)(1)(A) of The applicant requests a captive-bred Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as wildlife registration under 50 CFR County, OR; Comprehensive amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), along 17.21(g) for the following species to Conservation Plan and Record of with Executive Order 13576, enhance species propagation or Decision for Final Environmental ‘‘Delivering an Efficient, Effective, and survival: Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys Impact Statement Accountable Government,’’ and the radiata) and Galapagos tortoise AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, President’s Memorandum for the Heads (Chelonoidis nigra). This notification Interior. of Executive Departments and Agencies covers activities to be conducted by the ACTION: Notice of availability. of January 21, 2009—Transparency and applicant over a 5-year period. Open Government (74 FR 4685; January SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Applicant: Evan Rosenoff, Cary, NC; 26, 2009), which call on all Federal Wildlife Service (Service), announce the PRT–51920A agencies to promote openness and availability of the Deer Flat National transparency in Government by The applicant requests a captive-bred Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) comprehensive disclosing information to the public, we wildlife registration under 50 CFR conservation plan (CCP) and record of invite public comment on these permit 17.21(g) for the following species to decision (ROD) for the final applications before final action is taken. enhance species propagation or environmental impact statement (EIS). survival: Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys The CCP describes the Refuge’s III. Permit Applications radiata). This notification covers management direction for the next 15 Endangered Species activities to be conducted by the years, and includes the ROD, which asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES applicant over a 5-year period. explains our selection of Alternative 2 Applicant: Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Inc., Baltimore, MD; PRT– Applicant: University of California, as the Refuge’s management direction. 73578B Davis, CA; PRT–84562B DATES: The Regional Director, Pacific The applicant requests a permit to re- The applicant requests a permit to Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, export biological samples from wild import egg samples from wild signed the ROD on April 3, 2015. mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei) to the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys ADDRESSES: The libraries providing United Kingdom for the purpose of coriacea) from St. Ketts and Nevis, for public viewing of the CCP/ROD are scientific research. the purpose of scientific research. This listed under SUPPLEMENTARY VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:30 Mar 24, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 58 / Friday, March 25, 2016 / Notices 16199 INFORMATION. You may view or legal mandates, and our policies. In law enforcement, Gotts Point will open download a copy of the CCP/ROD at the addition to outlining broad management to vehicles. We will increase wildlife Refuge’s Web site at http:// direction on conserving wildlife and inventory and monitoring, invasive www.fws.gov/deerflat/ their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife- species control, and restoration on the refugeplanning.html, or request a CD– dependent recreational opportunities Snake River Islands Unit, and we will ROM copy of the CCP/ROD by one of available to the public, including adjust closures to protect nesting and the following methods: opportunities for hunting, fishing, wading birds. Wildlife observation and Email: deerflat@fws.gov. Include wildlife observation and photography, hunting for deer, upland species, and ‘‘Deer Flat Refuge draft CCP/EIS’’ in the and environmental education and waterfowl will be allowed on the unit, subject line of the message. interpretation. We will review and and most islands will be open for Fax: Attn: Refuge Manager, 208–467– update the CCP at least every 15 years shoreline fishing and free-roam 1019. in accordance with the Refuge activities June 15–January 31; and U.S. Mail: Deer Flat National Wildlife Administration Act. heron- and gull-nesting islands will be Refuge, 13751 Upper Embankment open July 1–January 31. For additional CCP/ROD Road, Nampa, ID 83686. details, the CCP/ROD is available on the In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Call Based on our comprehensive review Refuge’s Web site: www.fws.gov/ 208–467–9278 to make an appointment and analysis of Deer Flat Refuge’s deerflat/refugeplanning.html. during regular business hours at the resources and issues, the Service Implementing some of the CCP actions above address. selected Alternative 2, our preferred will be subject to the availability of FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: alternative, for implementation, as it is funding and any additional compliance Refuge Manager, 208–467–9278 (phone). described in the final CCP/EIS, with two requirements. modifications described below. In SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Availability of Documents reaching our decision to implement Introduction Alternative 2, we identified and Review the CCP/ROD at the following analyzed its impacts to the Refuge libraries and sources under ADDRESSES. With this notice, we finalize the CCP environment in the Draft and Final D Caldwell Public Library, 1010 process for Deer Flat Refuge. We started CCPs/EISs. Issues, comments, concerns, Dearborn St., Caldwell, ID 83605. this process by publishing a notice of D Homedale Public Library, 125 W and opportunities identified by all intent in the Federal Register on July Owyhee Ave., Homedale, ID 83628. stakeholders throughout the planning 15, 2010 (75 FR 41232). We requested D Lizard Butte District Library, 111 3rd process were considered and addressed. public comments on the draft CCP/EIS Ave. W, Marsing, ID 83639. A summary of public comments and our in a notice of availability published in D Nampa Public Library, 101 11th responses is available in the CCP, in the Federal Register on March 15, 2013 Ave. S, Nampa, ID 83651. Appendix H. (78 FR 16526). For more information D Payette Public Library, 24 S 10th St., about the history and purposes of the Changes Made to the Selected Payette, ID 83661. Refuge, see that notice. Alternative D Ada County District Library, 10664 We completed a thorough analysis of The following changes were made to W Victory Rd., Boise, ID 83709. impacts on the human environment and wildlife-dependent public uses in the responded to public comments in the Richard Hannan, Lake Lowell Unit in Alternative 2 after final CCP/EIS released to the public Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, the final CCP/EIS was released: Portland, Oregon. through a Federal Register notice D Noncompetitive jogging, bicycling, published on February 20, 2015 (80 FR [FR Doc. 2016–06628 Filed 3–24–16; 8:45 am] and horseback riding groups of 10 or 9279). fewer people are allowed without a BILLING CODE 4333–15–P We announce our decision and the special use permit (SUP). An SUP is still availability of the CCP and ROD in required for groups larger than 10, and accordance with National DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR competitive events are still prohibited. Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 D Boats using wake-generating devices Fish and Wildlife Service CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. (wake-boats) are compatible with Alternative 2, as we described it in the stipulations, including requiring wake- [FWS–HQ–WSFR–2016–N052; final CCP/EIS, was selected for boats to use ballast filtering systems to FVWF94100900000–XXX–FF09W23000; implementation at the Refuge. The CCP FVWF51100900000–XXX–FF09W23000] prevent invasive species introductions. will guide Refuge management for 15 Wakes that impact grebe nests are a years. Information Collection Request Sent to concern; however, the new no-wake the Office of Management and Budget Background zones will provide some additional (OMB) for Approval; Annual protection, and we will continue to Certification of Hunting and Sport The National Wildlife Refuge System evaluate effects on wildlife to ensure the Administration Act of 1966, 16 U.S.C. Fishing Licenses Issued use remains compatible. 668dd–668ee (Refuge Administration AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Act), as amended by the National Other CCP Actions Interior. Wildlife Refuge System Improvement We will protect Lake Lowell’s ACTION: Notice; request for comments. Act of 1997, requires us to complete a shoreline feeding and nesting sites for asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES CCP for each national wildlife refuge. wintering and migratory birds by SUMMARY: We (U.S. Fish and Wildlife The purpose for developing a CCP is to closing the lake October 1–April 14, Service) have sent an Information provide refuge managers with a 15-year establishing a 200-yard no-wake zone on Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for plan for achieving refuge purposes and the south side and in the Narrows, and review and approval. We summarize the contributing toward the mission of the expanding the southeast no-wake zone ICR below and describe the nature of the National Wildlife Refuge System, to Gotts Point. collection and the estimated burden and consistent with sound principles of fish Fishing and wildlife interpretation cost. This information collection is and wildlife management, conservation, will be emphasized, and with increased scheduled to expire on March 31, 2016. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:30 Mar 24, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1


Document Created: 2018-02-02 15:17:52
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 15:17:52
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.
DatesThe Regional Director, Pacific Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, signed the ROD on April 3, 2015.
ContactRefuge Manager, 208-467-9278 (phone).
FR Citation81 FR 16198 
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