81 FR 41987 - Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, CO; Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 124 (June 28, 2016)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 124 (June 28, 2016)
| Page Range | 41987-41989 | |
| FR Document | 2016-15292 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 124 (Tuesday, June 28, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 41987-41989] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-15292] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R6-R-2015-N206]; [FF06R06000-FXRS12610600000-167] Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, CO; Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a record of decision (ROD) for the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (refuge, NWR) in Adams County, Colorado. ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the ROD, the final EIS, or other project information by any of the following methods: Agency Web site: Download a copy of the documents at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/co_rkm.php. Email: [email protected]. Include ``Request copy of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR ROD'' in the subject line of the message. U.S. Mail: Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, 6550 Gateway Road, Commerce City, CO 80022. Local Libraries: The final documents are available for review at the libraries [[Page 41988]] listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Lucas, Project Leader, at 303- 289-0350 (phone), or Bernardo Garza, Planning Team Leader, 303-236-4377 (phone) or [email protected] (email). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we announce the availability of the ROD for the final EIS for the refuge. We started this process through a notice in the Federal Register (78 FR 48183; August 7, 2013). Following a lengthy scoping and alternatives development period, we published a second notice in the Federal Register (80 FR 26084; May 6, 2015), announcing the availability of the draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and draft EIS and our intention to hold public meetings, and requesting comments. We then published a third notice in the Federal Register (80 FR 52056, August 27, 2015), announcing the publication of the final EIS for the refuge. The primary planning area for this decision includes the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, which is located within the Denver Metropolitan Area, in Adams County, Colorado. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR encompasses nearly 16,000 acres and is home to more than 468 plant species and 350 wildlife species, including the endangered black-footed ferret, bald eagle, prairie dog, bison, deer, a wide variety of resident and migratory birds and raptors, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, and insects. The refuge's habitats include short and mixed grass prairie, interspersed with native shrubs, riparian corridors, lacustrine habitats on the refuge reservoirs, and woodlands planted by settlers around historic homesteads. The refuge is surrounded by the cities of Commerce City and Denver, and the Denver International Airport, along the Colorado Front Range. Visitors take part in a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational activities on the refuge. The refuge is open for catch-and-release fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and environmental education. As part of the CCP and EIS process, we have considered opening the refuge to limited special hunts. Over 12,000 years of prehistory and history have been recorded in the site of the refuge, and the refuge contains significant cultural resources. In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements, this notice announces the availability of the ROD for the final EIS for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR. We completed a thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations associated with our actions. The ROD documents our selection of alternative C, the preferred alternative. Alternative C--Urban Refuge, as we described in the final EIS and ROD, is the foundation for the CCP which we will finalize by winter 2016. 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. We will finalize the CCP for the refuge by winter 2016 and will update it at least every 15 years in accordance with the Administration Act. CCP Alternatives and Selected Alternative Our final EIS (80 FR 52056, August 27, 2015) addressed several issues. To address these, we developed and evaluated the following alternatives: Alternative A--No Action, Alternative B--Traditional Refuge, Alternative C--Urban Refuge, and Alternative D--Gateway Refuge. Based on our environmental consequences analysis, we concluded that alternative B constituted the environmentally preferable alternative as it would have caused the least damage to the biological and physical environment. However, after consideration of the 90 comments that we received on the draft CCP and draft EIS and a minor comment we received following the release of the final EIS, we selected alternative C--Urban Refuge as the preferred alternative. It is the alternative that best meets the purposes of the refuge; the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System; the vision and management goals set for the refuge; adheres to Service policies and guidelines, and seeks to implement the Service's Urban Wildlife Conservation Program. It considers the interests and perspectives of many agencies, organizations, municipalities, and the public. Under alternative C and in cooperation with our partners, we will continue to restore and maintain refuge habitats and manage wildlife populations in accordance with approved plans. We will increase the visibility of the refuge in the Denver Metropolitan Area and welcome many more nontraditional visitors to the refuge. Through an expanded visitor services program, an abundance of instructional programming, and widespread outreach, we will endeavor to connect more people with nature. We will work with nontraditional users' trusted avenues of communication to increase outreach success. We will expand our conservation education in surrounding communities and schools, develop youth-specific outreach, and employ social marketing to broaden our agency's reach. We will make the refuge more accessible to outlying communities by opening additional access points and enhancing the refuge transportation systems. Public Availability of Documents In addition to any one method in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain documents at the following public libraries: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Library Address Phone No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aurora Central Public Library. 14949 E Alameda (303) 739-6600 Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012. Commerce City Public Library.. 7185 Monaco Street, (303) 287-0063 Commerce City, CO 80022. Denver Central Library........ 10 W Fourteenth (720) 865-1111 Avenue, Denver, CO 80204. Montbello Public Library...... 12955 Albrook Drive, (720) 865-0200 Denver, CO 80239. Rangeview Library District.... 327 E Bridge Street, (303) 405-3230 Brighton, CO 80601. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 41989]] Next Steps We will work with our cooperating agencies to finalize the CCP by winter 2016 and will begin its implementation immediately thereafter. Dated: March 29, 2016. Matt Hogan, Deputy Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2016-15292 Filed 6-27-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 124 / Tuesday, June 28, 2016 / Notices 41987
need for a process to reduce conflicts exceeds minimum requirements and (9) We updated and clarified what
between protection of listed species and makes a positive contribution to should be addressed through adaptive
economic development, so it amended improving species habitat and management versus foreseen and
the ESA in 1982 to add an exemption contributing to species recovery. unforeseen circumstances.
for incidental take of listed species that However, feedback also has indicated (10) We provided guidance on when
would result from non-Federal activities that the processes used to develop and to initiate the National Environmental
(section 10(a)(1)(B)). ‘‘Incidental take’’ is approve ITPs can be inefficient. Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)
that which is incidental to, and not the Commonly expressed concerns related process or intra-Service section 7
purpose of, the carrying out of an to inefficiency are: HCPs take too long consultations, and when to seek
otherwise lawful activity. To obtain a to develop and cost too much; assistance from the Solicitor or General
permit for under section 10(a)(1)(B), negotiations can be complex; Counsel.
applicants must develop a conservation implementation is too expensive; (11) We updated and clarified
plan that meets specific requirements applicants perceive lack of certainty; information concerning take analysis,
identified in section 10 and its and the benefits of the HCP program are responding to public comments, public
regulations (50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32; 50 not readily apparent to internal or notices, permit decision documents,
CFR 222.25, 222.27, and 222.31). external stakeholders. The proposed compliance monitoring, and ITP
Among other requirements, the plan revisions to the Handbook address these suspension and revocation.
must specify (1) the impacts that are concerns in various ways, ranging from Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
likely to result from the taking and (2) clarification of existing guidance to Dated: June 22, 2016.
the measures that the permit applicant policy-level changes. Angela Somma,
will undertake to minimize and mitigate
such impacts. Conservation plans under Proposed Revisions Made to Handbook Chief, Endangered Species Conservation
Division, National Marine Fisheries Service.
section 10(a)(1)(B) have come to be The revised HCP Handbook reflects
known as ‘‘habitat conservation plans’’ Dated: June 20, 2016.
current USFWS and NMFS HCP
(HCPs). Section 10(a)(2)(B) provides practices, guidance, and policies; Stephen Guertin,
statutory criteria that must be satisfied incorporates lessons from the 30-year Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
before an incidental take permit (ITP) history of implementing the HCP Service.
can be issued. program; and provides guidance to [FR Doc. 2016–15230 Filed 6–27–16; 8:45 am]
Handbook Purpose assist applicants and the Services’ staff BILLING CODE 4333–15–P; 3510–22–P
to avoid common pitfalls that can delay
The purpose of the joint HCP HCP negotiations and development or
Handbook is to instruct USFWS and processing of ITPs. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NMFS (Services) staff on how to assist The goal is to provide a joint HCP
applicants to develop HCPs in an Fish and Wildlife Service
Handbook that helps to streamline and
efficient and effective manner while improve efficiency of the HCP program. [FWS–R6–R–2015–N206]; [FF06R06000–
ensuring adequate conservation for To accomplish this, we have FXRS12610600000–167]
listed species. The Handbook guides reorganized the joint HCP Handbook,
Services staff, phase by phase, through with the goal of walking Services staff Rocky Mountain Arsenal National
development, implementation, and Wildlife Refuge, CO; Availability of
and stakeholders through each stage of
environmental compliance, using Record of Decision for the Final
the HCP process, from the pre-
streamlined approaches whenever Environmental Impact Statement
application stage through ITP issuance
possible. It draws upon past experience and HCP implementation, including AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,
to help staff understand regulations and monitoring and compliance. Interior.
policy and navigate the various Some of the most significant changes ACTION: Notice of availability.
processes for completing an HCP and to the joint HCP Handbook include:
issuing a permit. Although the joint (1) We introduced the concept that SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
HCP Handbook is designed specifically applicants should ‘‘start slow to go Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
for Services’ staff, it also can be helpful fast,’’ which emphasizes the benefits to availability of a record of decision
to other HCP practitioners, such as applicants of pre-planning before (ROD) for the final environmental
applicants, consultants, and partners. jumping directly into HCP development, impact statement (EIS) for the Rocky
Need for Handbook Revision especially for landscape-scale HCPs. Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife
(2) To streamline the ITP issuance Refuge (refuge, NWR) in Adams County,
The HCP program has evolved in process, we focused on the vital review Colorado.
response to changes in society and our and administrative steps without ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain
natural resources. Because of changes to compromising legal integrity. copies of the ROD, the final EIS, or other
the program, the USFWS decided to (3) We clarified the concept project information by any of the
contract Management Systems ‘‘maximum extent practicable.’’ following methods:
International to prepare an independent (4) We ensured consistency with Agency Web site: Download a copy of
review of our HCP program in 2008, as revised or updated policies such as draft the documents at http://www.fws.gov/
well as a collection of input and USFWS Mitigation Policy. mountain-prairie/refuges/co_rkm.php.
recommendations for the program from
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
(5) We clarified the use of Email: rockymountainarsenal@
various sources. These reviews and implementing agreements. fws.gov. Include ‘‘Request copy of the
recommendations have provided the (6) We updated and clarified permit Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR ROD’’ in
important feedback that our program is duration. the subject line of the message.
highly effective in achieving its purpose (7) We provided guidance on how to U.S. Mail: Rocky Mountain Arsenal
of avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating comply with section 106 of the National NWR, 6550 Gateway Road, Commerce
the effects of development on Historic Preservation Act. City, CO 80022.
endangered (or threatened) species and (8) We provided guidance on Local Libraries: The final documents
their habitats, and, in some cases, addressing climate change. are available for review at the libraries
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 124 / Tuesday, June 28, 2016 / Notices 41989
Next Steps sets of human remains were received were transferred to the Office of the
We will work with our cooperating from the Montezuma County Coroner. State Archaeologist (OSAC) in October
agencies to finalize the CCP by winter They were recovered from the vicinity 2015, where they were assigned Office
2016 and will begin its implementation of Cortez or Mancos, CO. of Archaeology and Historic
This notice is published as part of the Preservation (OAHP) Case Number 311.
immediately thereafter.
National Park Service’s administrative Osteological analysis conducted at
Dated: March 29, 2016. responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 Metropolitan State University indicates
Matt Hogan, U.S.C. 3003(d)(3) and 43 CFR 10.11(d). that the human remains represent a
Deputy Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie The determinations in this notice are child and subadult and are likely of
Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. the sole responsibility of the museum, Native American ancestry. No known
[FR Doc. 2016–15292 Filed 6–27–16; 8:45 am] institution, or Federal agency that has individuals were identified. No
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P control of the Native American human associated funerary objects are present.
remains. The National Park Service is At an unknown date, human remains
not responsible for the determinations representing, at minimum, five
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR in this notice. individuals were removed from an
unknown place, possibly in the vicinity
National Park Service Consultation
of Mancos, CO. The human remains
A detailed assessment of the human were discovered in the estate of a
[NPS–WASO–NAGPRA–21274;
remains was made by History Colorado deceased man. In November 2015, the
PPWOCRADN0–PCU00RP14.R50000]
professional staff in consultation with son of the man turned them over to the
Notice of Inventory Completion: representatives of the Hopi Tribe of Montezuma County Coroner, who ruled
History Colorado, formerly Colorado Arizona; Jicarilla Apache Nation, New out forensic interest. In February 2016,
Historical Society, Denver, CO Mexico; Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma; the human remains were transferred to
Mescalero Apache Tribe of the the Office of the State Archaeologist,
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. Mescalero Reservation, New Mexico; where they were assigned Office of
ACTION: Notice. Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Archaeology and Historic Preservation
Utah; Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico (OAHP) Case Number 313. Osteological
SUMMARY: History Colorado, formerly (previously listed as the Pueblo of San analysis at Metropolitan State
Colorado Historical Society, has Juan); Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico; University indicates that the human
completed an inventory of human Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico; Pueblo of remains represent two adult females,
remains, in consultation with the Laguna, New Mexico; Pueblo of Nambe, two children and one male and are
appropriate Indian tribes or Native New Mexico; Pueblo of Picuris, New likely of Native American ancestry. No
Hawaiian organizations, and has Mexico; Pueblo of Pojoaque, New known individuals were identified. No
determined that there is no cultural Mexico; Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico; associated funerary objects are present.
affiliation between the human remains Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico; History Colorado, in partnership with
and any present-day Indian tribes or Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico; the Colorado Commission of Indian
Native Hawaiian organizations. Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico; Southern Affairs, Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the
Representatives of any Indian tribe or Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Southern Ute Reservation, Colorado,
Native Hawaiian organization not Indian Reservation, Colorado; Ute and the Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute
identified in this notice that wish to Mountain Ute Tribe (previously listed as Mountain Reservation, Colorado, New
request transfer of control of these the Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute Mexico & Utah, conducted tribal
human remains should submit a written Mountain Reservation, Colorado, New consultations among the tribes with
request to History Colorado. If no Mexico & Utah); and Ysleta del Sur ancestral ties to the State of Colorado to
additional requestors come forward, Pueblo of Texas (previously listed as the develop the process for disposition of
transfer of control of the human remains Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo of Texas). The culturally unidentifiable Native
to the Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Crow Creek American human remains and
organizations stated in this notice may Sioux Tribe of the Crow Creek associated funerary objects originating
proceed. Reservation, South Dakota; Fort Sill from inadvertent discoveries on
DATES: Representatives of any Indian Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Pueblo of Colorado State and private lands. As a
tribe or Native Hawaiian organization Jemez, New Mexico; Pueblo of San result of the consultation, a process was
not identified in this notice that wish to Felipe, New Mexico; Pueblo of San developed, the Process for Consultation,
request transfer of control of these Ildefonso, New Mexico; Pueblo of Transfer, and Reburial of Culturally
human remains should submit a written Tesuque, New Mexico; Pueblo of Zia, Unidentifiable Native American Human
request with information in support of New Mexico; and the Zuni Tribe of the Remains and Associated Funerary
the request to History Colorado at the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico were Objects Originating From Inadvertent
address in this notice by July 28, 2016. invited to consult, but did not Discoveries on Colorado State and
participate. Hereafter, all tribes listed Private Lands (2008, unpublished, on
ADDRESSES: Sheila Goff, NAGPRA
above are referred to as ‘‘The Consulted file with the Colorado Office of
Liaison, History Colorado, 1200
and Invited Tribes.’’ Archaeology and Historic Preservation).
Broadway, Denver, CO 80203, telephone
The tribes consulted are those who have
(303) 866–4531, email sheila.goff@ History and Description of the Remains expressed their wishes to be notified of
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
state.co.us. At an unknown date, human remains discoveries in the Southwest Region as
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is representing, at minimum, two established by the Process, where these
here given in accordance with the individuals were removed from the individuals appear to have originated.
Native American Graves Protection and vicinity of Cortez, CO, by an 8 year old The Native American Graves
Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. boy. As an adult, in August 2015, he Protection and Repatriation Review
3003, of the completion of an inventory relinquished them to the Montezuma Committee (Review Committee) is
of human remains under the control of County Coroner, who ruled out a responsible for recommending specific
History Colorado, Denver, CO. Seven forensic interest. The human remains actions for disposition of culturally
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:49 Jun 27, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_42111/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2016-06-28 00:53:51
Document Modified: 2016-06-28 00:53:51
| 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. | |
| Contact | David Lucas, Project Leader, at 303- 289-0350 (phone), or Bernardo Garza, Planning Team Leader, 303-236-4377 (phone) or [email protected] (email). | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 41987 |
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