81_FR_70894 81 FR 70696 - Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, San Luis Obispo County, CA

81 FR 70696 - Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, San Luis Obispo County, CA

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 198 (October 13, 2016)

Page Range70696-70697
FR Document2016-24737

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. The CCP/EA, prepared under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the Service proposes to manage the Refuge for the next 15 years. Compatibility determinations for three existing and proposed uses are also included with the Final CCP.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 198 (Thursday, October 13, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 198 (Thursday, October 13, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70696-70697]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24737]



[[Page 70696]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-R-2016-N005; FXRS12610800000-167-FF08R0000]


Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, San Luis Obispo 
County, CA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: final comprehensive conservation plan.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes 
National Wildlife Refuge. The CCP/EA, prepared under the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the 
Service proposes to manage the Refuge for the next 15 years. 
Compatibility determinations for three existing and proposed uses are 
also included with the Final CCP.

DATES: The CCP and FONSI are available now. The FONSI was signed on 
July 29, 2016, allowing for implementation of the CCP.

ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the final CCP and FONSI by 
any of the following methods. You may request a hard copy.
    Agency Web site: Download a copy of the document(s) at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Guadalupe-Nipomo_Dunes/.
    Email: [email protected]. Include ``Guadalupe CCP'' in the 
subject line of the message.
    Fax: Attn: Michael Brady, (805) 644-1732.
    U.S. Mail: Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2493 
Portola Road, Suite A, Ventura, CA 93003.
    In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Copies of the Final CCP and FONSI may 
also be viewed at the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 
2493 Portola Road, Suite A, Ventura, CA 93003 (805-644-5185).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Winnie Chan, Refuge Planner, at (510) 
792-0222, or Michael Brady, Project Leader, at (805) 644-5185 or 
[email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge was established in 
2000 under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1537) to 
preserve and conserve Central California coastal dune and associated 
wetlands habitats and assist in the recovery of native plants and 
animals that are federally listed as threatened or endangered. The 
2,553-acre Refuge is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean, lands 
owned by private agricultural interests to the east, Oso Flaco Lake 
Natural Area (a management unit of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular 
Recreation Area) to the north, and Chevron Guadalupe Restoration 
Project (former Guadalupe Oil Fields) to the south.
    We announce our decision and the availability of the FONSI for the 
final CCP for Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes NWR in accordance with National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We 
completed a thorough analysis of impacts on the human environment, 
which we included in the environmental assessment (EA) that accompanied 
the draft CCP. This notice is in addition to our announcement of the 
completion of the CCP process on the refuge's Web site.
    The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), which amended the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, requires the Service to develop a CCP for 
each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in 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, environmental 
education and interpretation. We will review and update the CCP at 
least every 15 years in accordance with the Improvement Act.
    Our Draft CCP and EA were available for a 45-day public review and 
comment period, which we announced via several methods, including press 
releases, updates to constituents, and a Federal Register notice (81 FR 
10882, March 2, 2016). The Draft CCP/EA identified and evaluated three 
alternatives for managing the Refuge for the next 15 years.
    Under Alternative A (no action alternative), the current management 
actions, including habitat management, wildlife management, and public 
use opportunities, would be continued. Habitat and wildlife management 
activities would focus on wildlife surveys and invasive weed 
management. Guided interpretive walks would continue to be offered. 
Current staffing and funding would remain the same.
    Alternative B includes those actions in Alternative A. In addition, 
we would moderately expand wildlife and habitat management while 
incrementally increasing visitor service and environmental education 
activities. Additional wildlife management activities include improving 
western snowy plover hatch rate by reducing invasive weeds and 
predation. A feral swine control and monitoring plan would be 
implemented to protect the western snowy plover, California least tern, 
California red-legged frog, La Graciosa thistle, and marsh sandwort 
habitat. Habitat and monitoring would be improved for the listed La 
Graciosa thistle, marsh sandwort, and red-legged frog. Of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System's priority public uses--wildlife observation, 
photography, interpretation, and environmental education--would all be 
enhanced on the Refuge. Public access through snowy plover breeding 
habitat to the back dunes of the Refuge would also be limited to a 
marked trail corridor (five-year pilot) to limit human disturbance. 
Refuge staff would develop a dedicated volunteer crew to support Refuge 
management and outreach. Additional staff and funding would be needed 
to implement this alternative.
    Under Alternative C, we would reduce wildlife and habitat 
management in light of forecasted declining National Wildlife Refuge 
System budgets. The Refuge would also be closed to the public. Wildlife 
management activities would be primarily focused on monitoring of the 
listed species present on the Refuge: western snowy plover, La Graciosa 
thistle, and marsh sandwort. Like Alternative B, a feral swine control 
and monitoring plan would be implemented. Fencing would be installed or 
maintained where listed plant species are present. Due to the 
forecasted declining budgets, no visitor services would be provided to 
instead focus on wildlife and habitat.
    We received 39 letters and 50 oral comments on the Draft CCP and EA 
during the review and comment period. We incorporated comments we 
received into the CCP when appropriate, and we responded to the 
comments in an appendix to the CCP. In the FONSI, we selected a 
modified Alternative A for implementation. The FONSI documents our 
decision and is based on the

[[Page 70697]]

information and analysis contained in the EA.
    Under the selected alternative, we would continue most current 
management activities, but also include components from Alternative B 
including implementing the feral swine control plan and developing and 
implementing a predator management plan to protect western snowy plover 
and California least tern. Public access, guided interpretive walks, 
and environmental education would continue to be offered.
    The selected alternative provides guidance for achieving the 
Refuge's purpose, vision, and goals; forwards the Refuge System 
mission; addresses the significant issues and relevant mandates; and is 
consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife management. Based 
on the associated environmental assessment, this alternative is not 
expected to result in significant environmental impacts and therefore 
does not require an environmental impact statement.

Alexandra Pitts,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region, Sacramento, 
California.
[FR Doc. 2016-24737 Filed 10-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P



                                             70696                       Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 198 / Thursday, October 13, 2016 / Notices

                                             DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                              conserve Central California coastal dune              opportunities, would be continued.
                                                                                                     and associated wetlands habitats and                  Habitat and wildlife management
                                             Fish and Wildlife Service                               assist in the recovery of native plants               activities would focus on wildlife
                                             [FWS–R8–R–2016–N005;                                    and animals that are federally listed as              surveys and invasive weed
                                             FXRS12610800000–167–FF08R0000]                          threatened or endangered. The 2,553-                  management. Guided interpretive walks
                                                                                                     acre Refuge is bordered to the west by                would continue to be offered. Current
                                             Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National                         the Pacific Ocean, lands owned by                     staffing and funding would remain the
                                             Wildlife Refuge, San Luis Obispo                        private agricultural interests to the east,           same.
                                             County, CA                                              Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area (a                           Alternative B includes those actions
                                                                                                     management unit of the Oceano Dunes                   in Alternative A. In addition, we would
                                             AGENCY:   Fish and Wildlife Service,                    State Vehicular Recreation Area) to the               moderately expand wildlife and habitat
                                             Interior.                                               north, and Chevron Guadalupe                          management while incrementally
                                             ACTION: Notice of availability: final                   Restoration Project (former Guadalupe                 increasing visitor service and
                                             comprehensive conservation plan.                        Oil Fields) to the south.                             environmental education activities.
                                                                                                        We announce our decision and the                   Additional wildlife management
                                             SUMMARY:   We, the U.S. Fish and                        availability of the FONSI for the final               activities include improving western
                                             Wildlife Service (Service), announce the                CCP for Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes NWR                    snowy plover hatch rate by reducing
                                             availability of a Final Comprehensive                   in accordance with National                           invasive weeds and predation. A feral
                                             Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of                  Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40                   swine control and monitoring plan
                                             No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the                   CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements. We                       would be implemented to protect the
                                             Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National                         completed a thorough analysis of                      western snowy plover, California least
                                             Wildlife Refuge. The CCP/EA, prepared                   impacts on the human environment,                     tern, California red-legged frog, La
                                             under the National Wildlife Refuge                      which we included in the                              Graciosa thistle, and marsh sandwort
                                             System Improvement Act of 1997, and                     environmental assessment (EA) that                    habitat. Habitat and monitoring would
                                             in accordance with the National                         accompanied the draft CCP. This notice                be improved for the listed La Graciosa
                                             Environmental Policy Act of 1969,                       is in addition to our announcement of                 thistle, marsh sandwort, and red-legged
                                             describes how the Service proposes to                   the completion of the CCP process on                  frog. Of the National Wildlife Refuge
                                             manage the Refuge for the next 15 years.                the refuge’s Web site.                                System’s priority public uses—wildlife
                                             Compatibility determinations for three                     The National Wildlife Refuge System                observation, photography,
                                             existing and proposed uses are also                     Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C.                    interpretation, and environmental
                                             included with the Final CCP.                            668dd–668ee), which amended the                       education—would all be enhanced on
                                             DATES: The CCP and FONSI are                            National Wildlife Refuge System                       the Refuge. Public access through snowy
                                             available now. The FONSI was signed                     Administration Act of 1966, requires the              plover breeding habitat to the back
                                             on July 29, 2016, allowing for                          Service to develop a CCP for each                     dunes of the Refuge would also be
                                             implementation of the CCP.                              national wildlife refuge. The purpose in              limited to a marked trail corridor (five-
                                             ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain
                                                                                                     developing a CCP is to provide refuge                 year pilot) to limit human disturbance.
                                             copies of the final CCP and FONSI by                    managers with a 15-year plan for                      Refuge staff would develop a dedicated
                                             any of the following methods. You may                   achieving refuge purposes and                         volunteer crew to support Refuge
                                             request a hard copy.                                    contributing toward the mission of the                management and outreach. Additional
                                                Agency Web site: Download a copy of                  National Wildlife Refuge System,                      staff and funding would be needed to
                                             the document(s) at https://www.fws.gov/                 consistent with sound principles of fish              implement this alternative.
                                                                                                     and wildlife management, conservation,                   Under Alternative C, we would
                                             refuge/Guadalupe-Nipomo_Dunes/.
                                                                                                     legal mandates, and our policies. In                  reduce wildlife and habitat management
                                                Email: hoppermountain@fws.gov.
                                                                                                     addition to outlining broad management                in light of forecasted declining National
                                             Include ‘‘Guadalupe CCP’’ in the subject
                                                                                                     direction on conserving wildlife and                  Wildlife Refuge System budgets. The
                                             line of the message.
                                                                                                     their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-               Refuge would also be closed to the
                                                Fax: Attn: Michael Brady, (805) 644–
                                                                                                     dependent recreational opportunities                  public. Wildlife management activities
                                             1732.
                                                                                                     available to the public, including                    would be primarily focused on
                                                U.S. Mail: Hopper Mountain National
                                                                                                     opportunities for hunting, fishing,                   monitoring of the listed species present
                                             Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2493 Portola
                                                                                                     wildlife observation and photography,                 on the Refuge: western snowy plover, La
                                             Road, Suite A, Ventura, CA 93003.
                                                                                                     environmental education and                           Graciosa thistle, and marsh sandwort.
                                                In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Copies                                                                        Like Alternative B, a feral swine control
                                                                                                     interpretation. We will review and
                                             of the Final CCP and FONSI may also                                                                           and monitoring plan would be
                                                                                                     update the CCP at least every 15 years
                                             be viewed at the Hopper Mountain                                                                              implemented. Fencing would be
                                                                                                     in accordance with the Improvement
                                             National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2493                                                                        installed or maintained where listed
                                                                                                     Act.
                                             Portola Road, Suite A, Ventura, CA                         Our Draft CCP and EA were available                plant species are present. Due to the
                                             93003 (805–644–5185).                                   for a 45-day public review and comment                forecasted declining budgets, no visitor
                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        period, which we announced via several                services would be provided to instead
                                             Winnie Chan, Refuge Planner, at (510)                   methods, including press releases,                    focus on wildlife and habitat.
                                             792–0222, or Michael Brady, Project                     updates to constituents, and a Federal                   We received 39 letters and 50 oral
                                             Leader, at (805) 644–5185 or                            Register notice (81 FR 10882, March 2,                comments on the Draft CCP and EA
                                             hoppermountain@fws.gov                                  2016). The Draft CCP/EA identified and                during the review and comment period.
Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              evaluated three alternatives for                      We incorporated comments we received
                                                                                                     managing the Refuge for the next 15                   into the CCP when appropriate, and we
                                             Background                                                                                                    responded to the comments in an
                                                                                                     years.
                                               Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National                          Under Alternative A (no action                     appendix to the CCP. In the FONSI, we
                                             Wildlife Refuge was established in 2000                 alternative), the current management                  selected a modified Alternative A for
                                             under the Endangered Species Act of                     actions, including habitat management,                implementation. The FONSI documents
                                             1973 (16 U.S.C. 1537) to preserve and                   wildlife management, and public use                   our decision and is based on the


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:07 Oct 12, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00033   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\13OCN1.SGM   13OCN1


                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 198 / Thursday, October 13, 2016 / Notices                                         70697

                                             information and analysis contained in                   meeting to be held for the amended                    collection and the estimated burden and
                                             the EA.                                                 application.                                          cost. This information collection is
                                                Under the selected alternative, we                   DATES AND ADDRESSES: A public meeting                 scheduled to expire on November 30,
                                             would continue most current                             will be held on Tuesday, November, 15,                2016. We may not conduct or sponsor
                                             management activities, but also include                 2016, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at                         and a person is not required to respond
                                             components from Alternative B                           Brookings-Harbor High School, 625                     to a collection of information unless it
                                             including implementing the feral swine                  Pioneer Road, Brookings, OR 97415.                    displays a currently valid OMB control
                                             control plan and developing and                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      number. However, under OMB
                                             implementing a predator management                      Jacob Childers, BLM Oregon/                           regulations, we may continue to
                                             plan to protect western snowy plover                    Washington State Office, 503–808–6225;                conduct or sponsor this information
                                             and California least tern. Public access,               Candice Polisky, USFS Pacific Nort                    collection while it is pending at OMB.
                                             guided interpretive walks, and                          hwest Region, 503–808–2479. Please                    DATES: You must submit comments on
                                             environmental education would                           send email inquiries to blm_or_wa_                    or before November 14, 2016.
                                             continue to be offered.                                 withdrawals@blm.gov. Persons who use                  ADDRESSES: Send your comments and
                                                The selected alternative provides                    a telecommunications device for the                   suggestions on this information
                                             guidance for achieving the Refuge’s                     deaf (TDD) may call the Federal                       collection to the Desk Officer for the
                                             purpose, vision, and goals; forwards the                Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–                Department of the Interior at OMB–
                                             Refuge System mission; addresses the                    800–877–8339 to contact either of the                 OIRA at (202) 395–5806 (fax) or OIRA_
                                             significant issues and relevant                         above individuals. The FIRS is available              Submission@omb.eop.gov (email).
                                             mandates; and is consistent with                        24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will               Please provide a copy of your comments
                                             principles of sound fish and wildlife                   receive a reply during normal business                to Madonna L. Baucum, Information
                                             management. Based on the associated                     hours.                                                Collection Clearance Officer, National
                                             environmental assessment, this                          SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FR                     Park Service, 12201 Sunrise Valley
                                             alternative is not expected to result in                notice published on September 30, 2016                Drive, Mail Stop 242, Reston, VA 20192;
                                             significant environmental impacts and                   stated that an opportunity for public                 or madonna_baucum@nps.gov (email).
                                             therefore does not require an                           meeting would be afforded in                          Please include ‘‘1024–0029’’ in the
                                             environmental impact statement.                         connection with the proposed                          subject line of your comments. You may
                                             Alexandra Pitts,                                        withdrawal. The public will have the                  review the ICR online at http://
                                                                                                     opportunity to verbally comment or                    www.reginfo.gov. Follow the
                                             Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest
                                             Region, Sacramento, California.                         provide written comments at the public                instructions to review Department of the
                                                                                                     meeting. The publication of the FR                    Interior collections under review by
                                             [FR Doc. 2016–24737 Filed 10–12–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                     notice on September 30, 2016 was the                  OMB.
                                             BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
                                                                                                     official start of a 90-day public comment             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To
                                                                                                     period that extends through December                  request additional information about
                                             DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                              29, 2016. Written comments should be                  this ICR, contact Brian P. Borda, Chief,
                                                                                                     sent to the Bureau of Land Management,                Commercial Services Program, National
                                             Bureau of Land Management                               Oregon State Office, P.O. Box 2965,                   Park Service, 1201 I Street NW.,
                                                                                                     Portland, OR 97208–2965, or by email at               Washington, DC 20005 (mail), (202)
                                             [LLOR936000.L1440000.ET0000.
                                                                                                     blm_or_wa_withdrawals@blm.gov.                        513–7156 (phone), or brian_borda@
                                             17XL1109AF; HAG 17–0017; OROR–68370]
                                                                                                        The meeting will be held in                        nps.gov (email).
                                             Notice of Public Meeting for Amended                    accordance with the regulations set                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                             Proposed Withdrawal; Oregon                             forth in 43 CFR part 2310.3–1.
                                                                                                                                                           I. Abstract
                                                                                                     Leslie A. Frewing,
                                             AGENCY:    Bureau of Land Management,                                                                            Private businesses under contract to
                                             Interior.                                               Acting Chief, Branch of Land, Mineral, and            the National Park Service (we, NPS)
                                                                                                     Energy Resources.
                                             ACTION:  Notice of public meeting.                                                                            manage food, lodging, tours, whitewater
                                                                                                     [FR Doc. 2016–24743 Filed 10–12–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                           rafting, boating, and many other
                                             SUMMARY:    A Notice of Amended                         BILLING CODE 3411–15–P                                recreational activities and amenities in
                                             Proposed Withdrawal was published in                                                                          more than 100 national parks. These
                                             the Federal Register (FR) on September                                                                        services gross more than $1 billion
                                             30, 2016 for approximately 5,216.18                     DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                                                                                                                                           every year and provide jobs for more
                                             acres of Bureau of Land Management                                                                            than 25,000 people during peak season.
                                                                                                     National Park Service
                                             (BLM) managed public domain and                                                                                  The regulations at 36 CFR part 51
                                             revested Oregon California Railroad                     [NPS–WASO–BSD–CONC–22120;                             primarily implement Title IV of the
                                             lands and 95,805.53 acres of National                   PPWOBSADC0, PPMVSCS1Y.Y00000 (177)]                   National Parks Omnibus Management
                                             Forest System lands (80 FR 37015). The                                                                        Act of 1998 (54 U.S.C., § 101911 et seq.,
                                             amended application increased the                       Information Collection Request Sent to                also referred to as Pub. L. 105–391),
                                             proposed withdrawal term from 5 years                   the Office of Management and Budget                   which provides legislative authority,
                                             to 20 years, and added the purpose of                   (OMB) for Approval; National Park                     policies, and requirements for the
                                             protecting the Southwestern Oregon                      Service Concessions                                   solicitation, award, and administration
                                             watershed from possible adverse effects                 AGENCY:   National Park Service, Interior.            of NPS concession contracts.
Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES




                                             of mineral development. The amended                     ACTION:   Notice; request for comments.                  Furthermore, 54 U.S.C., § 101911 et
                                             application does not affect the current                                                                       seq. provides that ‘‘all proposed
                                             segregation, which expires June 28,                     SUMMARY:  We (National Park Service,                  concession contracts shall be awarded
                                             2017, unless the application is denied or               NPS) have sent an Information                         by the Secretary to the person,
                                             canceled or the withdrawal is approved                  Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for                   corporation or other entity submitting
                                             prior to that date. This notice announces               review and approval. We summarize the                 the best proposal, as determined by the
                                             the date, time, and location of a public                ICR below and describe the nature of the              Secretary through a competitive


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:07 Oct 12, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00034   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\13OCN1.SGM   13OCN1



Document Created: 2016-10-13 00:53:16
Document Modified: 2016-10-13 00:53:16
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: final comprehensive conservation plan.
DatesThe CCP and FONSI are available now. The FONSI was signed on July 29, 2016, allowing for implementation of the CCP.
ContactWinnie Chan, Refuge Planner, at (510) 792-0222, or Michael Brady, Project Leader, at (805) 644-5185 or [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 70696 

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR