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)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 198 (October 13, 2016)
| Page Range | 70696-70697 | |
| FR Document | 2016-24737 |
[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](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_70894/page/1.svg)
![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](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_70894/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2016-10-13 00:53:16
Document Modified: 2016-10-13 00:53:16
| 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: final comprehensive conservation plan. | |
| Dates | The CCP and FONSI are available now. The FONSI was signed on July 29, 2016, allowing for implementation of the CCP. | |
| Contact | Winnie Chan, Refuge Planner, at (510) 792-0222, or Michael Brady, Project Leader, at (805) 644-5185 or [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 70696 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR