81 FR 79516 - National Elk Refuge, Teton County, Wyoming; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 219 (November 14, 2016)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 219 (November 14, 2016)
| Page Range | 79516-79517 | |
| FR Document | 2016-27268 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 219 (Monday, November 14, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 79516-79517] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-27268] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R6-R-2016-N040; FF06R06000-FXRS12610600000-167] National Elk Refuge, Teton County, Wyoming; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment 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 final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) for the National Elk Refuge (Refuge, NWR). In this final CCP, we describe how we intend to manage the refuge for the next 15 years. ADDRESSES: You will find the final CCP, a summary of the final CCP, and the EA/FONSI on the planning Web site: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/wy_ner.php. A limited number of hard copies and CD-ROMs are available. You may request one by any of the following methods:Email: [email protected]. Include ``National Elk Refuge CCP'' in the subject line of the message. U.S. Mail: National Elk Refuge, P.O. Box 510, Jackson, WY, 83001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Kallin, Refuge Manager, at 307- 733-9212 (phone), or Toni Griffin, Planning Team Leader, 303-236-4378 (phone) or [email protected] (email). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we continue the CCP process for the National Elk Refuge, which we began by publishing a notice of intent in the Federal Register (75 FR 65370) on October 22, 2010. For more about the initial process and the history of this refuge, see that notice. We released the draft CCP and EA to the public, announcing and requesting comments in a notice of availability (79 FR 53440) on September 9, 2014. The 45- day comment period ended on October 24, 2014. A summary of public comments and the agency responses is included in the final CCP. Background The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Administration Act), [[Page 79517]] requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15- year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service 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 Administration Act. Each unit of the NWRS was established for specific purposes. We use these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the management goals and objectives for each refuge within the NWRS mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives that will ensure the best possible approach to wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with each refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of the NWRS. Additional Information The final CCP may be found at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/wy_ner.php. The final CCP includes detailed information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and management alternative selected. The Web site also includes an EA, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The EA includes discussion of four alternative refuge management options. The Service's selected alternative is reflected in the final CCP, and also in the FONSI. The selected alternative focuses on habitat and wildlife management that allow for natural processes to promote habitats. Some habitats, such as wetlands, will be managed to enhance swan habitat and improve forage quantity and quality for elk and bison. The refuge will increase opportunities for wildlife-dependent public uses such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education. We will keep some areas undeveloped, return some areas to a natural state, and increase development in other areas to enhance visitor services. A detailed description of objectives and actions included in this selected alternative is found in chapter 4 of the final CCP. Dated: September 23, 2016. Noreen Walsh, Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2016-27268 Filed 11-10-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
![79516 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 219 / Monday, November 14, 2016 / Notices
the final recovery plan. We considered Criterion 2: Viable populations * are DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
the information we received from peer present throughout suitable habitat in
reviewers in our preparation and Bumbee, Moccasin, and Youngs Creeks, Fish and Wildlife Service
approval of this final recovery plan. and at least two of the following [FWS–R6–R–2016–N040; FF06R06000–
Specifically, we made a slight streams: Soddy Creek, Cupp Creek or FXRS12610600000–167]
modification to recovery criteria (see Horn Branch.
below) by adding the clarification of 500 National Elk Refuge, Teton County,
individuals in the definition of a viable Criteria for Delisting Wyoming; Final Comprehensive
population. We also adjusted budgets of Conservation Plan and Finding of No
recovery actions in the implementation Criterion 1: Suitable instream habitat,
Significant Impact for Environmental
schedule. flows, and water quality for laurel dace
Assessment
exist in all occupied streams, and
Recovery Plan Components mechanisms exist to ensure that land AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,
Objectives for Reclassification to use activities (including road Interior.
Threatened and Delisting maintenance) in catchments of streams ACTION: Notice of availability.
The goal of this recovery plan is to inhabited by laurel dace will be
compatible with the species’ SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
conserve populations of laurel dace and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
enable the species to recover to the conservation for the foreseeable future.
availability of a final comprehensive
point that listing under the Act is no Such mechanisms could include, but
conservation plan (CCP) and finding of
longer necessary. Because recovery and are not necessarily limited to, no significant impact (FONSI) for the
delisting will take a long time to conservation agreements, conservation environmental assessment (EA) for the
achieve, and may be unachievable, an easements, land acquisition, and habitat National Elk Refuge (Refuge, NWR). In
intermediate goal of this recovery plan conservation plans. this final CCP, we describe how we
is to reduce threats to the point that the Criterion 2: Viable populations * are intend to manage the refuge for the next
species could be reclassified from present throughout suitable habitat in 15 years.
endangered to threatened. Bumbee, Moccasin, Youngs, Soddy, and ADDRESSES: You will find the final CCP,
Reclassification to Threatened Cupp Creeks and Horn Branch, and one a summary of the final CCP, and the EA/
Reclassification of the laurel dace to additional viable population, created FONSI on the planning Web site: http://
threatened status will be possible when either through reintroduction into www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/
habitat conditions in occupied streams Laurel Branch or by discovery of an wy_ner.php. A limited number of hard
are suitable for the conservation of the additional wild population. copies and CD–ROMs are available. You
species, and viable populations are may request one by any of the following
* Populations will be considered
present throughout suitable habitat in methods:
viable when the following demographic • Email: nationalelkrefuge@fws.gov.
five of the six currently occupied and genetic conditions exist:
streams. Include ‘‘National Elk Refuge CCP’’ in
• Demographics—Monitoring data the subject line of the message.
Delisting demonstrate that (a) populations are • U.S. Mail: National Elk Refuge, P.O.
In order for the laurel dace to recover stable or increasing, (b) average census Box 510, Jackson, WY, 83001.
to the point that listing under the Act is size is at least 500 individuals and two FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
no longer necessary, it will be necessary or more age-classes are consistently Steve Kallin, Refuge Manager, at 307–
to conserve all existing populations by present over a period of time 733–9212 (phone), or Toni Griffin,
maintaining, and in some cases encompassing five generations (i.e., 15 Planning Team Leader, 303–236–4378
restoring, suitable habitat conditions in years), and (c) evidence of recruitment (phone) or toni_griffin@fws.gov (email).
all streams where the species currently is not absent in more than 3 years or SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
occurs. It will also be necessary to during consecutive years at any point Introduction
discover or establish one additional within that period of time.
population. With this notice, we continue the CCP
• Genetics—Populations will be process for the National Elk Refuge,
Criteria for Reclassification From considered to have sufficient genetic which we began by publishing a notice
Endangered to Threatened or Delisting variation to be viable if measurements of of intent in the Federal Register (75 FR
The following criteria will be used to observed number of alleles and 65370) on October 22, 2010. For more
determine whether the objectives for estimates of heterozygosity and effective about the initial process and the history
reclassification and delisting described population size have remained stable or of this refuge, see that notice. We
above have been met. The criteria will increased during the five generations released the draft CCP and EA to the
be achieved by reducing or removing used to establish demographic viability. public, announcing and requesting
threats to the species’ habitat and comments in a notice of availability (79
Authority FR 53440) on September 9, 2014. The
conserving or establishing viable
populations throughout the species’ The authority for this action is section 45-day comment period ended on
range, as determined by monitoring of 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 October 24, 2014. A summary of public
demographic and genetic parameters. U.S.C. 1533(f). comments and the agency responses is
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
included in the final CCP.
Criteria for Reclassification From Dated: August 22, 2016.
Endangered to Threatened Mike Oetker,
Background
Criterion 1: Suitable instream habitat, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. The National Wildlife Refuge System
flows, and water quality for laurel dace, [FR Doc. 2016–27272 Filed 11–10–16; 8:45 am]
Administration Act of 1966, as amended
as defined by Recovery Tasks in the by the National Wildlife Refuge System
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
recovery plan, exist in occupied Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C.
streams. 668dd–668ee) (Administration Act),
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 219 / Monday, November 14, 2016 / Notices 79517
requires us to develop a CCP for each natural state, and increase development 9. Please register by contacting Lucia
national wildlife refuge. The purpose in in other areas to enhance visitor Foulkes at the Federal Geographic Data
developing a CCP is to provide refuge services. A detailed description of Committee (703–648–4142, lfoulkes@
managers with a 15-year strategy for objectives and actions included in this usgs.gov). Comments may also be
achieving refuge purposes and selected alternative is found in chapter submitted to the NGAC in writing.
contributing toward the mission of the 4 of the final CCP. DATES: The meeting will be held on
National Wildlife Refuge System Dated: September 23, 2016. December 14, 2016, from 12:30 p.m. to
(NWRS), consistent with sound 4:00 p.m. EST.
Noreen Walsh,
principles of fish and wildlife FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region,
management, conservation, legal Mahoney, U.S. Geological Survey (206–
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
mandates, and Service policies. In
[FR Doc. 2016–27268 Filed 11–10–16; 8:45 am] 220–4621).
addition to outlining broad management
direction on conserving wildlife and BILLING CODE 4333–15–P SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Meetings
their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife- of the National Geospatial Advisory
dependent recreational opportunities Committee are open to the public.
available to the public, including DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Additional information about the NGAC
opportunities for hunting, fishing, and the meeting are available at
Geological Survey www.fgdc.gov/ngac.
wildlife observation and photography,
and environmental education and [GX17EE000101100] Kenneth Shaffer,
interpretation. We will review and Deputy Executive Director, Federal
update the CCP at least every 15 years Announcement of National Geospatial
Geographic Data Committee.
in accordance with the Administration Advisory Committee Meeting
[FR Doc. 2016–27285 Filed 11–10–16; 8:45 am]
Act. AGENCY: U.S. Geological Survey, BILLING CODE 4338–11–P
Each unit of the NWRS was Interior.
established for specific purposes. We
ACTION: Notice of meeting
use these purposes as the foundation for DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
developing and prioritizing the SUMMARY: The National Geospatial
management goals and objectives for Advisory Committee (NGAC) will meet Bureau of Land Management
each refuge within the NWRS mission, on December 14, 2016, from 12:30 p.m.
and to determine how the public can [LLCO956000 L71300000.BJ0000
to 4:00 p.m. EST. The meeting will be LVTSC1600100 16X]
use each refuge. The planning process is held via web conference and
a way for us and the public to evaluate teleconference. Notice of Filing of Plats of Survey;
management goals and objectives that The NGAC, which is composed of Colorado
will ensure the best possible approach representatives from governmental,
to wildlife, plant, and habitat private sector, non-profit, and academic AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management,
conservation, while providing for organizations, has been established to Interior.
wildlife-dependent recreation advise the Chair of the Federal ACTION: Notice of filing of plats of
opportunities that are compatible with Geographic Data Committee on survey; Colorado.
each refuge’s establishing purposes and management of Federal geospatial
the mission of the NWRS. programs, the development of the SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land
National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and Management (BLM) Colorado State
Additional Information
the implementation of Office of Office is publishing this notice to
The final CCP may be found at http:// inform the public of the official filing of
www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/ Management and Budget (OMB)
Circular A–16. Topics to be addressed at the survey plat listed below. The plat
wy_ner.php. The final CCP includes will be available for viewing in the BLM
detailed information about the planning the meeting include:
Colorado State Office.
process, refuge, issues, and management —FGDC Update
DATES: The plat described in this notice
alternative selected. The Web site also —NGAC Subcommittee Reports
—Review of NGAC Papers was filed on November 4, 2016.
includes an EA, prepared in accordance
—Transition Planning ADDRESSES: BLM Colorado State Office,
with the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The —Planning for 2017 NGAC Activities Cadastral Survey, 2850 Youngfield
EA includes discussion of four Members of the public who wish to Street, Lakewood, CO 80215–7093.
alternative refuge management options. attend the meeting must register in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The Service’s selected alternative is advance. Please register by contacting Randy Bloom, Chief Cadastral Surveyor
reflected in the final CCP, and also in Lucia Foulkes at the Federal Geographic for Colorado, (303) 239–3856.
the FONSI. Data Committee (703–648–4142, Persons who use a
The selected alternative focuses on lfoulkes@usgs.gov). Meeting telecommunications device for the deaf
habitat and wildlife management that registrations are due by December 9, (TDD) may call the Federal Relay
allow for natural processes to promote 2016. Meeting information (web Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to
habitats. Some habitats, such as conference and teleconference contact the above individual during
wetlands, will be managed to enhance instructions) will be provided to normal business hours. The FRS is
swan habitat and improve forage registrants prior to the meeting. While available 24 hours a day, seven days a
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
quantity and quality for elk and bison. the meeting will be open to the public, week, to leave a message or question
The refuge will increase opportunities attendance may be limited due to web with the above individual. You will
for wildlife-dependent public uses such conference and teleconference capacity. receive a reply during normal business
as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation The meeting will include an hours.
and photography, and environmental opportunity for public comment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
education. We will keep some areas Attendees wishing to provide public supplemental plat in Township 11
undeveloped, return some areas to a comment should register by December South, Range 69 West, Sixth Principal
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Document Created: 2018-10-24 10:46:08
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 10:46:08
| 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 | Steve Kallin, Refuge Manager, at 307- 733-9212 (phone), or Toni Griffin, Planning Team Leader, 303-236-4378 (phone) or [email protected] (email). | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 79516 |
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