82 FR 5597 - Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 11 (January 18, 2017)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 11 (January 18, 2017)
| Page Range | 5597-5598 | |
| FR Document | 2017-00808 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 18, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 5597-5598] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-00808] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R6-R-2016-N221]; [FXRS12610600000-178-FF06R00000] Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to gather information necessary to prepare a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the National Bison Range (NBR), a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System. We are furnishing this notice in compliance with Service Refuge Planning policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning process. Participation in the planning process will be encouraged and facilitated by various means, including news releases and public meetings. Notification of all such meetings will be announced in the local press and on the NBR Web site. DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received or postmarked on or before February 17, 2017. ADDRESSES: If you wish to comment on the scope of the CCP/EIS, you may submit your comments by the following method: You may mail or hand- deliver comments to Toni Griffin, Refuge Planner, NBR CCP, 134 Union Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Toni Griffin, Refuge Planner, NBR CCP, 134 Union Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228, or by telephone (303) 236- 4378. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for the National Bison Range, with headquarters in Moiese, MT. The notice complies with our CCP policy to (1) advise other Federal and State agencies, [[Page 5598]] Tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct planning on this refuge complex and (2) to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of additional issues to consider during development of the CCP. Through the CCP, the Service intends to evaluate both how NBR is managed and who manages it. Background The CCP Process The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, (Administration Act), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), requires us to develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose of 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. We will conduct environmental review pursuant to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C 4321 et seq.), by preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS). The Service intends to invite the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) to participate as a cooperating agency as provided by 40 CFR 1508.5. The Service will prepare a CCP and EIS which will describe management of the NBR over the next 15 years. To facilitate sound planning and environmental assessment, the Service intends to gather information necessary for the preparation of the CCP/EIS and obtain suggestions and information from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues to be addressed in the CCP/EIS. The Service will separately consider CCPs for Pablo, Ninepipe, and Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuges, and the Northwest Montana Lake County Wetland Management District and the waterfowl production areas therein, which are also part of the National Bison Range Complex. The Service will publish a notice of intent to prepare these CCPs at a later date. The National Bison Range In 1855, the United States entered into the Hell Gate Treaty with the Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Western Montana to establish the Flathead Indian Reservation. Just over 50 years later, on May 23, 1908, Congress enacted legislation that used its power of eminent domain to establish the refuge. The overall mission of the NBR is to maintain a representative herd of bison, under reasonably natural conditions, to ensure the preservation of the species for continued public enjoyment. The NBR is 18,800 acres and supports between 350 and 500 bison. The National Bison Range lies entirely within the boundary of the Flathead Indian Reservation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Members of the CSKT have a cultural, historical, or geographic connection to the land and resources of the Range. There are significant cultural sites located on the Range and the land was formerly owned in trust for the CSKT. The bison at the range today are descendants of bison owned and preserved by CSKT members over a century ago. Additional Information The draft CCP/EIS for NBR will include detailed information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and desired resource conditions. Based on determination of desired conditions, regardless of which management option is selected, the final CCP/EIS will outline resource management activities and visitor recreational activities. To facilitate sound judgment of environmental impacts, the Service is gathering information necessary for the preparation of a CCP/EIS. Based on public input over the years, the Service believes that the range of management alternatives should include, at a minimum:Alternative A (Current Management): This alternative represents continuing current management and serves as a baseline for comparing the other alternatives. Under this alternative, we would continue our current habitat and visitor services management activities on existing refuge lands. The Service would continue to be responsible for the overall administration of the NBR and the day-to-day on-site activities. The Service would be responsible for implementation of the NBR CCP. Alternative B (Preferred Management Option): In this alternative, the Service intends to evaluate the preferred management option of a Congressional transfer of lands comprising of the NBR unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System to the CSKT of the Flathead Reservation, to be held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of the CSKT. In addition to the management of the herd of bison, the CSKT will conserve the natural resources and provide for public visitation and educational opportunities on such lands. Resources would be managed to perpetuate and protect the natural environment and to preserve cultural and historic resources and values. The alternative returns to the tribe control of their traditional lands and cultural resources. Alternative C: The Service would execute and carry out a draft negotiated Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) per the Tribal Self Governance Act, wherein the CSKT would be responsible for implementing the provisions of the AFA. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: December 20, 2016. Noreen Walsh, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado. [FR Doc. 2017-00808 Filed 1-17-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 18, 2017 / Notices 5597
information we need from applicants. for both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Dated: January 11, 2017.
Hunters often apply for import permits Service . . . and permit applicants/ Tina A. Campbell,
before leaving on safari and therefore tourist safari hunters, and it will not Chief, Division of Policy and Directives
are not in a position to provide provide any useful information.’’ They Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
information on the specific elephant contend that it is ‘‘a burden without a [FR Doc. 2017–00960 Filed 1–17–17; 8:45 am]
and population. In addition, hunters are benefit’’ and that the burden cannot be BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
not necessarily in a position to know reduced unless the permit requirement
what portion of their hunting fees will is removed. Conservation Force also
support conservation. This is asserts that the burden estimate is DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
information that we acquire from the inaccurate, because the Service has not
countries of origin, not from permit considered its current backlog of Fish and Wildlife Service
applicants. applications in assessing its ability to [FWS–R6–R–2016–N221];
Comment 2: With regard to the cost process another 300 permits, the [FXRS12610600000–178–FF06R00000]
burden, the International Fund for additional costs and demands for
Animal Welfare and the Natural seizures and law enforcement actions, Notice of Intent To Prepare a
Resources Defense Council claim that and the permit renewal fee. Comprehensive Conservation Plan for
the permit application fee is too small Response to Comment 4: Our newly the National Bison Range, Moiese,
and that it should be increased to fully revised regulations require that we issue Montana
compensate FWS for costs associated an ESA import permit for import of all
with performing individualized (as AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,
African elephant sport-hunted trophies.
opposed to country-wide) enhancement Interior.
We are seeking authorization to collect
findings. They note that the 2015 market the information necessary for us to issue ACTION: Notice of intent; request for
rate for an African elephant hunting these permits. The burden estimates are comments.
package was between $25,000 and developed in accordance with the
$60,000, and add that the $100 permit SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
Paperwork Reduction Act. In estimating Wildlife Service (Service), intend to
application fee ‘‘imposes trivial the burden to the Service, we consider
additional costs on the importer.’’ gather information necessary to prepare
the time required to process an a draft Comprehensive Conservation
Response to Comment 2: We are application, the cost of processing an
currently reevaluating our permit fees Plan (CCP) for the National Bison Range
application, including the salaries of the (NBR), a unit of the National Wildlife
and may, in the future, publish a
people doing the work, and the Refuge System. We are furnishing this
proposed rule to revise our fee structure.
estimated number of applications. In notice in compliance with Service
Comment 3: The Humane Society of
the United States and Humane Society estimating the burden to the applicant, Refuge Planning policy to advise other
International jointly submitted we consider the time it takes to agencies and the public of our
comments in support of the request for complete an application, including intentions, and to obtain suggestions
extension of approval for information gathering the necessary information, an and information on the scope of issues
collection through FWS Form 3–200–19 estimate of the salary of the person to be considered in the planning
from all importers of African elephant completing the form, and the permit fee. process. Participation in the planning
sport-hunted trophies. They stated their Based on our experience, we believe our process will be encouraged and
belief that it is critically important that burden estimates are accurate. facilitated by various means, including
this information is collected from We again invite comments concerning news releases and public meetings.
applicants for import permits under the this information collection on: Notification of all such meetings will be
Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. • Whether or not the collection of announced in the local press and on the
1531 et seq.), because the information information is necessary, including NBR Web site.
‘‘is essential for FWS to comply with its whether or not the information will
DATES: To ensure consideration, written
statutory duties to protect African have practical utility;
comments must be received or
elephants from threats that jeopardize • The accuracy of our estimate of the
postmarked on or before February 17,
the species’ continued existence.’’ They burden for this collection of
2017.
also believe that FWS Form 3–200–19 information;
requests the ‘‘bare minimum • Ways to enhance the quality, utility, ADDRESSES: If you wish to comment on
and clarity of the information to be the scope of the CCP/EIS, you may
information needed’’ from an applicant.
These joint commenters also stated collected; and submit your comments by the following
that the current ‘‘paltry’’ applicant fee of • Ways to minimize the burden of the method: You may mail or hand-deliver
$100 for an African elephant sport- collection of information on comments to Toni Griffin, Refuge
hunted trophy import permit is too low respondents. Planner, NBR CCP, 134 Union
and should be increased. They assert Comments that you submit in Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228.
that the $100 application fee for import response to this notice are a matter of FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Toni
of trophies ‘‘cannot possibly reimburse public record. Before including your Griffin, Refuge Planner, NBR CCP, 134
the agency for all of its costs associated address, phone number, email address, Union Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228,
with ensuring that applicants are or other personal identifying or by telephone (303) 236–4378.
eligible for permits,’’ and they ‘‘urge information in your comment, you SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
should be aware that your entire
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
OMB to formally request that FWS
comment, including your personal Introduction
amend this fee structure.’’
Response to Comment 3: See our identifying information, may be made With this notice, we initiate our
response to Comment 2. publicly available at any time. While process for developing a CCP for the
Comment 4: Conservation Force you can ask OMB in your comment to National Bison Range, with
submitted comments in opposition to withhold your personal identifying headquarters in Moiese, MT. The notice
the information collection, stating that information from public review, we complies with our CCP policy to (1)
‘‘it is unnecessary and over burdensome cannot guarantee that it will be done. advise other Federal and State agencies,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:41 Jan 17, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\18JAN1.SGM 18JAN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_5608/page/1.svg)
![5598 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 11 / Wednesday, January 18, 2017 / Notices
Tribes, and the public of our intention The Service will prepare a CCP and • Alternative A (Current
to conduct planning on this refuge EIS which will describe management of Management): This alternative
complex and (2) to obtain suggestions the NBR over the next 15 years. To represents continuing current
and information on the scope of facilitate sound planning and management and serves as a baseline for
additional issues to consider during environmental assessment, the Service comparing the other alternatives. Under
development of the CCP. Through the intends to gather information necessary this alternative, we would continue our
CCP, the Service intends to evaluate for the preparation of the CCP/EIS and current habitat and visitor services
both how NBR is managed and who obtain suggestions and information from management activities on existing
manages it. other agencies and the public on the refuge lands. The Service would
scope of issues to be addressed in the
Background continue to be responsible for the
CCP/EIS. The Service will separately
overall administration of the NBR and
The CCP Process consider CCPs for Pablo, Ninepipe, and
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuges, the day-to-day on-site activities. The
The National Wildlife Refuge System and the Northwest Montana Lake Service would be responsible for
Administration Act of 1966, County Wetland Management District implementation of the NBR CCP.
(Administration Act), as amended by and the waterfowl production areas • Alternative B (Preferred
the National Wildlife Refuge System therein, which are also part of the Management Option): In this
Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. National Bison Range Complex. The alternative, the Service intends to
668dd–668ee), requires us to develop a Service will publish a notice of intent to evaluate the preferred management
CCP for each national wildlife refuge. prepare these CCPs at a later date. option of a Congressional transfer of
The purpose of a CCP is to provide lands comprising of the NBR unit of the
refuge managers with a 15-year strategy The National Bison Range
National Wildlife Refuge System to the
for achieving refuge purposes and In 1855, the United States entered
CSKT of the Flathead Reservation, to be
contributing toward the mission of the into the Hell Gate Treaty with the Salish
and Kootenai Tribes of Western held in trust by the Secretary of the
National Wildlife Refuge System
Montana to establish the Flathead Interior for the benefit of the CSKT. In
(NWRS), consistent with sound
principles of fish and wildlife Indian Reservation. Just over 50 years addition to the management of the herd
management, conservation, legal later, on May 23, 1908, Congress of bison, the CSKT will conserve the
mandates, and Service policies. In enacted legislation that used its power natural resources and provide for public
addition to outlining broad management of eminent domain to establish the visitation and educational opportunities
direction on conserving wildlife and refuge. The overall mission of the NBR on such lands. Resources would be
their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife- is to maintain a representative herd of managed to perpetuate and protect the
dependent recreational opportunities bison, under reasonably natural natural environment and to preserve
available to the public, including conditions, to ensure the preservation of cultural and historic resources and
opportunities for hunting, fishing, the species for continued public values. The alternative returns to the
wildlife observation and photography, enjoyment. The NBR is 18,800 acres and tribe control of their traditional lands
and environmental education and supports between 350 and 500 bison. and cultural resources.
interpretation. We will review and The National Bison Range lies entirely
• Alternative C: The Service would
update the CCP at least every 15 years within the boundary of the Flathead
Indian Reservation of the Confederated execute and carry out a draft negotiated
in accordance with the Administration Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) per
Act. Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Members of
the CSKT have a cultural, historical, or the Tribal Self Governance Act, wherein
Each unit of the NWRS was the CSKT would be responsible for
geographic connection to the land and
established for specific purposes. We implementing the provisions of the
resources of the Range. There are
use these purposes as the foundation for AFA.
significant cultural sites located on the
developing and prioritizing the
Range and the land was formerly owned Public Availability of Comments
management goals and objectives for
in trust for the CSKT. The bison at the
each refuge within the NWRS mission,
range today are descendants of bison Before including your address, phone
and to determine how the public can
owned and preserved by CSKT members number, email address, or other
use each refuge. The planning process is
over a century ago. personal identifying information in your
a way for us and the public to evaluate
management goals and objectives that Additional Information comment, you should be aware that
will ensure the best possible approach your entire comment—including your
The draft CCP/EIS for NBR will
to wildlife, plant, and habitat personal identifying information—may
include detailed information about the
conservation, while providing for planning process, refuge, issues, and be made publicly available at any time.
wildlife-dependent recreation desired resource conditions. Based on While you can ask us in your comment
opportunities that are compatible with determination of desired conditions, to withhold your personal identifying
each refuge’s establishing purposes and regardless of which management option information from public review, we
the mission of the NWRS. is selected, the final CCP/EIS will cannot guarantee that we will be able to
We will conduct environmental outline resource management activities do so.
review pursuant to the provisions of the and visitor recreational activities. To Dated: December 20, 2016.
National Environmental Policy Act of facilitate sound judgment of
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Noreen Walsh,
1969 (42 U.S.C 4321 et seq.), by environmental impacts, the Service is
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
preparing an environmental impact gathering information necessary for the Service, Denver, Colorado.
statement (EIS). The Service intends to preparation of a CCP/EIS. Based on
[FR Doc. 2017–00808 Filed 1–17–17; 8:45 am]
invite the Confederated Salish and public input over the years, the Service
Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) to participate as believes that the range of management BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
a cooperating agency as provided by 40 alternatives should include, at a
CFR 1508.5. minimum:
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Document Created: 2018-02-01 15:19:17
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 15:19:17
| 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 intent; request for comments. | |
| Dates | To ensure consideration, written comments must be received or postmarked on or before February 17, 2017. | |
| Contact | Toni Griffin, Refuge Planner, NBR CCP, 134 Union Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80228, or by telephone (303) 236- 4378. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 5597 |
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