[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 208 (Thursday, October 28, 1999)] [Notices] [Pages 58085-58086] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-28124] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Intent To Issue the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Associated Environmental Assessment, and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge in the Southwest Region AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has prepared a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), associated Environmental Assessment (EA), and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge (National Wildlife Refuge), Okmulgee, Oklahoma pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and its implementing regulations. The Regional Director, Southwest Regional Office, upon issuing a FONSI for the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge EA considered ranges of alternatives for that document. Approval of the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge CCP formalizes ten goals which will result in: (1) Protection and enhancement of wetlands; (2) Protection, restoration, and maintenance of the bottomland hardwood forest [[Page 58086]] community; (3) Protection and enhancement of habitat for migratory birds; (4) Protection and enhancement of Refuge habitat to sustain healthy populations of native fish and wildlife in addition to migratory birds; (5) Restoration of native threatened and endangered species on Refuge lands; (6) Development of a database of pertinent scientific information regarding Refuge habitats and wildlife; (7) Provision of quality consumptive and non-consumptive wildlife-dependent public use; (8) Development of education and outreach programs that enable the public to 1--understand, enjoy and value the fish and wildlife resources found on and off the Refuge, 2--understand events and issues related to these resources, and 3--act to promote fish and wildlife conservation; (9) Compliance with historic and archaeological resource protection laws and regulations; and (10) Institution of an efficient administration that supports accomplishment of Refuge objectives. Some of the specific actions proposed to achieve these goals include but are not necessarily limited to the following strategies:Acquire lands within the proposed refuge boundary as they become available from willing sellers; Restore bottomland hardwood forest in floodplain areas previously converted to pecan orchard, cropland or pasture; Control excessive or prolonged flooding in bottomland forests through the installation of water control structures in existing beaver dams and/or control of problem beaver populations; Develop green tree reservoirs, moist soil units and other managed wetlands where conditions support their creation to enhance habitat for waterfowl; Develop a recreational trail and visitor contact center; Map and monitor wildlife habitats; Establish three waterfowl sanctuaries closed to all public entry (2,500 acres total); Convert all exotic grass pastureland to bottomland hardwood, wetland or tallgrass prairie conditions that originally existed on the sites. Based on a review and evaluation of the information contained in the CCP and EA for Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, the Regional Director, Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has determined that the approval of the individual or cumulative approaches reflected in the Proposed Alternative and CCP Goals, Objectives and Strategies, is not deemed to constitute a major Federal action which would significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the meaning of Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. However, it is the intent of the Service to revisit questions of potential significant environmental consequences in accordance with NEPA upon consideration of the implementation of site specific proposals called for and discussed in the final plan document. ADDRESSES: Copies may be obtained by writing to: Mr. John Slown, AICP, Biologist/Conservation Planner, Division of Refuges, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P. O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is Service policy to have all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System managed in accordance with an approved CCP. The CCP guides management decisions and identifies refuge goals, long-range objectives, and strategies for achieving refuge purposes. The planning process has considered many elements, including habitat and wildlife management, habitat protection and acquisition, public and recreational uses, and cultural resources. Public input into this planning process has assisted in the development of these documents. The CCP will provide other agencies and the public with a clear understanding of the desired conditions for the Refuge and how the Service will implement management strategies. The Service considered comments and advice generated in response to a draft document issued April 1999. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with Service CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of the availability of the final documents. Dated: October 7, 1999. Stephen W. Perry, Acting Regional Director, Albuquerque, NM. [FR Doc. 99-28124 Filed 10-27-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P