[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 11, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 18345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3434]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation
Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Crocodile Lake National
Wildlife Refuge in Monroe County, Florida.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact
for Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge are available for
distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife
Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and describes how the refuge
will be managed for the next 15 years.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be obtained by writing to the
National Key Deer Refuge, 28950 Watson Boulevard, Big Pine Key, Florida
33043. The plan may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service's
Internet Web site http://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge is
located on North Key Largo in Monroe County, Florida, approximately 40
miles southeast of Miami. The refuge was established in April 1980
under the authorities of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as
amended), and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (as
amended in 1976). It currently covers 6,700 acres, including 650 acres
of open water. It contains a mosaic of habitat types including tropical
hardwood hammock, mangrove forests, and salt marshes. These habitats
are vital for hundreds of plants and animals, including six federally
listed species.
The availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and
Environmental Assessment for a 60-day public review and comment period
was announced in the Federal Register on August 16, 2005 (70 FR 48187).
The plan and environmental assessment identified and evaluated three
alternatives for managing the refuge over the next 15 years.
Alternative 2 was chosen as the ``preferred alternative.'' Under
Alternative 2, 6,700 acres of refuge lands will be conserved,
maintained, and enhanced. Increased efforts related to habitat
restoration, exotics control, pest management, and monitoring are
characteristics of this alternative. The increased management action
will help to achieve the long-term goals and objectives in a timelier
manner. This alternative will result in a more ecosystem-based
management approach will views the refuge as a single system rather
than separate habitat types. Federally listed species will still be
primary concern, but needs of other resident and migratory wildlife
will also be considered. This alternative will be the most effective
for meeting the purposes of the refuge by conserving habitats and
associated wildlife. It best achieves national, ecosystem, and refuge-
specific goals and objectives and positively addresses significant
issues and concerns expressed by the public.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Van Fischer, Natural Resource Planner,
National Key Deer Refuge Complex; telephone: 305/872-2239; Fax: 305/
872-3675; E-mail: [email protected].
Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law
105-57.
Dated: February 23, 2006.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 06-3434 Filed 4-10-06; 8:45am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M