[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 77 (Monday, April 23, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20133-20134]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7635]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Availability of Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(CCP) for Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Jet, OK
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that
the Final CCP is available for Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(Refuge). This CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife
Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP
describe how the Service intends to manage the Refuge over the next 15
years.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the CCP are available on compact disk or in hard
copy, and can be obtained by writing: Chris Perez, Natural Resource
Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Route 2, Box 202A, Alamo,
Texas 78516. The CCP may also be available for viewing or downloaded
online at: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/plan/index.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon M. Brock, Refuge Manager, Salt
Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, P.O. Box 76, Jet, Oklahoma
73749: telephone: 580-626-4794; or Chris Perez (See ADDRESSES),
telephone: 956-784-7553; e-mail: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is
located on the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River at the Great Salt Plains
Lake in north-central Oklahoma. This 32,028 acre refuge is roughly
equal parts of upland, open water, and salt flats at the
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confluence of several streams and rivers making it one of the most
important migratory bird stopover, wintering, and nesting habitats in
the Central Great Plains region. Three federally listed species use the
Refuge on a seasonal basis. Federally endangered whooping cranes use
the Refuge as a key migratory stopover and feeding area and the Refuge
is designated critical habitat for the crane (43 FR 20938, May 15,
1978). Least terns nest in large numbers every year on the salt flats
and threatened bald eagles winter on the Refuge. It was originally
established on March 26, 1930 by Executive Order No. 5314 ``* * * as a
refuge and breeding grounds for birds.''
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 et seq.), requires the Service to develop a CCP
for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose of developing CCPs 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, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife
science, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In
addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife
and their habitats, the CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational
opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation. These CCPs will be reviewed
and updated at least every 15 years in accordance with the National
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
The availability of the Draft CCP and Environmental Assessment (EA)
for a 60-day public review and comment period was announced in the
Federal Register on November 21, 2005 (70 FR 70089). The Draft CCP/EA
identified and evaluated three alternatives for managing the Refuge for
the next 15 years. Alternative A, the No Action Alternative, would have
continued current management of the Refuge. Alterative B, the Preferred
Alternative, emphasized an updated and integrated approach to
protecting, maintaining, and restoring native habitats for migratory
birds, waterfowl, federally listed species, and resident wildlife. The
public use program would be improved by providing increased
opportunities for public uses, environmental education, and
interpretation. This alternative also called for expanding partnership
opportunities to help accomplish the vision and goals of the Refuge.
Alternative C proposed to provide a greater emphasis on expanding
public uses such as all types of hunting, hiking, and necessary
facilities such as additional roads and trails for optimal access.
Based on this assessment and comments received, the Preferred
Alternative (Alternative B) was selected for implementation. This
alternative was selected because it best meets the purposes and goals
of the Refuge, as well as the goals of the National Wildlife Refuge
System. Management of the Refuge for the next 15 years will focus on
encouraging ecological integrity, restoring habitats such as native
prairie, controlling invasive plant species, protecting federally
listed species such as the whooping crane, least tern, and bald eagle,
and enhancing habitat for grassland birds, waterfowl, and other
resident wildlife. Opportunities for wildlife-dependent activities such
as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental
education, and interpretation will be enhanced. Partnerships with
county, State, and Federal agencies, private landowners, and
conservation groups will also enable the refuge to achieve its goals
and objectives, minimize costs, and bridge relationships with other
stakeholder.
Dated: August 3, 2006.
Larry G. Bell,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque,
New Mexico.
This document was received at the Office of the Federal
Register on April 18, 2007.
[FR Doc. E7-7635 Filed 4-20-07; 8:45 am]
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