[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 5 (Friday, January 7, 1994)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1024-1025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-207]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: January 7, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for the Proposed Patoka River National Wetlands Project, Pike and
Gibson Counties, Indiana
AGENCY: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS), which is available for public review. The DEIS evaluates a
proposal to establish the Patoka River National Wetlands Project
(Project) in Pike and Gibson Counties in southwest Indiana. Four
alternatives, including a No Action alternative are being considered.
The three action alternatives are aimed at protecting and enhancing the
valuable resources of the Patoka River valley. The Project encompasses
one of the last remaining stretches of bottomland forest in Indiana and
the Midwest. It provides some of the best wood duck production habitat
in the state and is used by endangered species including bald eagles.
Alternative 4 is the Service's preferred alternative. It proposes to
acquire 22,083 acres of land from willing sellers. Full acquisition may
take 20 years or more. About 6,800 acres would be purchased as the
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, wildlife
management areas would be purchased from within an adjacent 15,283-acre
selection area. Project lands would be managed to protect and enhance
bottomland hardwood forests, other wetland habitat, and complementary
uplands. The goal would be to provide essential food, cover and resting
areas for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and
resident fish and wildlife; and to improve outdoor recreation and
education opportunities.
DATES: Public comment on the DEIS is solicited pursuant to National
Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1503.1). All agencies and
individuals are urged to provide comments and suggestions for improving
this DEIS. The formal comment period extends for a 60-day period from
the date of distribution of the DEIS. All comments received by March 8,
1994, will be considered in preparation of the Final EIS.
Formal comments will be received at any time during this 60-day
period in person or by mail at the Project and Regional Offices as well
as at the scheduled public open house and meeting. The Project Office
in Oakland City, Indiana, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The
Regional Office in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, is open weekdays from
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, the Service will hold a public open
house on Friday, February 11, 1994, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday,
February 12, 1994, from 8 a.m. to 12 m. (noon) at the Wirth Park
Community Building on the west side of Oakland City, Indiana, for
general information. A public meeting will be held on Saturday,
February 12, 1994, starting at 1:30 p.m. in the East Gibson School
cafeteria in Oakland City to receive verbal and written comments.
WRITTEN COMMENTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: Project Manager, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Patoka River National Wetlands Project, 510\1/2\ West
Morton, Box 217, Oakland City, Indiana 47660.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William McCoy, Project Manager, Patoka River National Wetlands Project,
at the above address, telephone (812) 749-3199; or Jeanne Holler,
Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop Henry
Whipple Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota
55111-4056, telephone (612) 725-3306. Individuals wishing copies of
this DEIS for review should contact Mr. McCoy or Ms. Holler. Copies
have been sent to all landowners and renters within the proposed
Project boundaries; to Federal, state and local government officials;
interested parties; and to all individuals, agencies, and organizations
who requested copies.
Dated: December 22, 1993.
Sam Marler,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 94-207 Filed 1-6-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M
