[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 1121]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-379]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and environmental documents
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing
regulations, for Blackwater, Susquehanna, and Martin National Wildlife
Refuges: Caroline, Hartford, Dorchester, Wicomoco, and Somerset
Counties, Maryland; Sussex County, Delaware; and Accomack County,
Virginia. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with
Service CCO policy:
(1) To advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and
(2) To obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to
include in the environmental documents.
DATES: Written comments should be received on or before February 9,
1998.
ADDRESSES: Address comments and requests for more information to the
following: Refuge Manager, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 2145
Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, Maryland 21613-9536 (410) 228-2692.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
By Federal law, all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge
System are to be 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 will consider many elements, including habitat and wildlife
management, habitat protection and acquisition, public use, and
cultural resources. Public input into this planning process is
essential, The CCP will provide other agencies and the public with a
clear understanding of the desired conditions for the Refuges and how
the Service will implement management strategies.
The Service will solicit information from the public via open
houses, meetings, and written comments. Special mailings, newspaper
articles, and announcements will inform people in the general area near
each refuge of the time and place of such opportunities for public
input to the CCP.
Review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NEPA Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508),
other appropriate Federal laws and regulations, including the National
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Executive Order 12996,
and Service policies and procedures for compliance with those
regulations.
We estimate that the draft environmental documents will be
available in late August, 1998.
Dated: December 24, 1997.
Ronald E. Lamberston,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley,
Massachusetts.
[FR Doc. 98-379 Filed 1-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M
