98-7410. Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Establishment of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Habitat Preservation Area in Western Minnesota and Northwestern Iowa

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 59 (Friday, March 27, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 14955]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-7410]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement 
for the Establishment of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Habitat 
Preservation Area in Western Minnesota and Northwestern Iowa

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has prepared a 
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) which is available for 
public review. The FEIS evaluates the establishment of a Northern 
Tallgrass Prairie Habitat Preservation Area as a means of working with 
individuals, groups, and governmental entities to permanently preserve 
remnant tracts of northern tallgrass prairie. Three alternatives, 
including a No Action alternative are being considered. The action 
alternatives are aimed at permanently protecting and enhancing prairie 
remnants.
    The Service's preferred alternative (Alternative B) is to 
permanently protect and enhance prairie remnants through partnerships, 
incentives, education, and cooperative agreements. Any conservation 
easements, or acquisition of full title would be done by the Service 
and Service Partners. Service acquisition of easements and fee interest 
in lands would be on a voluntary basis from willing sellers.

DATES: A decision whether to implement the preferred alternative will 
be made after a 30-day waiting period from the date of this notice.

ADDRESSES: Individuals wishing copies of the FEIS for review should 
contact: Jane West, Project Manager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
BHW Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jane West at the address listed above or by telephone at 612/713-5314.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: America's native grasslands are a vanishing 
ecosystem, and mounting evidence indicates that many species are 
disappearing as fast as the prairie habitats on which they depend. Few 
other ecosystem types have experienced as great a degree of loss and 
alteration. In Minnesota and Iowa, the native northern tallgrass 
prairie has declined to less than 1 percent of its original 25 million 
acres (10. 1 million hectares).
    Through an integrated ecosystem approach, the Service, with its 
partners, proposes to protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats 
through holistic management strategies using a wide variety of tools, 
and techniques. The Service proposes to participate in public and 
private partnerships at many levels, complimenting other prairie 
projects such as those of the Iowa County Conservation Boards, Iowa and 
Minnesota Departments of Natural Resources, the Nature Conservancy, and 
others.

    Dated: March 17, 1998.
Robb M. Morin,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 98-7410 Filed 3-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M