[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 94 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26813-26814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-12024]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Availability of the Comprehensive Management Plan, the
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Associated Environmental
Assessment (EA) for Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois
AGENCY: 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 made available for public review the
Comprehensive Management Plan, a Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI), and associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for Cypress Creek
National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The Refuge is located in Illinois
near the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in Alexander,
Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union Counties.
DATES: Written comments should be received by June 16, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to: Regional Director,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building,
1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056; Attention: Mike
Marxen, RE-AP. Copies of the Comprehensive Management Plan, FONSI, and
EA are available during normal business hours at the Cypress Creek
National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, Route 1, Box 53D, Ullin,
Illinois 62992.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elizabeth O. Jones, Acting Refuge Manager at 618-634-2231.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service proposes to implement the
Comprehensive Management Plan for Cypress Creek National Wildlife
Refuge. The purpose of the Plan is (1) To provide a clear vision and
statement of the refuge in 15 years, (2) ensure that management
reflects the policies and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System
(3) ensure that management is consistent with federal, state, county,
and partner plans, and (4) provide Refuge staff with guidance and
priorities for budget requests and for consistent
[[Page 26814]]
development, operation, and management over the next 15 years.
The alternatives considered in the EA are:
1. No Action This alternative reflects the status quo, allowing
current conditions and trends of management, public use, and land use
to continue. No substantial increases in funds or staff would be
required. Public use opportunities, facilities, and access would remain
the same at minimal development.
2. Implement the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Management Plan This alternative would establish an
overall management direction. The Refuge is envisioned as a major
contributing member in a coalition of partners actively working
together to protect and restore a 60,000 acre complex of diverse
habitat types for people to enjoy.
The Service's preferred alternative is the second alternative.
The FONSI is based on the following findings:
1. The Refuge will add economic diversity and stability to the
local area as visitor use increases.
2. Acquisition of lands has been and will continue to be from
willing sellers only.
3. Annual Revenue sharing payments are made to the counties to help
off-set potential impacts to the tax base.
4. Cultural resource surveys are planned based on the CMP.
5. This action will not have an adverse impact on threatened and
endangered species.
6. Drainage networks and floodplains will not be affected.
The Comprehensive Management Plan, FONSI, and EA will be available
to the public on May 15, 1997. The deadline for public comments is June
16, 1997. During this 30-day period the FONSI will not be final, nor
will the Service implement the selected alternative. A final decision
will be made on whether to carry out the alternative selected at the
conclusion of the 30-day period.
Dated: May 1, 1997.
Stephen D. Wilds,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 97-12024 Filed 5-14-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M
