99-19053. Notice of intent To prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans for Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 143 (Tuesday, July 27, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40615-40616]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19053]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of intent To prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans for 
Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges

SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to 
prepare comprehensive conservation plans and environmental documents 
(environmental assessments) for Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge 
in Dixie and Levy Counties, Florida, and Cedar Keys National Wildlife 
Refuge in Levy County, Florida. The Service is furnishing this notice 
in compliance with Service comprehensive conservation planning policy 
and the National Environmental Policy Act and implementing regulations.
    Public scoping meetings will be held in the near future for both of 
these refuges. An announcement of the meeting will appear in the 
Federal Register.


[[Page 40616]]


ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for information concerning either 
refuge may be addressed to: Refuge Manager, Lower Suwannee National 
Wildlife Refuge, 16450 NW 31st Place, Chiefland, Florida 32626-4874.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is the policy of the Fish and Wildlife 
Service to have all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System 
managed in accordance with an approved comprehensive conservation plan. 
The plan guides management decisions and identifies refuge goals, 
objectives, and strategies for achieving refuge purposes. Public input 
into this planning process is encouraged. The plan will provide other 
agencies and the public with a clear understanding of the desired 
conditions of the refuge and how the Service will implement management 
strategies. Some of the issues to be addressed in the plan include the 
following:
    (a) Public use management;
    (b) Habitat management;
    (c) Wildlife population management; and
    (d) Cultural resource identification and protection.
    Alternatives that address the issues and management strategies 
associated with these topics will be included in the environmental 
documents. A separate plan will be prepared for each refuge.
    The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge was established on 
April 10, 1979, under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Act to 
protect the lower Suwannee River ecosystem. The 52,935-acre refuge, 
which is predominantly wetlands, is bisected by 20 miles of Stephen 
Foster's famous Suwannee River and includes 26 miles of the Gulf Coast.
    The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge was established by 
Executive Order 5158 on July 16, 1929, as a breeding ground for 
migratory birds. The refuge supports one of the largest nesting 
colonies of pelicans, herons, egrets and ibis in north Florida, and 
consists of 12 islands ranging in size from 1 to 120 acres.

    Dated: July 12, 1999.
Sam D. Hamilton,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 99-19053 Filed 7-26-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M