[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 150 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-18567]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: August 5, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the
proposed Patoka River National Wetlands Project, Pike and Gibson
County, IN
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Patoka River
National Wetlands Project.
SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that 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 a
proposal to establish the Patoka River National Wetlands Project in
Pike and Gibson Counties in southwest Indiana.
DATES: A decision whether to implement the preferred alternative will
be made after a 30-day waiting period from the date of this notice of
availability.
ADDRESSES: Individuals wishing copies of this FEIS for review should
contact: Project Manager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patoka River
National Wetlands Project, 510\1/2\ West Morton Street, Box 217,
Oakland City, Indiana 47660; or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop
Henry Whipple Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling,
Minnesota 55111-4056, Attention: Ms. Jeanne Holler.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William McCoy, Project Manager, telephone (812) 749-3199; or Jeanne
Holler, Wildlife Biologist, telephone (612) 725-3306.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FEIS evaluates a proposal to establish
the Patoka River National Wetlands 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 threatened and endangered species including bald eagles and Indiana
bats. 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. 6,800 acres would be purchased as the Patoka
River National Wildlife Refuge and 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 habitats, 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 for the American people. Copies of the FEIS have been
sent to all landowners within the proposed Project boundaries; to
federal, state and local government officials; interested parties; and
to all individuals, agencies, and organizations who requested copies.
Sam Marier,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 94-18567 Filed 8-4-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M
