[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 187 (Monday, September 28, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51585-51586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25963]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Availability of Final Programmatic Environmental
Assessment and Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Cabeza Prieta
National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness
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 completed a Final Programmatic Environmental
Assessment and associated Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)
for the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness, Ajo,
Arizona. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been issued
consequent to the issuance of the Final Programmatic Environmental
Assessment (EA). The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance
with Service CCP policy: (1) to advise other agencies and the public of
the availability of the documents, and (2) to obtain input, comments,
and suggestions with respect to the Service's proposed management
objectives and strategies detailed in the draft CCP document.
Approval of the Programmatic EA constitutes the definition of
appropriate management approaches leading to the achievement of the
refuge's purposes and mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
It is out of this basic approach that draft CCP objectives and
strategies were developed and attached to the Programmatic EA. The
proposed management changes include, but are not necessarily limited to
the following approaches:
A continuation of access to refuge lands by permit only;
Reclamation of Childs Mountain Summit resulting in the net
reduction of development footprint from 5 acres to less than 1 acre
(400% reduction) as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
ARSR-4 Radar Construction project. [FAA FONSI /Record of Decision (ROD)
dated Jan. 22,
[[Page 51586]]
1998 and FONSI/ ROD Amendment dated March 23, 1998, are incorporated by
reference;]
The setting of research priorities to include: endangered
species, effects of artificial waters, biodiversity and ecological
issues, water quality, military activities, wilderness resources, and
archaeological/ cultural resources;
The closure of almost 30 miles of the existing
``administrative trail system'' within designated wilderness to any
routine motorized administrative access;
The closure and reclamation of almost 139 miles of old
trails in designated wilderness not considered useful in the management
of refuge resources;
The enhancement of monitoring and evaluation of impacts of
management and public activities of refuge resources;
A focus on evaluating the effect of developed waters on
refuge resources;
A continuation and expansion of strategies that benefit
desert bighorn sheep and endangered Sonoran pronghorn;
An expansion of strategies that benefit a diversity of
flora and fauna and their habitats;
An allowance for maintenance and minor rehabilitation of a
limited number of refuge waters within wilderness;
A continuation of the use of photo-monitoring and
telemetry of Sonoran pronghorn and other species;
Implementation of a Recreational Impact Monitoring Plan;
Development and implementation of strategies to prevent
border cattle encroachment;
Continuing development of strategies and time-frame for
short and long term reclamation of the summit of Childs Mountain;
Establishment of a watchable wildlife and interpretive
area on Childs Mountain;
A continuation of 4 wheel drive restrictions to access El
Camino del Diablo and Christmas Pass/Tacna Roads;
In accordance with Refuge Compatibility Policy, assess the
possible expansion of the hunt program to include closely controlled
deer hunting and small game hunting in a limited number of
geographically defined areas of the refuge;
Inclusion of management flexibility with respect to
allowable vehicles in non wilderness areas;
A continuation of case-by-case restrictions on the use of
horses and pack animals on the refuge;
Possible acquisition of 30 acres next to refuge
headquarters for use as a desert interpretive site;
Expansion of efforts to cooperate with adjoining
jurisdictions and refuge stakeholders;
Continued improvement in relationships with the military
and other federal agencies, Tohono O'Odham Nation, the Hia-Ced O'Odham,
and the Yuman Native American interests on the west side of the refuge;
Improvements to staffing and funding;
Continued restrictions on the use of wood campfires; and
In accordance with Refuge Compatibility Policy,
development of a Copper Canyon auto tour loop in cooperation with the
BLM.
The Programmatic EA contained a range of four management-framework
alternatives inclusive of: the Proposed Alternative, a No-Action
Alternative, a Progressive Management (Development oriented)
Alternative, and a Limited or Restricted Management Alternative.
Based on a review and evaluation of the information contained in
the Programmatic EA, it was determined that the approval of the
individual or cumulative approaches reflected in the Proposed
Alternative, did not constitute a major Federal action which would
significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the
meaning of Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.
However, it is the intent of the Service to revisit questions of
potential significant environmental consequences in accordance with
NEPA upon consideration of the implementation of site specific
proposals called for and discussed in the final plan document.
DATES: The Service will be open to written advice and comment on the
draft CCP Objectives and Strategies through November 15, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Address requests for copies of the document, comments on the
draft CCP objectives and strategies, or request for more information
to: Mr. Tom Baca, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Southwest Region, Division of Refuges and Wildlife, PO Box
1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
policy to have all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System
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 has
considered and will continue to consider many elements, including
habitat and wildlife management, habitat protection and acquisition,
public and recreational uses, and cultural resources. Continued public
input into this planning process is essential. The CCP document when
finalized 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.
Review of these projects 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 parts 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.
The Service anticipates that a Final CCP will be available by
December 30, 1998.
Dated: September 22, 1998.
Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Deputy Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 98-25963 Filed 9-25-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
