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[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 30, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51632-51633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7245]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

Choctaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:  Notice of availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation 
Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Choctaw National Wildlife 
Refuge in Choctaw County, Alabama.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact 
for Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge are available for distribution. 
The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969. It describes how the refuge will be 
managed for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be obtained by contacting Robbie 
Dailey, Refuge Manager, Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 808, 
Jackson, Alabama 36545; telephone: 251/246-3583; fax: 251/246-5414. The 
plan may also be accessed and downloaded from the Service's Web site 
http://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The availability of the draft comprehensive 
conservation plan and environmental assessment for a 45-day review 
period was announced in the Federal Register on January 24, 2006 (71 FR 
3878). The Service analyzed four alternatives for managing the refuge 
and selected alternative D as the preferred alternative. This 
alternative will promote greater protection for the refuge's fish, 
wildlife, and habitats and will emphasize wildlife-dependent 
recreational opportunities for visitors. Hunting and fishing will 
continue with greater emphasis on increasing opportunities and 
enhancing the quality of the experience. Education and interpretation 
will be promoted with regular programs and partnerships with local 
schools. Wildlife observation and photography opportunities will be 
expanded, including a trans-refuge birding trail and an observation 
tower, highlighting refuge management programs and unique wildlife 
habitats.
    Research studies on the refuge will be fostered and partnerships 
developed with other agencies and universities, providing needed 
resources and experiment sites while meeting the needs of the refuge's 
wildlife and habitat management programs. Research will also benefit 
conservation efforts throughout southwest alabama to conserve, enhance, 
restore, and manage native habitat. New surveys on birds, reptiles, and 
amphibians will be initiated to develop baseline information.
    Additional staff will include management and biological personnel. 
An assistant refuge manager and a wildlife biologist will be added to 
accomplish objectives for establishing

[[Page 51633]]

baseline data on refuge resources, managing habitats, providing 
opportunities and facilities for wildlife observation and photography, 
providing educational programs that promote a greater understanding of 
the refuge resources, and protecting natural and cultural resources and 
refuge visitors.
    Public comments were requested, considered, and incorporated 
throughout the planning process in numerous ways. Public outreach 
included an open house, public meeting, technical workgroups, planning 
update mailings, and Federal Register notices. During the draft 
comprehensive conservation plan/environmental assessment comment 
period, the Service received several comments, which were incorporated, 
when appropriate, and responded to in the final comprehensive 
conservation plan.

    Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 
105-57.

    Dated: May 10, 2006.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 06-7245 Filed 8-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M
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