[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 128 (Monday, July 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 36427]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17724]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment and 
Land Protection Plan for the Proposed Establishment of Swayze Lake 
National Wildlife Refuge, St. Landry Parish, LA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment 
and Land Protection Plan for the Proposed Establishment of Swayze Lake 
National Wildlife Refuge.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Southeast Region, proposes to establish a new national 
wildlife refuge in the Swayze Lake area in St. Landry Parish, 
Louisiana. The purpose of the proposed refuge is to protect, enhance, 
and manage a diversity of fish and wildlife habitats in the Swayze Lake 
area for the benefit of the area's fishery, resident and migratory 
waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, neotropical migratory birds, the 
federally listed Louisiana black bear, and other native wildlife. A 
Draft Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan for the 
establishment of the proposed refuge has been developed by Service 
biologists in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife 
and Fisheries, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, parish 
officials, and other local entities. The assessment considers the 
biological, environmental, and socioeconomic effects of establishing 
the proposed refuge and evaluates three alternative actions and their 
potential impacts on the environment. Written comments or 
recommendations concerning the proposal are welcomed and should be sent 
to the address given below.

DATES: Land acquisition planning for the project is currently underway. 
The draft environmental assessment and land protection plan will be 
available to the public for review and comment on July 15, 1998. 
Written comments must be received no later than August 14, 1998, in 
order to be considered for the preparation of the final environmental 
assessment.

ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for copies of the draft environmental 
assessment and for further information on the project should be 
addressed to Mr. Charles R. Danner, Team Leader, Planning and Support 
Team, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, 
Georgia 30345, or by telephone at 800/419-9582.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed refuge area consists primarily 
of bottomland hardwoods, wooded/shrub swamps, and other wetlands. It 
covers a total of approximately 20,000 acres and is located within the 
Atchafalya River Basin, about 5 miles northwest of Krotz Springs in St. 
Landry Parish, Louisiana. The Service proposes to establish the refuge 
by purchasing about 9,000 acres in fee title from willing sellers. The 
remaining 11,000 acres would be sought through conservation easements, 
cooperative agreements, or fee title purchases, depending on landowner 
willingness.
    The Swayze Lake area is nationally significant because it provides 
wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl, breeding habitat for wood 
ducks, migration habitat for shorebirds and neotropical migratory 
birds, and year-round habitat for wading birds. It is also a feeding 
area for bald eagles. The bottomland hardwoods also provide important 
habitat for the federally listed Louisiana black bear. Other resident 
wildlife include the American alligator, white-tailed deer, swamp 
rabbit, and furbearers such as raccoon, mink, muskrat, and otter.
    The area's freshwater fishery is excellent. Numerous bayous and 
backwater lakes are interspersed throughout the area and provide 
outstanding sportfishing opportunities. Freshwater game species are 
abundant and include largemouth bass, black and white crappie, 
bluegill, and several species of catfish. Crawfishing is also extremely 
popular.

    Dated: June 22, 1998.
Sam D. Hamilton,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 98-17724 Filed 7-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M