[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 182 (Wednesday, September 21, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 55413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18787]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Decision and Availability of the Record of Decision for 
the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Final Environmental 
Impact Statement for Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Decision and Availability of the Record of Decision 
for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Final Environmental 
Impact Statement for the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife 
Refuge, formerly known as Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 
Notice of Decision and Availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for 
Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Final 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Final Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS). The refuge is located in the Gulf of Maine watershed, 
which extends along the entire coast of Maine. The Final EIS presents a 
thorough analysis of environmental, social, and economic 
considerations. The CCP and EIS were released to the public for 30 days 
after the publication of a Notice of Availability in the Federal 
Register on July 15, 2005 (70 FR 135). The ROD documents the selection 
of Alternative B (the Service-preferred alternative) in the Final EIS, 
which is represented by the Final CCP for the refuge. The ROD was 
signed by the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Northeast Region, on August 24, 2005.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the ROD may be obtained from Charles Blair, Refuge 
Manager, Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 279, 
Water Street, Milbridge, Maine 04658-0279, or you may call Mr. Blair at 
207-546-2124. A copy of the final CCP and EIS is available at the 
following Web site: http://library.fws.gov/ccps.htm.

FOR FURTHER CONTACT INFORMATION: Charles Blair, Refuge Manager, Maine 
Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 279, Water Street, 
Milbridge, Maine 04658-0279, 207-546-2124 (telephone), 207-546-7805 
(FAX).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following is a summary of the ROD, which 
selects Final EIS Alternative B, represented by the Final CCP, for the 
Maine Coastal Islands NWR. The CCP provides management guidance that 
conserves refuge resources and facilitates compatible wildlife-
dependent public use activities during the next 15 years.
    The CCP addresses key issues and conflicts identified during the 
planning process, and will best achieve the purposes and goals for each 
of the five refuges in this complex, as well as the mission of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). The decision includes the 
management goals, objectives, and strategies identified in CCP chapter 
4, ``Management Direction,'' and in the compatibility determinations 
(Appendix C). The implementation of the CCP will occur over the next 15 
years, depending on future staffing levels, funding, and willing 
sellers of the lands proposed for acquisition.
    Factors Considered in Making the Decision:
    The decision was based on a thorough analysis of environmental, 
social, and economic considerations. The Service reviewed and 
considered the impacts identified in chapter 4 of the Draft and Final 
EIS; the results of various studies and surveys conducted, or technical 
expert advice received in conjunction with the Draft and Final EIS and 
CCP; relevant issues, concerns, and opportunities; comments on the 
draft and final planning documents; and other relevant factors, 
including the purposes for which the refuges were established and 
statutory and regulatory guidance. The Final EIS and CCP address a 
variety of needs, including fish and wildlife conservation, habitat 
restoration and protection, National Wilderness Preservation System 
designation, refuge expansion, and the six priority public uses of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The unique 
combination of those components contributes significantly to achieving 
refuge purposes and goals. The CCP also strengthens the monitoring of 
fish, wildlife, habitat, and public uses on refuge lands to provide the 
means to better respond to changing conditions in the surrounding 
landscape.
    The Final CCP, was selected for implementation because it provides 
the greatest number of opportunities for the NWRS to contribute to 
fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation needs along the Maine coast.

    Dated: August 24, 2005.
Richard O. Bennett,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, 
Massachusetts.
[FR Doc. 05-18787 Filed 9-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P