[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 197 (Thursday, October 13, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59763-59764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20489]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
(CCP) and Associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for Hagerman 
National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), Sherman, TX

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that 
the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment 
is available for the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Sherman, Texas. 
We prepared this CCP pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997(16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), and the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d), and 
we describe how the Service intends to manage this Refuge over the next 
15 years.

DATES: The Service will be open to written comments through November 
28, 2005.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the CCP is available on compact disk or hard copy, 
and you may obtain a copy by writing: Yvette Truitt-Ortiz, Biologist/
Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 
1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306. Requests may also be made via 
electronic mail to: yvette--truittortiz.fws.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO SEND COMMENTS CONTACT: Yvette Truitt-
Ortiz, Biologist/Natural Resource Planner, 505-248-6452, or Johnny 
Beall, Refuge Manager, 903-786-2826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee et seq.) requires 
a CCP. The purpose in developing CCPs is to provide refuge managers 
with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing 
toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent 
with sound principles of fish and wildlife science, conservation, legal 
mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad 
management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, the 
CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available 
to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife 
observation and photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation. We will review and update these CCPs at least every 15 
years in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d).
    Background: The Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is an overlay 
project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and was established by 
Public Land Order 314 on February 9, 1946 ``* * * for refuge and 
breeding ground purposes for migratory birds and other wildlife * * * 
reservation as a wildlife refuge * * *

[[Page 59764]]

shall not interfere with any existing or future uses * * * in the 
operation and maintenance of the Denison Dam and Reservoir Project * * 
*.'' Located in north-central Texas on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake 
Texoma, the 11,320 acre Refuge is comprised of uplands, farmland, 
marshland, and open water habitats. Management efforts focus on 
enhancing uplands and wetlands for migratory birds and other wildlife 
species.
    The Draft CCP/EA addresses a range of topics including habitat and 
wildlife management, public use opportunities, land acquisition, 
invasive species control, administration and staffing for the Refuge. 
The key Refuge issues and how they are addressed in the plan 
alternatives are summarized below.
    Alternative A is the current management, or what is currently 
offered at the Refuge. Alternative B is the proposed action. 
Alternative C would call for no active management on the Refuge.
    Public Use Activities: Alternative A: The public use program would 
remain at current levels and no new facilities would be developed on 
the Refuge. Alternative B: The public use program would increase and/or 
enhance educational and outreach activities, recreational 
opportunities, community involvement, and improve public use 
facilities. Alternative C: The public use program would be 
discontinued.
    Habitat Management: Alternative A: The Refuge would continue to 
maintain current level of wetland management activities. Alternative B: 
The Refuge will increase/expand habitat management activities for the 
benefit of wildlife species and for the enjoyment of the visiting 
public. Alternative C: Wetland areas would be allowed to dry up, 
forcing wildlife species to leave.
    Refuge Land and Boundary Protection: Alternative A: The Refuge 
would maintain limited outreach to private landowners. Alternative B: 
The Refuge will seek partnerships with landowners and organizations to 
enhance or protect desirable habitat through easements, agreements, 
etc. Alternative C: The Refuge would not seek easement or agreements 
with interested individuals.
    Comment Period: Please submit comments by November 28, 2005.

    Dated: October 6, 2005.
H. Dale Hall,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New 
Mexico.
[FR Doc. 05-20489 Filed 10-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P