Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32415

comment period on this proposal, while

keeping careful watch on the species’

status.

In a letter dated June 3, 1996, Valarie

Bristol, Travis County Commissioner for

the County encompassing the Barton

Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer

and Barton Springs itself, requested that

the comment period be reopened in

order to accept information regarding

the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, the

Loop 1/Highway 290 Task Force, and

other information. This letter is printed

in its entirety here for the information

of potential commenters.

Valarie Bristol,

Travis County Commissioner—Precinct 3,

Travis County Administration Building,

314 W. 11th Street, Room 500, P.O. Box

1748, Austin, Texas 78767, 473–9333

June 3, 1996.

Honorable Bruce Babbitt,

Secretary of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW,

Mailstop 7229, Washington, D.C. 20240

Dear Secretary Babbitt: As a member of the

Travis County Commissioners’ Court, I

represent the portion of the county which

includes the Barton Springs segment of the

Edwards Aquifer, the five creeks which

overlay it, and the outflow at Barton Springs.

This karst system of water flow is a very

special treasure and needs thoughtful

protection of its water quality.

The listing of the Barton Springs

salamander under the Endangered Species

Act as an endangered species is a serious

decision that requires full analysis. I am

asking that the comment period on the

listing, which was closed in 1994, be reopened for a period to allow all significant

information which has occurred since then to

become part of the decision.

One major event which has occurred has

been the formation of the Balcones

Canyonlands Preserve which sets aside over

30,000 acres in Travis County, of which

4,000 acres are in the Barton Creek

watershed. The Balcones is an example of a

public/private partnership that brought

together the environmental and landowner

communities in an unprecedented level of

cooperation for mutual benefit to preserve

eight endangered species.

The Loop 1/Highway 290 Task Force is

another example of citizens and governments

trying to balance growth issues (in this case

a highway expansion) with water quality

over the aquifer recharge zone. State

Representative Sherri Greenberg and I serve

as co-chairs of the Loop 1/Highway 290 Task

Force and we have been gathering extensive

information on the water quality issues

surrounding all highway construction in the

aquifer area.

Travis County has completed a road project

which included an EPA funded vegetation

experiment to test the best method for

cleaning road area runoff.

These are only a few occurrences whose

information may be of importance in the

decision on the salamander. I hope that the

comment period can be re-opened to gather

all the relevant information.

I deeply believe that this community wants

to do its part in understanding and protecting

the clear, clean water of the Barton Springs

segment of the Edwards Aquifer.

Sincerely,

Valarie Scott Bristol,

Travis County Commissioner, Precinct Three.

The Texas Natural Resource

Conservation Commission has also

requested that the comment period be

reopened, citing its regulatory initiatives

described above. This letter is also

printed in its entirety here for the

information of potential commenters.

Texas Natural Resource Conservation

Commission

June 3, 1996.

The Honorable Bruce Babbitt,

Secretary of the Interior, 1849 C Street N.W.,

Main Interior Building, Room 6151,

Washington, D.C. 20240

Re: Proposed Listing of Barton Springs

Salamander

Dear Secretary Babbitt: The purpose of this

letter is to request that you reopen the

comment period concerning the proposed

listing of the Barton Springs Salamander. If

the comment period is reopened, the State of

Texas will submit to the Fish and Wildlife

Service additional information regarding

state and local efforts to protect this species

and its habitat. TNRCC staff believes there is

a substantial amount of information which

has not been considered, much of which was

not even available during the original

comment period.

There are numerous examples of state and

local regulations designed to protect water

quality. Some of these were in place at the

time of the original listing proposal and some

have been created or modified subsequent to

the proposal and some even subsequent to

closing of the comment period. For example,

TNRCC has published proposed rules

governing water quality protection zones and

will soon be publishing proposed revisions to

the ‘Edwards Aquifer Rules’. Both of these

rule packages are scheduled to be considered

by the Commission early this fall. Other

examples include highway construction

techniques and water quality monitoring

resulting from legislation enacted last year.

We do not believe these have been properly

or adequately taken into account as required

by the Act, particularly in light of the

magnitude of the decision on the proposed

listing.

Thank you for your consideration of this

request.

Very truly yours,

Barry R. McBee,

Chairman.

The Service is thus reopening the

comment period to allow commenters to

provide any additional information or

comments they have on the proposed

listing. Although every effort will be

made to consider comments received up

to July 24, 1996, the Fish and Wildlife

Service may be required to close the

comment period in advance of July 24,

1996 in order to comply with any orders

of the court in Save Our Springs Legal

Defense Fund v. Babbitt, Civil No. MO–

95–CA–230 (W.D. Tex.), ongoing

litigation involving this rulemaking.

Comments submitted during previous

comment periods will be considered

and need not be resubmitted.

Author

The primary author of this notice is

Steven Helfert (see ADDRESSES section).

Authority

The authority for this action is the

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.

1531 et seq.).

Dated: June 17, 1996.

John G. Rogers,

Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 96–15899 Filed 6–21–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

50 CFR Part 32

RIN 1018–AD76

1996–97 Refuge-Specific Hunting and

Fishing Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,

Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service

(Service) proposes to amend certain

regulations that pertain to migratory

game bird hunting, upland game

hunting, big game hunting and sport

fishing on individual national wildlife

refuges for the 1996–97 seasons. Refuge

hunting and fishing programs are

reviewed annually to determine

whether the individual refuge

regulations governing these programs

should be modified, deleted or have

additions made to them. Changing

environmental conditions, State and

Federal regulations, and other factors

affecting wildlife populations and

habitat may warrant modifications

ensuring continued compatibility of

hunting and fishing with the purposes

for which individual refuges were

established.

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule

will be accepted on or before July 24,

1996.

ADDRESSES: Assistant Director—Refuges

and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 670

ARLSQ, Washington, DC 20240.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephen R. Vehrs, at the above address;

Telephone (703) 358–2397.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 50 CFR

part 32 contains provisions governing

hunting and fishing on national wildlife
32416 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

refuges. Hunting and fishing are

regulated on refuges to:

• Ensure compatibility with refuge

purposes;

• Properly manage the fish and

wildlife resource;

• Protect other refuge values; and

• Ensure refuge user safety.

On many refuges, the Service policy

of adopting State hunting and fishing

regulations is adequate in meeting these

objectives. On other refuges, it is

necessary to supplement State

regulations with more restrictive

Federal regulations to ensure that the

Service meets its management

responsibilities, as outlined under the

section entitled ‘‘Statutory Authority.’’

Refuge-specific hunting and fishing

regulations may be issued only after a

wildlife refuge is opened to migratory

game bird hunting, upland game

hunting, big game hunting or sport

fishing through publication in the

Federal Register. These regulations may

list the wildlife species that may be

hunted or are subject to sport fishing,

seasons, bag limits, methods of hunting

or fishing, descriptions of open areas,

and other provisions as appropriate.

Previously issued refuge-specific

regulations for hunting and fishing are

contained in 50 CFR part 32. Many of

the amendments to these sections are

being promulgated to standardize and

clarify the existing language of these

regulations.

Request for Comments

Department of the Interior policy is,

whenever practicable, to afford the

public a meaningful opportunity to

participate in the rulemaking process. A

30-day comment period is specified in

order to facilitate public input.

Accordingly, interested persons may

submit written comments concerning

this proposed rule to the person listed

above under the heading ADDRESSES. All

substantive comments will be reviewed

and considered.

Statutory Authority

The National Wildlife Refuge System

Administration Act (NWRSAA) of 1966,

as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd), and the

Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16

U.S.C. 460k) govern the administration

and public use of national wildlife

refuges. Specifically, Section 4(d)(1)(A)

of the NWRSAA authorizes the

Secretary of the Interior to permit the

use of any area within the Refuge

System for any purpose, including but

not limited to, hunting, fishing and

public recreation, accommodations and

access, when he determines that such

uses are compatible with the major

purpose(s) for which the area was

established.

The Refuge Recreation Act (RRA)

authorizes the Secretary to administer

areas within the Refuge System for

public recreation as an appropriate

incidental or secondary use only to the

extent that it is practicable and not

inconsistent with the primary

purpose(s) for which the areas were

established. The NWRSAA and the RRA

also authorize the Secretary to issue

regulations to carry out the purposes of

the Acts and regulate uses.

Hunting and sport fishing plans are

developed for each existing refuge prior

to opening it to hunting or fishing. In

many cases, refuge-specific regulations

are developed to ensure the

compatibility of the programs with the

purposes for which the refuge was

established. Initial compliance with the

NWRSAA and the RRA has been

ensured for hunting and sport fishing on

newly acquired refuges through an

interim determination of compatibility

made at the time of acquisition. This has

ensured that the determinations

required by these acts have been made

prior to the addition of refuges to the

lists of areas open to hunting and

fishing in 50 CFR part 32. Continued

compliance is ensured by the

development of long-term hunting and

sport fishing plans and by annual

review of hunting and sport fishing

programs and regulations.

The Service has determined that this

action is in accordance with the

provisions of all applicable laws, is

consistent with principles of sound fish

and wildlife management, helps

implement Executive Order 12962

(Recreational Fisheries), and is

otherwise in the public interest by

providing additional recreational

opportunities at national wildlife

refuges. Sufficient funds will be

available within the refuge budgets to

operate the hunting and sport fishing

programs as proposed.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This regulation has been examined

under the Paperwork Reduction Act of

1995 and has been found to contain no

information collection requirements.

Economic Effect

Service review has revealed that the

rulemaking will increase hunter and

fishermen visitation to the surrounding

area of the refuges before, during or after

the recreational uses, compared to the

refuge being closed to these recreational

uses.

These refuges are generally located

away from large metropolitan areas.

Businesses in the area of the refuges

consist primarily of small family owned

stores, restaurants, gas stations and

other small commercial enterprises. In

addition, there are several small

commercial and recreational fishing and

hunting camps and marinas in the

general areas. This proposed rule would

have a positive effect on such entities;

however, the amount of revenue

generated is not large.

Many area residents enjoy a rural

lifestyle that includes frequent

recreational use of the abundant natural

resources of the area. A high percentage

of the households enjoy hunting,

fishing, and boating in area wetlands,

rivers and lakes. Refuge lands were not

generally available for general public

use prior to government acquisition;

however, they were fished and hunted

upon by friends and relatives of the

landowners, and some were under

commercial hunting and fishing leases.

Many nearby residents also participate

in other forms of nonconsumptive

outdoor recreation, such as biking,

hiking, camping, birdwatching,

canoeing, and other outdoor sports.

Economic impacts of refuge fishing

and hunting programs on local

communities are calculated from

average expenditures in the ‘‘1995

National Survey of Fishing, Hunting,

and Wildlife-Associated Recreation’’. In

1995, 42 million U.S. residents 16 years

old and older hunted and/or fished.

More specifically, 37 million fished and

14.5 million hunted. Those who both

fished and hunted account for the 9.5

million overage. Nationwide

expenditures by sportsmen totaled $42

billion. Trip-related expenditures for

food, lodging, and transportation were

$16 billion or 37 percent of all fishing

and hunting expenditures; equipment

expenditures amounted to $19 billion,

or 46 percent of the total; other

expenditures such as those for

magazines, membership dues,

contributions, land leasing, ownership,

licenses, stamps, tags, and permits

accounted for $6.9 billion, or 16 percent

of all expenditures. Overall, anglers

spent an average of $41 per day. For

each day of hunting, big game hunters

averaged spending $40, small game

hunters $20, and migratory bird hunters

$33.

At these 40 National Wildlife Refuges

in 24 states, 816,000 fishermen are

expected to spend $33.5 million

annually in pursuit of their sport, while

an estimated 203,000 hunters will spend

$6.7 million annually hunting on the

refuges. While many of these fishermen

and hunters already make such

expenditures prior to the refuge

opening, minor amounts of these

additional expenditures are directly due
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32417

to the land now being open to the

general public.

This rulemaking will have a small but

positive impact on local economies and

is not subject to Office of Management

and Budget review under Executive

Order 12866. In addition, a review

under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of

1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) has revealed

that the rulemaking would increase

visitation and expenditures in the

surrounding area of the refuges. The

rulemaking would not have a significant

effect on a substantial number of small

entities in the area, such as businesses,

organizations and governmental

jurisdictions.

Unfunded Mandates

The Service has determined and

certifies pursuant to the Unfunded

Mandates Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that

this rulemaking will not impose a cost

of $100 million or more in any given

year on local or State governments or

private entities.

Environmental Considerations

Compliance with the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969

(NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)) is ensured

when hunting and sport fishing plans

are developed, and the determinations

required by this act are made prior to

the addition of refuges to the lists of

areas open to hunting and fishing in 50

CFR part 32. The changes in hunting

and fishing herein proposed were

reviewed with regard to Section 7 of the

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16

U.S.C. 1531–1543) and found to either

have no affect on or are not likely to

adversely affect listed species or critical

habitat. The amendment of refugespecific hunting and fishing regulations

are subject to a categorical exclusion

from the NEPA process if they do not

significantly alter the existing use of a

particular national wildlife refuge. The

Service exclusion found at 516 DM 6,

App.1.4 B(5) is employed here as these

amendments are considered ‘‘[m]inor

changes in the amounts or types of

public use on FWS or State-managed

lands, in accordance with regulations,

management plans, and procedures.’’

These refuge-specific hunting and

fishing revisions to existing regulations

simply qualify or otherwise define an

existing hunting or fishing activity, for

purposes of resource management.

These documents are on file in the

offices of the Service and may be

viewed by contacting the primary

author noted below. Information

regarding hunting and fishing permits

and the conditions that apply to

individual refuge hunts, sport fishing

activities, and maps of the respective

areas are retained at refuge headquarters

and can be obtained from the regional

offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service at the addresses listed below:

Region 1—California, Hawaii, Idaho,

Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Assistant Regional Director—Refuges

and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, Eastside Federal Complex,

Suite 1692, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue,

Portland, Oregon 97232–4181;

Telephone (503) 231–6214.

Region 2—Arizona, New Mexico,

Oklahoma and Texas. Assistant

Regional Director—Refuges and Wildlife

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box

1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103;

Telephone (505) 766–1829.

Region 3—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,

Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio

and Wisconsin. Assistant Regional

Director—Refuges and Wildlife, U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal

Building, Fort Snelling, Twin Cities,

Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612) 725–

3507.

Region 4—Alabama, Arkansas,

Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,

Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee,

South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the

Virgin Islands. Assistant Regional

Director—Refuges and Wildlife, U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century

Boulevard, Room 324, Atlanta, Georgia

30345; Telephone (404) 679–7152.

Region 5—Connecticut, Delaware,

District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland,

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New

Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode

Island, Vermont, Virginia and West

Virginia. Assistant Regional Director—

Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center

Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035;

Telephone (413) 253–8550.

Region 6—Colorado, Kansas,

Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota,

South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

Assistant Regional Director—Refuges

and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, Box 25486, Denver Federal

Center, Denver, Colorado 80225;

Telephone (303) 236–8145.

Region 7—Alaska. Assistant Regional

Director—Refuges and Wildlife, U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E.

Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Alaska 99503;

Telephone (907) 786–3545.

Primary Author

Stephen R. Vehrs, Division of Refuges,

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Washington, DC 20240, is the primary

author of this rulemaking document.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 32

Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife,

Wildlife refuges.

Accordingly, Part 32 of Chapter I of

Title 50 of the Code of Federal

Regulations is proposed to be amended

as follows:

PART 32—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for Part 32

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k,

664, 668dd, and 715i.

§ 32.7 [Amended]

2. Section 32.7 List of refuge units

open to hunting and/or fishing, is

amended by alphabetically adding the

listings ‘‘Windom Wetland Management

District’’ to the State of Minnesota;

‘‘William L. Finley National Wildlife

Refuge’’ to the State of Oregon; and

‘‘Upper Mississippi River National

Wildlife and Fish Refuge’’ to the State

of Wisconsin; and revising the existing

name of ‘‘Patuxent Wildlife Research

Center’’ to read ‘‘Patuxent Research

Refuge’’ in the State of Maryland.

3. Section 32.23 Arkansas is amended

by adding paragraph D.3. to Cashe River

National Wildlife Refuge to read as

follows:

§ 32.23 Arkansas.

* * * * *

Cashe River National Wildlife Refuge.

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

* * * * *

3. Fishing and frogging is permitted in

accordance with refuge regulations and

applicable state fishing and frogging

regulations.

* * * * *

4. Section 32.24 California is

amended by revising paragraph A.7., of

Lower Klamath National Wildlife

Refuge; and by revising paragraph A.2.,

of Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

to read as follows:

§ 32.24 California.

* * * * *

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *

* * * * *

7. Only nonmotorized boats and boats with

electric motors are permitted on units 4b and

4c from the start of hunting season through

November 30. Motorized boats are permitted

on units 4b and 4c from December 1 through

the end of hunting season.

* * * * *

Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *

* * * * *

2. Hunters must hunt from assigned blinds

on the Union Tract and within 100 feet

(.9144 meters) of blind sites on the Hazard
32418 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

Tract, except when shooting to retrieve

crippled birds.

* * * * *

5. Section 32.32 Illinois is amended

by removing paragraph A.4., and

revising paragraphs D.2. and D.5 of

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge;

by revising paragraphs C.1. and D.1. of

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge;

by revising Mark Twain National

Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs

D.1., D.2., D.3., adding paragraph D.4. of

Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge;

and revising paragraph A.1., adding

paragraph A.3., revising paragraphs B.1.,

B.2. and B.3.; revising paragraphs C.1.,

C.2., and C.3. of Upper Mississippi

River Wildlife and Fish Refuge to read

as follows:

§ 32.32 Illinois.

* * * * *

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

* * * * *

2. Anglers must not use more than two

poles and each pole must not have more than

two hooks or lures attached while fishing in

the Kikunessa Pool of Chautauqua National

Wildlife Refuge.

* * * * *

5. Weis Lake on the Cameron-Billsbach

Unit of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge

is closed to all public entry from October 16

through January 14, to provide sanctuary for

migratory birds.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. A special permit issued by the Illinois

Department of Natural Resources is required.

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. Fishing from boat is permitted all year

west of Wolf Creek Road. East of Wolf Creek

Road fishing from boats is permitted from

March 15 through September 30. Fishing

from the bank east of Wolf Creek Road is

permitted all year, but only at the Wolf Creek

and Route 148 causeways. Trotlines and jugs

west of Wolf Creek Road must be removed

from sunrise to sunset from Memorial Day

through Labor Day. Trotlines and jugs on the

entire lake must be removed on the last day

they are used. They must be anchored only

with portable weights which are removed

along with the trotlines and jugs. It is illegal

to use stakes or to employ any floatation

device which has previously contained any

petroleum based materials or toxic

substances. All noncommercial fishing

methods are permitted except those requiring

underwater breathing apparatus.

* * * * *

Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge.

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted

on designated areas of the refuge subject to

posted regulations.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

upland game is permitted on designated

areas of the refuge subject to posted

regulations.

1. Only nontoxic shot may be used or

possessed while hunting all permitted birds,

except wild turkeys. The possession and use

of lead shot is still permitted for wild turkey

hunting.

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of whitetailed deer is permitted on designated areas

of the refuge subject to posted regulations.

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to

posted regulations.

Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. Sport fishing is allowed on all refuge

waters during daylight hours from January 15

through October 15.

2. From October 16 through January 14,

fishing is permitted south of Carver Lake by

foot access only.

3. Private boats may not be left in refuge

waters overnight.

4. Motorboats are restricted to ‘‘slow

speed/minimum wake.’’

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife

and Fish Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *

1. Hunting of all migratory birds is

prohibited on refuge closed areas posted

‘‘Area Closed’’, on the Goose Island ‘‘No

Hunting’’ zone in Pool 8, and on the Upper

Halfway Creek Marsh ‘‘No Hunting’’ zone in

Pool 7.

* * * * *

3. Hunters may only use and possess

nontoxic shot when hunting for any

permitted migratory bird.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Hunting or possession of firearms are

prohibited between March 15 and the

opening of the State fall hunting seasons

except that hunting of wild turkey is

permitted during the State spring turkey

season.

2. Hunting is permitted on refuge areas

posted ‘‘Area Closed’’ beginning the day after

the close of the applicable State duck hunting

season until season closure or March 15,

whichever occurs first, except that hunting of

wild turkey is permitted during the State

spring wild turkey season.

3. Hunting is prohibited at all times on the

Goose Island ‘‘No Hunting’’ zone in Pool 8,

and Upper Halfway Creek Marsh ‘‘No

Hunting’’ zone in Pool 7.

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Hunting is permitted until season

closure or March 15, whichever date occurs

first.

2. Hunting is permitted on refuge areas

posted ‘‘Area Closed’’ beginning the day after

the close of the applicable State duck hunting

season until season closure or March 15,

whichever date occurs first.

3. Hunting is prohibited at all times on the

Goose Island ‘‘No Hunting’’ zone in Pool 8

and Upper Halfway Creek Marsh ‘‘No

Hunting’’ zone in Pool 7.

* * * * *

6. Section 32.34 Iowa is amended by

removing paragraph C.2., and

redesignating paragraphs C.3. and C.4.

as paragraphs C.2. and C.3. of Desoto

National Wildlife Refuge; and by

removing paragraphs C.6. and C.7. of

Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge;

and revising the introductory text of

paragraph B. and paragraph B.2. of

Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge

to read as follows:

§ 32.34 Iowa.

* * * * *

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

* * * * *

2. The construction or use of permanent

blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.

3. All stands must be removed from the

refuge by the close of the season.

* * * * *

Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

ringnecked pheasants, bobwhite quail,

cottontail rabbits, and squirrels is permitted

on designated areas of the refuge subject to

the following conditions:

* * * * *

2. Hunting is permitted from opening of

state season and will close at the dates posted

by the refuge manager.

* * * * *

7. Section 32.36 Kentucky is amended

by revising paragraphs A., B. and C., of

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife

Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.36 Kentucky.

* * * * *

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Migratory game bird hunting is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the

following conditions:

1. Each hunter must have in his possession

a current copy of the Ohio River Islands

National Wildlife Refuge Hunting

Regulations Leaflet while participating in a

refuge hunt.

B. Upland Game Hunting. The hunting of

rabbit and squirrel is permitted on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. The use of dogs for pursuit while rabbit

hunting is prohibited.

2. The taking of squirrel and rabbit is

restricted to shotgun only.

3. Each hunter must have in his possession

a current copy of the Ohio River Islands

National Wildlife Refuge Hunting

Regulations Leaflet while participating in a

refuge hunt.

4. Hunters will possess and use, while in

the field, only nontoxic shot.

C. Big Game Hunting. The hunting of

white-tailed deer is permitted on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32419

1. Only archery hunting is permitted.

2. Organized deer drives by two or more

hunters are prohibited. A drive is hereby

defined as the act of chasing, pursuing,

disturbing or otherwise directing deer so as

to make the animals more susceptible to

harvest.

3. Baiting for deer on refuge lands is

prohibited.

4. Each hunter must have in his possession

a current copy of the Ohio River Islands

National Wildlife Refuge Regulations Leaflet

while participating in a refuge hunt.

* * * * *

8. Section 32.37 Louisiana is amended

by revising paragraph C.1., of

D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge; by

revising paragraph A. of Lake Ophelia

National Wildlife Refuge; and revising

paragraph C.1. of Upper Ouachita

National Wildlife Refuge to read as

follows:

§ 32.37 Louisiana.

* * * * *

D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Either-sex deer hunting with firearms is

permitted during the second and third eithersex firearms seasons for Union Parish.

* * * * *

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of ducks and coots is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the

following condition:

1. Daily permits are required.

* * * * *

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

1. Either-sex deer hunting with firearms is

permitted during the second and third eithersex firearms seasons for Union Parish.

* * * * *

9. Section 32.38 Maine is amended by

revising paragraphs A., B. and C., of

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

to read as follows:

§ 32.38 Maine.

* * * * *

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of ducks, geese, coots, woodcock

and snipe is permitted on designated areas of

the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. Permits are required.

2. Personal property must be removed from

the refuge after each day’s hunt.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

upland game birds, gray squirrel, cottontail

rabbit, snowshoe hare, fox and coyote is

permitted on designated areas of the refuge

subject to the following conditions:

1. Permits are required.

2. Fox and coyote may be hunted only

during the State firearm deer season.

3. Hunters during firearms big game season

must wear in a conspicuous manner on head,

chest and back a minimum of 400 square

inches (10.16 square meters) of solid-colored

hunter orange clothing or material.

4. Hunters will possess and use, while in

the field, only nontoxic shot.

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of deer is

permitted on designated areas of the refuge

subject to the following conditions:

1. Permits are required.

2. Hunters during firearms big game season

must wear in a conspicuous manner on head,

chest and back a minimum of 400 square

inches (10.16 square meters) of solid-colored

hunter orange clothing or material.

* * * * *

10. Section 32.39 Maryland is

amended by revising the refuge heading,

the introductory text of paragraphs A.,

B. and C.; and revising paragraph D., of

Patuxent Research Refuge, to read as

follows:

§ 32.39 Maryland.

* * * * *

Patuxent Research Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted

on designated areas of the refuge subject to

the following conditions:

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

upland game is permitted on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of deer is

permitted on designated areas of the refuge

subject to the following conditions:

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge at designated

times subject to the following conditions:

1. Open fishing areas are delineated on a

map available at the refuge.

2. Fresh water fishing and boating laws of

the State of Maryland apply to include

opening/closing of seasons and creel limits.

3. Hook and line tackle and baits permitted

by Maryland law, except no live minnows or

other fish may be used for bait.

4. Special provisions: Cash Lake, a 54 acre

lake located on the South Tract requires a

federal permit to fish, and a limit of 25 daily

permits will be issued. Persons may request

a permit application by contacting: National

Wildlife Visitor Center, Laurel, Maryland,

during normal working hours. Each request

must include the person’s name, address, and

phone number, and the model, year and

license number of the vehicle that will drive

to the refuge. Requests may be made 1 week

prior to the requested fishing date. Each

permit shall authorize the permit holder to be

accompanied by one licensed angler or up to

two children under the age of 16. Open

season is June 15 through October 15: 6 a.m.

to legal sunset daily. Species permitted to be

taken: Bass, pickerel, catfish, and sunfish.

Daily creel limits: bass, catch and release

only; pickerel, catch and release only except

keeping of one pickerel greater than 15

inches in length is permitted; sunfish and

catfish, 15 per day total fish limit. Boats may

be used by permittees subject to the

following conditions: no gasoline motors

permitted; boats may not be trailered to the

water; boats other than canoes may not

exceed 14 feet; sailboats and kayaks are not

permitted.

11. Section 32.40 Massachusetts is

amended by revising paragraph C., of

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to

read as follows:

§ 32.40 Massachusetts.

* * * * *

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of whitetailed deer is permitted on designated areas

of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. A refuge permit is required.

* * * * *

12. Section 32.42 Minnesota is

amended by revising introductory text

of paragraph B., of Rice Lake National

Wildlife Refuge; by adding in

alphabetical order Windom Wetland

Management District to read as follows:

§ 32.42 Minnesota.

* * * * *

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, grey and fox

squirrels, cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare

is permitted on designated areas of the

refuge.

* * * * *

Windom Wetland Management District

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted

throughout the district except that no

hunting is permitted on the Worthington

Waterfowl Production Area in Nobles

County.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Upland game

hunting is permitted throughout the district

except that no hunting is permitted on the

Worthington Waterfowl Production Area in

Nobles County.

C. Big Game Hunting. Big game hunting is

permitted throughout the district except that

no hunting is permitted on the Worthington

Waterfowl Production Area in Nobles

County.

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted

throughout the district.

13. Section 32.43 Mississippi is

amended by revising paragraph D., of

Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge to

read as follows:

§ 32.43 Mississippi.

* * * * *

Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
32420 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the

following condition:

1. Permits are required.

* * * * *

14. Section 32.44 Missouri is amended

by revising paragraphs B., C. and D., of

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge to read

as follows:

§ 32.44 Missouri.

* * * * *

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. Upland game

hunting is permitted on designated areas of

the refuge subject to posted regulations.

C. Big Game Hunting. Big game hunting is

permitted on designated areas of the refuge

subject to posted regulations.

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to

posted regulations.

* * * * *

15. Section 32.47 Nevada is amended

by revising paragraph B., of Ash

Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; and

by revising paragraphs D.2, D.4., D.5.,

and D.8. of Ruby Lake National Wildlife

Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.47 Nevada

* * * * *

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

quail, cottontail rabbits, and jackrabbits is

permitted on designated areas of the refuge

subject to the following conditions:

1. Hunting of cottontail rabbits and

jackrabbits is permitted only during the State

quail hunting season.

2. Only shotguns are permitted.

* * * * *

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

* * * * *

2. Only dike fishing is permitted in the

areas north of the Brown Dike and east of the

Collection Ditch with the exception that

fishing by wading and from personal

flotation devices (float tubes) is permitted in

Unit 21.

* * * * *

4. Annually, beginning June 15 and

continuing until December 31, motorless

boats and boats with battery powered electric

motors are permitted only on the South

Marsh.

5. Annually, beginning August 1 and

continuing until December 31, boats

propelled with a motor or combination of

motors in aggregate not to exceed 10 horsepower rating are permitted on the South

Marsh.

* * * * *

8. Bank fishing in the South Marsh is only

permitted at Brown Dike, the Main Boat

Landing, and Narciss Boat Landing.

* * * * *

16. Section 32.50 New Mexico is

amended by revising paragraphs A.1.

and D., of Bitter Lake National Wildlife

Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.50 New Mexico.

* * * * *

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *

1. Hunting is permitted only on Tuesdays,

Thursdays, and Saturdays of each week until

1 p.m.

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

* * * * *

17. Section 32.52 North Carolina is

amended by revising paragraphs C. and

D.3., of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife

Refuge; and revising Pee Dee National

Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.52 North Carolina.

* * * * *

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of whitetailed deer is permitted on designated areas

of the refuge subject to the following

condition:

1. Permits are required.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

* * * * *

3. Herring (alewife) dipping is not

permitted.

* * * * *

Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of mourning doves is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the

following condition:

1. Permits are required.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon and opossum

is permitted on designated areas of the refuge

subject to the following condition:

1. Permits are required.

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of whitetailed deer is permitted on designated areas

of the refuge subject to the following

condition:

1. Permits are required and special quota

permits are required for gun deer hunts.

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the

following conditions:

1. Fishing with a pole and line or rod and

reel is permitted from March 15 to October

15 during daylight hours only.

2. Boats may be used in Andrews Pond,

Beaver Ponds, and Arrowhead Lake only.

3. Only electric motors are permitted in

refuge waters.

4. The possession and/or use of trotlines,

set hooks, gigs, yo-yo’s, jug-lines, limblines,

nets, seines, fish traps, and other similar

equipment is prohibited on the refuge.

5. The possession and/or use of minnows

as bait is prohibited on the refuge.

6. Frogging and turtling is prohibited.

7. Certain fishing areas may be closed at

anytime for management purposes.

* * * * *

18. Section 32.55 Oklahoma is

amended by revising paragraphs A., B.

and C., of Deep Fork National Wildlife

Refuge; and by revising paragraphs A.,

B.1., B.2., C. and D.1.; adding

paragraphs B.3, B.4., B.5., and D.4., of

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge to

read as follows:

§ 32.55 Oklahoma.

* * * * *

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

[Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

squirrel is permitted on portions of the refuge

in accordance with State hunting regulations

subject to the following exceptions and

conditions:

1. Refuge squirrel season will be closed

from October 1 through the end of rifle deer

season.

2. Shotguns only with steel shot may be

used.

3. Dogs may be used for squirrel hunting,

but must remain under control of the hunter

at all times.

4. Hunting maps and/or posted signs will

be used to delineate open and closed areas.

5. Off-road vehicles are prohibited.

C. Big Game Hunting. White-tailed deer

hunting is permitted on designated portions

of Deep Fork NWR subject to the following

conditions:

1. Permits and payment of fees are

required.

2. Off-road vehicle use is prohibited.

3. Each hunter entering the refuge must

possess a refuge permit.

* * * * *

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of waterfowl, dove, coots, rail, snipe

and woodcock is permitted on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

is open during seasons, dates, and times as

posted by signs and/or indicated on refuge

leaflets, special regulations, permits, and

maps.

2. All hunters shall possess and use, while

in the field, only nontoxic shot.

3. Pits and permanent blinds are not

permitted.

4. Neither hunters nor dogs may enter

closed areas to retrieve game.

5. Hunting is not allowed within 50 ft.

(15.24 meters) of designated roads or parking

areas.

6. Only shotguns and bows and arrows

(excluding broadhead arrows) are permitted.

7. Decoys, boats and other personal

property must be removed from the refuge

following each days hunt.

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

is open during seasons, dates, and times as

posted by signs and/or indicated on refuge
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules 32421

leaflets, special regulations, permits, and

maps.

2. All hunters shall possess and use, while

in the field, only nontoxic shot.

3. Neither hunters nor dogs may enter

closed areas to retrieve game.

4. Hunting is not allowed within 50 ft.

(15.24 meters) of designated roads or parking

areas.

5. Only shotguns and bows and arrows

(excluding broadhead arrows) are permitted.

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of whitetailed deer is permitted on designated areas

of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. Permits and payment of a fee are

required

2. All hunters must attend a hunter

orientation briefing prior to each hunt.

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

is open to fishing as specified on refuge

leaflets, special regulations, permits, maps, or

as posted on signs.

* * * * *

4. The taking of turtles and mussels is not

permitted.

* * * * *

19. Section 32.56 Oregon is amended

by revising paragraph B.3, of Cold

Springs National Wildlife Refuge; by

revising paragraph B.3. of McKay Creek

National Wildlife Refuge, and by

revising paragraph B.3. of Umatilla

National Wildlife Refuge to read as

follows:

§ 32.56 Oregon.

* * * * *

Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

* * * * *

3. Hunters shall possess and use, while in

the field, only nontoxic shot.

* * * * *

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

* * * * *

3. Hunters shall possess and use, while in

the field, only nontoxic shot.

* * * * *

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

* * * * *

3. Hunters shall possess and use, while in

the field, only nontoxic shot.

* * * * *

20. Section 32.57 Pennsylvania is

amended by revising paragraphs A., B.

and C., of Ohio River Islands National

Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.57 Pennsylvania.

* * * * *

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Migratory game bird hunting is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the

following conditions:

1. Each hunter must have in his possession

a current copy of the Ohio River Islands

National Wildlife Refuge Hunting

Regulations Leaflet while participating in a

refuge hunt.

B. Upland Game Hunting. The hunting of

rabbit and squirrel is permitted on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. The use of dogs for pursuit while rabbit

hunting is prohibited.

2. The taking of squirrel and rabbit is

restricted to shotgun only.

3. Each hunter must have in his possession

a current copy of the Ohio River Islands

National Wildlife Refuge Hunting

Regulations Leaflet while participating in a

refuge hunt.

4. Hunters will possess and use, while in

the field, only nontoxic shot.

C. Big Game Hunting. The hunting of

white-tailed deer is permitted on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. Only archery hunting is permitted.

2. Organized deer drives by two or more

hunters are prohibited. A drive is hereby

defined as the act of chasing, pursuing,

disturbing or otherwise directing deer so as

to make the animals more susceptible to

harvest.

3. Baiting for deer on refuge lands is

prohibited.

4. Each hunter must have in his possession

a current copy of the Ohio River Islands

National Wildlife Refuge Regulations Leaflet

while participating in a refuge hunt.

* * * * *

21. Section 32.64 Utah is amended by

revising paragraphs A., B. and D. of Bear

River Migratory Bird Refuge to read as

follows:

§ 32.64 Utah.

* * * * *

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of geese, ducks, coots, and tundra

swan is permitted on designated areas of the

refuge subject to the following conditions:

1. No hunting or shooting is permitted

within 100 yards (30.48 meters) of principal

refuge roads (the tour route).

2. All firearms must be completely

unloaded (including the magazine) and cased

or dismantled when hunters are in a vehicle

or while on principle refuge roads (the tour

route) and parking sites.

3. While in the field, hunters shall possess

and use only nontoxic shot.

4. Use of pits or permanent blinds is not

permitted.

5. Airboats are permitted only in Unit 9

and in Block C of the Refuge.

6. The Refuge, including parking sites, is

closed ninety (90) minutes after sunset (end

of shooting hours). Decoys, boats, vehicles

and other personal property may not be left

on the refuge overnight.

7. Parking is permitted in designated

parking sites only.

8. Hunters who take or attempt to take

tundra swans must possess a Utah State

Swan Permit and may not possess or use

more than 10 shells per day while hunting

swans.

9. Any person entering, using or occupying

the refuge for waterfowl hunting must abide

by all the terms and conditions in the Refuge

hunting brochure.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

pheasants is permitted on designated areas of

the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. While in the field, hunters shall possess

and use only nontoxic shot.

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on

designated areas of the Refuge subject to the

following conditions:

1. Fishing is permitted year-round in

designated areas of the Refuge.

* * * * *

22. Section 32.65 Vermont is

amended by revising introductory text

of paragraph B., and revising paragraph

B.2. of Missisquoi National Wildlife

Refuge to read as follows:

§ 32.65 Vermont.

* * * * *

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

rabbits, ruffed grouse and squirrels is

permitted on designated areas of the refuge

subject to the following conditions:

* * * * *

2. The use of rifles is not permitted on that

portion of the refuge lying east of the

Missisquoi River.

* * * * *

23. Section 32.66 Virginia is amended

by revising paragraph C., of

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

to read as follows:

* * * * *

§ 32.66 Virginia.

* * * * *

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of whitetailed deer and sika is permitted in

designated areas of the refuge subject to the

following conditions:

1. A refuge permit is required.

* * * * *

24. Section 32.67 Washington is

amended by revising paragraph A., of

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge; and

by revising paragraph B.2., of Toppenish

National Wildlife Refuge to read as

follows:

§ 32.67 Washington.

* * * * *

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of geese, ducks, and coots is
32422 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 122 / Monday, June 24, 1996 / Proposed Rules

permitted on designated areas of the refuge

subject to the following condition: Hunting is

by permit only.

* * * * *

Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

* * * * *

2. Hunters shall possess and use, while in

the field, only nontoxic shot.

* * * * *

25. Section 32.69 Wisconsin is

amended by revising paragraphs B.1.,

B.2., C.4. and D., of Necedah National

Wildlife Refuge; and adding Upper

Mississippi River National Wildlife and

Fish Refuge alphabetically to read as

follows:

§ 32.69 Wisconsin.

* * * * *

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. During State waterfowl hunting season,

guns must be unloaded or cased in the

retrieval zone of Refuge Area 7.

2. During the spring turkey hunting season

only, persons having an unexpired State

spring turkey permit in possession may enter

and hunt wild turkeys in all open refuge

areas.

* * * * *

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

* * * * *

4. Refuge Areas 1,2,4,5,6 and 7 are open to

deer hunting.

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge at designated

times subject to the following conditions.

1. Non-motorized boats are permitted in

Sprague-Goose Pools only when these pools

are open to fishing. Motorized boats are

permitted in Suk Cerney Pool.

* * * * *

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife

and Fish Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds.

Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted

on designated areas of the refuge subject to

the following conditions:

1. Hunting of all migratory birds is

prohibited on refuge closed areas posted

‘‘Area Closed’’, on the Goose Island ‘‘No

Hunting’’ zone in Pool 8, and on the Upper

Halfway Creek Marsh ‘‘No Hunting’’ zone in

Pool 7.

2. Permits are required for Potters Marsh in

Pool 13 except during the early teal season.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of

upland game is permitted on designated

areas of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. Hunting or possession of firearms are

prohibited between March 15 and the

opening of the State fall hunting seasons

except that hunting of wild turkey is

permitted during the State spring turkey

season.

2. Hunting is permitted on refuge areas

posted ‘‘Area Closed’’ beginning the day after

the close of the applicable State duck hunting

season until season closure or March 15,

whichever occurs first, except that hunting of

wild turkey is permitted during the State

spring wild turkey season.

3. Hunting is prohibited at all times on the

Goose Island ‘‘No Hunting’’ zone in Pool 8,

and Upper Halfway Creek Marsh ‘‘No

Hunting’’ zone in Pool 7.

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of whitetailed deer is permitted on designated areas

of the refuge subject to the following

conditions:

1. Hunting is permitted until season

closure or March 15, whichever date occurs

first.

2. Hunting is permitted on refuge areas

posted ‘‘Area Closed’’ beginning the day after

the close of the applicable State duck hunting

season until season closure or March 15,

whichever date occurs first.

3. Hunting is prohibited at all times on the

Goose Island ‘‘No Hunting’’ zone in Pool 8

and Upper Halfway Creek Marsh ‘‘No

Hunting’’ zone in Pool 7.

4. Construction or use of permanent blinds,

platforms or ladders is not permitted.

5. All stands must be removed from the

refuge at the end of each day’s hunt.

D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on

designated areas of the refuge subject to the

following conditions:

1. Fishing on the Spring Lake Closed Area,

Carroll County, Illinois, is not permitted from

October 1 through the last day of the Illinois

waterfowl season.

2. Only hand powered boats or boats with

electric motors are permitted on Mertes’

Slough in Buffalo County, Wisconsin.

26. Section 32.71 Pacific Islands

Territory is amended by revising

paragraphs D.1., D.3., D.4., removing

paragraph D.5., and redesignating

paragraph D.6 as paragraph D.5. of

Johnson Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

to read as follows:

§ 32.71 Pacific Islands Territory.

* * * * *

Johnson Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

D. Sport Fishing. * * *

1. Lobsters of 31/4 inch carapace length or

more may be taken from the lagoon area from

September 1 through May 31, but not by

spearing, traps, or the use of pry bars or

related methods destructive to coral; no

female lobsters bearing eggs may be taken at

any time.

* * * * *

3. Taking of fish by the use of spear ‘‘guns’’

is prohibited. Hand-propelled speaxs or

‘‘Hawaiian Slings’’ consisting of a single shaft

propelled by a rubber tube are permitted for

underwater taking of fish. Above water use

of spears is prohibited.

4. The collecting or taking of all forms of

live or dead coral is prohibited; the export of

coral by any means is prohibited.

* * * * *

Dated: June 3, 1996.

George T. Frampton, Jr.,

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and

Parks.

[FR Doc. 96–15138 Filed 6–21–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration

50 CFR Part 641

[Docket No. 960613174–6174–01; I.D.

050996C]

RIN 0648–AI71

Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of

Mexico; Amendment 13

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: NMFS issues this proposed

rule to implement Amendment 13 to

this Fishery Management Plan for the

Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of

Mexico (FMP). Amendment 13 would

extend the red snapper vessel permit

endorsement and trip limit system until

implementation of: The individual

transferable quota (ITQ) system

approved under Amendment 8 to the

FMP, or an alternate program to restrict

access to the commercial red snapper

fishery, such as a limited license

system. If neither option is possible, the

trip limit and endorsement provisions

would terminate on December 31, 1997.

The intent effects of this rule are to

stabilize the fishery and to provide for

controlled harvest until a more

comprehensive controlled access plan

can be implemented.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the proposed

rule must be sent to Robert Sadler,

Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 9721

Executive Center Drive N., St.

Petersburg, FL 33702.

Requests for copies of Amendment 13,

which includes an environmental

assessment and a regulatory impact

review (RIR), should be sent to the Gulf

of Mexico Fishery Management Council

(Council), 5401 West Kennedy

Boulevard, Suite 331, Tampa, FL 33609.

Related RIRs for Amendments 6 and 9

may also be obtained from the Council.

DATES: Written comments must be

received on or before August 8, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Robert Sadler, 813–570–5305.