[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 48 (Friday, March 11, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-5703]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 11, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

 

Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Bayou 
Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, Orleans Parish, LA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Notice is to advise the public that the Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement (DESIS) for Bayou Sauvage National 
Wildlife Refuge, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, is available for public 
review. Comments and suggestions are requested.
    The proposed action is: Alternative 2, Comprehensive Diverse 
Habitat Enhancement. Comprehensive Diverse Habitat Enhancement would 
involve a concerted real estate acquisition program to acquire fee 
title to lands presently administered as part of the refuge but leased 
from the city of New Orleans and the Conservation Fund, as well as all 
additional lands available from willing sellers within the proposed 
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Area. With Alternative 
2, the refuge could be expanded to 30,000 acres in fee title ownership. 
The comprehensive management program would focus on maintaining, 
enhancing, and restoring, to the greatest extent practicable, the 
diverse natural communities which historically characterized the area.
    A major characteristic of this alternative would be hyudrologic 
management. This manipulation of water levels, period and extent of 
flooding, salinity, and circulation would be achieved using existing 
and proposed water management structures. In addition to the two 
approved Coastal Restoration Programs being implemented, there would 
be: (1) Shore zone stabilization, protection, and enhancement measures 
in tidal wetlands along Lake Pontachartrain and Lake Borgne, (2) bank 
zone stabilization and protection in tidal wetlands along the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), (3) control of nuisance animals and 
exotic plants, and (4) maintenance and enhancement of forested ridge 
habitat for wildlife. Consumptive public use, including recreational 
and sport fin and shellfishing from banks and by boat, limited rabbit 
hunting, and potential waterfowl hunting south of the GIWW (upon 
achievement of the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management 
Plan) would be authorized.
    There would be nonconsumptive programs for fish and wildlife 
observation, environmental education, and archaeological 
interpretation.
    A major, state-of-the-art Facilities Program would be planned for 
Alternative 2 which would serve all anticipated users of the refuge 
(general public, special interest groups, scientists, and refuge 
personnel):

(1) Visitor/Interpretive Center (5.8 acres)--near the southeast 
quadrant of the I-10/Turtle Bayou Interchange
(2) Environmental Education Center (3.4 acres)--south side of the 
U.S. Highway 11 and U.S. Highway 90 intersection
(3) Administrative/Maintenance Complex (8.3 acres)--near the 
southeast quadrant of the I-10/Michoud Boulevard Interchange
(4) Trail Head/Interpretive Facilities (approximately 2.1 acres 
each):
    (a) Northwest exit of I-10/Michoud Boulevard Interchange
    (b) Northwest exit of I-10/Turtle Bayou Interchange
    (c) Southeast exit of I-10/Turtle Bayou Interchange
    (d) Lake Pontchartrain Levee north of I-10/Little River 
Interchange
    (e) I-10/Turtle Bayou Interchange near Visitor Center
    (f) U.S. Highway 11 at Cane Bayou
    (g) U.S. Highway 11 at Irish Bayou Levee
    (h) Northwest side of U.S. Highway 11 and U.S. Highway 90 
intersection
    (i) Northeast side of U.S. Highway 11 and U.S. Highway 90 
intersection
    (j) South side of U.S. Highway 11 and U.S. Highway 90 
intersection
    (k) U.S. Highway 90 near Fort McComb
    (l) U.S. Highway 90 at the Maxent Levee
    (m) Intersection of the Maxent Levee and the CSX (Louisville-
Nashville) Railroad

DATES: Written comments are requested by May 10, 1994.
    A public meeting will be held at the Sarah T. Reed High School, 
5316 Michoud Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126 at 7 p.m. on March 
23, 1994, to present the preferred alternative and receive public 
input.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to: Cashio, Cochran, Torre/
Design Consortium Ltd., 5005 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Tabberer, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1010 Gause Blvd., Bldg. 936, Slidell, LA 
70458, 504/646-7579.

    Dated: March 7, 1994.
James W. Pulliam, Jr.,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 94-5703 Filed 3-10-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M