[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 150 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-18567]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 5, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

 

Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 
proposed Patoka River National Wetlands Project, Pike and Gibson 
County, IN

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Patoka River 
National Wetlands Project.

SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement 
(FEIS), which is available for public review. The FEIS evaluates a 
proposal to establish the Patoka River National Wetlands Project in 
Pike and Gibson Counties in southwest Indiana.

DATES: A decision whether to implement the preferred alternative will 
be made after a 30-day waiting period from the date of this notice of 
availability.

ADDRESSES: Individuals wishing copies of this FEIS for review should 
contact: Project Manager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patoka River 
National Wetlands Project, 510\1/2\ West Morton Street, Box 217, 
Oakland City, Indiana 47660; or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop 
Henry Whipple Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, 
Minnesota 55111-4056, Attention: Ms. Jeanne Holler.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William McCoy, Project Manager, telephone (812) 749-3199; or Jeanne 
Holler, Wildlife Biologist, telephone (612) 725-3306.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FEIS evaluates a proposal to establish 
the Patoka River National Wetlands Project in Pike and Gibson Counties 
in southwest Indiana. Four alternatives, including a No Action 
alternative are being considered. The three action alternatives are 
aimed at protecting and enhancing the valuable resources of the Patoka 
River valley. The Project encompasses one of the last remaining 
stretches of bottomland forest in Indiana and the Midwest. It provides 
some of the best wood duck production habitat in the State and is used 
by threatened and endangered species including bald eagles and Indiana 
bats. Alternative 4 is the Service's preferred alternative. It proposes 
to acquire 22,083 acres of land from willing sellers. Full acquisition 
may take 20 years or more. 6,800 acres would be purchased as the Patoka 
River National Wildlife Refuge and Wildlife Management Areas would be 
purchased from within an adjacent 15,283-acre selection area. Project 
lands would be managed to protect and enhance bottomland hardwood 
forests, other wetland habitats, and complementary uplands. The goal 
would be to provide essential food, cover and resting areas for 
migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and resident fish 
and wildlife; and to improve outdoor recreation and education 
opportunities for the American people. Copies of the FEIS have been 
sent to all landowners within the proposed Project boundaries; to 
federal, state and local government officials; interested parties; and 
to all individuals, agencies, and organizations who requested copies.
Sam Marier,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 94-18567 Filed 8-4-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M