[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20373]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 17, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 

Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment and 
Land Protection Plan Proposed Establishment of Big Branch Marsh 
National Wildlife Refuge St. Tammany Parish, LA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment 
and Land Protection Plan for the Proposed Establishment of Big Branch 
Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Southeast Region, proposes to establish a national wildlife 
refuge in the vicinity of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. The purpose of 
the proposed refuge is to protect, enhance, and manage a valuable 
wetland area known as the Big Branch Marsh, which is threatened by 
urban expansion from the city of New Orleans. A Draft Environmental 
Assessment and Land Protection Plan for the proposed refuge has been 
developed by Service biologists in coordination with the State of 
Louisiana, the Northshore Coast Watch, the Coalition to Restore 
Louisiana, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, the St. Tammany 
Sportsmen's League, and the St. Tammany Police Jury. The assessment 
considers the biological, environmental, and socioeconomic effects of 
establishing the refuge. The assessment also evaluates three 
alternative actions and their potential impacts on the environment. 
Written comments or recommendations concerning the proposal are 
welcomed and should be sent to the address below.

DATES: Land acquisition planning for the project is currently underway. 
The draft environmental assessment and land protection plan will be 
available to the public for review and comment on August 15, 1994. 
Written comments must be received no later than September 13, 1994, to 
be considered.

ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for copies of the assessment and for 
further information on the project should be addressed to Mr. Charles 
R. Danner, Chief, Branch of Project Development, Office of Refuges and 
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30345.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The primary objectives of the proposed Big 
Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge are to provide: (1) Habitat for a 
natural diversity of wildlife associated with the Big Branch Marsh, (2) 
wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl, (3) nesting habitat for wood 
ducks, (4) habitat for non-game migratory birds, and (5) opportunities 
for compatible public outdoor recreation, such as hunting, fishing, 
hiking, birdwatching, and environmental education and interpretation.
    The proposed refuge area is located along the north shore of Lake 
Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, just south of the town 
of Lacombe. It is bordered by Cane Bayou on the west, Lake 
Pontchartrain on the south, and the Southern Railway trestle on the 
east. The northern boundary runs along several parish roads and bayous 
which separate the marsh from residential development south of U.S. 
Highway 190, an east-west highway that runs from Slidell to Mandeville, 
Louisiana.
    The proposed rufuge would consist of up to 12,000 acres of land 
acquired in fee title from willing sellers.
    The major wildlife values are the numerous species of shorebirds, 
wading birds, neotropical migratory birds, and wintering watefowl. 
Raptors include the osprey, northern harrier, peregrine falcon, and 
bald eagle. White-tailed deer, mink, raccoon, and river otter are among 
the many species of mammals dependent on the area.
    The entire area serves as an important nursery for fish, shrimp, 
and crabs and represents one of the better fish production areas on 
Lake Pontchartrain. The estuaries, ponds, and bayous provide a diverse 
mix of brackish and freshwater habitats for many species of saltwater 
and freshwater fish of both recreational and commercial importance.

    Dated: August 2, 1994.
James W. Pulliam, Jr.,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 94-20373 Filed 8-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M