[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 5, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-24605]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 5, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 

Notice of Availability of Record Decision for the Patoka River 
National Wetlands Project, Pike and Gibson Counties, IN

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

ACTION: Notice; Record of Decision for the Patoka River National 
Wetlands Project.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) establishing 
the Patoka River National Wetlands Project (Project) located in Pike 
and Gibson Counties, Indiana. The decision was based on the entire 
administrative record for the 8-year planning process, including all 
issues and concerns received in response to the Draft and Final 
Environmental Impact Statements. The ROD is available to the public.

DATES: The decision to implement the Project through the selection of 
the preferred alternative identified in the Final Environmental Impact 
Statement was made on September 7, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Individuals wishing copies of this ROD 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. William McCoy, Project Manager, telephone (812) 749-3199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ROD documents the decision of the 
Service to establish the Patoka River National Wetlands Project in Pike 
and Gibson Counties, Indiana. The Service selected Alternative 4, 
described as the preferred alternative in the Final Environmental 
Impact Statement, as the best alternative for implementing the Project. 
This action includes the acquisition from willing sellers of 6,800 
acres for the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and acquisition of 
Wildlife Management Areas from within an adjacent 15,283-acre selection 
area. The ROD identifies the alternatives considered, the issues and 
concerns raised during the 8-year planning process, the rationale for 
choosing the selected alternative, and the impacts of this selection.
    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, Indiana bats, 
and the proposed northern copperbelly watersnake. Project lands will be 
managed to protect and enhance bottomland hardwood forests, other 
wetland habitats, and complementary uplands. The goal is 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 ROD have been sent to all landowners within the proposed 
Project boundaries; to Federal, state and local government officials; 
interested parties; and all individuals, agencies and organizations who 
requested copies.
Sam Marler,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 94-24605 Filed 10-4-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M