[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 4, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52007-52008]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-22918]



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[[Page 52008]]



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on 
the Protection of Important Seabird Nesting Islands on Maine's Coast

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary for the 
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the 
protection of important seabird, wading bird, shorebird and bald eagle 
nesting islands on Maine's coast. This notice is being furnished as 
required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations 
(40 CFR 1501.7) to obtain suggestions and information from other 
agencies and the public on the scope of issues to be addressed in the 
EIS.

SCOPING INFORMATION: Private island owners, other individuals, 
organizations of all sorts and other interested parties are encouraged 
to participate in the scoping process in order to identify and discuss 
the major issues that should be addressed in the EIS. A series of 
public scoping meetings (meetings) will be held in Ellsworth, Machias, 
Rockland, Brunswick, Wells and Augusta in November, 1995. These 
meetings will (1) provide a brief description of the project, (2) 
solicit advice about the scope of issues that should be addressed, what 
the significant issues are, and potential alternative courses of 
action, (3) seek input about review, consultation, coordination, 
clearance or permit requirements, and (4) describe the role of the 
Service in the planning and decision-making process. The major tool 
used to collect public comment will be an issues workbook which will be 
available at the meetings. The dates, times and locations of these 
meetings will be announced in area newspapers and through direct 
mailings. Those who are unable to attend one of the meetings can 
request a copy of the issues workbook from the contact person 
identified below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Stan Skutek, Refuge Manager, Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, 
P.O. Box 279, Milbridge, Maine 04658 or telephone (207) 546-2124.

WRITTEN COMMENTS INFORMATION: All written comments and completed 
workbooks should be sent to the contact person listed above by January, 
1996, or no later than 30 days after the last meeting is held.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge has 
been acquiring islands in Maine over the past decade, through donations 
and purchases from willing sellers. The majority of the Refuge islands 
support nesting seabirds habitat. In addition, the Service has been 
actively involved in providing technical assistance and promoting 
efforts to protect coastal nesting island habitat in partnership with 
private landowners, non-governmental organizations (e.g. land trusts 
and statewide conservative groups) and state agencies. During the last 
two years, the Service has worked with partners to discuss the 
importance of island nesting birds and to explore voluntary tools 
available to promote island wildlife habitat protection. In recent 
years, the number of landowners interested in selling their islands to 
the Service has increased, and the Service has recognized the need to 
solicit public input in directing future habitat protection work on 
coastal nesting islands. In order for the Service to continue to 
acquire seabird, wading bird, shorebird and eagle habitat on Maine's 
coastal islands, the Service has decided to pursue an EIS. The EIS 
process will allow the public to continue to provide input and 
direction to the Service for protection of these important habitats.
    A range of alternative actions--including no action, the Service's 
proposed action, and other reasonable actions--will be presented in the 
EIS. All viable actions, including those that may be taken by others 
outside the federal government, are open for consideration. No final 
decision will be made until all interested parties, organizations and 
individuals have had the opportunity to review and comment on the EIS. 
The environmental review of the project will be conducted in accordance 
with the requirements of NEPA as amended (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.), NEPA 
regulations (40 CFR 1300-1508), other appropriate federal regulations 
and Service procedures for compliance with those regulations. It is 
estimated that a Draft EIS will be available for public review and 
comment in April 1995.
Ronald E. Lambertson,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 95-22918 Filed 10-3-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M