[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 223 (Monday, November 18, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 58699-58700] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-29429] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan, Proposed Establishment of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Marshall, McCracken, and Graves Counties, KY AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan for the Proposed Establishment of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Marshall, McCracken, and Graves Counties, KY. The purpose of the proposed refuge is to protect, enhance, and manage approximately 18,000 acres of wetlands, bottomland hardwoods, and associated buffer areas for the benefit of migratory and resident waterfowl, neotropical migratory birds, resident wildlife, plant communities, and other species dependent on the [[Page 58700]] diverse habitats along the East Fork of the Clarks River. A Draft Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan for the proposed refuge has been developed by service biologists in coordination with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and local county officials. 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 November 15, 1996. Written comments must be received no later than December 31, 1996, 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, Team Leader, Planning and Support Team, Office of Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30345, (404) 679-7244. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed refuge area is located in western Kentucky about 5 miles southeast of Paducah, just north of Benton within the floodplain of the East Fork of the Clarks River. Three separate areas are proposed for acquisition: Blizzard Pond, which is just east of the confluence of the East Fork and West Fork of the Clarks River in McCracken County; Burkholder Deadening in Marshall and Graves Counties, just northwest of Benton; and Beaverdam Slough, which is just north of Benton in Marshall County. The proposed refuge would consist of approximately 18,000 acres of land acquired in fee title from willing sellers. Dated: November 12, 1996. Jerome M. Butler, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. 96-29429 Filed 11-15-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-M