[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 233 (Thursday, December 4, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 64232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31749]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan

SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a 
comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental documents, 
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing 
regulations, for Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, York and 
Cumberland Counties, Maine; and Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 
Rockingham County, New Hampshire. The Service is furnishing this notice 
in compliance with Service CCP policy:
    (1) to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and
    (2) to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to 
include in the environmental documents.

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before January 5, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: Address comments and requests for more information to one of 
the following:

Refuge Manager, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, 321 Port Road, 
Wells, Maine 04090
Refuge Manager, Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 336 Nimble Hill 
Road, Newington, New Hampshire 03801.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy 
to have all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System managed in 
accordance with an approved CCP. The CCP guides management decisions 
and identifies refuge goals, long-range objectives, and strategies for 
achieving refuge purposes. The planning process will consider many 
elements, including habitat and wildlife management, habitat protection 
and acquisition, public use, and cultural resources. Public input into 
this planning process is essential. The CCP will provide other agencies 
and the public with a clear understanding of the desired conditions for 
the Refuges and how the Service will implement management strategies.
    The Service will solicit information from the public via open 
houses, meetings, and written comments. Special mailings, newspaper 
articles, and announcements will inform people in the general area near 
each refuge of the time and place of such opportunities for public 
input to the CCP.
    Review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NEPA Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-
1508), other appropriate Federal laws and regulations, including the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improved Act of 1997, Executive Order 
12996, and Service policies and procedures for compliance with those 
regulations.
    We estimate that the draft environmental documents will be 
available by November, 1998.

    Dated: November 24, 1997.
Ronald E. Lambertson,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, 
Massachusetts.
[FR Doc. 97-31749 Filed 12-3-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M