[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 88 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25227-25228]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12238]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Comprehensive Conservation Plans; Availability, Etc: Noxubee 
National Wildlife Refuge, MS

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan 
for Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Noxubee, Winston, and Oktibbeha 
counties, Mississippi, and notice of meeting to seek public 
participation.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to 
prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and an environmental document 
(environmental assessment) for Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in 
Noxubee, Winston, and Oktibbeha counties, Mississippi. The Service is 
furnishing this notice in compliance with Service comprehensive 
conservation plan policy and the National Environmental Policy Act and 
implementing regulations to achieve the following:
    (1) advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and
    (2) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues, 
opportunities, and concerns for inclusion in the environmental 
documents.

DATES: The Service will hold a public scoping meeting at 7 p.m., May 
12, 1998, in the Tully Auditorium, Forestry and Wildlife Building, 
Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi. A second public 
meeting will be held to review the draft comprehensive conservation 
plan. It is anticipated that the draft will be available for public

[[Page 25228]]

review by August 1998. An announcement of the meeting will appear in 
the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Address comments and requests for more information to: 
Refuge Manager, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 142, 
Brooksville, Mississippi 39739.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is the policy of the Fish and Wildlife 
Service to have all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System 
managed in accordance with an approved comprehensive conservation plan. 
The plan guides management decisions and identifies refuge goals, 
objectives, and strategies for achieving refuge purposes. Public input 
into this planning process is encouraged. The plan will provide other 
agencies and the public with a clear understanding of the desired 
conditions of the refuge and how the Service will implement management 
strategies. The Service began the comprehensive management planning 
process for Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in March 1998.
    Some of the issues to be addressed in the plan include the 
following:
    (a) public use management;
    (b) habitat management;
    (c) wildlife population management; and
    (d) cultural resource identification and protection.
    Alternatives that address the issues and management strategies 
associated with these topics will be included in the environmental 
document.
    The refuge was established in 1940, to provide a refuge and 
breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge is 
located in eastern Mississippi and consists of 47,879 acres.

    Dated: May 1, 1998.
Sam D. Hamilton,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 98-12238 Filed 5-6-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P