[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 187 (Monday, September 28, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51585-51586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25963]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of Final Programmatic Environmental 
Assessment and Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Cabeza Prieta 
National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) has completed a Final Programmatic Environmental 
Assessment and associated Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) 
for the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness, Ajo, 
Arizona. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been issued 
consequent to the issuance of the Final Programmatic Environmental 
Assessment (EA). The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance 
with Service CCP policy: (1) to advise other agencies and the public of 
the availability of the documents, and (2) to obtain input, comments, 
and suggestions with respect to the Service's proposed management 
objectives and strategies detailed in the draft CCP document.
    Approval of the Programmatic EA constitutes the definition of 
appropriate management approaches leading to the achievement of the 
refuge's purposes and mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. 
It is out of this basic approach that draft CCP objectives and 
strategies were developed and attached to the Programmatic EA. The 
proposed management changes include, but are not necessarily limited to 
the following approaches:
     A continuation of access to refuge lands by permit only;
     Reclamation of Childs Mountain Summit resulting in the net 
reduction of development footprint from 5 acres to less than 1 acre 
(400% reduction) as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
ARSR-4 Radar Construction project. [FAA FONSI /Record of Decision (ROD) 
dated Jan. 22,

[[Page 51586]]

1998 and FONSI/ ROD Amendment dated March 23, 1998, are incorporated by 
reference;]
     The setting of research priorities to include: endangered 
species, effects of artificial waters, biodiversity and ecological 
issues, water quality, military activities, wilderness resources, and 
archaeological/ cultural resources;
     The closure of almost 30 miles of the existing 
``administrative trail system'' within designated wilderness to any 
routine motorized administrative access;
     The closure and reclamation of almost 139 miles of old 
trails in designated wilderness not considered useful in the management 
of refuge resources;
     The enhancement of monitoring and evaluation of impacts of 
management and public activities of refuge resources;
     A focus on evaluating the effect of developed waters on 
refuge resources;
     A continuation and expansion of strategies that benefit 
desert bighorn sheep and endangered Sonoran pronghorn;
     An expansion of strategies that benefit a diversity of 
flora and fauna and their habitats;
     An allowance for maintenance and minor rehabilitation of a 
limited number of refuge waters within wilderness;
     A continuation of the use of photo-monitoring and 
telemetry of Sonoran pronghorn and other species;
     Implementation of a Recreational Impact Monitoring Plan;
     Development and implementation of strategies to prevent 
border cattle encroachment;
     Continuing development of strategies and time-frame for 
short and long term reclamation of the summit of Childs Mountain;
     Establishment of a watchable wildlife and interpretive 
area on Childs Mountain;
     A continuation of 4 wheel drive restrictions to access El 
Camino del Diablo and Christmas Pass/Tacna Roads;
     In accordance with Refuge Compatibility Policy, assess the 
possible expansion of the hunt program to include closely controlled 
deer hunting and small game hunting in a limited number of 
geographically defined areas of the refuge;
     Inclusion of management flexibility with respect to 
allowable vehicles in non wilderness areas;
     A continuation of case-by-case restrictions on the use of 
horses and pack animals on the refuge;
     Possible acquisition of 30 acres next to refuge 
headquarters for use as a desert interpretive site;
     Expansion of efforts to cooperate with adjoining 
jurisdictions and refuge stakeholders;
     Continued improvement in relationships with the military 
and other federal agencies, Tohono O'Odham Nation, the Hia-Ced O'Odham, 
and the Yuman Native American interests on the west side of the refuge;
     Improvements to staffing and funding;
     Continued restrictions on the use of wood campfires; and
     In accordance with Refuge Compatibility Policy, 
development of a Copper Canyon auto tour loop in cooperation with the 
BLM.
    The Programmatic EA contained a range of four management-framework 
alternatives inclusive of: the Proposed Alternative, a No-Action 
Alternative, a Progressive Management (Development oriented) 
Alternative, and a Limited or Restricted Management Alternative.
    Based on a review and evaluation of the information contained in 
the Programmatic EA, it was determined that the approval of the 
individual or cumulative approaches reflected in the Proposed 
Alternative, did not constitute a major Federal action which would 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the 
meaning of Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA). Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. 
However, it is the intent of the Service to revisit questions of 
potential significant environmental consequences in accordance with 
NEPA upon consideration of the implementation of site specific 
proposals called for and discussed in the final plan document.

DATES: The Service will be open to written advice and comment on the 
draft CCP Objectives and Strategies through November 15, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Address requests for copies of the document, comments on the 
draft CCP objectives and strategies, or request for more information 
to: Mr. Tom Baca, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Southwest Region, Division of Refuges and Wildlife, PO Box 
1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is the 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 has 
considered and will continue to consider many elements, including 
habitat and wildlife management, habitat protection and acquisition, 
public and recreational uses, and cultural resources. Continued public 
input into this planning process is essential. The CCP document when 
finalized 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.
    Review of these projects 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 Improvement Act of 1997, Executive 
Order 12996, and Service policies and procedures for compliance with 
those regulations.
    The Service anticipates that a Final CCP will be available by 
December 30, 1998.

    Dated: September 22, 1998.
Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Deputy Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 98-25963 Filed 9-25-98; 8:45 am]
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