[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 225 (Monday, November 23, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 64734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-31187]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Extension of Comment Period for 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) is extending the comment period through close of 
business Monday, November 30, 1998, for the 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) was issued consequent to the issuance of the Final Programmatic 
Environmental Assessment (EA). A notice was published in the Federal 
Register notifying release of the document on September 28, 1998. The 
Service is furnishing this notice to ensure that interested parties 
have every opportunity to offer input, comments, and suggestions with 
respect to the Service's proposed management objectives and strategies 
detailed in the draft CCP document attached to the Final Programmatic 
EA.

DATES: The Service will be open to written advice and comment on the 
draft CCP Objectives and Strategies through November 30, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to: Mr. Tom Baca, Natural Resource 
Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwest Region, Division of 
Refuges and Wildlife, P. O. 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: November 17, 1998.
Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 98-31187 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am]
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