[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 250 (Wednesday, December 30, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71939-71940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-34499]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and 
Associated National Environmental Policy Act Document for Antioch Dunes 
National Wildlife Refuge, Contra Costa County, California

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is preparing a 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) document for Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. This 
notice advises the public that the Service intends to gather 
information necessary to prepare a CCP and environmental documents 
pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 
1966, as amended, and NEPA. The public is invited to participate in the 
planning process. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance 
with the Service CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of 
our intentions, and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of 
issues to include in the environmental documents.

DATES: To ensure that the Service has adequate time to evaluate and 
incorporate suggestions and other input into the planning process, 
comments should be received on or before January 29, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments or requests to be added to the mailing 
list to the following address: Planning Team Leader--Antioch Dunes NWR, 
California/Nevada Refuge Planning Office, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 
2233 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, California, 95825.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie Lew, Planning Team Leader, 
(916) 979-2085.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended, mandates that all lands within 
the National Wildlife Refuge System are to be managed in accordance 
with an approved CCP. The CCP will guide management decisions and 
identify refuge goals, long-range objectives, and management strategies 
for achieving refuge purposes. The planning process will consider many 
elements, including habitat and wildlife management, habitat 
protection, cultural resources protection, and environmental effects. 
Public input into this planning process is very important. 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 is soliciting information from the public via written 
comments. The Service will send out special mailings, newspaper 
articles, and announcements to people who are interested in the refuge. 
These mailings will provide information on how to participate in public 
involvement for the CCP. Comments received will be used to develop 
goals, key issues, and habitat management strategies. Additional 
opportunities for public participation will occur throughout the 
process, which is expected to be completed in late 1999. Data 
collection has been initiated to create computerized mapping, including 
vegetation, topography, habitat types and existing land uses.
    The refuge was established to protect a unique riverine dune 
ecosystem and three endangered species. The 55 acres owned by the 
Service, along with the 12 acres owned by Pacific Gas and Electric that 
are adjacent to the refuge, support the last known natural populations 
of the Antioch dunes evening primrose, Contra Costa wallflower, and 
Lange's metalmark butterfly. The refuge was the first National Wildlife 
Refuge to be created to protect endangered plants and insects.
    In the early 1900's, the isolated dune habitat in the delta began 
to experience a dramatic change as human development expanded. The 
easily-accessible sand was harvested to make bricks. Large-scale sand 
mining and industrial development fragmented the sand dune habitat 
until only a small portion of the original ecosystem remained. Non-
native grasses and vegetation encroached on the sand dunes to crowd the 
few remaining endangered plants. By the time the refuge was 
established, only a few acres of remnant dune habitat supported the 
last natural populations of Antioch Dunes evening-primrose, Contra 
Costa wallflower, and Lange's metalmark butterfly. The refuge was open 
for public use until 1986 when it was closed to protect the plants from 
trampling and wildfire. The refuge consists of two units that are 
managed to prevent the extinction of these unique species. Intensive 
management has already resulted in the highest Lange's metalmark 
butterfly population in 20 years.
    The refuge purpose is to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants which 
are listed as endangered or threatened species. (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1534 
(Endangered Species Act of 1973).

[[Page 71940]]

    The outcome of this planning process will be a CCP to guide refuge 
management for the next 15 years, and associated NEPA document.
    It is estimated that a draft CCP and NEPA document will be made 
available for public review in spring 1999.

    Dated: December 21, 1998.
Elizabeth H. Stevens,
Acting Manager, California/Nevada Operations, US Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Sacramento, California.
[FR Doc. 98-34499 Filed 12-29-98; 8:45 am]
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