[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 94 (Monday, May 17, 1999)] [Notices] [Page 26772] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-12289] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Sevier County, AR, and Notice of Meeting To Seek Public Participation SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, has made available for public review a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Sevier County, Arkansas, and plans to hold a public meeting in the vicinity of the refuge to solicit public comments on the Draft Plan. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with Service comprehensive planning policy, the National Environmental Act Policy, and implementing regulations to achieve the following: (1) advise other agencies and the public of our intention, and (2) obtain comments on the proposed plan and the other alternatives considered in the planning process. DATES: The Service will hold the public meeting at 7 p.m. on June 3, 1999, at the Horatio Elementary School cafeteria, Horatio, Arkansas. The Draft Plan will be made available for review and comment. Written comments should be submitted no later than June 30, 1999, to the address below. ADDRESSES: Comments and request for copies of the Draft Plan should be addressed to Mr. Ed Loth, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Regional Office, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30345, or by calling 404/679-7155. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a 27,000-acre area located between the Cossatot and Little rivers. This refuge was established to protect, enhance, and manage a valuable bottomland hardwood wetland ecosystem for the benefit of migratory and resident waterfowl, neotropical birds, wading birds, and other wetland- dependent wildlife. The area is considered a vital component of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Arkansas-Red Ecosystem Plan. It is the desire of the Fish and Wildlife Service that Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge become `'a model refuge that protests and manages biological diversity for the enjoyment and benefit of present and future generations.'' To achieve this vision, the refuge seeks to achieve the following four goals: (1) habitat management-maintain and restore diverse habitats designed to achieve refuge purpose and wildlife population objectives; (2) populations management-maintain viable, diverse populations of native flora and fauna consistent with sound biological principles; (3) land conservation-protect the area's wetlands and restore values through land protection strategies; and (4) wildlife-dependent recreation and education--develop and implement a quality wildlife-dependent recreation program that leads to enjoyable recreation experiences and a greater understanding and appreciation of fish and wildlife resources. The Draft Plan evaluates the following four alternatives for managing the refuge over the next 15 years: custodial management, minimal management, balanced management, and resource management. The Service believes the balanced management alternative is the best alternative to guide the refuge's future direction. In essence this alternative will:Increase protection of threatened and endangered species; Increase waterfowl and songbird utilization and production; Enhance resident wildlife populations; Restore wetlands and hydrology; and Provide long-term opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation and environmental education. Dated: May 4, 1999. C. Monty Halcomb, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. 99-12289 Filed 5-14-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-M