[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 40 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 10814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-4723]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service has published the final Fort Niobrara National 
Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Summary and the 
final Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation 
Plan and Summary. These Plans and Summaries describe ho the FWS will 
mange the Fort Niobrara and Valentine NWRs for the next 10-15 years.

ADDRESSES: A Summary of the Plans or the complete Plans may be obtained 
by writing to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ft. Niobrara/Valentine 
NWR, Hidden Timber Route, HC 14 Box 67, Valentine, NE 69201. The 
complete Plan may also be downloaded at the following internet site: 
http://www.r6.fws.gov/larp/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bernardo Garza, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, P.O. Box 25486, DFC, Denver, CO 80225, telephone 303/236-8145 
extension 672; fax 303/236-4792.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Fort Niobrara NWR Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan describes the reasons and the process for the removal 
of longhorn cattle from the Refuge; restructured use of the Wild and 
Scenic portion of the Niobrara River through the Fort Niobrara 
Wilderness Area through a participatory process; the expansion of 
prairie dog colonies in the Refuge; and overall less forage removal by 
large animal use with more residual cover for native birds, which is 
the primary mission of the Refuge.
    The Valentine NWR Plan describes the reintroduction of bison to a 
portion of the proposed wilderness area through a 10-year phased-in 
process and relocation of the station headquarters. Existing fishing, 
hunting, wildlife observation, and photography opportunities will 
remain in place on Valentine NWR.

    Dated: February 18, 2000.
Ralph O. Morgenweck,
Regional Director, Denver, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 00-4723 Filed 2-28-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310--55--M