[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 131 (Friday, July 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41960-41961]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-17157]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration


National Estuarine Research Reserve System

AGENCY: Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), 
National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of public meetings and intent to prepare a Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and 
with section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as 
amended, San Francisco State University and the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intend to conduct public scoping 
meetings on the proposed San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research 
Reserve to solicit comments on significant issues related to the 
preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)/Draft 
Management Plan (DMP). The DEIS/DMP will address research, monitoring, 
education and resource protection needs for the reserve.

DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, July 25th, 7 to 9 p.m.

ADDRESSES: Marin Civic Center, Marin County Board of Supervisors 
Chambers, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903.

DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, July 26th, 7 to 9 p.m.

ADDRESSES: Suisun City, City Hall, Suisun City Council Chambers, 701 
Civic Center Blvd, Suisun City, CA 94585.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Todd Hopkins, San Francisco State

[[Page 41961]]

University, at (415) 338-3703, or Matt Menashes, Estuarine Reserves 
Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, NOAA, at 
(301) 713-3132, extension 165.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1993, NOAA approved the nomination of a 
proposed multi-component National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) for 
San Francisco Bay. Research reserves provide natural coastal habitats 
as field laboratories for baseline ecological studies and education 
programs. Research and monitoring programs are designed to enhance 
scientific understanding of the coastal environment and aid in resource 
management decision making.
    In early 1999 the original proposal approved by NOAA was modified. 
The modified proposal meets the principles established for inclusion of 
areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. These include:
    1. Biogeographic and typologic contribution,
    2. Ecological characteristics,
    3. Value of the sites for research, monitoring, education and 
interpretation,
    4. Site management feasibility including (a) land ownership, (b) 
the ability to sustain reserve resources for long term research and 
education use, and (c) partnership potential.
    The San Francisco Bay NERR is proposed to be administered by San 
Francisco State University (SFSU) in cooperation with partner agencies 
including Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation, East Bay 
Regional Park District, and the California Department of Parks and 
Recreation.
    SFSU has developed an outline of a preliminary draft management 
plan. That outline identifies specific needs and priorities related to 
research, monitoring, education, and resource protection at the 
proposed reserve. It also identifies needs for an administrative plan, 
volunteer program and facilities development needs, public access, and 
visitor use policies.
    At the public meetings, SFSU and NOAA will provide a synopsis of 
the process for developing a DEIS/DMP and will solicit comments on 
significant environmental issues that will be incorporated into a DEIS.
    Interested parties who wish to submit suggestions, comments or 
substantive information regarding the scope or content of the proposed 
DEIS/DMP are invited to attend either of the above meetings. Parties 
who wish to respond in writing should do so by August 15, 2000, to Dr. 
Todd Hopkins, Romberg Tiburon Center, San Francisco State University, 
P.O. Box 855, Tiburon, CA 94920, or Matthew Menashes, NOAA Estuarine 
Reserves Division, 1305 East-West Highway N/ORM5, Silver Spring, MD 
20910.

Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.420 (Coastal Zone 
Management) Research Reserves

    Dated: June 30, 2000.
John Oliver,
Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer, National Ocean 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-17157 Filed 7-6-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-08-P