[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 148 (Tuesday, August 1, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46940-46941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19325]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife


Notice of Availability of Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
and Environmental Assessment for Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wood 
and Juneau Counties, Wisconsin

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, the U.S. Fish

[[Page 46941]]

and Wildlife Service (Service) has published the Necedah National 
Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and 
associated Environmental Assessment. The Draft Plan describes how the 
Service intends to manage the Refuge for the next 10-15 years.

DATES: Submit written comments by August 25, 2000. All comments should 
be addressed to: Tom Magnuson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 
Federal Drive, Room 530, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111. Comments may 
also be submitted through the Service's regional Web site at: http://midwest.fws.gov/planning.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and 
Environmental Assessment, or a summary of the combined document, may be 
obtained by writing to Tom Magnuson at the address above or by placing 
a request through the Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information contact 
Larry Wargowsky, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, W7996 20th Street 
West, Necedah, Wisconsin 54646-7531. Phone: 608-565-2551; E-Mail: 
[email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Refuge was established in 1939 as a 
refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and for use as an 
inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds. It is located in central 
Wisconsin, about 180 miles southeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota, 150 
miles northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and about four miles west of 
Necedah, Wisconsin.
    The history of the Refuge dates back to the early 1930s when the 
U.S. Government acquired 114,964 acres of land in Juneau, Wood, Monroe, 
and Jackson counties, Wisconsin, to assist farmers living within the 
area and to develop the area for wildlife.
    Situated on the bed of former Glacial Lake Wisconsin and the Great 
Central Wisconsin Swamp, land in and around the Refuge was once a vast 
peat bog with some low wooded islands and savannas; the higher sand 
ridges were occupied by mature stands of pines and other species. 
Today, the Refuge consists of 43,696 acres of wetlands and open water 
areas; pine, oak, and aspen forests; grasslands and rare savannas, all 
of which support a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant 
populations. Over 230 different species of birds have been observed on 
the Refuge since its inception. The Refuge also supports several 
threatened, endangered, and rare species like the Karner blue 
butterfly, Blanding's turtle, and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, 
as well as resident game species including the white-tailed deer, wild 
turkey, and ruffed grouse. In addition, nearly 150,000 people visit the 
Refuge annually to hunt, fish, hike, observe and photograph wildlife, 
pick berries, or relax among the trees, wetlands, and wildlife.
    Management of the Refuge is carried out by a multi-disciplined team 
of biologists, technicians, and support staff who are recognized 
leaders in their fields. Protecting, restoring, and maintaining 
biologically diverse and productive wetlands, forest land, grasslands, 
and savannas for fish and wildlife resources are key indicators of 
management success. Management tools involve water level manipulation, 
prescribed burning, timber harvest, land acquisition, and public 
outreach and environmental education. Scientifically rigorous 
monitoring and research activities create the foundation from which 
quality management decisions are made. Cooperative working 
relationships with universities, other Federal agencies, the State of 
Wisconsin, elementary and secondary educational institutions, and non-
governmental organizations are key assets to management success.

    Dated: July 26, 2000.
Marvin E. Moriarty,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 00-19325 Filed 7-31-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M