[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 237 (Friday, December 8, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77037-77038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-31284]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for 
the Proposed Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in 
Northwestern Indiana and Northeastern Illinois

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan 
for the proposed Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in 
northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) intends to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan 
and an associated environmental document for the proposed Grand 
Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The Service is furnishing this 
notice in compliance with Service comprehensive conservation plan 
policy and the National Environmental Policy Act and implementing 
regulations to achieve the following:
    (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and
    (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues, 
opportunities, and concerns for inclusion in the environmental 
assessment.

DATES: Beginning in November 2000, the Service will solicit information 
from the public via open houses, workshops, focus groups, and written 
comments. Special mailings, newspaper articles and radio announcements 
will inform people of the times and places of public scoping meetings. 
The dates, times, and places of future scoping meetings will also be 
posted on the Service's web site at: http://www.fws.gov/r3pao/planning/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Address comments and requests for more 
information to: Project Leader, Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife 
Refuge, P.O. Box 189, Plymouth, Indiana 46563; telephone: 219-935-3411.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is Service policy to have all lands 
within the National Wildlife Refuge System managed in accordance with 
an approved comprehensive conservation plan. The plan guides management 
decisions and identifies refuge goals, objectives, and strategies for 
achieving refuge purposes. Public input into this planning process is 
encouraged. The plan will provide other agencies and the public with a 
clear understanding of the desired future conditions of the refuge and 
how the Service will implement management strategies.
    The purpose(s) of the Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge 
(Refuge) is ``for the development, advancement, management, 
conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources'' (Fish and 
Wildlife Act of 1956) and for ``the conservation of the wetlands of the 
Nation in order to maintain the public benefits they provide and to 
help fulfill international obligations contained in various migratory 
bird treaties and conventions * * *'' (Emergency Wetlands Resources Act 
of 1986).

[[Page 77038]]

    The mission for the Refuge is to protect, restore, and manage 
ecological processes within the Kankakee River Basin that benefit 
threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, native fish, and 
diverse flora and fauna populations, while providing, to the extent 
possible, high quality wildlife-dependent environmental interpretation, 
education, and recreation experiences that build an understanding and 
appreciation for these resources, and the role humankind plays in their 
stewardship.

    Dated: November 30, 2000.
Marvin E. Moriarty,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 00-31284 Filed 12-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M