[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10313-10314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-3692]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement 
Act of 1997, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has published 
a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment 
for Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This plan describes 
how the Service intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years. 
The refuge is composed of all or part of 21 islands covering over 3,200 
acres in four states (West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio).

DATES: A public meeting will be held in each of the four states, with 
dates, times and addresses to be announced later in local newspapers 
and on the regional website (http://northeast.fws.gov). The meetings 
will provide an opportunity for all interested parties to present oral 
or written testimony on the draft document. The public meetings will be 
held in late February and early March.
    All other comments should be sent by either traditional or 
electronic mail, no later than 45 days from date of this publication, 
to: Thomas Bonetti, Planning Team Leader, Northeast Regional Office, 
300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589; or 
[email protected].

ADDRESSES: Additional information or copies of the Draft CCP/EA may be 
obtained by contacting Thomas Bonetti at the above address, or by 
contacting Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, 3004 7th 
Street, Parkersburg, WV 26102-1811, telephone 304/422-0752.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
and Environmental Assessment fully

[[Page 10314]]

describes, evaluates, and compares four alternatives for managing the 
natural resources and public use opportunities for the Ohio River 
Islands National Wildlife Refuge. One of the alternatives represents 
the Service's Proposed Action. The four alternatives are:
    Alternative A. This alternative is the No Action alternative as 
required by National Environmental Policy Act regulations. Selection of 
this alternative would maintain the status quo; there would be no 
significant changes to current management practices. This alternative 
serves as the baseline from which to compare the other three 
alternatives.
    Alternative B. This alternative represents the Service's Proposed 
Action; that is, the alternative currently recommended for approval. 
Selection of this alternative would include expansion of the Refuge by 
acquiring remaining islands and embayments, which total to over 8,000 
acres. Alternative B would emphasize restoration and reforestation of 
native bottomland floodplain forest to the Ohio River. Opportunities 
for all six priority public uses would improve, including an increased 
importance on environmental education and outreach programs.
    Alternative C. This alternative would increase Refuge habitat 
diversity with increased management of early successional habitat. This 
habitat would also be more favorable for many game species and 
associated expanded consumptive recreational uses. Fishing, hunting and 
trapping allowable by state laws regulations would be offered and 
promoted. Selection of this alternative would also increase acquisition 
to over 8,000.
    Alternative D. This alternative would manage Refuge lands to 
provide and maximize undisturbed resting, feeding, and breeding areas 
for wildlife, especially migratory birds. All visitation would be 
tightly regulated and confined to certain designated areas. Hunting and 
fishing would be eliminated from all Refuge lands under this 
Alternative. Boating and shore use would also be prohibited on Refuge 
lands. Selection of this alternative would also increase acquisition to 
over 8,000 acres.

    Dated: February 2, 2001.
G. Adam O'Hara,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, 
Massachusetts.
[FR Doc. 01-3692 Filed 2-13-01; 8:45 am]
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