[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 35807]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-17056]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Establishment of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Navy transferred, without reimbursement, 
approximately 3,100 acres on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico to the 
Secretary of the Interior. This land was a portion of the facility 
known as the Naval Ammunition Support Detachment property and is now 
administered as a national wildlife refuge by the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service.

DATES: This action was effective on May 1, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph J. Schwagerl, Acting Refuge 
Manager for the Caribbean Islands Refuges Complex with the Fish and 
Wildlife Service in Boqueron, Puerto Rico, 787-851-7258.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 1508 of Title XV of 
Public Law 106-398, the U.S. Navy transferred approximately 3,100 acres 
(1254.52 hectares) on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico to the 
Department of the Interior to be administered as a wildlife refuge 
under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 
as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee).
    The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge contains several ecologically 
distinct habitats including beaches, coastal lagoons, mangroves 
wetlands, and upland forested areas. The marine environment surrounding 
the refuge contains coral reefs and sea grass beds. The refuge and its 
surrounding waters are home to at least four plants and 10 animals on 
the Federal endangered species list including the West Indian manatee, 
the brown pelican, and four species of sea turtles.
    A Cooperative Management Agreement made among the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Puerto Rico 
Conservation Trust provides the general management principles for the 
protection of the refuge lands and other lands on the Islands of 
Vieques. A Conceptual Management Plan will serve as an interim 
management plan for the refuge until we develop a Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan.

    Dated: June 27, 2001.
Marshall P. Jones, Jr.,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 01-17056 Filed 7-6-01; 8:45 am]
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