[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 150 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 40674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-19399]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atomspheric Administration


National Estuarine Research Reserve System; Notice of Proposed 
Boundary Expansion for North Carolina National Estuarine Research 
Reserve

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

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Boundary Expansion for the Rachel Carson 
component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Estuarine Reserves Division of 
OCRM is considering a request by the North Carolina Division of Coastal 
Management to amend the boundary of the North Carolina National 
Estuarine Research Reserve. The boundary change will include 1.5-acre 
Sand Dollar Island and just over 400 acres of state waters in the North 
River Channel within the Rachel Carson component of the reserve. 
Because both areas are currently owned by the state, no acquisition is 
required.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Badgley, Estuarine Reserves 
Division (N/ORM5), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
SSMC4, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910; Phone (301) 713-3155, Extension 
145.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The North Carolina National Estuarine 
Research Reserve (NCNERR) was designated in 1985 pursuant to section 
315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 
1461. The NCNERR is comprised of four components totaling 10,000 acres, 
including barrier islands, salt marsh and subtidal sand and mud 
habitats.
    The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management has requested 
NOAA approval to amend the boundary of the Rachel Carson component of 
the NCNERR to include Sand Dollar Island and state waters in the North 
River Channel. Sand Dollar Island naturally accreted immediately 
adjacent to the reserve boundary approximately two years ago. Under 
North Carolina law, it is automatically associated with the reserve 
property and owned by the state. The North Carolina Division of Coastal 
Management currently manages the area. The island and associated salt 
marsh provide important nesting habitat for colonial water birds, but 
also has become popular among boaters for recreation. The inclusion of 
the island within reserve boundaries will allow the NCNERR to 
officially manage the area to minimize recreational impacts on the 
important habitats. The North River Channel divides the two major 
upland and salt marsh areas of the reserve. Its inclusion will create a 
more logical and defensible boundary, while increasing the amount of 
submerged habitat within the reserve for research and education 
purposes. The state is supportive of the inclusion of both areas within 
the reserve boundary. No land acquisition or deed transfer is required 
for this boundary expansion.
    Any person wishing to comment on the proposed boundary expansion 
may forward written comments to Brian Badgley, Estuarine Reserves 
Division (N/ORM5), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Comments must be 
submitted no later than September 4, 2001.

    Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.420 (Coastal Zone 
Management) Research Reserves.
    Dated: July 13, 2001.
Ted I. Lillestolen,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone 
Management.
[FR Doc. 01-19399 Filed 8-2-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-08-P