[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 208 (Monday, October 28, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 65791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-27346]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-7400-7]


Draft Chesapeake Bay Comprehensive Oyster Management Plan; 
Availability

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program 
Office, on behalf of the partners of the Chesapeake Bay Program, 
announces the availability of the Draft Chesapeake Bay Comprehensive 
Oyster Management Plan for a 30-day period of public review and 
comment. The Draft Plan addresses both habitat restoration and oyster 
fishery management. It emphasizes biologically based, strategic 
decision making, enables an adaptive management approach, and provides 
for better coordination among key agencies, organizations, and 
institutions involved in oyster restoration in Maryland and Virginia 
waters of Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. The Chesapeake Bay 
oyster partners include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Virginia 
Marine Resources Commission, Maryland Oyster Recovery Partnership, 
Virginia Oyster Heritage Program, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 
Following receipt of comments, a final Draft Plan will be circulated to 
Chesapeake Bay Program signatory partners for approval. It is expected 
that the final Plan will be adopted by the Chesapeake Executive Council 
in 2003. On November 4, 2002, the Draft Plan will be available on-line 
at the EPA Region III Web site www.epa.gov/r3chespk/, or by regular 
mail from the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office (Phone: (410) 267-
5700).
    Comments should be postmarked no later than December 4, 2002. 
Comments can be sent either by email to [email protected] or by 
regular mail to Michael Fritz, U.S. EPA, 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109, 
Annapolis, MD 21403. Further information about the Chesapeake Bay 
Program and oysters in the bay is available at www.chesapeakebay.net.

Diana Esher,
Deputy Director, Chesapeake Bay Program Office.
[FR Doc. 02-27346 Filed 10-25-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P