[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 12 (Friday, January 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2565-2566]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1068]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Intent To Prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Associated 
Environmental Documents for Des Lacs, Upper Souris, and J. Clark Salyer 
National Wildlife Refuges in Northern North Dakota

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to gather 
information necessary to prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans and 
associated environmental documents for Des Lacs, Upper Souris, and J. 
Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuges near Minot, North Dakota. The 
Service is issuing this notice in compliance with its policy to advise 
other organizations and the public of its intentions and to obtain 
suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in 
the planning process.

DATES: Written comments should be received by April 30, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for more information should be sent 
to: Bridget McCann, Planning Team Leader, PO Box 25486, Denver Federal 
Center, Denver, CO 80225-0486; Fax (303) 236-4792; E-mail [email protected] or, Toni Griffin, Planning Team Leader, PO Box 25486, 
Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225-0486; Fax (303) 236-4792; E-
mail [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bridget McCann, Planning Team Leader, 
PO Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225-0486; Fax (303) 
236-4792; E-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service has initiated comprehensive 
conservation planning for Des Lacs, Upper Souris, and J. Clark Salyer 
National Wildlife Refuges for the conservation and enhancement of their 
natural resources. These Refuges are located in the Souris River 
watershed of northern North Dakota. Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge 
(NWR) encompasses more than 19,500 acres on the Des Lacs River, a 
tributary to the Souris River, in Ward and Burke Counties, and borders 
Saskatchewan Province. Upper Souris NWR encompasses 32,000 acres along 
the Souris River in Renville and Ward Counties. J. Clark Salyer NWR 
encompasses 58,700 acres along the Souris River in Bottineau and 
McHenry Counties, and borders Manitoba Province.
    All three Refuges were established in 1935 by Executive Order as 
``* * * refuge[s] and breeding ground[s] for migratory birds and other 
wildlife * * *'' under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. During the 
comprehensive planning process, management goals, objectives, and 
strategies will be developed to carry out the purposes of the Refuges 
and to comply with laws and policies governing refuge management and 
public use of refuges. The three Refuges discussed here are open to 
public uses.
    The Service requests input as to which issues affecting management 
or public use should be addressed during the planning process. The 
Service is especially interested in receiving public input in the 
following areas:

--What do you value most about these Refuges?
--What problems or issues do you see affecting management or public use 
of these Refuges?
--What changes, if any, would you like to see in the management of 
these Refuges?

    The Service has provided the above questions for your optional use. 
The Service has no requirement that you provide information. The 
Planning Team developed these questions to facilitate gathering 
information about individual issues and ideas. Comments received by the 
Planning Team will be used as part of the planning process.
    Opportunities for public input will also be provided at public 
meetings during the week of March 24, 2003. Exact dates and times for 
these public meetings are yet to be determined, but will be announced 
via local media.
    All information provided voluntarily by mail, phone, or at public 
meetings (e.g., names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded 
during meetings) becomes part of the official public record. If 
requested under the Freedom of Information Act by a private citizen or 
organization, the Service may provide copies of such information.
    The environmental review of this project will be conducted in 
accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NEPA Regulations (40 
CFR parts 1500-1508), other appropriate Federal laws and regulations, 
Executive Order 12996, the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement 
Act of 1997, and Service policies and procedures for compliance with 
those regulations.


[[Page 2566]]


    Dated: December 4, 2002.
Ralph O. Morgenweck,
Regional Director, Denver, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 03-1068 Filed 1-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P