[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 12 (Friday, January 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2564-2565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1071]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
and Environmental Assessment for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, 
located in Baldwin County, Alabama.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to 
prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment 
for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, pursuant to the National 
Environmental Policy Act and its implementing

[[Page 2565]]

regulations. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with 
the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), to achieve the following:
    (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and
    (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to 
include in the environmental document.

DATES: Public scoping meetings will be held in February 2003, with 
special mailings, newspaper articles, and other media announcements 
being used to inform people of the opportunities to participate in the 
meetings and provide input throughout the planning process.

ADDRESSES: Address comments, questions, and requests for more 
information to the following: Allyne Askins, Project Leader, Bon Secour 
National Wildlife Refuge, 12295 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores, Alabama 
36542; Telephone 251/540-7720; Fax 251/540-7301; e-mail [email protected]. Additional information concerning the refuge may be 
found at the refuge's Internet site http://bonsecour.fws.gov/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: By Federal law, all lands within the 
National Wildlife Refuge System are to be managed in accordance with an 
approved comprehensive conservation plan. The plan guides management 
decisions and identifies refuge goals, long-range objectives, and 
strategies for achieving refuge purposes. The planning process will 
consider many elements including wildlife and habitat management, 
public recreational activities, and cultural resource protection. 
Public input into the planning process is essential.
    Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge was established by Congress in 
June 1980, and encompasses some of Alabama's last remaining undisturbed 
coastal barrier habitat. Located 50 miles due west of Pensacola, 
Florida, and 50 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama, Bon Secour refuge 
comprises about 6,700 acres of coastal lands ranging from dynamic beach 
dunes to pine flatwood and oak hammocks. Management of the refuge is 
aimed at protecting and preserving these unique habitats and associated 
wildlife.

    Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 
105-57.

    Dated: December 10, 2002.
Judy L. Pulliam,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 03-1071 Filed 1-16-03; 8:45 am]
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