[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22723-22724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-10505]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Availability of Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Waubay 
National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Waubay, SD

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Summary for Waubay National 
Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District Complex (Complex) is 
available. This Plan describes how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
intends to manage the Complex for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the Plan or Summary may be obtained by writing to 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Waubay National Wildlife Refuge 
Complex, 44401 134A Street, Waubay, SD 57273; or download from http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Martin, Project Leader, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Waubay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 
44401 134A Street, Waubay, SD 57273. Phone 605-947-4521; fax 605-947-
4524; or e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 22724]]

Background

    Waubay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), comprised of 4,650 acres, is 
located in Day County in northeastern South Dakota. The Refuge's mix of 
lakes, wetlands, prairie, forests, and cropland is home to a diversity 
of wildlife. More than 100 bird species nest on this small piece of 
habitat, with 37 mammals also calling it home. Waubay NWR was 
established by President Roosevelt in 1935 as ``a refuge and breeding 
ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.''
    Waubay Wetland Management District (WMD) protects over 250,000 
acres of wetlands and prairie in six counties of northeastern South 
Dakota. The area's mix of native grass, planted grasses, cropland, and 
wetlands support a variety of wildlife. The WMD is home to 247 species 
of birds, 43 species of mammals, and over 20 species of amphibians and 
reptiles. Breeding waterfowl and grassland-dependent passerines are two 
groups that are especially prominent.
    The availability of the Draft CCP/Environmental Assessment (EA) for 
30-day public review and comment was announced in the Federal Register 
on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 in Volume 67, Number 103. The Draft CCP/EA 
identified and evaluated three alternatives for managing Waubay 
National Wildlife Refuge Complex for the next 15 years. Alternative A, 
the No Action Alternative, would continue current management of the 
Refuge and Wetland Management District (WMD). Alternative B, the 
Tallgrass Prairie Alternative, would focus on protecting and restoring 
tallgrass prairie in the Minnesota-Red River Lowlands of the WMD. 
Alternative C, Enhanced Management, the preferred alternative, would 
increase management of Complex habitats and public use opportunities.
    Based on this assessment and comments received, the preferred 
Alternative C was selected for implementation. The preferred 
alternative was selected because it best meets the purposes of the 
Refuge and WMD as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and 
wild animals. The preferred alternative will also provide for enhanced 
public access for wildlife-dependent recreation, and provides 
environmental education opportunities related to fish and wildlife 
resources.

    Dated: October 2, 2002.
Elliott Sutta,
Acting Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 03-10505 Filed 4-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P