[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 90 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 25058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11534]



[[Page 25058]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


National Key Deer Refuge; Key West, Great White Heron, and 
Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuges

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to Prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans 
and Environmental Assessments for National Key Deer Refuge; Key West, 
Great White Heron, and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuges in 
Florida.

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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 comprehensive conservation plans and environmental assessments 
pursuant tot he National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing 
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 on the scope of issues to 
include in the environmental documents.
    Special mailings, newspaper articles, and other media announcements 
will be used to inform the public and government and non-government 
agencies of the opportunities for input throughout the planning 
process.

ADDRESSES: Address comments, questions, and requests for more 
information to the following: Van Fischer, Natural Resource Planner, 
National Key Deer Refuge, 28950 Watson Boulevard, Big Pine Key, Florida 
33043-0510, Telephone 305/872-2239; Fax 305/872-3675; E-mail [email protected]. Additional information concerning these refuges may be 
found at the Service's Internet site http:///www.fws.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 purpose. 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.
    Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1980, to 
provide wildlife and habitat protection for federally listed threatened 
and endangered species and migratory birds. A draft comprehensive 
conservation plan is expected to be completed for this refuge by June 
2004.
    Key West and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuges were 
established in 1908 and 1938 respectively, to protect herons and egrets 
from plume hunters. National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957, 
to protect the endangered Key Deer and other wildlife. Each of the 
refuges is located in Monroe County, Florida.
    As the draft plans for these refuges are completed, reviews will be 
conducted in accordance with the requirements of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (41 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), other appropriate Federal 
laws and regulations, and Service policies and procedures for 
compliance with those regulations.

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

    Dated: March 31, 2003.
Christine E. Eustis,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 03-11534 Filed 5-8-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M