[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 173 (Monday, September 8, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52952-52953]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22712]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental 
Assessment for Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (NWFR), 
Havana, IL

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that 
the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental 
Assessment (EA) is available for Illinois River NWFR, Havana, Illinois. 
The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969, and using the preferred alternative, goals and objectives, 
we describe how the Service intends to manage these refuges over the 
next 15 years.

DATES: Comments must be received by close of business Monday, October 
20, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the draft CCP and EA are available on compact 
diskette or hard copy, you may obtain a copy by writing to: Illinois 
River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Complex, 19031 East County Road 
2105 North, Havana, Illinois 62644. Comments can be addressed to the 
same address. The draft CCP and EA is also available online at http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/Ilrivtop.htm and comments can be submitted 
through the Web site.

[[Page 52953]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ross Adams, Refuge Manager, Illinois 
River NWFR at 309/535-2290.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comprehensive conservation plans guide 
management decisions over the course of 15 years.
    The Illinois River NWFR Complex includes three national wildlife 
refuges: Chautauqua NWR in Mason County; Meredosia NWR in Cass and 
Morgan Counties; and Emiquon NWR in Fulton County. The planning process 
began in 1998.
    Three management alternatives were considered. Alternative 3, 
Refuge Resource Area Focus, is the preferred alternative. This 
alternative would increase conservation efforts in the Illinois River 
Focus Areas and enhance, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat 
within the boundaries of the Illinois River Refuges. There will be no 
expansion of existing authorized boundaries.
    The CCP will identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities 
available to the public, including hunting, fishing, wildlife 
observation and photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation.

    Dated: July 30, 2003.
Marvin Moriarity,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 03-22712 Filed 9-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P