[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 115 (Wednesday, June 16, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 33651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13569]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental 
Assessment for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (IWR), 
Wayne and Monroe Counties, MI

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Draft 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) 
is available for Detroit River IWR, Michigan.
    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. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the 
agency intends to manage the Refuge over the next 15 years.

DATES: Written comments on the Draft CCP and EA must be received by 
close of business, July 23, 2004.

ADDRESSES: To request a copy of the plan or to submit comments on the 
plan you may use one of the following methods:
    1. You may write to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Branch of 
Conservation Planning, BHW Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Ft. 
Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056.
    2. Go to the Refuge Web site: http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/detroitriver/index.html.
    3. E-mail us at: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Muehlenhardt at 612/713-5477.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The approved boundary of the Detroit River 
IWR is located along 48 miles of the lower Detroit River and Michigan's 
Lake Erie shoreline to the Ohio state border. The Refuge was 
established by legislation in December 2001 and expanded in May 2003. 
Refuge land ownership is currently small and limited to several islands 
in the Detroit River and two coastal parcels in Monroe County. The key 
biological focus of the refuge is protecting and enhancing remnant 
coastal wetlands and island habitats for the benefit of migratory 
birds; especially diving waterfowl.
    The planning process for this CCP began in April 2002. A series of 
open house events, meetings, and workshops were held in local 
communities throughout the following year.
    The EA evaluates three different approaches, or alternatives, to 
future management and growth of the Detroit River IWR. Alternative C, 
Leading through Partnerships, is the agency's preferred alternative. 
Under this alternative, the Detroit River IWR would seek to serve as a 
focal point for the many ongoing conservation efforts on the Detroit 
River and surrounding watersheds. The Service would continue to direct 
habitat protection efforts but with an emphasis on cooperative 
management instead of fee ownership. The refuge land base would grow 
primarily through management agreements with private industry and 
government agencies.
    The CCP also identifies wildlife-dependent recreational 
opportunities available to the public, including hunting, fishing, 
wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation. Wildlife-dependent recreational uses would be 
encouraged on future refuge-owned lands where it is safe and 
appropriate.

    Dated: December 24, 2003.
Gerry Jackson,
Acting Regional Director.
    Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the 
Federal Register on June 10, 2004.

[FR Doc. 04-13569 Filed 6-15-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P