[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 247 (Monday, December 27, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77261-77262]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-28142]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Necedah National 
Wildlife Refuge

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 final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental 
Assessment (EA) is available for Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. This 
CCP is 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 describes how the Service intends to manage this 
refuge over the next 15 years.

DATES: Implementation of the CCP will not begin sooner than 30 days 
following the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

ADDRESSES: Copies of the CCP are available on compact diskette or hard 
copy, and can be obtained in writing: Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, 
W7996 20th Street West, Necedah, WI 54646-7531. Copies of the CCP can 
also be accessed and downloaded at the following Web site address: 
http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/Necedah/index.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Wargowski at 608-565-2551.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C.

[[Page 77262]]

668dd-668ee et seq) requires a CCP. The purpose in developing CCPs is 
to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge 
purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife 
Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife 
science, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In 
addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife 
and their habitats, the CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational 
opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for 
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update 
these CCPs at least every 15 years in accordance with 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 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d).
    Necedah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 as a 
refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and for use as an 
inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds. Located in central Wisconsin, 
the Refuge includes 43,696 acres consisting of wetlands and open water 
areas, pine, oak, and aspen forests, grasslands, and rare savannas.
    Three alternatives were considered in the EA: (1) No action; (2) 
follow the course set in the 1979 Master Plan; or (3) follow the course 
established in the CCP (preferred alternative). Significant issues 
addressed in the CCP include the proposal to acquire land within the 
Yellow River Focus Area and management of endangered species that use 
the Refuge, including the Eastern massassagua rattlesnake, the Karner 
blue butterfly, and a migratory flock of Whooping Cranes. There was 
strong public interest in the plan, and the Service provided many 
opportunities for public comment in meetings in the community. 
Following a 60-day comment period on the Draft CCP (65 FR 46940, August 
1, 2000), a revised Draft CCP was produced and another 60-day comment 
period was provided (66 FR 52776, October 17, 2001). The plan was 
revised to address the issues raised by the public, including the 
decision to reduce the area within the Yellow River Focus Area where 
land acquisition would be one of the tools available to facilitate 
restoration and conservation efforts. Assistance to local landowners 
would remain the priority means of habitat restoration and conservation 
throughout the Focus Area. It has been determined that the CCP is not a 
major Federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the 
human environment, within the meaning of Section 102(2)(c) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

    Dated: March 26, 2003.
Marvin E. Moriarty,
Acting Regional Director.

    Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the 
Federal Register December 20, 2004.

[FR Doc. 04-28142 Filed 12-23-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M