[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 9, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11685-11686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4557]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental 
Assessment for the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Marshall County, 
MN

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Draft 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) 
is available for Agassiz NWR, Minnesota.
    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/EA will be accepted up to 30 
days after publication of this notice in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Draft CCP are available on compact disk or 
hard copy. You may access and download a copy via the planning Web site 
(http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/agassiz/index.html) or you may obtain 
a copy by writing to the following address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Division of Conservation Planning, Bishop Henry Whipple 
Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Anderson at (218) 449-4115.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Agassiz National Wildlife, established 
in 1937, is located in the northwest corner of Minnesota at the 
juncture of the northern boreal forest, the eastern deciduous forest, 
and the tallgrass prairie. The Refuge's 61,500 acres are a key breeding 
ground for 17 species of ducks, as well as an important migration rest 
stop for waterfowl, but it is also noted for gray wolves, moose, and 
nesting Bald Eagles.
    The EA evaluates three different approaches, or alternatives, to 
future management of the Agassiz NWR. The plan also identifies 
wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public 
including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation. The preferred alternative 
calls for (1) larger areas of prairie grasslands and sedge meadow 
habitats, (2) increased winter wildlife observation opportunities, and 
(3) expanded deer hunting opportunities, late-season ruffed grouse 
hunting, and an early fall youth waterfowl hunt on a portion of the 
refuge.
    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. 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 for 
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).


[[Page 11686]]


    Dated: November 8, 2004.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, Region 3, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Fort Snelling, MN.
[FR Doc. 05-4557 Filed 3-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P