[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 165 (Friday, August 26, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50394-50395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16992]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental 
Assessment for Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Mound City, 
MO

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 Squaw Creek NWR, Mound City, Missouri. 
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 this refuge 
over the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the final CCP and EA are available on compact 
diskette or hard copy, you may obtain a copy by writing to: Squaw Creek 
National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 158, Mound City, Missouri 64470 or 
you may access and download a copy at this Web site: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/squawcreek/index.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Bell at (660) 442-3187.

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. 668dd-668ee et seq.) requires 
the Service to develop a CCP for each National Wildlife Refuge. The 
purpose in developing a CCP 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 management, conservation, legal 
mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad 
management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, the CCP 
identifies 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).
    The planning process for Squaw Creek NWR began in 1999. Five 
management alternatives were considered. Alternative D, Optimizing 
Wildlife Habitat and Fish and Wildlife Populations With Enhanced Levels 
of Wildlife-dependent Recreation is the preferred alternative. This 
alternative seeks to maximize wildlife habitat and population 
management practices and opportunities without adversely impacting 
current levels of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. There 
will be no expansion of existing authorized boundaries.
    The CCP identifies and increases wildlife-dependent recreational 
opportunities available to the public including: Initiating a managed 
spring snow goose hunt; investigating the potential for a fishing 
access area and a white-tailed deer hunt for physically challenged 
visitors; and enhancing trails for wildlife observation and

[[Page 50395]]

photography, and environmental education and interpretation.

    Dated: May 13, 2005.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ft. Snelling, 
Minnesota.
[FR Doc. 05-16992 Filed 8-25-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P