[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 19, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 20121]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3731]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron Parish, 
Louisiana

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior

ACTION:  Notice of availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation 
Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Cameron Prairie National 
Wildlife Refuge.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact 
for Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge are available for 
distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife 
Refuge system Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and describes how the refuge 
will be managed for the next 15 years. The compatibility determinations 
for (1) recreational fishing; (2) recreational hunting; (3) wildlife 
observation and wildlife photography; (4) environmental education and 
interpretation; (5) commercial alligator harvest; (6) commercially 
guided wildlife viewing, wildlife photography, and environmental 
education and interpretation; (7) research and monitoring; (8) 
commercial video and photography; (9) adjacent property access; and 
(10) beneficial use of dredge material are also included in the plan.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the plan may be obtained by writing to Cameron 
Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, 1428 Highway 27, Bell City, LA 70630, 
or by calling 337/598-2216. The plan may also be accessed and 
downloaded from the Service's Internet Web site at  http://southeast.fws.gov/planning/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge is 
one of the three refuges that comprise the Southwest Louisiana National 
Wildlife Refuge Complex. It is located about 25 miles southeast of Lake 
Charles, Louisiana, in north central Cameron Parish. The 9,621-acre 
refuge and the 64,000-acre multi-agency Cameron Creole Watershed 
Project, which is managed by the refuge, contain freshwater marsh, 
coastal prairie, and early successional wetlands and are managed to 
conserve and protect wintering waterfowl and their habitat.
    The availability of the draft comprehensive conservation plan and 
environmental assessment for a 45-day review as announced in the 
Federal Register on July 27, 2005 (70 FR 43445). The draft plan and 
environmental assessment evaluated three alternatives for managing the 
refuge. Alternative B was chosen as the ``preferred alternative.'' 
Under the preferred alternative, the quality and quantity of habitat 
for wintering waterfowl will be maximized by focusing on a more 
adaptive management approach through improved biological monitoring. 
Public use opportunities will generally increase and moer emphasis will 
be placed on environmental education and interpretation. Commercial 
guides for wildlife viewing, wildlife photography, and environmental 
education and interpretation will be permitted. Research and monitoring 
will be enhanced. Programs to promote the beneficial use of dredge 
material will be allowed. Current partnerships that assist the refuge 
in accomplishing its conservation objectives will continue and the 
refuge will strive to develop new partnerships. A more aggressive 
approach to removal of undesirable plants and animals will be 
implemented. Cultural resources will continue to be protected. The 
refuge will assist in developing and maintaining the Southwest 
Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters, located at 
Cameron Prairie Refuge, in a manner that supports, directs, and manages 
the needs, resources, and staff of the entire Complex.
    Implementation of the goals, objectives, and strategies within the 
comprehensive conservation plan will allow the refuge to protect a 
variety of freshwater marshland and upland prairie habitat; to serve as 
a critical resting area for waterfowl in a heavily hunted area; to 
conserve, restore, and enhance diverse habitats for migratory and 
native wildlife species; to maintain health and viable native fish and 
wildlife populations; to provide opportunities for safe, quality, 
compatible, wildlife-dependent public use and recreation; and to 
protect cultural resources.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judy McClendon, Natural Resource 
Planer, Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, 1428 Highway 27, Bell 
City, LA 70630; Telephone: 337/598-2216; Fax: 337/598-2492; E-mail: 
[email protected].

    Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 
105-57.

    Dated: February 6, 2006.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 06-3731 Filed 4-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M