[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 112 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33772-33773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9068]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Lima, MT

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan 
and environmental assessment; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated environmental 
documents for Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Lima, 
Montana. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with 
Service CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of its 
intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of 
issues to be considered in the planning process.

DATES: Written comments must be received by July 12, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for more information regarding Red 
Rock Lakes NWR should be sent to Laura King, Planning Team Leader, 
Tewaukon NWR, Division of Refuge Planning, 9754 143\1/2\ Avenue, SE., 
Cayuga, North Dakota 58013-9764.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura King, 701-724-3598, or Linda 
Kelly at 303-236-8132.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service has initiated a CCP for Red Rock 
Lakes NWR for the conservation and enhancement of its natural 
resources. Red Rock Lakes NWR has six establishing purposes: (1) ``as a 
refuge and breeding ground for wild birds and animals'' (Executive 
Order 7023, dated April 22, 1935); (2) ``for use as an inviolate 
sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds'' 
(16 U.S.C. 715d [Migratory Bird Conservation Act]); (3) ``for (a) 
incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (b) the 
protection of natural resources, [and] (c) the conservation of 
endangered species or threatened species'' (16 U.S.C. 460k-1), ``the 
Secretary * * * may accept and use * * * real* * * property. Such 
acceptance may be accomplished under the terms and conditions of 
restrictive covenants imposed by donors.'' (16 U.S.C. 460k-2 (Refuge 
Recreation Act [16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4], as amended)); (4) ``the 
conservation of the wetlands of the Nation in order to maintain the 
public benefits they provide and to help fulfill international 
obligations contained in various migratory bird treaties and 
conventions'' (16 U.S.C. 3901(b) [Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 
1986]); (5) ``for the development, advancement, management, 
conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources'' (16 
U.S.C. 742f(a)(4)), ``for the benefit of the United States Fish and 
Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and services. Such 
acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or 
affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude.'' (16 U.S.C. 
742f(b)(1) [Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956]); (6) ``conservation, 
management, and restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources 
and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of 
Americans'' (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) [National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act]).
    This Refuge encompasses 58,326 acres, of which 32,350 are 
designated as wilderness. The Refuge lies in the high-elevation 
Centennial Valley and contains primarily wetland and riparian habitats. 
This minimally altered natural and diverse habitat provides for species 
such as trumpeter swans, moose, sandhill cranes, curlews, peregrine 
falcons, eagles, numerous hawks and owls, badgers, wolverines, bears, 
pronghorn, and wolves (in the backcountry). Native fish such as Arctic 
grayling and west-slope cutthroat trout occur in Refuge waters.
    During the comprehensive planning process, management goals, 
objectives, and strategies will be developed to carry out the purposes 
of the Refuge, and to comply with laws and policies governing refuge 
management and public use of the Refuge.
    The Service requests input as to which issues affecting management 
or public use should be addressed during the planning process. The 
Service is especially interested in receiving public input in the 
following areas:
    (a) What do you value most about this Refuge?
    (b) What problems or issues do you see affecting management of this 
Refuge?
    (c) What changes, if any, would you like to see in the management 
of this Refuge?
    The Service has provided the above questions for your optional use. 
The Service has no requirement that you provide information; however, 
any comments received by the Planning Team will be used as part of the 
planning process.
    Opportunities for public input will also be provided at a public 
meeting to be scheduled for early summer 2006. Exact dates and times 
for these public meetings are yet to be determined, but

[[Page 33773]]

will be announced via local media and a newsletter. All information 
provided voluntarily by mail, phone, or at public meetings (e.g., 
names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded during meetings) 
becomes part of the official public record. If requested under the 
Freedom of Information Act by a private citizen or organization, the 
Service may provide copies of such information. The environmental 
review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508); 
other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; Executive Order 12996; 
the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; and 
Service policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and 
regulations.

    Dated: May 5, 2006.
James J. Slack,
Deputy Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, CO.
 [FR Doc. E6-9068 Filed 6-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P