[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42411-42412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11921]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental 
Assessment for Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Dodge and Fond 
du Lac Counties, Wisconsin and Fox River NWR in Marquette County, 
Wisconsin

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that a Draft 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) 
is available for Horicon and Fox River NWRs, Wisconsin.
    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: Comments on the Draft CCP/EA must be received on or before 
August 28, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Draft CCP/EA are available on compact disk or 
hard copy. You may obtain a copy by writing to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Division of Conservation Planning, BHW Federal Building, 1 
Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056, or you may access 
and download a copy via the planning Web site at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/horicon.
    All comments should be addressed to Horicon National Wildlife 
Refuge, Attention: CCP Comment, W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, 
Wisconsin 53050, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Comments may also 
be submitted through the Service's regional Web site at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patti Meyers, (920) 387-2658.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EA evaluates three different approaches, 
or alternatives, to the future management of Horicon NWR, and two 
alternatives for Fox River NWR. The plan also identifies wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public.
    The preferred alternative for Horicon includes increased 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and 
photography, environmental education and interpretation. Landscape and 
watershed involvement by staff and partners would be increased to 
reduce sedimentation rate and improve water quality in the Horicon 
Marsh. Habitat management efforts would seek to re-establish a braided 
river system flowing into the north end of the Horicon Marsh. Refuge 
uplands would continue to be restored and maintained as open grasslands 
and oak savanna, which is typical of habitat types prior to European 
settlement and represents a declining and rare habitat type.
    The preferred alternative for Fox River would include an increased 
deer harvest, the initiation of a fishing program, new wildlife 
observation and photography opportunities, and the beginning of an 
environmental education and interpretation program. Habitat restoration 
and management would continue to perpetuate a variety of native plant 
and wildlife species, especially those of priority to the Service.
    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 for conserving 
wildlife and their habitats, the CCP identifies wildlife-dependent 
recreational

[[Page 42412]]

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).

    Dated: June 9, 2006.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort 
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E6-11921 Filed 7-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P