[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 209 (Monday, October 30, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 63344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-8953]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and 
Environmental Assessment for Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge 
Located Off the Coast of Darien, GA, in McIntosh County

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to 
gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation 
plan and environmental assessment for Wolf Island National Wildlife 
Refuge, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and 
its implementing regulations.
    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as 
amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 
requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for 
each national wildlife refuge. The purpose is developing a 
comprehensive conservation plan 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, plans 
identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the 
public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife 
observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation.
    The purpose of this notice is to achieve the following:
    (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and
    (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to 
include in the environmental document.

DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received no 
later than December 29, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Address comments, questions, and requests for more 
information to Jane Griess, Project Leader, Savannah National Wildlife 
Refuge Complex, 1000 Business Center Drive, Suite 10, Savannah, Georgia 
31405.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The comprehensive conservation planning 
process will consider many elements, including wildlife and habitat 
management, public recreational activities, and cultural resource 
protection. Public input to the planning process is essential. Special 
mailings, newspaper articles, and other media announcements will be 
used to inform the public and state and local government agencies of 
meeting dates and opportunities for input throughout the planning 
process. All comments received from individuals become part of the 
official public record. Requests for such comments will be handled in 
accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and the Council on 
Environmental Quality's NEPA regulations [40 CFR 1506.6(f)].
    Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge is approximately 12 miles off 
the coast of Darien, Georgia, in McIntosh County, and was established 
on April 3, 1930, to provide protection and habitat for migratory 
birds. The barrier island refuge consists of Wolf Island and two 
smaller islands, Egg and Little Egg. More than 75 percent of the 
refuge's 5,126 acres are composed of saltwater marsh.
    Wolf Island Refuge was designated a National wilderness Area in 
1975. In addition to providing protection for migratory birds, it also 
is a refuge for such threatened and endangered species as the 
loggerhead sea turtle and the piping plover. Due to its status as a 
Wilderness Area, no public use facilities are planned for the refuge. 
Although the refuge's saltwaters are open to a variety of recreational 
activities, such as fishing and crabbing, its beach, marsh, and upland 
areas are closed to the public.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Griess; Telephone: 912/652-4030, 
Extension 101; Fax: 912/652-4385; e-mail: [email protected]; or mail 
(write to Project Leader at address in ADDRESSES section).

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

    Dated: September 21, 2006.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 06-8953 Filed 10-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 310-55-M