[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 3, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 143]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22466]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
and Environmental Assessment for Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge 
in Stewart County, Tennessee.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to 
prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment 
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 in 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 February 20, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Address comments, questions, and requests for more 
information to Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, 643 Wildlife 
Drive, Dover, Tennessee 37058; Telephone: 931/232-7477.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Open house style meeting(s) will be held 
throughout the scoping phase of the comprehensive conservation plan 
development process. Special mailings, newspaper articles, and other 
media announcements will be used to inform the public and state and 
local government agencies of the opportunities for input throughout the 
planning process. All comments received become part of the official 
public record. Requests for such comments will be handled in accordance 
with the Freedom of Information Act.
    Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1962 as 
mitigation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Barkley Project. 
Refuge objectives are to: Provide habitat for migratory birds, 
especially waterfowl; provide habitat and protection for threatened and 
endangered species (e.g., bald eagles, gray bats, Indiana bats, and 
least terns); provide wildlife-dependent recreation for the public; and 
provide environmental education for students, faculty, and the private 
sector.
    The 8,862-acre refuge occupies 12.5 river miles of the middle 
transition portion of the Cumberland River (Lake Barkley Reservoir) 
between Cheatham Dam in Tennessee and Barkley Dam in Kentucky.

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

    Dated: October 25, 2006.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
 [FR Doc. E6-22466 Filed 12-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P