[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 77 (Monday, April 23, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20133-20134]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7635]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
(CCP) for Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Jet, OK

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that 
the Final CCP is available for Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge 
(Refuge). This 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 Service intends to manage the Refuge over the next 15 
years.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the CCP are available on compact disk or in hard 
copy, and can be obtained by writing: Chris Perez, Natural Resource 
Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Route 2, Box 202A, Alamo, 
Texas 78516. The CCP may also be available for viewing or downloaded 
online at: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/plan/index.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon M. Brock, Refuge Manager, Salt 
Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, P.O. Box 76, Jet, Oklahoma 
73749: telephone: 580-626-4794; or Chris Perez (See ADDRESSES), 
telephone: 956-784-7553; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is 
located on the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River at the Great Salt Plains 
Lake in north-central Oklahoma. This 32,028 acre refuge is roughly 
equal parts of upland, open water, and salt flats at the

[[Page 20134]]

confluence of several streams and rivers making it one of the most 
important migratory bird stopover, wintering, and nesting habitats in 
the Central Great Plains region. Three federally listed species use the 
Refuge on a seasonal basis. Federally endangered whooping cranes use 
the Refuge as a key migratory stopover and feeding area and the Refuge 
is designated critical habitat for the crane (43 FR 20938, May 15, 
1978). Least terns nest in large numbers every year on the salt flats 
and threatened bald eagles winter on the Refuge. It was originally 
established on March 26, 1930 by Executive Order No. 5314 ``* * * as a 
refuge and breeding grounds for birds.''
    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 of developing CCPs 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 
science, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In 
addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife 
and their habitats, the CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational 
opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for 
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation. These CCPs will be reviewed 
and updated 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.
    The availability of the Draft CCP and Environmental Assessment (EA) 
for a 60-day public review and comment period was announced in the 
Federal Register on November 21, 2005 (70 FR 70089). The Draft CCP/EA 
identified and evaluated three alternatives for managing the Refuge for 
the next 15 years. Alternative A, the No Action Alternative, would have 
continued current management of the Refuge. Alterative B, the Preferred 
Alternative, emphasized an updated and integrated approach to 
protecting, maintaining, and restoring native habitats for migratory 
birds, waterfowl, federally listed species, and resident wildlife. The 
public use program would be improved by providing increased 
opportunities for public uses, environmental education, and 
interpretation. This alternative also called for expanding partnership 
opportunities to help accomplish the vision and goals of the Refuge. 
Alternative C proposed to provide a greater emphasis on expanding 
public uses such as all types of hunting, hiking, and necessary 
facilities such as additional roads and trails for optimal access. 
Based on this assessment and comments received, the Preferred 
Alternative (Alternative B) was selected for implementation. This 
alternative was selected because it best meets the purposes and goals 
of the Refuge, as well as the goals of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System. Management of the Refuge for the next 15 years will focus on 
encouraging ecological integrity, restoring habitats such as native 
prairie, controlling invasive plant species, protecting federally 
listed species such as the whooping crane, least tern, and bald eagle, 
and enhancing habitat for grassland birds, waterfowl, and other 
resident wildlife. Opportunities for wildlife-dependent activities such 
as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental 
education, and interpretation will be enhanced. Partnerships with 
county, State, and Federal agencies, private landowners, and 
conservation groups will also enable the refuge to achieve its goals 
and objectives, minimize costs, and bridge relationships with other 
stakeholder.

    Dated: August 3, 2006.
Larry G. Bell,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, 
New Mexico.

     This document was received at the Office of the Federal 
Register on April 18, 2007.
[FR Doc. E7-7635 Filed 4-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P