[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 106 (Monday, June 4, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30818-30819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10676]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Mingo, Pilot Knob, and 
Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) Wayne, Stoddard, Iron, 
Lawrence, and Newton Counties, MO

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

[[Page 30819]]


ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Final 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) is available for Mingo, Pilot 
Knob, and Ozark Cavefish NWRs, Missouri.
    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.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final CCP 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, Bishop Henry Whipple 
Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111 or 
you may access and download a copy via the planning Web site at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/mingo.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Burchett, (573) 222-3589.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Established in 1944 under authority of the 
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the 21,592-acre Mingo NWR serves as a 
resting and wintering area for migratory waterfowl. A shallow basin, 
the Refuge lies in an abandoned channel of the Mississippi River 
bordered on the west by the Ozark Plateau and on the east by Crowley's 
Ridge. The Refuge contains approximately 15,000 acres of bottomland 
hardwood forest, 5,000 acres of marsh and water, 1,100 acres of 
cropland and moist soil units, and nearly 500 acres of grassy openings. 
During fall and spring migration, the Refuge wetlands support thousands 
of waterfowl.
    The 90-acre Pilot Knob NWR was established in 1987. It is located 
atop Pilot Knob Mountain and contains abandoned iron mine shafts 
excavated in the mid-1800s that have since become critical habitat for 
the Federally endangered Indiana bat.
    Ozark Cavefish NWR was established in 1991. The 41.8-acre Refuge is 
located in southwest Missouri and includes the outlet of an underground 
stream that contains a population of the Federally endangered Ozark 
cavefish.
    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 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).
    Management of the refuges for the next 15 years will focus on: (1) 
Improving the long-term sustainability of the bottomland forest; (2) 
increasing opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation and a number 
of other recreational activities; and (3) strengthening and expanding 
partnerships with government agencies, organizations, and communities.

    Dated: August 11, 2006.
Robyn Thorson,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Snelling, 
Minnesota.
 [FR Doc. E7-10676 Filed 6-1-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P