[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 138 (Thursday, July 17, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41106-41107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-16352]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R6-R-2008-N0059; 60138-1265-6CCP-S3]


Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Laramie Plains 
National Wildlife Refuges, Wyoming

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce that 
our Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Plan) and finding of no 
significant impact (FONSI) for the Laramie Plains National Wildlife 
Refuges is available. The Laramie Plains National Wildlife Refuges 
include Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Hutton Lake NWR, and 
Mortenson Lake NWR. This Final CCP/EA describes how the Service intends 
to manage these Refuges for the next 15 years.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the Plan may be obtained by writing to U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Planning, P.O. Box 25486, 
Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225; or by download from 
http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Toni Griffin, 303-236-4378 (phone); 
303-236-4792 (fax); or [email protected] (e-mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Laramie Plains National Wildlife Refuges 
include Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Hutton Lake NWR, and 
Mortenson Lake NWR and are managed by Service staff headquartered at 
the Arapaho NWR near Walden, Colorado. All three Refuges are located 
within 15 miles of the town of Laramie, Wyoming.
    The town of Laramie, Wyoming, is positioned in a high plains basin 
ecosystem known as the Laramie Plains Basin. Shallow depressions of the 
Basin, within the relatively flat topography of the region, support 
wetland complexes that are unique to the area. These wetland complexes 
provide resting, nesting, and breeding areas for migratory birds in the 
semi-arid environment.
    Bamforth NWR was established on January 29, 1932, by Executive 
Order 9321. Consisting of 1,166 acres, the Refuge is located 
approximately 6 miles northwest of Laramie, Wyoming. The purpose of the 
Refuge is to provide ``a refuge and breeding ground for birds and wild 
animals.'' The Refuge is closed to public use.
    Hutton Lake NWR was established on January 28, 1932, by Executive 
Order 5782. Consisting of 1,928 acres, the Refuge is located 
approximately 10 miles southwest of Laramie, Wyoming. The purpose of 
the Refuge is to provide ``a refuge and breeding ground for birds and 
wild animals.'' Current public use opportunities at the Refuge include 
wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, 
and interpretation.
    Mortenson Lake NWR was established in 1993 under the Endangered 
Species Act, to protect the Wyoming toad's last known population. The 
Wyoming toad was listed as an endangered species in 1984. The 
population at Mortenson Lake was found in 1987. The purpose of the 
Refuge is ``to conserve fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered 
or threatened species.'' The Refuge is closed to public use to prevent 
potential adverse impacts to the Wyoming toad.
    The draft Plan and environmental assessment (EA) was made available 
to the public for review and comment following the announcement in the 
Federal Register on August 1, 2007 (72 FR 42103-42104). The draft Plan 
and

[[Page 41107]]

EA identified and evaluated three alternatives for managing the Refuges 
for the next 15 years. Under Alternative A, the No Action alternative, 
the Service would manage habitats, wildlife, programs, and facilities 
at current levels as time, staff, and funds allow. Refuge habitats 
would continue to be managed on a minimal basis and opportunistic 
schedule that may maintain, or most likely would result in decline in, 
the diversity of vegetation and water quality and quantity in the 
wetlands. The Service would not develop any new management, 
restoration, or education programs at the Refuges.
    Alternative B, the Proposed Action, would increase management 
activities on the Refuges. Upland habitats would be evaluated and 
managed for the benefit of migratory bird species. Monitoring and 
management of invasive species on the Refuges would be increased. With 
additional staffing, the Service would collect in-depth baseline data 
for wildlife and habitats. Efforts would be increased in the operations 
and maintenance of natural resources on the Refuges and to maintain and 
develop partnerships that promote wildlife and habitat research and 
management. An emphasis on adaptive management, including monitoring 
the effects of habitat management practices and use of the research 
results to direct ongoing management, would be a priority.
    Under alternative C, Refuge staff would rely on partnerships to 
achieve Refuge goals and objectives. Refuge management activities would 
be increased and enhanced through the use of partnerships. Refuge staff 
would strive to accomplish Refuge work through partnerships with 
others. An emphasis on adaptive management, including monitoring the 
effects of habitat management practices and use of the research results 
to direct ongoing management, would be a priority.
    The Service is furnishing this Notice to advise other agencies and 
the public of the availability of the Final Plan, to provide 
information on the desired conditions for the Refuges, and to detail 
how the Service will implement management strategies. Based on the 
review and evaluation of the information contained in the EA, the 
Regional Director has determined that implementation of the Final Plan 
does not constitute a major Federal action that would significantly 
affect the quality of the human environment within the meaning of 
Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act. Therefore, 
an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared.

    Dated: February 29, 2008.
Gary Mowad,
Acting Regional Director.

    Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the 
Federal Register on July 14, 2008.
 [FR Doc. E8-16352 Filed 7-16-08; 8:45 am]
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