[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 118 (Monday, June 22, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29511-29514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-14567]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-R-2009-N0094; 40136-1265-0000-S3]


Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Bibb and Twiggs Counties, GA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: draft comprehensive conservation plan 
and environmental assessment; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and 
environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Bond Swamp National 
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for public review and comment. In this Draft CCP/
EA, we describe the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge 
for the 15 years following approval of the final CCP.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by July 22, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Send comments, questions, and requests for information to: 
Ms. Carolyn Johnson, Assistant Refuge Manager, Piedmont and Bond Swamp 
NWRs, 718 Juliette Road, Hillsboro, GA 31038. The Draft CCP/EA is 
available on compact disk or in hard copy. The Draft CCP/EA may also be 
accessed and downloaded from the Service's Internet Site: http://southeast.fws.gov/planning.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carolyn Johnson; telephone: 478/
986-5441; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 29512]]

Introduction

    With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Bond Swamp NWR. 
We started the process through a notice in the Federal Register on May 
16, 2007 (72 FR 27586).

Background

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Improvement Act), which amended the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, requires us to 
develop a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose for 
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 our 
policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on 
conserving wildlife and their habitats, CCPs identify wildlife-
dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including 
opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will 
review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Improvement Act.
    Bond Swamp NWR was established on October 16, 1989 to protect, 
maintain, and enhance the ecosystem of the Ocmulgee River floodplain. 
The refuge did not open for public use until 1999. The original land 
was purchased through cooperative efforts of the Service and The Nature 
Conservancy. Currently, Bond Swamp NWR consists of approximately 7,348 
acres. We own 6,276 acres in fee title, and we manage an additional 
1,072 acres through an agreement with the State of Georgia. Within this 
agreement, we also manage Brown's Mount, a historic/cultural site that 
encompasses 165 acres of upland forest. An expansion proposal in 1999 
established the present acquisition boundary, extending from the 
current refuge boundaries to the north, west, and especially south. The 
approved acquisition area includes portions of Bibb and Twiggs 
Counties, Georgia, and encompasses approximately 18,000 acres of 
bottomland and adjacent upland habitats along the Ocmulgee River, 
representative of those already managed.
    Significant issues addressed in the Draft CCP/EA include: wildlife 
management, habitat management, feral hog removal, land acquisition, 
public access, hunting, staffing, and funding.

CCP Alternatives, Including Our Proposed Alternative

    We developed three alternatives for managing the refuge and chose 
Alternative C as the proposed alternative. A full description of each 
alternative is in the Draft CCP/EA. We summarize each alternative 
below.

Alternative A--No Action Alternative

    Bond Swamp NWR would continue to be managed as it is at present--
there would be no change to refuge management. We would continue to 
provide a minimum of 4,000 acres of winter flooded bottomland forest 
habitat for wintering waterfowl. There would be no active effort to 
inventory wintering waterfowl populations. Wood ducks would not be 
banded. Wetlands would not be managed for waterfowl habitat 
enhancement. There would be no management of forest-dependent 
landbirds. Active colonial nesting waterbird rookeries would continue 
to be protected from human disturbance. No active management of 
amphibians and reptiles would occur. Neither black bear nor bat surveys 
would be conducted. With regard to managing species of concern, we 
would continue to provide a buffer zone around the existing bald eagle 
nest on Stone Creek. To control invasive animals, there would be 
limited feral hog hunting, with a harvest of 50-200 hogs per year.
    There would be no active forest management. We would continue to 
implement the current Fire Management Plan that calls for suppression 
as the only appropriate management response. There would be no active 
management of open water or wetlands. Invasive plant species would not 
be actively controlled. No active management of roadsides and rights-
of-way would occur.
    We would continue to comply with Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act, but there would be no additional active 
cultural resources management. Cooperation with the Muscogee Creek 
Nation in management and protection of Traditional Cultural Properties 
would continue.
    Under Alternative A, we would continue to share law enforcement 
officers with Piedmont NWR, with approximately 700 hours annually 
dedicated to Bond Swamp NWR for patrols, trespass and cultural 
resources enforcement, and hunting/fishing compliance checks. With 
regard to managing environmental contamination, we would continue to 
cooperate with State and Federal authorities in periodic surveys of 
water quality and contaminant levels in water, sediments, and fish 
tissues. With regard to hydrologic function, input to the Ecological 
Services Office in Athens, Georgia, on Section 404 permit applications 
would continue to be provided. We would also continue to pursue 
opportunities for land acquisition as they occur within the approved 
acquisition boundary, but at a low rate.
    Under Alternative A, we would continue to serve the public with a 
Hunt Plan and Law Enforcement Plan, but without a Visitor Services 
Plan. We would continue to operate with current levels of contact 
facilities and information, such as signage, parking lots, kiosks, and 
trails. Existing vehicular access would be maintained via State and 
county roads on the east side of the refuge; there would be no public 
access on the west side of the refuge. Public access by boat would 
continue to be limited.
    The priority public recreational uses of the National Wildlife 
Refuge System (e.g., hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
photography, and environmental education and interpretation) would 
continue at Bond Swamp NWR under Alternative A. A non-quota, 23-day 
archery deer and hog hunt, and a 36-day hog-only firearm hunt would 
continue to be provided every fall. Limited bank fishing on the east 
side of the refuge would continue from March 15-October 15. Wildlife 
observation and photography along the Beaver Swamp and Longleaf Pine 
Trails would be allowed. Brown's Mount would remain closed to all 
public access. Very limited environmental education and interpretation 
would continue on- and off-refuge. We would continue to provide news 
releases about refuge events and phenomena as appropriate.
    The refuge operations specialist position assigned to Bond Swamp 
NWR, based out of Piedmont NWR, would be abolished. We would continue 
to partner with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the 
Georgia Forestry Commission, and the Muscogee Creek Nation on refuge 
and cultural management questions. No volunteers would be used. Bond 
Swamp NWR would continue to be administered from Piedmont NWR. Limited 
facilities would be maintained and maintenance would be conducted, 
using Piedmont NWR's equipment.

Alternative B--Custodian Management

    The focus of Alternative B would be custodial management in which 
we would cease all active management of upland and wetland habitats at 
Bond Swamp NWR, employing ``passive

[[Page 29513]]

management'' instead. Management of fish and wildlife populations would 
be identical to Alternative A. We would continue to provide a minimum 
of 4,000 acres of winter flooded bottomland forest habitat for 
wintering waterfowl. There would be no active effort to inventory or 
census wintering waterfowl populations. Wood ducks would not be banded. 
Wetlands would not be managed for waterfowl habitat enhancement. There 
would be no management of forest-dependent landbirds. Active colonial 
nesting waterbird rookeries would continue to be protected from human 
disturbance. No active management of amphibians and reptiles would 
occur. Neither black bear nor bat surveys would be conducted. With 
regard to managing species of concern, we would continue to provide a 
buffer zone around the existing bald eagle nest on Stone Creek. With 
regard to controlling invasive animals, there would be continued 
limited feral hog hunting with a harvest of 50-200 hogs per year.
    Habitat management would be identical as under Alternative A. There 
would be no active forest management. We would continue implementing 
the current Fire Management Plan, which calls for suppression as the 
only appropriate management response. There would be no active 
management of open water or wetlands. Invasive plant species would not 
be actively controlled. No active management of clearings and rights-
of-way would occur.
    As under Alternative A, we would continue to comply with Section 
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, but there would be no 
additional active cultural resources management. Cooperation with the 
Muscogee Creek Nation in management and protection of Traditional 
Cultural Properties would continue.
    Alternative B would reduce the hours of the law enforcement officer 
from Alternative A, and focus would be on trespass and cultural 
resources enforcement. Managing environmental contamination would be 
identical to Alternative A; we would continue to cooperate with State 
and Federal authorities in periodic surveys of water quality and 
contaminant levels in water, sediments, and fish tissues. With regard 
to hydrologic function, we would continue to provide input to 
Ecological Services, but at a reduced level. There would be no 
additional land acquisition over the life of the CCP.
    We would continue to operate with only a Law Enforcement Plan and a 
Hunt Plan, but no Visitor Services Plan. The refuge would continue to 
be open to the public, with no maintained facilities. With regard to 
access, foot travel would be invited but no trails, trailheads, or 
roads would be maintained.
    The priority public recreational uses of the National Wildlife 
Refuge System would continue in a limited way or be eliminated 
altogether at Bond Swamp NWR under Alternative B. Hunting would be the 
same as in Alternative A--non-quota, 23-day archery deer and hog hunts, 
and a 36-day hog-only firearm hunt would continue to be provided every 
fall--or administration of hunts would be offered to the Georgia 
Department of Natural Resources. Fishing would be the same as under 
Alternative A--limited bank fishing on the east side of the refuge 
would continue from March 15-October 15. Trails would cease to be 
maintained, but visitors could still view and photograph wildlife 
opportunistically throughout the refuge. Environmental/cultural 
education and interpretive programs would be eliminated, and there 
would be no outreach.
    With regard to staffing, there would be no dedicated full-time 
positions for Bond Swamp NWR. As under Alternative A, we would continue 
to partner with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the 
Georgia Forestry Commission, and the Muscogee Creek Nation on refuge 
and cultural management questions. No volunteers would be used. Bond 
Swamp NWR would continue to be administered from Piedmont NWR.

Alternative C--Enhanced Biological/Visitor Service (Proposed 
Alternative)

    Alternative C would emphasize enhanced biological programs and 
visitor services. Alternative C would increase our contribution to the 
Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACJV) of the North American Waterfowl 
Management Plan by adding 1,000 acres of winter flooded bottomland 
forest habitat through acquisition for management of wintering 
waterfowl. The mid-winter waterfowl survey would be reinstated in 
cooperation with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Fifty 
wood ducks would be annually banded between July 1 and September 20. 
Within 5 years of CCP approval, sites within the ACJV focus areas 
conducive to waterfowl habitat enhancement and feasible types of 
manipulation would be identified. For the duration of the CCP, within 
the context of forest planning, priority landbirds (e.g., species of 
concern from Partners in Flight) would be considered when implementing 
silvicultural treatments. Colonial nesting waterbirds would be managed 
the same as under Alternative A--active rookeries would continue to be 
protected from human disturbance. In addition, rookery sites would be 
incorporated in forest management planning to protect active nesting 
areas during forestry operations. Rookeries would be actively improved 
by providing platforms and/or natural structures.
    Within 10 years of CCP approval, baseline surveys of reptiles and 
amphibians would be conducted, using a variety of techniques. Alligator 
surveys would be conducted in conjunction with the State. Within 5 
years of CCP approval, we would cooperate with the Georgia Department 
of Natural Resources to conduct annual surveys of black bears on the 
refuge, contributing to our knowledge of central Georgia bear 
population. Within 5 years of CCP approval, the diversity and relative 
occurrence of bats would be documented through use of proper inventory 
and survey methods. Within 5 years of CCP approval, and on a regular 
basis subsequently, periodic targeted surveys for listed species of 
plants and animals would be conducted in cooperation with partners. We 
would implement a feral hog management plan within 1 year of CCP 
approval, resulting in increased hog harvest.
    Within 10 years of CCP approval, the desired future conditions for 
habitats of Bond Swamp NWR would be defined and a Forest Management 
Plan would be developed. This would include appropriate forest 
inventory and silvicultural treatments deemed necessary for attaining 
desired future conditions and improving forest habitats for migratory 
birds, threatened and endangered species, and other trust resources. A 
new Fire Management Plan would be developed within 10 years of CCP 
approval that may allow for prescribed fire for habitat improvement.
    Within 10 years of CCP approval, we would inventory and identify 
potential sites for establishment of greentree reservoirs to benefit 
wintering waterfowl in open water/wetland areas. Within 5 years of CCP 
approval, an Integrated Pest Management Plan would be prepared that 
would identify, inventory, prioritize, and suggest appropriate control 
methods. We would collaborate with the Georgia Power Company to 
maintain open habitats within rights-of-way to benefit butterflies and 
certain bird species (e.g., indigo buntings and blue grosbeaks). 
Opening the forest canopy beside some road segments in the refuge road 
system to increase understory structure would be considered.

[[Page 29514]]

    As under Alternative A, we would continue to comply with Section 
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, but there would be no 
additional active cultural resources management. Cooperation with the 
Muscogee Creek Nation in management and protection of Traditional 
Cultural Properties would continue. Additionally, within 10 years of 
CCP approval, a Phase I cultural resources survey of the refuge would 
be implemented, and within 15 years of CCP approval, the refuge would 
develop and begin to implement an Integrated Cultural Resources 
Management Plan.
    A law enforcement officer would be added for Bond Swamp NWR, 
working 2,080 hours per year in boundary work, public safety, and 
cultural resources identification and protection. This would be in 
addition to the same tasks as identified under Alternative A--patrols, 
trespass and cultural resources enforcement, and hunting/fishing 
compliance checks.
    For the duration of the CCP, we would cooperate with State and 
local government agencies and non-governmental organizations to 
characterize status of refuge waters and fish species with regard to 
environmental contamination issues, such as presence and levels of 
toxins. Fish consumption advisories would be posted as appropriate. 
With regard to hydrologic function, as under Alternative A, input to 
the Service's Ecological Services Office in Athens, Georgia, on Section 
404 permit applications would continue to be provided. Additionally, 
communication with the Ecological Services Office would be improved to 
provide more effective input and to safeguard the refuge's interests. 
Partnerships and funding would be pursued to obtain a North American 
Wetland Conservation Act grant through the ACJV to increase land 
acquisition within the refuge boundary.
    Within 3 years of CCP approval, a Visitor Services Plan would be 
prepared and implemented to provide overall management guidance for 
public use on the refuge. We would work with State and county partners 
to improve directional signage, kiosks, and parking lots. Within the 
15-year life of the CCP, access on the east side would be improved by 
working with the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Federal 
Highway Administration to install turning lanes at entrances, improve 
Stone Creek Road, and provide boat and canoe/kayak access to Stone 
Creek. Vehicular access on the west side of the refuge would be opened 
by locating a right-of-way. We also would work with the Georgia 
Department of Natural Resources to locate a boat ramp along the 
Ocmulgee River.
    The priority public recreational uses of the National Wildlife 
Refuge System would continue at Bond Swamp NWR under Alternative C. 
Within 5 years of settlement of a lawsuit against the Service, which is 
now being litigated, we would maintain or expand existing hunts and add 
small game, wild turkey, and waterfowl hunts. The west side of the 
refuge would be opened to hunting, once access is provided.
    Within 3-5 years of CCP approval, fishing opportunities would be 
improved through increased access on the east and west sides of the 
refuge. At primary parking and boat launch areas, health advisories 
related to consuming fish would be posted. We would work with the 
Georgia Department of Natural Resources to consider methods for 
controlling flathead catfish.
    Within 10 years of CCP approval, a canoe trail on Stone Creek would 
be developed, the viewshed at the Brown's Mount overlook would be 
improved, and a boardwalk along Stone Creek would be developed.
    In cooperation with partners, an educational program would be 
developed and implemented that would provide an understanding and 
appreciation of the refuge's ecology and historic and present human 
influence on the region's ecosystems. A full-time park ranger would be 
added to manage the program. We would identify potential outreach 
events and decide which could provide the greatest return on 
investment, limiting participation to those events only. As time 
allows, programs would be presented to local groups (e.g., civic, 
library, garden clubs, and schools).
    The refuge operations specialist and park ranger would be 
reinstated; a law enforcement officer, a forestry technician, and an 
engineering equipment operator would be added. In addition to 
partnerships with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the 
Georgia Forestry Commission, and the Muscogee Creek Nation, as under 
Alternative A, we would actively participate with local partnerships in 
resource conservation and land planning, such as Ocmulgee Heritage 
Greenway, and cooperate with non-governmental organizations and other 
organizations. Within 15 years of CCP approval, we would plan and 
construct an office and maintenance yard east of State Route 23. 
Equipment, such as a tractor, backhoe, 5 trucks, a johnboat with motor, 
1 four-wheeler, and trailer, would be acquired.

Next Step

    After the comment period ends, we will analyze the comments and 
address them.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

Authority

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

    Dated: May 17,2009.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. E9-14567 Filed 6-19-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P