[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31655-31656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11803]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

 [FWS-R3-R-2016-N073; FXRS1261030000-167-FF03R02000]


Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County, Minnesota; 
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; 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 (CCP) and 
environmental assessment (EA) for the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife 
Refuge (refuge, NWR) for public review and comment. In this draft CCP/
EA we describe how we propose to manage the refuge for the next 15 
years.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments 
by June 20, 2016. We will hold an open house-style meeting during the 
comment period to receive comments and provide information on the draft 
plan. In addition, we will use special mailings, newspaper articles, 
internet postings, and other media announcements to inform people of 
opportunities for input.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any 
of the following methods:
     Email: [email protected]. Include ``Glacial Ridge Draft 
CCP/EA'' in the subject line of the message.
     Fax: Attention: Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR, 218-
687-2225.
     U.S. Mail: Attention: Refuge Manager, Glacial Ridge NWR, 
17788 349th St. SE., Erskine, MN 56535.
     In-Person Drop Off: You may drop off comments during 
regular business hours at the above addresses.
    You will find the draft CCP/EA, as well as information about the 
planning process and a summary of the CCP, on the planning Web site at 
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/glacialridge/index.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregg Knutsen, 218-687-2229 x16.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we continue the CCP process for Glacial Ridge 
National Wildlife Refuge, which we began by publishing a notice of 
intent in the Federal Register (78 FR 3909) on January 17, 2013. For 
more about the initial process and the history of this refuge, see that 
notice.

Background

    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) (Administration Act), requires us 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 (NWRS), 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, CCPs identify 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 the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance with 
the Administration Act.
    Each unit of the NWRS was established for specific purposes. We use 
these purposes as the foundation for developing and prioritizing the 
management goals and objectives for each refuge within the NWRS 
mission, and to determine how the public can use each refuge. The 
planning process is a way for us and the public to evaluate management 
goals and objectives that will ensure the best possible approach to 
wildlife, plant, and habitat conservation, while providing for 
wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with 
each refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of the NWRS.

Additional Information

    The draft CCP/EA may be found at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/glacialridge/index.html. That document incorporates an EA, 
prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) (43 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The draft CCP/EA includes detailed 
information about the planning process, refuge, issues, and management 
alternatives considered and proposed. The EA includes

[[Page 31656]]

discussions of three alternative refuge management options. The 
Service's preferred alternative is reflected in the draft CCP.
    The alternatives analyzed in detail include:
     Alternative A: Current Management (No Action)--This 
alternative reflects the current management direction of Glacial Ridge 
NWR. It provides the baseline against which to compare other 
alternatives. For NEPA purposes, this is referred to as the ``No 
Action'' alternative.
     Alternative B: Focused Habitat Management (Preferred 
Alternative)--Under this alternative, refuge management actions would 
approximate ecological processes that maintained native habitats prior 
to European settlement, emphasizing the use of multiple habitat 
disturbance regimes (e.g., fire, grazing, mowing). These actions would 
maintain and increase the diversity of native vegetation and wildlife 
communities that mimic pre-settlement conditions. Management activities 
would be ``focused'' via a refuge prioritization effort to maximize the 
intended impacts on priority units, given reduced refuge staff and 
funding. Public use opportunities would continue with minimal changes. 
Staff time and funding would focus on improving opportunities for self-
guided interpretation of refuge habitats and wildlife using existing 
infrastructure.
     Alternative C: Woody Vegetation Reduction Focus--The focus 
of this alternative would be the reduction of invasive woody vegetation 
cover (e.g., willow, aspen) across the refuge landscape during the 
lifespan of this CCP. The extent of woody cover is increasing due to a 
lack of regular vegetative disturbance and other factors. Management 
actions would focus on refuge units exhibiting woody vegetation cover 
that exceeds the amount found prior to European settlement. Public use 
opportunities would continue with minimal change. Staff time and 
funding would focus on improving opportunities for self-guided 
interpretation of refuge habitats and wildlife using existing 
infrastructure.

Public Involvement

    We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at a public 
meeting. You can obtain the schedule from the address or Web site 
listed in this notice (see ADDRESSES). You may also submit comments 
anytime during the comment period.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email 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.

Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 2016-11803 Filed 5-18-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P