[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 94 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26813-26814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-12024]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of the Comprehensive Management Plan, the 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Associated Environmental 
Assessment (EA) for Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) has made available for public review the 
Comprehensive Management Plan, a Finding of No Significant Impact 
(FONSI), and associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for Cypress Creek 
National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The Refuge is located in Illinois 
near the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in Alexander, 
Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union Counties.

DATES: Written comments should be received by June 16, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to: Regional Director, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, 
1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056; Attention: Mike 
Marxen, RE-AP. Copies of the Comprehensive Management Plan, FONSI, and 
EA are available during normal business hours at the Cypress Creek 
National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, Route 1, Box 53D, Ullin, 
Illinois 62992.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elizabeth O. Jones, Acting Refuge Manager at 618-634-2231.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service proposes to implement the 
Comprehensive Management Plan for Cypress Creek National Wildlife 
Refuge. The purpose of the Plan is (1) To provide a clear vision and 
statement of the refuge in 15 years, (2) ensure that management 
reflects the policies and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System 
(3) ensure that management is consistent with federal, state, county, 
and partner plans, and (4) provide Refuge staff with guidance and 
priorities for budget requests and for consistent

[[Page 26814]]

development, operation, and management over the next 15 years.
    The alternatives considered in the EA are:
    1. No Action This alternative reflects the status quo, allowing 
current conditions and trends of management, public use, and land use 
to continue. No substantial increases in funds or staff would be 
required. Public use opportunities, facilities, and access would remain 
the same at minimal development.
    2. Implement the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge 
Comprehensive Management Plan This alternative would establish an 
overall management direction. The Refuge is envisioned as a major 
contributing member in a coalition of partners actively working 
together to protect and restore a 60,000 acre complex of diverse 
habitat types for people to enjoy.
    The Service's preferred alternative is the second alternative.
    The FONSI is based on the following findings:
    1. The Refuge will add economic diversity and stability to the 
local area as visitor use increases.
    2. Acquisition of lands has been and will continue to be from 
willing sellers only.
    3. Annual Revenue sharing payments are made to the counties to help 
off-set potential impacts to the tax base.
    4. Cultural resource surveys are planned based on the CMP.
    5. This action will not have an adverse impact on threatened and 
endangered species.
    6. Drainage networks and floodplains will not be affected.
    The Comprehensive Management Plan, FONSI, and EA will be available 
to the public on May 15, 1997. The deadline for public comments is June 
16, 1997. During this 30-day period the FONSI will not be final, nor 
will the Service implement the selected alternative. A final decision 
will be made on whether to carry out the alternative selected at the 
conclusion of the 30-day period.

    Dated: May 1, 1997.
Stephen D. Wilds,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 97-12024 Filed 5-14-97; 8:45 am]
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