[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 1121]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-379]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Intent to Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan

SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and environmental documents 
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing 
regulations, for Blackwater, Susquehanna, and Martin National Wildlife 
Refuges: Caroline, Hartford, Dorchester, Wicomoco, and Somerset 
Counties, Maryland; Sussex County, Delaware; and Accomack County, 
Virginia. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with 
Service CCO policy:
    (1) To advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and
    (2) To obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to 
include in the environmental documents.
DATES: Written comments should be received on or before February 9, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: Address comments and requests for more information to the 
following: Refuge Manager, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 2145 
Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, Maryland 21613-9536 (410) 228-2692.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    By Federal law, all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge 
System are to be managed in accordance with an approved CCP. The CCP 
guides management decisions and identifies refuge goals; long-range 
objectives, and strategies for achieving refuge purposes. The planning 
process will consider many elements, including habitat and wildlife 
management, habitat protection and acquisition, public use, and 
cultural resources. Public input into this planning process is 
essential, The CCP will provide other agencies and the public with a 
clear understanding of the desired conditions for the Refuges and how 
the Service will implement management strategies.
    The Service will solicit information from the public via open 
houses, meetings, and written comments. Special mailings, newspaper 
articles, and announcements will inform people in the general area near 
each refuge of the time and place of such opportunities for public 
input to the CCP.
    Review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), NEPA Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), 
other appropriate Federal laws and regulations, including the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Executive Order 12996, 
and Service policies and procedures for compliance with those 
regulations.
    We estimate that the draft environmental documents will be 
available in late August, 1998.

    Dated: December 24, 1997.
Ronald E. Lamberston,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, 
Massachusetts.
[FR Doc. 98-379 Filed 1-7-98; 8:45 am]
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