[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 13422] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-7125] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Intent to Prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Associated Environmental Documents for the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare two Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCP) and environmental documents pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. One CCP will be prepared for Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The second CCP will be prepared for Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, including Ninigret, Block Island, Pettaquamscut Cove, Sachuest Point, and Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.): (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: Inquire at the addresses below for dates of planning activity and due dates for comments regarding specific projects. ADDRESSES: Address comments, questions and requests for more information to the following: Refuge Manager, Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 1811, Parkersburg, WV 26101-1811, (304) 422-0752. Refuge Manager, Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, P.O. Box 307, Charlestown, RI 02813-0307, (401) 364-9124). 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 public input via open houses, public input via open houses, public meetings, workshops, and written comments. Special mailings, newspaper articles, and announcements will inform people of the time and place of such opportunities for public input to the CCP. The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge is scattered along approximately 400 river miles from western Pennsylvania, on the borders of northwestern West Virginia and northern Kentucky, and southeastern and southern Ohio. Established in 1990, the Refuge currently consists of 19 islands. Comments and ideas for the protection of threatened and endangered species and migratory birds and the protection and management of their habitats will be solicited as part of the planning process. Comments on the protection of shallow water embayments and wetlands along the river will also be solicited. The Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex currently consists of 1534 acres of coastal habitats--barrier beach, salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, grasslands, and shrublands. The complex is comprised of five National Wildlife Refuges: Ninigret (408 acres), Block Island (68 acres), Pettaquamscut Cove (174 acres), Sachuest Point (242 acres), and Trustom Pond (642 acres). Comments and ideas for the protection of threatened and endangered species and migratory birds and the protection and management of their habitats will be solicited as part of the planning process. Review of these projects 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 parts 1500- 1508), other appropriate Federal laws and regulations, and Service policies and procedures for compliance with those regulations. Dated: March 9, 1998. Ronald E. Lambertson, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, Massachusetts. [FR Doc. 98-7125 Filed 3-18-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-M