[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 1, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 35939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17460]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Intent To Issue 2 Draft Comprehensive Conservation 
Plans and Associated Environmental Assessments for 2 National Wildlife 
Refuges in the Southwest Region

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 prepared draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans 
(CCP) and associated Environmental Assessments for the Bitter Lake 
National Wildlife Refuge, Roswell, New Mexico, and San Andres National 
Wildlife Refuge, Las Cruces, New Mexico pursuant to the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and its implementing regulations.

DATES: The Service will be open to written comments through July 30, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: Copies may be obtained by writing to: Mr. Tom Baca, Natural 
Resource Planner, Division of Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306. Comments should be submitted 
to: Lou Bridges, Project Coordinator, Research Management Consultants, 
Inc., 1746 Cole Blvd., Bldg. 21, Suite 300, Golden, CO 80401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: It is Service policy to have all lands 
within the National Wildlife Refuge System 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 has considered many elements, 
including habitat and wildlife management, habitat protection and 
acquisition, public and recreational uses, and cultural resources. 
Public input into this planning process has assisted in the development 
of the draft documents. 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 intends to consider comments and advice generated in 
response to the draft documents prior to the preparation of a final 
CCP. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with Service 
CCP policy: (1) To advise other agencies and the public of the 
availability of the draft documents, and (2) to obtain suggestions and 
advice for consideration in preparation of final documents.
    The Service anticipates that final CCP documents and any associated 
NEPA documents will be available by September 15, 1998.

    Dated: June 26, 1998.
Renne Lohefner,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 98-17460 Filed 6-30-98; 8:45 am]
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