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San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties, CA

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.



[Federal Register: August 16, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 158)]
[Notices]
[Page 46097]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16au07-111]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, Stanislaus and San
Joaquin Counties, CA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability: final comprehensive conservation plan
and finding of no significant impact.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that
the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) Final
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) are available for distribution. The CCP, prepared
pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of
1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, describes how the Service will manage the Refuge for the next 15
years.

DATES: The CCP and FONSI are available now. The FONSI was signed
September 29, 2006. Implementation of the CCP may begin immediately.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the CCP and FONSI may be obtained by writing to
the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 2176, 947-C
West Pacheco Boulevard, Los Banos, California 93635. Copies of the CCP
and FONSI may also be obtained by writing to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Attn: Mark Pelz, CA/NV Refuge Planning Office, 2800 Cottage
Way, W-1832, Sacramento, CA 95825. The CCP and FONSI is also be
available for viewing and downloading online at http://www.fws.gov/cno/refuges/planning.html.

    Printed copies of the CCP and FONSI are also available at the
following libraries:

Stanislaus County Library, 1500 I Street, Modesto, California, 95354;
Manteca City Library, 320 Center Road, Manteca, California, 95336; and
Merced County Library, 2100 O Street, Merced, California 95340.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Forrest, Project Leader, San Luis
National Wildlife Refuge Complex, P.O. Box 2176, 947-C West Pacheco
Boulevard, Los Banos, California 93635 or Mark Pelz, Chief, Refuge
Planning, CA/NV Refuge Planning Office, 2800 Cottage Way, W-1832,
Sacramento, CA 95825, phone (916) 414-6504.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Refuge was established in 1987 primarily to protect and manage
wintering habitat for Aleutian Canada geese, a federally listed
endangered species. Since that time, the Refuge's focus has expanded to
include protecting other sensitive species and restoring natural
habitats and ecological processes. This Refuge and its management have
been important factors in the recovery of the Aleutian Canada goose and
its removal in 2001 from the Threatened and Endangered Species List.
The Refuge is located just west of Modesto, California.
    The Draft CCP and Environmental Assessment (EA) were available for
a 30-day public review and comment period, which was announced via
several methods including press releases; updates to constituents; and
in the Federal Register (71 FR 120, June 22, 2006). The Draft CCP/EA
identified and evaluated four alternatives for managing the Refuge for
the next 15 years. Alternative A was the no-action alternative which
described current Refuge management activities. Alternative B placed
greater emphasis on wetland restoration and management and would expand
visitor services for all priority public uses, including fishing and
hunting. Alternative C focused on restoration and management of
riparian habitats and providing non-consumptive wildlife-dependant
recreation opportunities. Alternative D, (the selected alternative)
includes a balance of wetland and riparian restoration and management
and expands opportunities for all priority public uses, including
fishing and hunting.
    The Service received seven comment letters on the Draft CCP and EA
during the review period. The comments received were incorporated into
the CCP, when possible, and are responded to in an appendix to the CCP.
In the FONSI, Alternative D was selected for implementation and is the
basis for the CCP. The FONSI documents the decision of the Service and
is based on the information and analysis contained in the EA.
    Under the selected alternative, the Service will manage the east
unit of the Refuge primarily for Aleutian Canada geese and other
migratory birds. In addition, the Service will restore both wetland and
riparian habitats in proportions similar to their perceived occurrence
before the land was used for agricultural purposes. Under the selected
alternative, 1,457 wetland acres and 3,224 acres of riparian habitat
will be restored or enhanced. Fishing and hunting will be permitted on
the Refuge subject to State and Federal laws. Off-Refuge environmental
education opportunities will include school and community
presentations. Cultural resources on the Refuge will be assessed and
preserved according to regulatory requirements.
    The selected alternative best meets the Refuge's purposes, vision
and goals; contributes to the Refuge System mission; addresses the
significant issues and relevant mandates; and is consistent with
principles of sound fish and wildlife management.

    Dated: August 7, 2007.
Ken McDermond,
Acting Manager, California/Nevada Operations, Sacramento, California.
 [FR Doc. E7-16107 Filed 8-15-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

 
 

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