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Notice of Decision and Availability of the Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties, WI

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[Federal Register: August 8, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 154)]
[Notices]
[Page 46324-46325]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08au08-82]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R3-R-2008-N0186; 30136-1265-0000-S3]

Notice of Decision and Availability of the Record of Decision for
the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Buffalo and
Trempealeau Counties, WI

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of decision and availability of the record of decision.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the decision and
availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in
Wisconsin. A thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and
economic considerations was completed and presented in the Final CCP/
EIS. The Final CCP/EIS was released to the public and a Notice of
Availability was published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008,
(73 FR 20329). The ROD documents the selection of Alternative C, the
Preferred Alternative in the Final CCP/EIS, as the CCP for Trempealeau
National Wildlife Refuge. The ROD was signed by the Regional Director,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Region, on June 17, 2008.

ADDRESSES: The ROD and Final CCP/EIS may be viewed at Trempealeau
National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. You may obtain a copy of the ROD
at the planning website http://www.fws.gov/midwest/planning/Trempealeau
or by writing to the following address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Division of Conservation Planning, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal
Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vickie Hirschboeck, (608) 539-2311
extension 12.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge CCP
will provide management guidance for conservation of Refuge resources
and public use activities during the next 15 years. Three alternatives
and their consequences were described in detail in the Draft and Final
Environmental Impact Statement. Under all alternatives threatened and
endangered species will be protected; cultural resources will be
protected; the Refuge's Fire Management Plan will guide prescribed

[[Page 46325]]

fire and wildfire suppression; mosquito control will only be allowed in
cases of a documented human health emergency; appropriate control of
fish and wildlife disease will be undertaken if warranted, feasible,
and effective; an emergency response plan and training will be
developed to address possible contaminant spills; regulations regarding
harvesting of fruit, nuts, and other plant parts will be clarified;
neighboring landowners will be contacted frequently to discuss issues
of concern; an easement and rights-of-way management plan will be
developed; and general public use regulations will be annually reviewed
and updated.
    Alternative A. No Action. Present management practices would
continue under this Alternative. The No Action alternative is a status
quo alternative where current conditions and trends continue. The
alternative served as the baseline to compare and contrast with the
other alternatives.
    Alternative B. Wildlife and Habitat Focus. Under this alternative
there would be minimal disturbance to wildlife from public use and
increased level of effort on fish and wildlife habitat management.
Habitat management would be a high priority. Invasive species control
in the forested habitats would allow restoration of prairie and oak
savanna. Prescribed fire and mowing would be used to manage 11 prairie
units totaling 585 acres. Pine plantations would be eliminated.
Additional dikes and water control structures would be placed within
existing impoundments. The deer hunt and furbearer management would
continue as in the past. Public use opportunities would be reduced.
Environmental education programs would be limited to those that explain
Refuge regulations. No waterfowl hunting would be allowed. To reduce
disturbance to migrating birds, all pools would be closed to water
craft during fall migration (from September 15 through November 15).
The Refuge would maintain its present entrance road, which is open to
all traffic except for an average of 6 weeks each year when the road is
flooded. The Refuge office would remain as is, but the 70-year-old shop
would be replaced. The staff would include the addition of a permanent
full-time biologist and a private lands biologist and a seasonal
biological technician and tractor operator.
    Alternative C. Integrated Public Use and Wildlife and Habitat Focus
(Preferred Alternative). The Service has selected Alternative C, the
Preferred Alternative, as the CCP for the Refuge. Implementation of the
CCP will occur over the next 15 years and will depend on future
staffing levels and funding.
    Under this alternative the focus will be on returning upland areas
to pre-European settlement habitats, increasing flexibility in wetland
management within impoundments, and increasing public use
opportunities. Prairie and oak savanna restoration will be a high
priority. Increased efforts to control invasive species will be made
using biological, mechanical, and chemical methods. Prescribed fire and
mowing will be used to manage 11 prairie units totaling 435 acres. Half
of the trees in the pine plantations will be removed through selective
thinning. Additional dikes and water control structures will be placed
within existing impoundments. The deer hunt and furbearer management
will continue as in the past. Public use opportunities will be
expanded. Environmental education programs will be promoted at local
schools and to community groups and the general public. Waterfowl
hunting opportunities will be expanded by opening the area west of the
Canadian National Railroad dike to a limited hunt. Ski trails will be
maintained when conditions permit. Options to alleviate flooding of the
entrance road to provide year-round access to the Refuge will be
explored. Use of volunteers will be expanded in all programs. A
Trempealeau NWR Friends Group will be started. A multi-purpose Room
will be added to the office/visitor contact station to accommodate
larger groups and provide a place for orientation. The staff will
include the addition of three seasonal positions, including a
biological technician, a tractor operator, and a park ranger. Law
enforcement duties will be covered by a new position shared with the
Winona District. A private lands biologist will also be shared with the
Winona District.

Basis for the Decision

    Alternative C is the most environmentally preferable alternative.
Chapter 1 of the Final EIS identified three broad needs: (1) Contribute
to the Refuge System mission; (2) fulfill the purposes of the Refuge;
and (3) achieve Refuge goals. Alternative C meets these needs through
the most balanced and integrated approach compared to the other
alternatives. The rationale for choosing the selected alternative as
the best alternative for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan is based
on the impact of this alternative on the issues and concerns that
surfaced during the planning process. The environmental impacts of the
alternatives were analyzed as to how they will impact: (1) Landscape;
(2) wildlife and habitat; (3) public use; (4) neighboring landowners
and community; and (5) administration and operations. Alternative C has
long-term benefits to the natural and human environment. Alternative C
will increase water quality and more effectively control invasive
plants. This alternative will ensure abundant opportunity for all
current recreational uses (e.g., hunting, fishing, observation and
photography, interpretation and environmental education). It will have
a positive economic impact and will increase the capacity of the Refuge
to meet its purposes and mission of the Refuge System. Alternative C is
also expected to lead to improved communication and problem solving
with neighboring land owners.

    Dated: July 22, 2008.
Charles M. Wooley,
Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. E8-18296 Filed 8-7-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

 
 

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