2019-2020 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

Federal RegisterJun 26, 2019

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Parts 26, 32, 36, and 71

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2019-0040; FXRS12610900000-190-FF09R20000]

RIN 1018-BD79

2019-2020 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to open seven National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) that are currently closed to hunting and sport fishing. In addition, we propose to expand hunting and sport fishing at 67 other NWRs, and add pertinent station-specific regulations for other NWRs that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2019-2020 season. We also propose to formally open 15 units of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHs) to hunting and sport fishing. We also propose to add pertinent station-specific regulations that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing at these 15 NFHs for the 2019-2020 season. This proposed rule includes global administrative updates to every NWR entry in our refuge-specific regulations and the reorganization of general public use regulations. We propose to remove approximately 2,100 regulations that will have no impact on the administration of hunting and sport fishing within the National Wildlife Refuge System. We also propose to simplify over 2,900 refuge-specific regulations to comply with a Presidential mandate to adhere to plain language standards and to reduce the regulatory burden on the public. Lastly, we propose to amend certain provisions of the regulations specific to Alaska NWRs. The proposed amendments include the removal of the regulations concerning same-day airborne hunting.

DATES:

We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before August 12, 2019.

Information Collection Requirements:

If you wish to comment on the information collection requirements in this proposed rule, please note that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is required to make a decision concerning the collection of information contained in this proposed rule between 30 and 60 days after publication of this proposed rule in the

Federal Register

. Therefore, comments should be submitted to OMB by July 26, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by one of the following methods:

•

Electronically:

Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal:

http://www.regulations.gov.

In the Search box, type in FWS-HQ-NWRS-2019-0040, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, click on the Search button. On the resulting screen, find the correct document and submit a comment by clicking on “Comment Now!”

•

By hard copy:

Submit by U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2019-0040; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: JAO/1N; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

We will not accept email or faxes. We will post all comments on

http://www.regulations.gov.

This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see Request for Comments, below, for more information). For information on specific refuges' or hatcheries' public use programs and the conditions that apply to them or for copies of compatibility determinations for any refuge(s), contact individual programs at the addresses/phone numbers given in Available Information for Specific Refuges under

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Information collection requirements:

Send your comments on the requested revision of the information collection request (ICR) to the Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior at OMB-OIRA at 202-395-5806 (fax) or

oira_submission@omb.eop.gov

(email). Please provide a copy of your comments to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, Madonna Baucum, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: JAO/1N, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); (703) 358-2503 (telephone); or

Info_Coll@fws.gov

(email). Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-0140 in the subject line of your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Katherine Harrigan, (703) 358-2440.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 closes NWRs in all States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that the use is compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge System mission. The action also must be in accordance with provisions of all laws applicable to the areas, developed in coordination with the appropriate State fish and wildlife agency(ies), consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, and otherwise in the public interest. These requirements ensure that we maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

We annually review hunting and sport fishing programs to determine whether to include additional stations or whether individual station regulations governing existing programs need modifications. Changing environmental conditions, State and Federal regulations, and other factors affecting fish and wildlife populations and habitat may warrant modifications to station-specific regulations to ensure the continued compatibility of hunting and sport fishing programs and to ensure that these programs will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of station purposes or the Services mission.

Provisions governing hunting and sport fishing on refuges are in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations in part 32 (50 CFR part 32), on hatcheries in part 71 (50 CFR part 71). We regulate hunting and sport fishing to:

• Ensure compatibility with refuge and hatchery purpose(s);

• Properly manage fish and wildlife resource(s);

• Protect other values;

• Ensure visitor safety; and

• Provide opportunities for fish- and wildlife-dependent recreation.

On many stations where we decide to allow hunting and sport fishing, our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State hunting and sport fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these objectives. On other stations, we must supplement State regulations with more-restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management responsibilities, as outlined in the Statutory Authority section, below. We issue station-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations when we open wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. These regulations may list the wildlife species that you may hunt or fish, seasons, bag or creel (container for carrying fish) limits, methods of hunting or sport fishing, descriptions of areas open to hunting or sport fishing, and other

provisions as appropriate. You may find previously issued station-specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32.

Statutory Authority

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (Administration Act; 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 [Improvement Act]) govern the administration and public use of refuges and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) (Recreation Act) govern the administration and public use of refuges and hatcheries.

Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act were built upon the Administration Act in a manner that provides an “organic act” for the Refuge System, similar to organic acts that exist for other public Federal lands. The Improvement Act serves to ensure that we effectively manage the Refuge System as a national network of lands, waters, and interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife resources. The Administration Act states first and foremost that we focus our Refuge System mission on conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. The Improvement Act requires the Secretary, before allowing a new use of a refuge, or before expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use of a refuge, to determine that the use is compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was established and the mission of the Refuge System. The Improvement Act established as the policy of the United States that wildlife-dependent recreation, when compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate public use of the Refuge System, through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife. The Improvement Act established six wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the Refuge System. These uses are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation.

The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas within the Refuge System and Hatchery System for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary use only to the extent that doing so is practicable and not inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which Congress and the Service established the areas. The Recreation Act requires that any recreational use of refuge or hatchery lands be compatible with the primary purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and not inconsistent with other previously authorized operations.

The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts and regulate uses.

We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop station-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge or hatchery and the Refuge and Hatchery System mission. We ensure initial compliance with the Administration Act and the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired land through an interim determination of compatibility made at or near the time of acquisition. These regulations ensure that we make the determinations required by these acts prior to adding refuges to the lists of areas open to hunting and sport fishing in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71. We ensure continued compliance by the development of comprehensive conservation plans and step-down management plans, and by annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.

Proposed Amendments to Existing Regulations

Updates to Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on NWRs and NFHs

This document proposes to codify in the Code of Federal Regulations all of the Service's hunting and/or sport fishing regulations that we would update since the last time we published a rule amending these regulations (83 FR 45758; September 10, 2018) and that are applicable at Refuge System and Hatchery System units previously opened to hunting and/or sport fishing. We propose this to better inform the general public of the regulations at each station, to increase understanding and compliance with these regulations, and to make enforcement of these regulations more efficient. In addition to now finding these regulations in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, visitors to our refuges and hatcheries may find them reiterated in literature distributed by each station or posted on signs.

Table 1—Proposed Changes for 2019-2020 Hunting/Sport Fishing Season

Station

State

Migratory bird

hunting

Upland game

hunting

Big game

hunting

Sport fishing

Bandon Marsh

Oregon

Already Open

Closed

Bill Williams River

Arizona

Already Open

Already Open.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually

Washington

Closed

Already Open.

Bitter Lake

New Mexico

Already Open

Closed.

Bond Swamp

Georgia

Already Open

Already Open.

Bosque del Apache

New Mexico

Already Open.

Boyer Chute

Nebraska

Closed

C/E

Already Open.

Buenos Aires

Arizona

Already Open

Closed.

Cedar Point

Ohio

Closed

Already Open

Cherry Valley

Pennsylvania

Already Open

Cibola

Arizona

Already Open.

Clarks River

Kentucky

Already Open

Already Open.

Colusa

California

Already Open

Closed

Closed.

Crab Orchard

Illinois

C/E

Already Open.

Craig Brook NFH

Maine

Closed

Crane Meadows

Minnesota

Closed.

Cross Creeks

Tennessee

Already Open

Already Open.

Currituck

North Carolina

Closed

Closed.

Cypress Creek

Illinois

C/D

Already Open.

Deep Fork

Oklahoma

Already Open

Already Open.

Delevan

California

Already Open

Closed

Closed.

Desoto

Iowa and Nebraska

Closed

Already Open

Already Open.

Dexter NFH

New Mexico

Closed

Closed.

Edenton NFH

North Carolina

Closed

Entiat NFH

Washington

Closed

Grand Bay

Mississippi and Alabama

Already Open

Closed.

Great Bay

New Hampshire

Already Open

Closed

C/E

Closed.

Great River

Illinois and Missouri

Already Open

Already Open.

Green Bay

Wisconsin

Closed

Hackmatack

Illinois and Wisconsin

Already Open

Hagerman

Texas

Already Open.

Harrison Lake NFH

Virginia

Closed

Havasu

Arizona

Already Open

Already Open.

Hotchkiss NFH

Colorado

Closed

Hutton Lake

Wyoming

Closed

Closed.

Imperial

Arizona

Already Open

Already Open.

Inks Dam NFH

Texas

Closed

Iron River NFH

Wisconsin

Closed.

Key Cave

Alabama

Closed.

Kirwin

Kansas

Already Open

Already Open.

Kofa

Arizona

Closed

Already Open

Closed.

Laguna Atascosa

Texas

Closed

Already Open.

Las Vegas

New Mexico

Closed

Closed.

Leadville NFH

Colorado

Leavenworth NFH

Washington

Closed

Little River

Oklahoma

Already Open

Already Open.

Little White Salmon NFH

Washington

Closed

Lower Rio Grande Valley

Texas

Already Open

Closed

Closed.

Marin Islands

California

Closed

Mashpee

Massachusetts

Closed.

Mattamuskeet

North Carolina

Already Open

Closed

Already Open.

McKay Creek

Oregon

Already Open.

Medicine Lake

Montana

Already Open

Middle Mississippi River

Illinois and Missouri

Already Open

Minidoka

Idaho

Already Open

Monomoy

Massachusetts

Closed

Already Open.

Neal Smith

Iowa

Closed.

Nestucca Bay

Oregon

Already Open

Closed

Northern Tallgrass Prairie

Iowa and Minnesota

Okefenokee

Georgia

Closed

Already Open

Already Open.

Orangeburg NFH

South Carolina

Closed

Ottawa

Ohio

Already Open

Ozark Plateau

Oklahoma

Closed

Closed.

Parker River

Massachusetts

D/E

Already Open.

Patoka River

Indiana

Patuxent

Maryland

Already Open

Already Open.

Piedmont

Georgia

Closed

Already Open.

Sacramento

California

Already Open

Closed

Closed.

Salt Plains

Oklahoma

C/D

C/E

Already Open.

San Bernardino

Arizona

Already Open

Closed

Closed.

Sand Lake

South Dakota

Already Open

Already Open.

San Juan Islands

Washington

Closed

San Pablo Bay

California

Already Open

Closed

Already Open.

Seedskadee

Wyoming

Already Open

Already Open.

Sequoyah

Oklahoma

Already Open

Already Open.

Silvio O. Conte

Massachusetts and Connecticut

Spring Creek NFH

Washington

Closed

St. Marks

Florida

Already Open

Already Open.

Stone Lakes

California

Already Open

Closed

Sutter

California

Already Open

Closed

Closed.

Tamarac

Minnesota

Already Open

Already Open.

Tishomingo

Oklahoma

Closed

Already Open.

Tishomingo NFH

Oklahoma

Closed

Trinity River

Texas

Already Open.

Valentine

Nebraska

Already Open

Already Open.

Valley City NFH (6)

North Dakota

Closed

Washita

Oklahoma

C/D

Already Open

Already Open.

Wichita Mountains

Oklahoma

Already Open.

Whittlesey Creek

Wisconsin

Already Open

Closed

Already Open

Key:

* Number in ( ) refers to the Region as explained in the preamble to this proposed rule for additional information regarding refuge specific regulations.

A = New station opened (Opening).

B = New activity on a station previously open to other activities (Opening).

C = Station already open to activity but added new species to hunt (Opening).

D = Station already open to activity, but added new lands/waters or modified areas open to hunting or fishing (Expansion).

E = Station already open to activity, but existing opportunity expanded through season dates, method of take, bag limits, quota permits, youth hunt, etc. (Expansion).

F = Activity is being closed on the station.

The changes for the 2019-2020 hunting/fishing season noted in the chart above are each based on a complete administrative record which, among other detailed documentation, also includes a hunt plan, a compatibility determination (for refuges), and the appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321

et seq.

) analysis, all of which were the subject of a public review and comment process. These documents are available upon request.

Through these openings and expansions, we are proposing to open or expand an additional 1,451,131 acres to hunting and sport fishing within the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Fish Hatchery System. These proposed actions are the only changes to the administration of hunting and sport fishing opportunities on Service lands and waters.

Other Updates to the Regulations for NWRs

In this rulemaking, we propose to standardize and clarify the language of existing regulations.

We propose to update the existing nonstandard codification system of 50 CFR part 32, as well as 50 CFR 26.34, to the standard Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) paragraph designation system. Therefore, in addition to setting forth all of §§ 26.34 and 32.7 to bring them into conformity with the CFR's standard codification system, we also set forth every entry for our refuge-specific regulations in 50 CFR part 32 in this proposed rule for reformatting.

Further, as part of a national effort to assess hunting and sport fishing on Service lands and waters, we reviewed over 7,200 station-specific regulations to, in part, identify unnecessary redundancy in existing Federal regulations that apply to all stations and relevant State hunting and fishing regulations. As a result of that review, we propose to remove approximately 2,100 regulations that will have no impact on the administration of hunting and sport fishing within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

We also propose to simplify over 2,900 refuge-specific regulations to comply with a Presidential mandate to adhere to plain language standards and to reduce the regulatory burden on the public. In this proposed rule, the editorial revisions to use plain language in regulations that we propose do not modify the substance of the previous regulations. These types of changes include using “you” to refer to the reader and “we” to refer to the Refuge System, using the word “allow” instead of “permit” when we do not require the use of a permit for an activity, using consistent language to present requirements concerning hunters' ages for youth hunt opportunities, and using active voice (

e.g.,

“We restrict entry into the refuge” vs. “Entry into the refuge is restricted”). Some of these proposed changes also include adding clarifying language or Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved form numbers for permits to comply with Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and information collection requirements.

Another result of our review of our station-specific regulations is the identification of general public use regulations, for activities like camping and boating, in 50 CFR part 32 that would be better placed elsewhere in our regulations. Therefore, we propose to move those general public use regulations not exclusively pertaining to hunting and sport fishing activities from 50 CFR part 32 to 50 CFR 26.34. This reorganization does not establish any new regulations, nor does it make any changes to the enforcement of public use or hunting and sport fishing on Service lands.

In 50 CFR 26.34, we propose to remove the provisions concerning the issuance of medical access waiver permits for Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. We propose this change because, as the current regulations state, we have not issued any such waivers for more than 30 years, and we will not issue any in the future. Therefore, these provisions are obsolete and should be removed from the regulations.

Lastly, we propose changes to 50 CFR part 36, the regulations concerning Alaska NWRs. Specifically, we propose to remove the same-day airborne hunting prohibition set forth at 50 CFR 36.32(c)(1)(iv). This prohibition duplicates a State of Alaska law and regulation (Title 16 of the Alaska Statutes (AS) at chapter 5, section 783 (AS 16.05.783), and Title 5 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) at chapter 92, section 85 (5 AAC 92.085)). Further, the State of Alaska's animal control programs may only be conducted on Alaska NWRs in accordance with a Federal special use permit issued by the Refuge Manager (50 CFR 36.32(e)). We would also make editorial changes to these regulations for clarity and consistency.

Fish Advisory

For health reasons, anglers should review and follow State-issued consumption advisories before enjoying recreational sport fishing opportunities on Service-managed waters. You can find information about current fish-consumption advisories on the internet at:

http://www.epa.gov/fish-tech.

Request for Comments

General Information

You may submit comments and materials on this proposed rule by any one of the methods listed in

ADDRESSES

. We will not accept comments sent by email or fax or to an address not listed in

ADDRESSES

. We will not consider hand-delivered comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not postmarked, by the date specified in

DATES

We will post your entire comment on

http://www.regulations.gov.

Before including personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that we may make your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy comments on

http://www.regulations.gov.

Length of the Public Comment Period

Department of the Interior policy is, whenever practicable, to afford the public a meaningful opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. We open refuges and hatcheries through a series of stages, with the fundamental work being performed on the ground at the station and in the community where the program is administered. In these stages, we give the public other opportunities to comment, for example, on comprehensive conservation plans and compatibility determinations. The second stage is this document, when we

publish the proposed rule in the

Federal Register

for additional comment.

There is nothing contained in this proposed rule outside the scope of the annual review process where we determine whether individual stations need modifications, deletions, or additions made to them. We make every attempt to collect all of the proposals from the station nationwide and process them expeditiously to maximize the time available for public review. A 45-day comment period, through the broader publication following the earlier public involvement, gives the public sufficient time to comment and allows us to establish hunting and fishing programs in time for the upcoming seasons. Many of these rules would also relieve restrictions and allow the public to participate in recreational activities on a number of stations. In addition, in order to continue to provide for previously authorized hunting opportunities while at the same time providing for adequate resource protection, we must be timely in providing modifications to certain hunting programs on some stations.

We considered providing a 60-day, rather than a 45-day, comment period. However, we determined that an additional 15-day delay in processing these refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations would hinder the effective planning and administration of our hunting and sport fishing programs. Such a delay would jeopardize enacting amendments to hunting and sport fishing programs in time for implementation this year and/or early next year, or shorten the duration of these programs.

Even after issuance of a final rule, we accept comments, suggestions, and concerns for consideration for any appropriate subsequent rulemaking.

When finalized, we will incorporate these regulations into 50 CFR parts 26, 32, 36, and 71. Part 26 contains general regulations that apply to all National Wildlife Refuges and refuge-specific public use regulations. Part 32 contains general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing on refuges. Part 36 contains regulations that apply to Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. Part 71 contains general provisions and hatchery-specific regulations for hunting and sport fishing on hatcheries.

Required Determinations

Clarity of This Proposed Rule

Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, require us to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must:

(a) Be logically organized;

(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;

(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and

(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.

If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us comments by one of the methods listed in

ADDRESSES

. To better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rulemaking is not significant.

Executive Order (E.O.) 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.

Executive Order 13771—Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs

This proposed rule is not an Executive Order (E.O.) 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 3, 2017) regulatory action because this proposed rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 U.S.C. 601

et seq.

), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (

i.e.,

small businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, for a regulatory flexibility analysis to be required, impacts must exceed a threshold for “significant impact” and a threshold for a “substantial number of small entities.” See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

This rule proposes to open 7 NWRs and 15 NFHs to sport fishing and hunting and expand hunting or fishing activities on 67 additional NWRs. As a result, visitor use for wildlife-dependent recreation on these stations will change. If the stations establishing new programs were a pure addition to the current supply of those activities, it would mean an estimated increase of 18,258 user days (one person per day participating in a recreational opportunity; see Table 2). Because the participation trend is flat in these activities since 1991, this increase in supply will most likely be offset by other sites losing participants. Therefore, this is likely to be a substitute site for the activity and not necessarily an increase in participation rates for the activity.

Table 2—Estimated Change in Recreation Opportunities in 2019-2020

[Dollars in thousands]

Station

Additional

hunting days

Additional

fishing days

Additional

expenditures

Bandon Marsh

100

$4.4

Bill Williams River

0.6

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually

311

12.8

Bitter Lake

333

13.7

Bond Swamp

1.0

Bosque del Apache

360

14.9

Boyer Chute

327

13.5

Buenos Aires

1.9

Cedar Point

1.3

Cherry Valley

365

16.0

Cibola

400

16.5

Clarks River

2.5

Colusa

476

19.6

Crab Orchard

1,099

45.4

Craig Brook NFH

365

16.0

Crane Meadows

304

12.5

Cross Creeks

0.5

Currituck

Cypress Creek

378

15.6

Deep Fork

450

18.6

Delevan

715

29.5

Desoto

3.5

Dexter NFH

Edenton NFH

300

13.2

Entiat NFH

Grand Bay

1.0

Great Bay

2.6

Great River

320

13.2

Green Bay

752

33.2

Hackmatack

2.2

Hagerman

5,400

222.9

Harrison Lake NFH

365

16.0

Havasu

205

8.5

Hotchkiss NFH

300

13.2

Hutton Lake

3.9

Imperial

1.2

Inks Dam NFH

Iron River NFH

1,145

47.3

Key Cave

150

6.2

Kirwin

172

7.1

Kofa

1.4

Laguna Atascosa

Las Vegas

2.7

Leadville NFH

Leavenworth NFH

Little River

658

27.2

Little White Salmon NFH

Lower Rio Grande Valley

Marin Islands

1,825

80.2

Mashpee

225

9.3

Mattamuskeet

<0.1

McKay Creek

3.5

Medicine Lake

10,350

429.8

Middle Mississippi River

2.5

Minidoka

120

900

44.5

Monomoy

165

6.8

Neal Smith

200

8.3

Nestucca Bay

100

4.4

Northern Tallgrass Prairie

124

7.3

Okefenokee

182

7.5

Orangeburg NFH

300

13.2

Ottawa

365

16.0

Ozark Plateau

522

21.5

Parker River

3.8

Patoka River

150

8.4

Patuxent

Piedmont

0.4

Sacramento

783

32.3

Salt Plains

300

12.4

San Bernardino

0.2

San Juan Islands

San Pablo Bay

200

8.3

Sand Lake

2.0

Seedskadee

2.5

Sequoyah

100

4.1

Silvio O. Conte

Spring Creek NFH

St. Marks

Stone Lakes

1,825

80.2

Sutter

378

15.6

Tamarac

200

8.3

Tishomingo

500

20.6

Tishomingo NFH

Trinity River

3.8

Valentine

3.6

Valley City NFH

300

13.2

Washita

4,000

165.1

Whittlesey Creek

2.2

Wichita Mountains

1,000

41.3

Total

14,508

3,750

763.5

To the extent visitors spend time and money in the area of the station that they would not have spent there anyway, they contribute new income to the regional economy and benefit local businesses. Due to the unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the national estimates from the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food and lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the average expenditures for these categories with the maximum expected additional participation of the Refuge System and the Hatchery System yields approximately $763,500 in recreation-related expenditures (see Table 2, above). By having ripple effects throughout the economy, these direct expenditures are only part of the economic impact of these recreational activities. Using a national impact multiplier for hunting activities (2.27) derived from the report “Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation” and for fishing activities (2.40) derived from the report “Sportfishing in America” yields a total economic impact of approximately $1.8 million (2018 dollars) (Southwick Associates, Inc., 2012). Using a local impact multiplier would yield more accurate and smaller results. However, we employed the national impact multiplier due to the difficulty in developing local multipliers for each specific region.

Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occurs within 100 miles of a participant's residence, then it is unlikely that most of this spending would be “new” money coming into a local economy; therefore, this spending would be offset with a decrease in some other sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies would be no more than $1.8 million, and most likely considerably less. Since 80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns would not add new money into the local economy and, therefore, the real impact would be on the order of about $351,000 annually.

Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels, gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait-and-tackle shops, and similar businesses) may be affected by some increased or decreased station visitation. A large percentage of these retail trade establishments in the local communities around NWRs and NFHs qualify as small businesses (see Table 3, below). We expect that the incremental recreational changes would be scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule would have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities in any region or nationally. As noted previously, we expect approximately $763,500 to be spent in total in the refuges' local economies. The maximum increase would be less than three-tenths of 1 percent for local retail trade spending (see Table 3, below).

Table 3—Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Station Visitation for 2019-2020

[Thousands, 2018 dollars]

Station/county(ies)

Retail trade

in 2012

Estimated

maximum

addition from

new activities

Addition as

% of total

Establishments

in 2012

Establishments

with fewer

than 10

employees

in 2012

Bandon Marsh:

Coos, OR

$815,690

$4.4

<0.01

261

106

Bill Williams River:

La Paz, AZ

476,807

0.3

<0.01

Mohave, AZ

2,966,929

0.3

<0.01

594

245

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually:

Pierce, WA

11,062,118

6.4

<0.01

2,144

1,481

Thurston, WA

3,642,910

6.4

<0.01

769

516

Bitter Lake:

Chaves, NM

978,967

13.7

<0.01

233

153

Bond Swamp:

Bibb, GA

2,840,899

0.5

<0.01

803

580

Twiggs, GA

30,550

0.5

<0.01

Bosque del Apache:

Socorro, NM

131,026

14.9

0.01

Boyer Chute:

Washington, NE

817,449

13.5

<0.01

Cedar Point:

Lucas, OH

6,538,026

1.3

<0.01

1,452

965

Cherry Valley:

Monroe, PA

2,340,937

8.0

<0.01

633

424

Northampton, PA

3,967,299

8.0

<0.01

879

603

Cibola:

La Paz, AZ

476,807

8.3

<0.01

Imperial, CA

1,833,974

8.3

<0.01

448

297

Clarks River:

Graves, KY

441,526

1.2

<0.01

125

Marshall, KY

429,097

1.2

<0.01

103

McCracken, KY

1,792,028

1.2

<0.01

415

256

Colusa:

Colusa, CA

139,868

19.6

0.01

Crab Orchard:

Jackson, IL

1,102,806

15.1

<0.01

227

143

Union, IL

182,761

15.1

0.01

Williamson, IL

1,220,878

15.1

<0.01

274

185

Cross Creeks:

Stewart, TN

94,752

0.5

<0.01

Cypress Creek:

Alexander, IL

26,475

3.9

0.01

Johnson, IL

96,890

3.9

<0.01

Pulaski, IL

38,240

3.9

0.01

Union, IL

182,761

3.9

<0.01

Deep Fork:

Okmulgee, OK

372,982

18.6

<0.01

126

Delevan:

Colusa, CA

139,868

29.5

0.02

Desoto:

Harrison, IA

215,702

1.2

<0.01

Pottawatamie, IA

1,922,235

1.2

<0.01

311

194

Washington, NE

817,449

1.2

<0.01

Edenton NFH:

Chowan, NC

130,344

13.2

0.01

Grand Bay:

Mobile, AL

5,580,676

0.5

<0.01

1,465

1,005

Jackson, MS

1,334,845

0.5

<0.01

425

326

Great Bay:

Rockingham, NH

7,398,381

2.6

<0.01

1,596

1,106

Great River:

Pike, IL

208,851

4.4

<0.01

Clark, MO

110,758

4.4

<0.01

Shelby, MO

64,462

4.4

0.01

Green Bay:

Door, WI

452,931

33.2

0.01

260

225

Hackmatack:

McHenry, IL

4,007,709

1.1

<0.01

940

629

Walworth, WI

1,350,117

1.1

<0.01

359

264

Hagerman:

Montague, TX

210,612

222.9

0.11

Harrison Lake NFH:

Charles City, VA

16,075

16.0

0.10

Havasu:

Mohave, AZ

2,966,929

4.2

<0.01

594

394

San Bernardino, CA

26,664,942

4.2

<0.01

4,769

3,123

Hotchkiss NFH:

Delta, CO

338,829

13.2

<0.01

117

Hutton Lake:

Albany, WY

524,488

3.9

<0.01

141

103

Imperial:

Imperial, CA

1,833,974

0.6

<0.01

448

297

La Paz, AZ

476,807

0.6

<0.01

Iron River NFH:

Bayfield, WI

92,470

47.3

0.05

Key Cave:

Lauderdale, AL

1,302,366

6.2

<0.01

420

302

Kirwin:

Phillips, KS

56,297

7.1

0.01

Kofa:

La Paz, AZ

476,807

0.7

<0.01

Yuma, AZ

2,182,997

0.7

<0.01

452

302

Las Vegas:

San Miguel, NM

241,627

2.7

<0.01

Little River:

McCurtain, OK

301,003

27.2

0.01

101

Marin Islands:

Marin, CA

5,564,228

80.2

<0.01

1,050

762

Mashpee:

Barnstable, MA

4,218,338

9.3

<0.01

1,507

1,160

Mattamuskeet:

Hyde, NC

33,265

<0.1

<0.01

McKay Creek:

Umatilla, OR

877,978

3.5

<0.01

224

155

Medicine Lake:

Roosevelt, MT

174,121

214.9

0.12

Sheridan, MT

66,779

214.9

0.32

Middle Mississippi River:

Monroe, IL

1,816,999

0.8

<0.01

Randolph, IL

408,338

0.8

<0.01

102

Jefferson, MO

2,135,540

0.8

<0.01

482

324

Minidoka:

Blaine, ID

326,573

11.1

<0.01

185

153

Cassia, ID

354,240

11.1

<0.01

117

Minidoka, ID

172,744

11.1

0.01

Power, ID

32,404

11.1

0.03

Monomoy:

Barnstable, MA

4,218,338

6.8

<0.01

1,507

1,160

Neal Smith:

Jasper, IA

388,658

8.3

<0.01

108

Nestucca Bay:

Tillamook, OR

272,191

4.4

<0.01

115

Northern Tallgrass Prairie:

Dickinson, IA

320,317

0.5

<0.01

111

Jasper, IA

388,658

0.5

<0.01

108

Kossuth, IA

269,945

0.5

<0.01

O'Brien, IA

223,641

0.5

<0.01

100

Clay, MN

727,392

0.5

<0.01

169

Kandiyohi, MN

728,828

0.5

<0.01

225

154

Kittson, MN

140,472

0.5

<0.01

Lincoln, MN

73,219

0.5

<0.01

Murray, MN

51,137

0.5

<0.01

Norman, MN

51,396

0.5

<0.01

Otter Tail, MN

849,239

0.5

<0.01

261

201

Pope, MN

151,479

0.5

<0.01

Rock, MN

113,737

0.5

<0.01

Stevens, MN

229,738

0.5

<0.01

Okefenokee:

Clinch, GA

48,875

2.5

0.01

Charlton, GA

64,316

2.5

<0.01

Ware, GA

686,193

2.5

<0.01

206

147

Orangeburg NFH:

Orangeburg, SC

1,111,896

13.2

<0.01

376

267

Ottawa:

Lucas, OH

6,538,026

8.0

<0.01

1,452

965

Ottawa, OH

467,762

8.0

<0.01

142

109

Ozark Plateau:

Adair, OK

134,909

7.2

0.01

Cherokee, OK

427,195

7.2

<0.01

146

110

Delaware, OK

403,757

7.2

<0.01

140

111

Parker River:

Essex, MA

10,978,447

3.8

<0.01

2,598

1,875

Patoka River:

Gibson, IN

609,814

4.2

<0.01

122

Pike, IN

79,329

4.2

0.01

Piedmont:

Jasper, GA

52,113

0.2

<0.01

Jones, GA

106,034

0.2

<0.01

Sacramento:

Colusa, CA

139,868

16.2

0.01

Glenn, CA

209,140

16.2

0.01

Salt Plains:

Alfalfa, OK

62,493

12.4

0.02

San Bernardino:

Cochise, AZ

1,386,009

0.2

<0.01

414

301

San Pablo Bay:

Marin, CA

5,564,228

2.8

<0.01

1,050

762

Solano, CA

5,585,119

2.8

<0.01

1,066

682

Sonoma, CA

6,580,062

2.8

<0.01

1,766

1,274

Sand Lake:

Brown, SD

885,325

2.0

<0.01

201

136

Seedskadee:

Sweetwater, WY

1,007,782

2.5

<0.01

197

145

Sequoyah:

Haskell, OK

156,313

2.1

<0.01

Muskogee, OK

1,014,880

2.1

<0.01

258

178

Stone Lakes:

Sacramento, CA

16,654,079

80.2

<0.01

3,512

2,361

Sutter:

Sutter, CA

1,169,700

15.6

<0.01

287

201

Tamarac:

Becker, MN

502,743

8.3

<0.01

135

Tishomingo:

Johnston, OK

66,800

10.3

0.02

Marshall, OK

174,821

10.3

0.01

Trinity River:

Liberty, TX

871,294

3.8

<0.01

198

142

Valentine:

Cherry, NE

95,506

3.6

<0.01

Valley City NFH:

Barnes, ND

133,136

13.2

0.01

Washita:

Custer, OK

580,592

165.1

0.03

148

102

Whittlesey Creek:

Bayfield, WI

92,470

2.2

<0.01

Wichita Mountains:

Comanche, OK

1,539,705

41.3

<0.01

409

285

With the small change in overall spending anticipated from this proposed rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will have more than a small impact from the spending change near the affected stations. Therefore, we certify that, if adopted as proposed, this rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601

et seq.

). An initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Accordingly, a small entity compliance guide is not required.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

The proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. We anticipate no significant employment or small business effects. This rule:

a. Would not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. The minimal impact would be scattered across the country and would most likely not be significant in any local area.

b. Would not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local government agencies; or geographic regions. This proposed rule would have only a slight effect on the costs of hunting opportunities for Americans. If the substitute sites are farther from the participants' residences, then an increase in travel costs would occur. The Service does not have information to quantify this change in travel cost but assumes that, since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt, the increased travel cost would be small. We do not expect this proposed rule to affect the supply or demand for hunting opportunities in the United States, and, therefore, it should not affect prices for hunting equipment and supplies, or the retailers that sell equipment.

c. Would not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. This proposed rule represents only a small proportion of recreational spending at NWRs. Therefore, if adopted, this rule would have no measurable economic effect on the wildlife-dependent industry, which has annual sales of equipment and travel expenditures of $72 billion nationwide.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

Since this proposed rule would apply to public use of federally owned and managed refuges, it would not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. The rule would not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531

et seq.

) is not required.

Takings (E.O. 12630)

In accordance with E.O. 12630, this proposed rule would not have significant takings implications. This rule would affect only visitors at NWRs and NFHs, and describe what they can do while they are on a Service station.

Federalism (E.O. 13132)

As discussed under

Regulatory Planning and Review

and

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act,

above, this proposed rule would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement under E.O. 13132. In preparing this proposed rule, we worked with State governments.

Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Department of the Interior has determined that this proposed rule would not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order.

Energy Supply, Distribution or Use (E.O. 13211)

On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. Because this proposed rule would add 7 NWRs to the list of refuges open to hunting and sport fishing, open or expand hunting or sport fishing at 67 other NWRs, and open 15 NFHs to hunting and/or sport fishing, it is not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, and we do not expect it to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action, and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.

Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (E.O. 13175)

In accordance with E.O. 13175, we have evaluated possible effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects. We coordinate recreational use on NWRs and NFHs with Tribal governments having adjoining or overlapping jurisdiction before we propose the regulations.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

This proposed rule contains existing and new information collections. All information collections require approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501

et seq.

). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements associated with hunting and sport fishing activities across the National Wildlife Refuge System and assigned the following OMB control numbers:

• 1018-0140, “Hunting and Sport Fishing Application Forms and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges, 50 CFR 25.41, 25.43, 25.51, 26.32, 26.33, 27.42, 30.11, 31.15, 32.1 to 32.72” (Expires 07/30/2021),

• 1018-0153, “National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Check-In Permit and Use Report” (Expires 04/30/2022),

• 1018-0102, “National Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permit Applications and Reports, 50 CFR 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, & 36” (Expires 08/31/2020),

• 1018-0135, “Electronic Federal Duck Stamp Program” (Expires 01/31/2020),

• 1018-0093, “Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Management Authority; 50 CFR 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23” (Expires 08/31/2020), and

• 1024-0252, “The Interagency Access Pass and Senior Pass Application Processes” (Expires 08/31/2020).

The new information collection requirements identified below require approval by OMB:

(1) Labeling/Marking Requirements—As a condition of the permit, some refuges require permittees to label hunting and fishing gear left overnight. This equipment may include items such as the following: Tree stands, blinds, or game cameras; hunting dogs (collars); flagging/trail markers; boats; and/or fishing equipment such as jugs, trotlines, and crawfish or crab traps. Refuges require the owner label their equipment with their last name, the state issued hunting/fishing license number, and/or hunting/fishing permit number. Refuges may also require equipment for youth hunters include “YOUTH” on the label. This minimal information is necessary in the event the refuge needs to contact the owner.

(2) Notifications—On occasion, hunters may find their game has landed outside of established hunting boundaries. In this situation, hunters must notify an authorized refuge employee to obtain consent to retrieve the game from an area closed to hunting or entry only upon specific consent. Certain refuges also require hunters to notify the refuge manager when hunting specific species (

e.g.,

black bear, bobcat, or eastern coyote) with trailing dogs. Refuges may also require advance notification by disabled hunters

requesting special accommodations on the refuge.

(3) Transfer of FWS Form 3-2405—Currently, OMB approval of FWS Form 3-2405 is under OMB Control No. 1018-0153. With this submission, the Service is requesting the transfer of the form into OMB Control No. 1018-0140 so all forms associated with hunting and/or sport fishing activities in use by the National Wildlife Refuge System are contained under the same information collection. Upon approval of this transfer by OMB at the final rule stage of RIN 1018-BD79, we will discontinue OMB Control No. 1018-0153 on the effective date of the final rule for 1018-BD79.

(4) We are proposing FWS Form 3-2439 Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System, to replace existing FWS Forms 3-2354 through 3-2357. This will streamline the application process and reduce the regulatory burden on the public.

Title of Collection:

Hunting and Fishing Application Forms and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges, 50 CFR 25.41, 25.43, 25.51, 26.32, 26.33, 27.42, 30.11, 31.15, 32.1 to 32.72.

OMB Control Number:

1018-0140.

Form Number:

FWS Forms 3-2405, 3-2439, and 3-2358 through 3-2362.

Type of Review:

Revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents/Affected Public:

Individuals and households.

Respondent's Obligation:

Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit.

Frequency of Collection:

On occasion.

Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost:

$84,000.

Activity

Annual

number of

responses

Completion time per

response

(minutes)

Total annual burden hours

Hunting and Fishing Permit Applications:

Form 3-2439 Hunt Application/Permit

348,689

58,115

Form 3-2358 Fish/Crab/Shrimp Application/Permit

2,472

206

Subtotal Applications

351,161

58,321

Harvest Activity Reports:

Form 3-2359 Big Game Harvest Report

91,879

22,970

Form 3-2360 Fishing Harvest Report

421,112

105,278

Form 3-2361 Migratory Bird Harvest Report

32,821

8,205

Form 3-2362 Upland Game Furbearer Harvest Report

25,024

6,256

Subtotal Activity Reports

570,836

142,709

New Information Collections Added to Collection:

Labeling/Marking Requirements

2,160

360

Notifications

384

192

Form 3-2405 Check-In/Out Permit (from 1018-0153)

650,000

54,167

Subtotal Other Requirements

652,544

54,719

Totals

1,574,541

255,749

As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, we invite the public and other Federal agencies to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including:

(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary, including whether or not the information will have practical utility;

(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information;

(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents.

Send your comments and suggestions on this information collection by the date indicated in

DATES

to the Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior at OMB-OIRA at (202) 395-5806 (fax) or

OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov

(email). You may view the information collection request(s) at

http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

Please provide a copy of your comments to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer, Madonna Baucum, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: AMAD-ARM-PPM, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); (703) 358-2503 (telephone); or

Info_Coll@fws.gov

(email). Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-0140 in the subject line of your comments.

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation

We comply with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531

et seq.

), when developing comprehensive conservation plans and step-down management plans—which would include hunting and/or fishing plans—for public use of refuges and hatcheries, and prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program on a station as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We have completed section 7 consultation on each of the affected stations.

National Environmental Policy Act

We analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with the criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)), 43 CFR part 46, and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 8.

A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to publication of proposed amendments to station-specific hunting and fishing regulations because they are technical and procedural in nature, and the environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis (43 CFR 46.210 and 516 DM 8). Concerning the actions that are the subject of this proposed rulemaking, we have complied with NEPA at the project level when developing each proposal. This is consistent with the Department of the Interior instructions for compliance with NEPA where actions are covered

sufficiently by an earlier environmental document (43 CFR 46.120).

Prior to the addition of a refuge or hatchery to the list of areas open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, we develop hunting and fishing plans for the affected stations. We incorporate these proposed station hunting and fishing activities in the station comprehensive conservation plan and/or other step-down management plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602 Fish and Wildlife Service Manual (FW) 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these comprehensive conservation plans and step-down plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508, and the Department of Interior's NEPA regulations 43 CFR part 46. We invite the affected public to participate in the review, development, and implementation of these plans. Copies of all plans and NEPA compliance are available from the stations at the addresses provided below.

Available Information for Specific Stations

Individual refuge and hatchery headquarters have information about public use programs and conditions that apply to their specific programs and maps of their respective areas. To find out how to contact a specific refuge or hatchery, contact the appropriate Service office for the states listed below:

Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-6214.

Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, 500 Gold Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM 87103; Telephone (505) 248-6937.

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990, Bloomington, MN 55437-1458; Telephone (612) 713-5360.

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166.

Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8307.

Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80228; Telephone (303) 236-8145.

Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545.

California and Nevada. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2606, Sacramento, CA 95825; Telephone (916) 414-6464.

Primary Author

Katherine Harrigan, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning, National Wildlife Refuge System, is the primary author of this rulemaking document.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 26

Recreation and recreation areas, Wildlife refuges.

50 CFR Part 32

Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.

50 CFR Part 36

Alaska, Recreation and recreation areas, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife refuges.

50 CFR Part 71

Fish, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we propose to amend title 50, chapter I, subchapters C and E of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

Subchapter C—The National Wildlife Refuge System

PART 26—PUBLIC ENTRY AND USE

1. The authority citation for part 26 continues to read as follows:

Authority:

5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 715i; Pub. L. 96-315 (94 Stat. 958) and Pub. L. 98-146 (97 Stat. 955).

2. Revise § 26.34 to read as follows:

§ 26.34

What are the special regulations concerning public access, use, and recreation for individual national wildlife refuges?

The following refuge units, listed in alphabetical order by State and unit name, have refuge-specific regulations for public access, use, and recreation.

(a)

Alabama

—(1)

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on Gator and Little Gator Lakes.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit the use of motorized watercraft in all refuge waters not directly connected to Lake Eufaula.

(ii) We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats, including airboats, aircraft, boats with secondary fans, and hovercraft.

(iii) We prohibit the use of personal watercraft or air-cooled propulsion engines outside of marked navigation channels.

(iv) We prohibit the mooring or storing of boats from 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset to 1

1/2

hours before legal sunrise.

(3)

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit mooring or storing of boats from legal sunset to legal sunrise.

(ii) We prohibit airboats and hovercraft on all waters within the refuge boundaries.

(iii) We prohibit inboard waterthrust boats such as, but not limited to, personal watercraft, watercycles, and waterbikes on all waters of the refuge except that portion of the Tennessee River and Flint Creek from its mouth to mile marker 3.

(b)

Arizona

—(1)

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC as governed by State law), air thrust boats, and hovercraft on all waters within the boundaries of the refuge.

(ii) We designate all refuge waters as wakeless speed zones (as governed by State law) as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys.

(iii) The nonmotorized watercraft launch and Central Arizona Project (CAP) peninsula are day-use only areas and are open from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to

1/2

hour after legal sunset. We allow fishing and the launching of watercraft at these and other areas 24 hours a day.

(iv) We prohibit the possession or consumption of open containers of alcohol or the possession of glass beverage containers in improved areas, including the nonmotorized watercraft launch and the CAP peninsula.

(2)

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit the use of all air-thrust

boats or air-cooled propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.

(ii) The following conditions apply only on Topock Marsh:

(A) We close designated portions to all entry from October 1 through the last day of the waterfowl hunt season (including the State junior waterfowl hunt).

(B) We close designated portions to all entry from April 1 through August 31. These areas are indicated in refuge brochures and identified by buoys and or signs.

(iii) The following conditions apply to all waters of the Colorado River within the refuge from the south regulatory buoy line to the north regulatory buoy line at Interstate 40 (approximately 17 miles (27.2 kilometers)):

(A) We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC, as governed by State law) as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys in all backwaters.

(B) We limit watercraft speed as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys to no wake (as governed by State law) in all backwaters.

(iv) The following conditions apply to improved areas within the refuge; improved areas consist of the Mesquite Bay areas, Castle Rock, the Diving Cliffs, Catfish Paradise, Five Mile Landing, and North Dike:

(A) We prohibit entry of all motorized watercraft in all three bays of the Mesquite Bay areas as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys.

(B) Improved areas are day-use only and are open from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to

1/2

hour after legal sunset. We allow fishing and launching watercraft at these and other areas 24 hours a day.

(C) We prohibit the possession of open containers of alcohol or the possession of glass beverage containers in improved areas.

(c)

Arkansas

—(1)

Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit mooring houseboats to the refuge bank on the Little Red River.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit boats from November 1 through February 28, except on that portion of the refuge open for public fishing with electric motors and Ditch 28.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3)

Cache River National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit the mooring of houseboats to refuge property.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4)

Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow camping only in designated sites and areas identified in the refuge user brochure (signed brochure), and we restrict camping to individuals involved in wildlife-dependent activities. We limit camping on the refuge to no more than 14 days during any 30 consecutive-day period. Campers must occupy camps daily. We prohibit all disturbances, including use of generators, after 10 p.m.

(ii) We allow refuge users to leave boats 16 feet (4.8 meters) or less in length unattended overnight from March 1 to October 31, as long as the owner clearly and prominently displays his or her boat registration number.

(5)

Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow camping only at designated primitive campground sites identified in the refuge hunt brochure, and we restrict camping to individuals involved in wildlife-dependent refuge activities.

(ii) Campers may stay no more than 14 days during any 30 consecutive-day period in any campground and must occupy camps daily.

(iii) We prohibit all disturbances, including use of generators, after 10 p.m.

(6)

Overflow National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit all boat motors (including surface drive motors, mud motors, etc.) larger than 25 horsepower.

(ii) [Reserved]

(7)

Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow camping only at designated primitive campground sites identified in the refuge hunt brochure. We restrict camping to the individuals involved in refuge wildlife-dependent activities. Campers may stay no more than 14 days during any consecutive 30-day period in a campground and must occupy the camps daily. We prohibit all disturbances, including use of generators, after 10 p.m.

(ii) You must unload all hunting firearms and crossbows (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) within 100 yards (90 meters) of a campground.

(iii) We prohibit camping on the refuge while hunting off the refuge.

(iv) We prohibit consumption or possession of opened container(s) of alcoholic beverage(s) in parking lots, on roadways, and in plain view in campgrounds.

(v) We prohibit fires outside of campgrounds.

(vi) We prohibit possession or use of fireworks.

(vii) We prohibit geocaching.

(d)

California

—(1)

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves in designated parking/overnight stay areas.

(ii) We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays).

(iii) You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads.

(2)

Delevan National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves in designated parking/overnight stay areas.

(ii) We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays).

(iii) You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads.

(3)

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.

(ii) You may use only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on designated motorless units from the start of the hunting season through November 30. You may use motorized boats on designated motorless units from December 1 through the end of hunting season.

(4)

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves in designated parking/overnight stay areas.

(ii) We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays).

(iii) You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads.

(5)

Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit fires on the refuge, except we allow portable gas stoves on gravel bars (see § 27.95(a) of this chapter).

(ii) We open the refuge for day-use access from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset. We allow access during other hours on gravel bars only.

(iii) On Packer Lake and Drumheller North, due to primitive access, we only allow boats up to 14 feet (4.2 meters) and canoes. Electric motors only.

(6)

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit launching of boats and access to the Bay or sloughs from refuge property except from designated boat launch sites (Cullinan Ranch Unit and Dickson Ranch Unit).

(ii) We allow only nonmotorized crafts at the Cullinan Ranch Unit and Dickson Ranch Unit launch sites.

(7)

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) No person may build or maintain fires,

except in portable gas stoves in designated parking/overnight stay areas.

(ii) We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays).

(iii) You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads.

(e)-(f) [Reserved]

(g)

Delaware

—(1)

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) The maximum horsepower allowed for boat motors is 30 horsepower. You must abide by the slow, no-wake zones on designated portions of refuge waterways as depicted in maps or within the brochure.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2) [Reserved]

(h)

Florida

—(1)

Arthur R. Marshal Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow only boats equipped with factory-manufactured-water-cooled outboard motors, boats with electric motors, and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit boats with air-cooled engines, airboats, fan boats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft (

e.g.,

Jet Skis, jet boats, wave runners).

(ii) There is a 35 miles per hour (mph) speed limit in all waters of the refuge. A 500-foot (150-meter) “idle speed zone” is at each of the refuge's three boat ramps.

(iii) We require all boats operating outside of the main perimeter canals (the L-40 Canal, L-39 Canal, L-7 Canal, and L-101 Canal) in interior areas of the refuge and within the hunt area to fly a 12-inch by 12-inch (30-centimeters (cm) by 30-cm) orange flag 10 feet (3 meters) above the vessel's waterline.

(2)

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow airboats only on the designated airboat route within Citrus County and on all navigable waterways within Hernando County with a refuge Special Use Permit (General Activities Special Use Permit Application, FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(ii) We prohibit the use of airboats on vegetation.

(3)

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit kite surfing, kite boarding, wind surfing, and sail boarding.

(ii) We allow vessels propelled only by polling, paddling, or floating in the posted “no-motor zone” of the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wilderness Area. All motors, including electric motors, must be in a nonuse position (out of the water) when in the “no-motor zone.”

(iii) We allow vessels propelled only by polling, paddling, floating, or electric motors in the posted “pole/troll zone” of the Wulfert Flats Management Area. All non-electric motors must be in a nonuse position (out of the water) when in the “pole/troll zone.”

(iv) We allow launching of canoes and kayaks anywhere on the right (north) side of Wildlife Drive. We prohibit launching motorized vessels over 14 feet (4.2 meters) in length from Wildlife Drive. Motorized vessels less than 14 feet (4.2 meters) in length may only be launched from designated site #2.

(v) We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, personal watercraft, and “Go-Devil”-style outboard motors.

(vi) Vessels must not exceed slow speed/minimum wake in refuge waters.

(4)

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) During hunting seasons, we close hunting areas on the refuge to all public use except to hunters possessing a valid permit. Hunting areas are marked on refuge maps.

(ii) We close the refuge between legal sunset and legal sunrise.

(iii) We prohibit the use of airboats on the refuge.

(5)

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit leaving boats on the refuge overnight.

(ii) [Reserved]

(6)

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit use of boats with motors over 10 horsepower on any refuge lake or pond.

(ii) We allow use of hand-launched boats on impoundments on the St. Marks Unit from March 15 through October 15 each year. We prohibit launching of boats from trailers in the impoundments in the St. Marks Unit. We prohibit all gasoline-powered motors in the impoundments in the St. Marks Unit.

(iii) You may not launch commercially registered boats, air-thrust boats, or personal watercraft at the saltwater boat ramp on the St. Marks Unit. We also prohibit commercial guides from launching any type of watercraft at the saltwater boat ramp on the St. Marks Unit.

(iv) You may not launch air-thrust boats or personal watercraft from Wakulla Beach. We also prohibit commercial guides from launching any type of watercraft from Wakulla Beach.

(7)

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We restrict camping and fires (see § 27.95(a) of this chapter) to the two designated camping areas. We may restrict or ban fires during dry periods.

(ii) We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages during the refuge hunt period (see § 32.2(j) of this chapter).

(iii) We prohibit motorized equipment, generators, or land vehicles (except bicycles).

(iv) Visitors must observe quiet time in the campground between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. We prohibit loud or boisterous behavior or activity.

(v) We allow boats with electric motors. You must remove all other motors from the boats and secure them to a designated motor rack with a lock and chain.

(vi) We allow boats in refuge lakes from May 15 through September 30.

(8)

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit air-thrust boats, hovercraft, personal watercraft (

e.g.,

Jet Skis, jet boats, wave runners), and off-road vehicles in the freshwater and brackish marsh area south of U.S. 41.

(ii) We limit vessels to a maximum of 25 horsepower outboard motor.

(i)

Georgia

—(1)

Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit swimming, wading, jet skiing, water skiing, and the use of airboats.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(iii) We allow boat launching at the Stone Creek Boat Launch. During periods of high water, we allow boats to be launched from refuge roads normally open to vehicle traffic. We allow gasoline motors only during periods of high water as defined as a reading of 18 feet (5.5 meters) or higher at the Macon Gauge on the Ocmulgee River.

(iv) We prohibit bicycles on foot travel roads or off road. We restrict bicycles to roads designated open to vehicles.

(3)

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow foot and bicycle traffic on the refuge portion of Cowhouse Island.

(ii) We only allow the use of 10 horsepower motors or less on the refuge.

(iii) We prohibit paddleboarding, air boats, swimming, and wading.

(iv) We require all boats to be off the water by posted time.

(4)

Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) The refuge is a day-use-only area, with the exception of legal hunting activities.

(ii) We prohibit bicycles on foot travel roads or off road. We restrict bicycles to gravel roads designated open to vehicles.

(iii) We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking except in the designated campgrounds at Pippins Lake during quota deer hunts with a valid permit (state-issued).

(iv) We allow alcoholic beverages only in the designated campground.

(j) [Reserved]

(k)

Idaho

—(1)

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) From April 15

through September 30, we allow motorized and nonmotorized boats from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to

1/2

hour after legal sunset throughout the Lake Lowell Unit.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow nonmotorized boats on the refuge.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3)

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow the use of float tubes year-round, throughout all of Lake Walcott.

(ii) We allow boats on designated areas of Lake Walcott from April 1 through October 31.

(l)

Illinois

—(1)

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) Motorboats must not exceed “no-wake” speeds.

(ii) We prohibit the public entering Weis Lake on the Cameron-Billsbach Unit of the refuge from October 16 through January 31.

(iii) We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(2)

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We restrict motorboats on all refuge waters to slow speeds leaving “no wake” within 150 feet (45 meters) of any shoreline, swimming area, marina entrance, boat ramp, causeway tunnel, and areas indicated on the lake zoning map in the refuge fishing brochure.

(ii) We prohibit the use of boat motors of more than 10 horsepower on Devils Kitchen and Little Grassy Lakes.

(iii) We prohibit the use of gas-powered motors in the southeastern section of Devils Kitchen Lake (consult lake zoning map in the refuge fishing brochure).

(3)

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow the use of motorized boats at no-wake speeds on all refuge waters.

(ii) We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight.

(4)

Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight.

(ii) Motorboats must not exceed “no-wake” speeds.

(5)

Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We close the following divisions to all public access:

(A) Louisa Division—September 15 until January 1;

(B) Horseshoe Bend Division—September 15 until December 1; and

(ii) [Reserved]

(6)

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Refer to paragraph (v)(2) of this section for regulations.

(m)

Indiana

—(1)

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow boats only if rowed, paddled, or powered by an electric trolling motor on the Old Timbers Lake.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow the use of boats (hand- or foot-propelled only) on Stanfield Lake. We prohibit the use of electric or gasoline motors.

(ii) We allow the use of kayaks and nonmotorized canoes on Richart Lake.

(3)

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area.

(i) We allow motorboats only on Snakey Point Marsh east of the South Fork River and the Patoka River. All other areas are open to either manual-powered boats or boats with battery-driven motors only.

(ii) Motorboats must not exceed “no wake” speeds.

(iii) We prohibit the use of powered airboats on the refuge.

(n)

Iowa

—(1)

Desoto National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We limit boating to “no-wake” speeds, not to exceed 5 miles per hour.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Refer to paragraph (v)(2) of this section for regulations.

(o)

Kansas

—(1)

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow motorized boating in the main body of Kirwin Reservoir and in Bow Creek. You must not create a wake in Bow Creek or within 100 yards (90 meters) of any shoreline or island in the main body of Kirwin Reservoir. We prohibit motorized boats in the Solomon Arm of Kirwin Reservoir.

(ii) We allow motorless boats in the Solomon Arm of Kirwin Reservoir from August 1 through September 30.

(2)

Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We restrict outboard motor use to the westernmost 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers) of the Marais des Cygnes River. You may use only nonmotorized boats and electric trolling motors on remaining waters in designated areas of the refuge.

(ii) [Reserved]

(p)

Kentucky

—(1)

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow horseback riding on refuge roads and portions of the abandoned railroad tracks owned by the refuge for access purposes while engaged in wildlife activities. We prohibit horses and mules off these secondary access routes for any reason.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2) [Reserved]

(q)

Louisiana

—(1)

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) The refuge is open from 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30 minutes after legal sunset.

(ii) We allow only outboard motors 25 horsepower or less in waterways inside the hurricane protection levee.

(2)

Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) You may use motorized boats only in existing canals, ditches, trenasses, and ponds. We prohibit motorized boat use in areas marked as nonmotorized use only.

(ii) The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset unless stated otherwise.

(iii) We open the Franklin Unit canals (birdfoot canals) for motorized boats between April 15 and August 31. This unit is open to nonmotorized boats all year.

(3)

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit air-thrust boats, aircraft, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.

(ii) We open the refuge to public entry from

1/2

hour before legal sunrise to

1/2

hour after legal sunset.

(4)

Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) You may enter the refuge

1/2

hour before legal sunrise, and you must exit no later than

1/2

hour after legal sunset.

(ii) You may only launch boats at the concrete ramp adjacent to the visitor center. We prohibit launching boats with motors greater than 50 horsepower.

(iii) We prohibit leaving boats or other equipment on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(iv) We require a boat launch fee. You must pay the launch fee before launching boat.

(v) We prohibit crossing the water hyacinth booms in a boat or traveling over idle speed within the booms.

(5)

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow primitive camping within 100 feet (30 meters) of designated streams. These include either bank of the Boque Chitto River, Wilson Slough, and West Pearl River south of Wilson Slough; refuge lands along the East Pearl River; and Holmes Bayou. Campers must mark their campsite with the owner's State license/identification number, or boat identification number, and dates of occupancy placed in a conspicuous location in the center of camp.

(ii) [Reserved]

(6)

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.

(ii) We allow only nonpowered boats in the Bank Fishing Road waterways.

(iii) We allow operation of outboard motors in refuge canals, bayous, and lakes. We allow only trolling motors in the marsh.

(7)

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow the use of

nonmotorized boats or boats with motors of 10 horsepower or less on refuge lakes and waters as designated. We prohibit the use of air-thrust boats, water-thrust boats, or personal watercraft.

(ii) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.

(iii) We prohibit overnight parking on the refuge.

(8)

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking on the refuge.

(iii) We prohibit air-thrust boats on the refuge.

(iv) We prohibit boat launching by trailer from all refuge roads and parking lots except at designated boat ramps.

(9)

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit motorized boats in the No Gun Hunting Area (the “Beanfield”) from November 1 through January 31.

(ii) We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge overnight.

(10)

Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking on the refuge.

(iii) We allow only electric-powered or nonmotorized boats.

(11)

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.

(ii) We allow boats of all motor types with 40 horsepower or less in Lacassine Pool.

(iii) We prohibit boats in Lacassine Pool and Unit D from October 16 through March 14. We prohibit boats in Units A and C.

(iv) We prohibit air-thrust boats, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and Jet Skis on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).

(v) We prohibit dragging or driving of boats over levees.

(vi) You must only launch trailered boats at the cement ramps at the public boat launches in Lacassine Pool.

(vii) We only allow boats powered by paddling or trolling motors in the Unit D impoundment within Lacassine Pool.

(12)

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow watercraft with motors up to 36 horsepower in Possum Bayou (north of boat ramp), Palmetto Bayou, Duck Lake, Westcut Lake, Point Basse, and Nicholas Lake.

(ii) We allow electric-powered or nonmotorized boats in Doomes Lake, Lake Long, Possum Bayou (south of boat ramp), and Lake Ophelia.

(iii) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.

(iv) We prohibit overnight parking on the refuge.

(13)

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.

(ii) We prohibit air-thrust boats or marsh buggies on the refuge. We restrict motorized boat use to existing canals, ditches, trenasses, and ponds.

(14)

Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) You may access the hunt areas by boat using the boat launches at the West Cove Public Use Area or by access through Burton Canal. You may access hunt areas by vehicle from Vastar Road or designated turnouts within the refuge public hunt area along State Highway 27 (see § 27.31 of this chapter) unless otherwise posted.

(ii) We allow hand launching of small boats along Vastar Road (no trailers allowed). We allow hand launching of nonmotorized boats into Units 1A and 1B from Blue Crab Recreation Area for recreational paddling year-round.

(iii) We allow operation of outboard motors in designated refuge canals only. We allow trolling motors within the refuge marshes.

(iv) We prohibit air-thrust boats, personal motorized watercraft (

e.g.,

Jet Skis), and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter) unless otherwise posted.

(v) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.

(vi) We prohibit swimming and/or wading in the refuge canals and waterways.

(15)

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow nonmotorized boats, electric motors, and boats with motors 10 horsepower or less in refuge lakes, streams, and bayous. Boaters must follow State boating regulations, including those for navigation lights. We prohibit boat storage on the refuge.

(ii) We allow use of nonmotorized bicycles on designated all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails.

(16)

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit outboard motors in the Wigeon Ponds (only trolling motors allowed).

(ii) We prohibit launching boats from a trailer or from a nondesignated boat ramp within the Mollicy levee.

(r)

Maine

—(1)

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow car-top launching from legal sunrise to legal sunset on the following areas of the refuge:

(A) At Brave Boat Harbor division on Chauncey Creek at the intersection of Cutts Island Road and Sea Point Road.

(B) At Little River division at the end of Granite Point Road into the Little River.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2) [Reserved]

(s)

Maryland

—(1)

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit boat launching from refuge lands except from the car-top boat launch located near the Blackwater River Bridge on Route 335. Only canoes, kayaks, and small jon boats under 17 feet are considered car-top boats.

(ii) We prohibit the use of airboats on refuge waters.

(2)

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit boat launching from refuge lands except for canoes and kayaks at the canoe/kayak ramp located at the Ingleside Recreation Area.

(ii) [Reserved]

(t)-(u) [Reserved]

(v)

Minnesota

—(1)

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow nonmotorized boats and boats using electric motors only in the Minnesota River channel. We prohibit boats on all other refuge waters.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

—(i)

Wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, environmental education, and other general recreational uses.

We allow wildlife-dependent uses and other recreational uses, such as, but not limited to, sightseeing, hiking, bicycling on roads or trails, picnicking, and swimming, on areas designated by the refuge manager and shown on maps available at refuge offices, subject to the following conditions:

(A) In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Entry—Sanctuary,” we prohibit entry as specified on signs or maps (see § 32.42 of this chapter for list of areas and locations).

(B) In areas posted and shown on maps as “Area Closed,” “Area Closed—No Motors,” and “No Hunting Zone” (Goose Island), we ask that you practice voluntary avoidance of these areas by any means or for any purpose from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck hunting season. In areas marked “no motors,” we prohibit the use of motors on watercraft from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck hunting season (see § 32.42 of this chapter for list of areas and locations).

(C) Commercial tours and filming (see § 27.71 of this chapter) require a permit (FWS Form 3-1383-C) issued by the refuge or district manager.

(D) We allow the collecting of edible fruits, nuts, mushrooms, or other plant parts for personal use (no sale or barter allowed). We limit the amount you may collect to 2 gallons by volume per person, per day. We also allow the

collecting of shed deer antlers for personal use.

(E) We prohibit the harvest of wild rice; plant and animal specimens; and other natural objects, such as rocks, stones, or minerals (see § 27.21 of this chapter). We only allow the collection of plants or their parts for ornamental use by permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge or district manager.

(F) We prohibit the cutting, removal, or damage of any tree or vegetation on the refuge without a permit from the refuge or district manager. We prohibit attaching nails, screws, or other hardware to any tree (see § 32.2(i) of this chapter).

(G) We prohibit all vehicle use on or across refuge lands at any time except on designated routes of travel or on the ice over navigable waters accessed from boat landings. We prohibit parking beyond vehicle control barriers or on grass or other vegetation. We prohibit parking or operating vehicles in a manner that obstructs or impedes any road, trail, fire lane, boat ramp, access gate, or other facility, or in a manner that creates a safety hazard or endangers any person, property, or environmental feature. We may impound any vehicle left parked in violation at the owner's expense (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).

(H) We allow dogs and other domestic animals on the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(

) We prohibit dogs disturbing or endangering wildlife or people while on the refuge.

(

) While on the refuge, all dogs must be under the control of their owners/handlers at all times or on a leash.

(

) We prohibit allowing dogs to roam.

(

) All dogs must be on a leash when on hiking trails, or other areas so posted.

(

) We allow working a dog in refuge waters by tossing a retrieval dummy or other object for out-and-back exercise.

(

) We encourage the use of dogs for hunting (see § 32.42 of this chapter), but we prohibit field trials and commercial/professional dog training.

(

) Owners/handlers of dogs are responsible for disposal of dog droppings in refuge public use concentration areas such as trails, sandbars, and boat landings.

(

) We prohibit horses and all other domestic animals on the refuge unless confined in a vehicle, boat, trailer, kennel, or other container (see § 26.21 of this chapter).

(I) We prohibit the discharging of firearms (including dog training pistols and dummy launchers), air guns, or any other weapons on the refuge, unless you are a licensed hunter or trapper engaged in authorized activities during established seasons, as governed by Federal, State, and local regulations. We prohibit target practice on the refuge (see §§ 27.42 and 27.43 of this chapter).

(J) We prohibit the use or possession of glass food and beverage containers on lands within the refuge.

(K) We require that you keep all refuge lands clean during your period of use or occupancy. At all times you must keep all refuse, trash, and litter contained in bags or other suitable containers and not left scattered on the ground or in the water. You must remove all personal property, refuse, trash, and litter immediately upon vacating a site. We require that human solid waste and associated material be either removed and properly disposed of off-refuge or be buried on site to a depth of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) and at least 50 feet (15 meters) from water's edge (see § 27.94 of this chapter).

(ii)

Watercraft.

We allow the use of watercraft of all types and means of propulsion on all navigable waters of the refuge as governed by State regulations subject to the following conditions:

(A) In areas posted and shown on maps as “Electric Motor Area,” we prohibit motorized vehicles and watercraft year-round except watercraft powered by electric motors or nonmotorized means. We do not prohibit the possession of watercraft motors in these areas, only their use. These areas are:

(

) Island 42, Pool 5, Minnesota, 459 acres.

(

) Snyder Lake, Pool 5A, Minnesota, 182 acres.

(

) Mertes Slough, Pool 6, Wisconsin, 222 acres.

(

) Browns Marsh, Pool 7, Wisconsin, 827 acres.

(

) Hoosier Lake, Pool 10, Wisconsin, 162 acres.

(B) In areas posted and shown on maps as “Slow No Wake Area,” we require watercraft to travel at slow, no-wake speed from March 16 through October 31. We apply the applicable State definition of slow, no-wake operation in these areas. We also prohibit the operation of airboats or hovercraft in these areas from March 16 through October 31. These areas are:

(

) Nelson-Trevino, Pool 4, Wisconsin, 2,626 acres.

(

) Denzers Slough, Pool 5A, Minnesota, 83 acres.

(

) Black River Bottoms, Pool 7, Wisconsin, 815 acres.

(

) Blue/Target Lake, Pool 8, Minnesota, 1,834 acres.

(

) Root River, Pool 8, Minnesota, 695 acres.

(

) Reno Bottoms, Pool 9, Minnesota, 2,536 acres.

(

) Nine Mile Island, Pool 12, Iowa, 454 acres.

(

) Princeton, Pool 14, Iowa, 327 acres.

(C) In water access and travel routes posted and shown on maps as “Slow No Wake Zone,” we require watercraft to travel at slow, no-wake speed at all times unless otherwise posted. We apply the respective State definition of slow, no-wake operation in these areas.

(D) In portions of Spring Lake and Crooked Slough—Lost Mound, Pool 13, Illinois, posted as “Slow, 5 mph When Boats Present” and marked on maps as “Speed/Distance Regulation,” we require watercraft operators to reduce the speed of their watercraft to less than 5 miles per hour (mph) (8 kilometers per hour (kph)) when within 100 feet (30 meters) of another watercraft that is anchored or underway at 5 mph (8 kph) or less.

(E) We prohibit the mooring, beaching, or storing of watercraft on the refuge not used at least once every 24 hours. We define “used” as a watercraft moved at least 100 feet (30 meters) on the water with the operator on board. We prohibit the mooring of watercraft within 200 feet (60 meters) of refuge boat landings or ramps. We may impound any watercraft moored in violation at the owner's expense (see § 27.32 of this chapter).

(F) The conditions set forth in paragraphs (v)(2)(i)(A), (B), and (K) of this section apply.

(iii)

Camping.

We allow camping on all lands and waters of the refuge as designated by the refuge manager and shown on maps available at refuge offices subject to the following conditions:

(A) We define “camping” as:

(

) Erecting a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material;

(

) Preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use;

(

) Parking of a motor vehicle or mooring or anchoring of a vessel, for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy; or

(

) Occupying or leaving personal property, including boats or other craft, at a site anytime between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.

(B) We prohibit camping at any one site for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive-day period. After 14 days, you must move all persons, property, equipment, and boats to a new site located at least 0.5 mile (0.8 kilometer) from the previous site.

structure, road, trail, or other recreation or management facility.

(D) We prohibit camping during waterfowl hunting seasons within areas posted “No Entry—Sanctuary,” “Area Closed,” “Area Closed—No Motors,” and “No Hunting Zone” or on any sites not clearly visible from the main commercial navigation channel of the Mississippi River (see § 32.42 of this chapter).

(E) You must occupy campsites daily. We prohibit the leaving of tents, camping equipment, or other property unattended at any site for over 24 hours, and we may impound any equipment left in violation at the owner's expense. We define “occupy” and “attended” as being present at a site for a minimum of 2 hours daily.

(F) You must remove any tables, fireplaces, or other facilities erected upon vacating a camping or day-use site.

(G) We allow campfires in conjunction with camping and day-use activities subject to the following conditions (see §§ 27.95 and 32.42 of this chapter):

(

) You may only use dead wood on the ground, or materials brought into the refuge such as charcoal or firewood. You must remove any unused firewood brought into the refuge upon departure due to the threat of invasive insects.

(

) We prohibit building, attending, and maintaining a campfire without sufficient clearance from flammable materials so as to prevent its escape.

(

) We prohibit building a fire at any developed facility, including, but not limited to, boat landings, access areas, parking lots, roads, trails, or any other recreation or management facility or structure.

(

) We prohibit burying live fires or hot coals when vacating a campfire site.

(

) We prohibit burning or attempting to burn any nonflammable materials or any materials that may produce toxic fumes or leave hazardous waste. These materials include, but are not limited to, metal cans, plastic containers, glass, fiberglass, treated wood products, wood containing nails or staples, wire, flotation materials, or other refuse.

(H) The conditions set forth in paragraphs (v)(2)(i)(D) through (K) of this section apply.

(w)

Mississippi

—(1)

Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit the use of airboats, mudboats, motorized pirogues, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Hillside National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) With the exception of raccoon hunting and frogging, we limit all refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset.

(ii) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicles (UTVs) only on designated trails from September 15 through February 28.

(3)

Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) With the exception of raccoon hunting, we limit all refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4)

Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) With the exception of raccoon hunting and frogging, we limit all refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset.

(ii) Beginning the day before duck season opens and ending the last day of duck season, we close refuge waters to all public use from 1 p.m. until 4 a.m.

(5)

Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) With the exception of raccoon hunting and frogging, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset.

(ii) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicles (UTVs) only on designated trails from September 15 through February 28.

(6)

Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) With the exception of raccoon hunting and frogging, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset.

(ii) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)/utility-type vehicles (UTVs) only on designated trails from September 15 through February 28.

(7)

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit the use of airboats, sailboats, hovercrafts, and inboard-water-thrust boats such as, but not limited to, personal watercraft, watercycles, and waterbikes.

(ii) [Reserved]

(8)

St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) You must hand-launch boats except at designated boat ramps, where you may trailer-launch them.

(ii) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicles (UTVs) as governed by State waterfowl management area (WMA) regulations and size specifications on designated trails from scouting season until February 28.

(iii) You must be age 16 or older to operate an ATV or UTV on the refuge.

(iv) We prohibit overnight parking.

(9)

Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) With the exception of raccoon hunting, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1

1/2

hours after legal sunset.

(ii) [Reserved]

(x) [Reserved]

(y)

Montana

—(1)

Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow the use of nonmotorized boats.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow the use of nonmotorized boats.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3)

Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow the use of nonmotorized boats.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4)

Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit air-thrust boats and boats with motors greater than 25 horsepower.

(ii) [Reserved]

(5)

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

—(i)

Boats.

We only allow nonmotorized boats in the hunt area east of the Lower Red Rock Lake dam. We allow boats with motors 10 horsepower or less west of Lower Red Rock Lake dam.

(ii)

Camping.

(A) We allow camping only in two established campgrounds. We prohibit camping along roadsides.

(B) We restrict camping to 16 consecutive days within any 30-day period.

(D) From March 1 to December 1, all bear attractants, including, but not limited to, food, garbage, and carcasses or parts thereof, must be acceptably stored at night (unless in immediate use) and during the day if unattended. Acceptably stored means any of the following:

(

) Suspended at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from any vertical support 100 yards from any camp or hiking trail;

(

) Secured in a certified bear-safe container; or

(

) Secured in a hard-sided vehicle, including an enclosed camper or horse trailer.

(z)

Nebraska

—(1)

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow boating at no-wake speeds, not to exceed 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour), on side or back channels. We prohibit all watercraft in the Boyer Chute waterway or other areas as posted.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow boating and float tubes on Island Lake. We prohibit use of internal combustion motors for boats on Island Lake.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3)

Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District.

(i) We prohibit the use of motorboats. We allow only nonpowered motorboats and those powered by electric motors (see § 27.32 of this chapter).

(ii) [Reserved]

(aa)

Nevada

—(1)

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow motorless boats or boats with electric motors on the Upper Lake, Middle Marsh, and Lower Lake, with the exception that we close Upper Lake to all boating from October 1 through February 1.

(ii) We prohibit the use of boats, rubber rafts, or other flotation devices on the North Marsh.

(2)

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit boats on refuge waters from January 1 through June 14.

(ii) During the boating season, we allow boats only on the South Marsh. From June 15 through July 31, we allow only motorless boats or boats with battery-powered electric motors. Anglers must remove all gasoline-powered motors. From August 1 through December 31, we allow only motorless boats and boats propelled with motors with a total of 10 horsepower or less.

(iii) We allow launching of boats only from designated landings.

(3)

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow nonmotorized boats or boats with electric motors.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4)

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit boating outside of the waterfowl and youth waterfowl hunting season except in Swan Check Lake, where we allow nonmotorized boating all year.

(ii) We prohibit boats on Swan Lake, the northeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the north end of Pintail Bay. We allow the use of nonmotorized carts, sleds, floating blinds, and other floating devices in these areas to transport hunting equipment and to conceal hunters, but not to transport hunters.

(iii) We only allow outboard motor boats on Lead Lake, Tule Lake, Goose Lake, South Nutgrass Lake, the southeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and south end of Pintail Bay.

(iv) We only allow air-thrust boats on Goose Lake, South Nutgrass Lake, the southeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the south end of Pintail Bay.

(v) You may not operate air-thrust boats until 1 hour after the legal shooting time on opening day of waterfowl season.

(vi) We require air-thrust boat owners to get a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) from the refuge manager and to display a number on their airboats.

(vii) We allow nonmotorized boats on all lakes and bays except Swan Lake, the northeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the north end of Pintail Bay.

(viii) We allow camping only in designated areas.

(bb)-(dd) [Reserved]

(ee)

New York

—(1)

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow the use of nonmotorized boats.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2) [Reserved]

(ff)

North Carolina

—(1)

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow motorized and nonmotorized fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks from March 1 through October 31.

(ii) We prohibit airboats, sailboats, Jet Skis, and windboards.

(2)

Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit boats utilizing gasoline-powered motors.

(ii) You must unload and load boats by hand on all waters except those having designated launch ramps.

(iii) We prohibit swimming.

(3)

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only prohibit boats on Pungo Lake.

(ii) We prohibit leaving a boat anywhere on the refuge overnight.

(gg)

North Dakota

—(1)

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow nonmotorized boats or boats with electric motors.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2)

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We open the refuge to boating from May 1 through September 30.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3)

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We restrict boats to 25 horsepower maximum.

(ii) We restrict boats to the period from May 1 through September 30.

(4)

Silver Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow boats on Silver Lake and on refuge waters south of the confluence of the Mauvais Coulee and Little Coulee from May 1 through September 30 of each year.

(ii) We prohibit water activities not related to fishing (

e.g.,

sailing, skiing, tubing, etc.).

(5)

Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We open the refuge to boating from May 1 through September 30.

(ii) We allow snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), motor vehicles, and fish houses on the ice as conditions allow.

(6)

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit the use of bicycles or similar vehicles on the refuge.

(ii) We prohibit the use of amphibious vehicles or personal watercraft on the refuge.

(hh)

Ohio

—(1)

Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow nonmotorized boats and flotation devices in designated areas.

(ii) We prohibit the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles on refuge lands.

(2)

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) The Crane Creek and Crane Creek Estuary are closed to all boats and flotation devices from State Route 2 to the mouth of Crane Creek at Lake Erie.

(ii) We allow nonmotorized boats and flotation devices in designated areas.

(iii) We prohibit the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles on refuge lands.

(ii)

Oklahoma

—(1)

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow boats, and you must operate them under applicable State laws and comply with all licensing and marking regulations from their State of origin.

(ii) We prohibit boating on the closed portion of Sally Jones Lake from September 1 to March 31.

(iii) We prohibit alcoholic beverages.

(2)

Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit glass containers.

(ii) We prohibit airboats, hovercrafts, and personal watercraft (

e.g.,

Jet Skis, wave runners, jet boats) year round on refuge waters.

(iii) We prohibit swimming and water sports.

(3)

Washita National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We do not allow boats and other flotation devices on refuge waters from October 15 through March 14.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4)

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow hand-powered boats only on Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker, and French Lakes.

(ii) Anglers may use electric trolling motors on boats 14 feet or less in length only on Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker, and French Lakes.

(jj)

Oregon

—(1)

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.

(ii) We prohibit parking on the refuge after the refuge is closed to public entry.

(2)

Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(iii) We allow use of only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors.

(3)

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit the use of air-thrust and water-thrust boats.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4)

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(5)

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(6)

Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) Motorized boats must not exceed 10 miles per hour in any stream, creek, or canal, and on that portion of Pelican Bay west of a line beginning at

designated points on the north shore of Pelican Bay

1/4

mile (402 meters) east of Crystal Creek and extending due south to the opposite shore of the lake.

(ii) [Reserved]

(kk)-(ll) [Reserved]

(mm)

South Carolina

—(1)

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit camping on the refuge except for designated archery hunters on Bulls Island and individuals obtaining a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) from the refuge manager.

(ii) We allow boats to operate in salt water. We prohibit motorized equipment on the refuge islands or in refuge inholdings.

(iii) We prohibit private boats in the refuge boat basins at Garris Landing and Bulls Island. We clearly mark these areas with Closed Area signs.

(iv) We prohibit overnight parking at Garris Landing, except for archery hunters during the designated refuge archery white-tailed deer season and individuals obtaining a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) from the refuge manager.

(v) We close Marsh Island, White Banks, and Sandy Point to public entry from February 15 through September 15 to protect nesting birds. This closed area extends from the low mean water mark to the highest elevation on these islands.

(2)

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors. We allow boats with permanently mounted gas motors as long as you lock the propeller out of the water. You must hand load and unload boats except at designated boat ramps. We prohibit skidding boats up or down dams or on water control structures. We provide boat ramps at Pool D, Pool L, Honkers Lake, and Mays Lake.

(ii) We prohibit swimming and wading in any areas of the refuge.

(3)

Santee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(iii) We prohibit overnight mooring of boats.

(iv) We prohibit swimming and wading.

(v) We allow pets only in designated areas, and they must remain on a leash or within vehicles/vessels.

(vi) We prohibit nighttime access to boat-launching areas.

(vii) We prohibit mooring or attaching boats to any refuge boundary marker, post, or navigational post within refuge waters.

(viii) We prohibit air-thrust boats, hovercraft, airboats, and personal watercraft (

e.g.,

Jet Skis) within the waters of and/or boundary of the refuge.

(nn)

South Dakota

—(1)

LaCreek National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We allow boat use only on Pools 3, 4, 7, and 10, and the Little White River Recreation Area.

(ii) We prohibit the use of internal combustion motors in Pools 3, 4, 7, and 10.

(2)

Sand Lake Wetland Management District.

(i) We allow the use of motorized boats.

(ii) [Reserved]

(oo)

Tennessee

—(1)

Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We seasonally close the refuge sanctuary area to the public from November 15 through March 15.

(ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic.

(2)

Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit leaving boats unattended on the refuge after daylight use hours.

(ii) We prohibit swimming in refuge impoundments and from boat ramps and boat docks.

(3)

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We seasonally close the sanctuary areas of the refuge to the public from November 15 through March 15.

(ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic.

(iii) We allow the use of nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors only; we prohibit the use of gas and diesel motors on refuge lakes except in the waterfowl hunting area.

(4)

Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We seasonally close the sanctuary areas of the refuge to the public from November 15 through March 15.

(ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic.

(iii) We allow boats with only electric or outboard motors of 10 horsepower or less.

(5)

Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We seasonally close the sanctuary area of the refuge and the southern unit of Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area to the public from November 15 through March 15.

(ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic.

(iii) We allow the use of only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area.

(6)

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We seasonally close the sanctuary areas of the refuge to the public from November 15 through March 15.

(ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic.

(iii) We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, or personal watercraft (

e.g.,

Jet Skis) on any waters within the refuge boundary.

(7)

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We limit boats to no wake speed on all refuge impoundments.

(ii) We prohibit swimming in refuge impoundments and from boat ramps and boat docks.

(pp)

Texas

—(1)

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit boats and other flotation devices on inland waters.

(ii) You may launch motorized boats in East Bay at the East Bay Boat Ramp on Westline Road and at the Oyster Bayou Boat Ramp (boat canal). We prohibit the launching of airboats or personal watercraft on the refuge.

(iii) You may launch nonmotorized boats only along East Bay Bayou and along the shoreline of East Galveston Bay.

(2)

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit camping on the refuge.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3)

Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit camping on the refuge.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4)

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit camping in all public hunting areas and parking lots.

(ii) We prohibit campfires in all public hunting areas and parking lots.

(iii) We allow only nonmotorized boat launching at designated areas.

(5)

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit glass containers on the refuge.

(ii) We prohibit boats and other floating devices on all open waters of Lake Texoma, except Big Mineral Creek from October 1 through March 14 annually.

(iii) At the point where Big Mineral Creek joins Lake Texoma, Big Mineral Creek becomes a year-round no wake zone to the end of upstream navigable waters.

(iv) From October 1 through March 14, we allow only nonmotorized boats in Big Mineral Creek from the point where it joins Lake Texoma to the upstream end of navigable waters. You may not have any type of gas or electric motor onboard that is capable of use. You may launch boats from a boat ramp only from L Pad Road or by hand at the Big Mineral Day Use Area.

(6)

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We only allow camping at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park.

(ii) [Reserved]

(7)

Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) [Reserved]

(8)

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled or radiator-cooled engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 horsepower or less and utilizing a

propeller 9 inches (22.5 centimeters) in diameter or less.

(ii) On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. We prohibit the operation of motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation.

(9)

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit camping in all public hunting areas and parking lots.

(ii) We prohibit campfires in all public hunting areas and parking lots.

(10)

Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge.

(ii) On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. We prohibit the operation or motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation.

(11)

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We limit motors to a maximum of 10 horsepower.

(ii) [Reserved]

(qq)-(rr) [Reserved]

(ss)

Virginia

—(1)

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

—(i)

Access: qualifications and specifications.

(A) As provided for in Public Law 96-315, we issue permits to permanent, full-time residents who can furnish to the refuge manager, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, adequate proof of continuous and continuing residency, commencing prior to December 31, 1979, on the Outer Banks from the refuge boundary south to and including the village of Corolla, North Carolina, as long as they remain permanent, full-time residents. The south boundary of the area for access consideration is defined as a straight east-west line extending from Currituck Sound to the Atlantic Ocean and passing through a point 1,600 feet due south of the Currituck lighthouse. “Residence” means a place of general abode; “Place of general abode” means a person's principal, actual dwelling place in fact, without regard to intent. A “dwelling” means a residential structure occupied on a year-round basis by the permit applicant and shall not include seasonal or part-time dwelling units such as beach houses, vacation cabins, or structures which are intermittently occupied.

(B) As provided for in Public Law 98-146, “Up to 15 additional permits shall be granted to those persons meeting any one of the following conditions:”

(

) A resident as of July 1, 1982, who held a valid Service access permit for improved property owners at any time during the period from July 29, 1976, through December 31, 1979.

(

) Anyone in continuous residency since 1976, in the area bounded on the north by the refuge boundary, and on the south by a straight line passing through a point in the east-west prolongation of the centerline of Albacore Street, Whaleshead Club Subdivision, Currituck County, North Carolina.

(

) Any permanent, full time resident as of April 1, 1983, residing in the area outlined in paragraph (ss)(1)(i)(B)(

) of this section and not otherwise eligible, who can substantiate to the Secretary of the Interior that access is essential to their maintaining a livelihood, as long as they maintain full-time continuous employment in the Norfolk, Virginia, area may qualify for access.

(C) The burden of proving that the prospective permittee meets these criteria shall be on the applicant by presentation of adequate documentation to the refuge manager. Permittees may be required to submit additional documentation of their eligibility to the refuge manager in order to maintain access. Permits (FWS Form 3-1383-G) will be issued only to those who legally qualify for them.

(D) Only one permit will be issued per family. All permits issued will be terminated in the event that alternate access becomes available during the permit period.

(E) Permits are issued for the purpose of providing entry and exit across the refuge beach to the permittee's residence. Personal access is limited to permittees, and their families, relatives, and guests while being transported in the permittee's vehicle. “Personal access” means private, non-commercial use. Permits are not transferable by sale or devise.

(F) All vehicle occupants must provide positive identification upon the request of any refuge official.

(ii)

Access: Routes of travel.

Access to, and travel along, the refuge beach by motorized vehicles may be allowed between the dune crossing at the key card operated gate near the refuge headquarters, and the south boundary of the refuge only after a permit has been issued or authorization provided by the refuge manager. Travel along the refuge beach by motorized vehicle shall be below the high tide line, within the intertidal zone, to the maximum extent practicable. This may require permittees to adjust their travel times to avoid high tides which would require the use of the emergency storm access/evacuation route over the east dike.

(iii)

Access: Number of trips allowed.

Permittees and members of their immediate families residing with them are limited to a total of two round trips per day per household.

(iv)

Access: Hours of travel.

Travel along the designated route is allowed 24 hours per day from October 1 through April 30. Travel is restricted to the hours of 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) from May 1 through September 30.

(v)

Access: Medical emergencies.

(A) Private vehicles used in a medical emergency will be granted access. A “medical emergency” means any condition that threatens human life or limb unless medical treatment is immediately obtained.

(B) The vehicle operator is required to provide the refuge manager with a doctor's statement confirming the emergency within 36 hours after the access has occurred.

(vi)

Access: Military, fire, or emergency vehicles.

(A) Military, fire, emergency or law enforcement vehicles used for emergency purposes may be granted access.

(B) Vehicles used by an employee/agent of the Federal, State or local government, in the course of official duty other than for emergency purposes, may be granted access upon advance request to the refuge manager.

(C) Continuous or recurring use of the refuge beach for other than emergency purposes shall require the issuance of a permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) from the refuge manager.

(vii)

Access: Public utility vehicles.

Public utility vehicles used on official business will be granted access. A permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) specifying the times and types of access will be issued by the refuge manager. A “public utility vehicle” means any vehicle owned or operated by a public utility company enfranchised to supply Outer Banks residents with electricity or telephone service.

(viii)

Access: Essential commercial service vehicles.

(A) Essential commercial service vehicles on business calls during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday will be granted access, only upon prior approval of the refuge manager when responding to a request from a permittee. Such requests may be verbal or in writing. Access by essential commercial service vehicles will be granted only after all other reasonable alternatives to access through the refuge have been exhausted as determined by the refuge manager.

(B) “Commercial service vehicle” means any vehicle owned or operated

by or on behalf of an individual, partnership, or corporation that is properly licensed to engage entirely in the business of furnishing emergency repair services, including, but not limited to, plumbing, electrical, and repairs to household appliances.

(C) Emergency situations. The refuge manager, upon reasonable notification, will be able to authorize essential service/emergency repair access, outside the prescribed time periods, for emergency situations should they arise.

(ix)

False Cape State Park employees.

False Cape State Park and Virginia Game Commission employees who are residents in the park will be considered as permanent, full-time residents as defined in paragraph (ss)(1)(i) of this section with access privileges identical to those of other permittees with beach access privileges.

(x)

Access: Commercial fishermen, businesses, and their employees.

(A) Commercial fishermen who have verified that their fishing operations on the Outer Banks of Virginia Beach, Virginia, or Currituck County, North Carolina, have been dependent since 1972 on entry and exit to or across the refuge are granted permits (FWS Form 3-1383-G) for access. Travel through the refuge by commercial fishermen from Currituck County, North Carolina, will be permitted only when directly associated with commercial fishing operations. Drivers and passengers on trips through the refuge are limited to commercial fishing crew members. A commercial fisherman means one who harvests finfish by gill net or haul seine in the Atlantic Ocean, and who has owned and operated a commercial fishing businesses continuously since 1972. Commercial permits are not transferable by sale or devise. The level of commercial permittee travel across the refuge shall not increase above the average yearly levels maintained in the 1985-1987 period.

(B) Other businesses who have verified that their business operations on the Outer Banks of Currituck County, North Carolina, have been dependent since 1972 on entry and exit to or across the refuge will be granted permits (FWS Form 3-1383-G) for access in accordance with the limitations outlined in paragraph (ss)(1)(x)(A) of this section.

(C) Each commercial fisherman or other business may be granted a maximum of five designated employees to travel the refuge beach for commercial fishing or other business-related purposes only. Commercial fishing employees may carry only other commercial fishing employees as passengers. Other business employees may carry only other employees of that business. The hauling of trailers associated with the conduct of commercial fishing or other business activities is authorized.

(D) Employees of commercial fishermen and/or other businesses who apply for access permits (FWS Form 3-1383-G) shall have the burden of proving, by the presentation of appropriate documentation to the refuge manager, that they are an “employee” for purposes of this section of the regulations. “Appropriate documentation” is defined as the submission of standardized and verifiable employment forms including: Signed W-2 and W-4 forms, IRS form #1099, official earnings statements for specified periods, employee income tax withholding submissions to State and Federal tax offices (

e.g.,

IRS form W-3 with W-2s attached), State unemployment tax information, or other proof of actual employment. Documentation for each employee must be submitted in advance of access being granted, or, for new employees, within 30 days of their starting date. Failure to provide verification of employment for new employees within 30 days will result in termination of access privileges.

(xi)

Access: Suspension or waiver of rules in this paragraph (ss)(1).

(A) In an emergency, the refuge manager may suspend any or all of the restrictions in this paragraph (ss)(1) on vehicular travel and announce each suspension by whatever means are available. In the event of adverse weather conditions, the refuge manager may close all or any portion of the refuge to vehicular traffic for such periods as deemed advisable in the interest of public safety.

(B) The refuge manager may make exceptions to access restrictions, if they are compatible with refuge purposes, for qualified permittees who have demonstrated to the refuge manager a need for additional access relating to health or livelihood.

(C) The refuge manager may grant one-time use authorization for vehicular access through the refuge to individuals, not otherwise qualified in paragraph (ss)(1)(xi)(B) of this section, who have demonstrated to the refuge manager that there is no feasible alternative to the access requested. Authorization for access under this paragraph (ss)(1)(xi)(C) will not be based on convenience to the applicant.

(xii)

Access: Violation of rules in this paragraph (ss)(1).

Violators of the regulations in this paragraph (ss)(1) pertaining to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are subject to legal action as prescribed by 50 CFR 25.43 and 50 CFR part 28, including suspension or revocation of all permits issued to the violator or responsible permittee. The refuge manager may deny access permits to applicants who, during the 2 years immediately preceding the date of application, have formally been charged and successfully prosecuted for three or more violations of these or other regulations in effect at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Individuals whose vehicle access privileges are suspended, revoked, or denied may, within 30 days, file a written appeal of the action to the Assistant Regional Director, Refuges and Wildlife, at the address for the Northeast Regional Office provided at 50 CFR 2.2(e), in accordance with 50 CFR 25.45(c).

(xiii)

Other access rules in this paragraph (ss)(1).

(A) No permit will remain in effect beyond December 31 of the year in which it was issued. Permits may be renewed upon the submission of appropriate updated information relating to the permit, and a signed statement that the conditions under which the previous permit was issued have not changed. In the event of any changes of conditions under which the permit is granted, the permittee shall notify the refuge manager in writing within 30 days. Failure to report changes may result in suspension/revocation of the permit.

(B) Vehicles shall be operated on the refuge beach only by the permittee or other authorized drivers. Permit holders shall not tow, transport, or operate vehicles owned by non-permit holders through the refuge. Non-commercial permit holders may tow utility and boat trailers when being used for their personal use only. Any towed vehicle shall have advance approval from the refuge manager prior to being brought through the refuge. The access privilege in this paragraph (ss)(1)(xiii)(B) is not to be used for any commercial purpose.

(C) The refuge manager may prescribe restrictions as to the types of vehicles to be permitted to ensure public safety and adherence to all applicable rules and regulations.

(D) A magnetic card will be issued to each authorized driver only for his or her operation of the computer-controlled gate. No more than two cards will be issued per family. Only one vehicle will be permitted to pass for each gate opening. Unauthorized use of the magnetic card may result in suspension of the permit. A fee will be charged to replace lost or misplaced cards. Malfunctioning cards will be replaced at no charge.

(E) Access is granted for the purpose of travel to and from the permittee's residence and/or place of business.

Access is not authorized for the purpose of transporting individuals for hire, or for the transport of prospective real estate clients to or from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or for any other purpose not covered by this paragraph (ss)(1).

(xiv)

General rules in this paragraph (ss)(1)

—(A)

Entry on foot, bicycle, or motor vehicle.

Entry on foot, bicycle, or by motor vehicle on designated routes is allowed one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset for the purposes of nature observation and study, photography, hiking, surf fishing, and bicycling.

(B)

Beach-oriented uses.

Designated areas of the refuge beach are open to wildlife/wildlands-oriented recreation only as outlined in paragraph (ss)(1)(xiv)(A) of this section. Entry to the beach is via designated access points only.

(C)

Parking.

Limited parking at the refuge office/visitor contact station is allowed only in designated spaces. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for persons engaged in wildlife/wildlands-oriented recreation only as outlined in paragraph (ss)(1)(xiv)(A) of this section.

(D)

Fires.

All fires are prohibited.

(E)

Pets.

Dogs and other pets, on a hand-held leash not exceeding 10 feet in length, are allowed from October 1 through March 31.

(F)

Sand dunes.

Pedestrians and vehicular traffic in the sand dunes are prohibited.

(G)

Groups.

Use by all groups exceeding 10 individuals will require a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G), issued by the refuge manager.

(H)

Motorized vehicles.

Registered motor vehicles and motorized bicycles (mopeds) are allowed on the paved refuge access road and parking lot at refuge headquarters. All other motorized vehicular use is prohibited, except as specifically authorized pursuant to this paragraph (ss)(1).

(2) [Reserved]

(tt)

Washington

—(1)

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit boat launching on the refuge.

(ii) The maximum speed limit is 5 miles per hour for boats in all refuge waters.

(2)

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(3)

Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(4)

Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(iii) We allow only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on the WB-10 Pond (Wahluke Lake) and with walk-in access only.

(5)

McNary National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(6)

Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(7)

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit overnight camping.

(ii) We prohibit overnight parking.

(8)

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) We prohibit camping on the refuge except in designated campgrounds on Long Island for up to 14 days.

(ii) [Reserved]

(uu) [Reserved]

(vv)

Wisconsin

—(1)

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Refer to paragraph (v)(2) of this section for regulations.

(2) [Reserved]

(ww)

Wyoming

—(1)

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge.

(i) You must only launch or pick up trailered boats at the following boat ramps: Dodge Bottom, Hayfarm, Lombard, and Six-Mile.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2) [Reserved]

(xx)

Information collection requirements.

The information collection requirements contained in this section have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3501

et seq.

and assigned clearance number 1018-0140. The information is being collected to provide the refuge managers the information needed to decide whether or not to allow the requested use. A response is required in order to obtain a benefit. The Service may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of these information collection requirements to the Service's Information Collection Clearance Officer at the address provided at 50 CFR 2.1(b).

PART 32—HUNTING AND FISHING

3. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

Authority:

5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 715i; Pub. L. 115-20, 131 Stat. 86.

Subpart A—General Provisions

4. Revise § 32.7 to read as follows:

§ 32.7

What refuge units are open to hunting and/or sport fishing?

Refuge units open to hunting and/or sport fishing in accordance with the provisions of this subpart and §§ 32.20 through 32.70, inclusive, are as follows:

(a)

Alabama.

(1) Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.

(b)

Alaska.

(1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Becharof National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) Salawik National Wildlife Refuge.

(13) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.

(14) Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.

(15) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.

(16)Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge.

(c)

Arizona.

(1) Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Cibola National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge.

(d)

Arkansas.

(1) Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Cache River National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Overflow National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge.

(e)

California.

(1) Cibola National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Delevan National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Kern National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) Merced National Wildlife Refuge.

(13) Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.

(14) Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.

(15) Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge.

(16) Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge.

(17) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge.

(18) San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(19) Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

(20) Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

(21) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge.

(22) Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(f)

Colorado.

(1) Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Baca National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

(g)

Connecticut.

(1) Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.

(h)

Delaware.

(1) Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

(i)

Florida.

(1) Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

(13) St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge.

(14) Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

(j)

Georgia.

(1) Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(k)

Hawaii.

(1) Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Kakahaia National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.

(l)

Idaho.

(1) Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Camas National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge.

(m)

Illinois.

(1) Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Great River National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

(n)

Indiana.

(1) Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area.

(o)

Iowa.

(1) De Soto National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Iowa Wetland Management District.

(4) Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

(p)

Kansas.

(1) Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

(q)

Kentucky.

(1) Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.

(r)

Louisiana.

(1) Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Breton National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge.

(13) Delta National Wildlife Refuge.

(14) Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge.

(15) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge.

(16) Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge.

(17) Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge.

(18) Red River National Wildlife Refuge.

(19) Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.

(20) Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge.

(21) Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge.

(s)

Maine.

(1) Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge.

(t)

Maryland.

(1) Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Patuxent Research Refuge.

(u)

Massachusetts.

(1) Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

(v)

Michigan.

(1) Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Kirtland's Warbler Wildlife Management Area.

(4) Michigan Wetland Management District.

(5) Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

(w)

Minnesota.

(1) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Big Stone Wetland Management District.

(4) Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District.

(6) Fergus Falls Wetland Management District.

(7) Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Litchfield Wetland Management District.

(10) Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District.

(12) Morris Wetland Management District.

(13) Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.

(14) Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(15) Rydell National Wildlife Refuge.

(16) Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

(17) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

(18) Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

(19) Windom Wetland Management District.

(x)

Mississippi.

(1) Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Hillside National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

(13) Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge.

(y)

Missouri.

(1) Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Great River National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge.

(z)

Montana.

(1) Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Benton Lake Wetland Management District.

(3) Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Bowdoin Wetland Management District.

(6) Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District.

(8) Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge.

(13) Lamesteer National Wildlife Refuge.

(14) Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.

(15) Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge.

(16) Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(17) National Bison Range.

(18) Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge.

(19) Northeast Montana Wetland Management District.

(20) Northwest Montana Wetland Management District.

(21) Pablo National Wildlife Refuge.

(22) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

(23) Swan River National Wildlife Refuge.

(24) UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge.

(25) War Horse National Wildlife Refuge.

(aa)

Nebraska.

(1) Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) North Platte National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District.

(6) Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.

(bb)

Nevada.

(1) Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Desert National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge.

(cc)

New Hampshire.

(1) Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge.

(dd)

New Jersey.

(1) Cape May National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge.

(ee)

New Mexico.

(1) Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) San Andres National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge.

(ff)

New York.

(1) Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge.

(gg)

North Carolina.

(1) Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge.

(hh)

North Dakota.

(1) Ardoch National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Arrowwood Wetland Management District.

(4) Audubon National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Audubon Wetland Management District.

(6) Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Chase Lake Wetland Management District.

(8) Crosby Wetland Management District.

(9) Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Devils Lake Wetland Management District.

(11) J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District.

(13) Kulm Wetland Management District.

(14) Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge.

(15) Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge.

(16) Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge.

(17) Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge.

(18) Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(19) Long Lake Wetland Management District.

(20) Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge.

(21) Lostwood Wetland Management District.

(22) Rose Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(23) Sibley Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(24) Silver Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(25) Slade National Wildlife Refuge.

(26) Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(27) Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge.

(28) Tewaukon Wetland Management District.

(29) Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge.

(ii)

Ohio.

(1) Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

(jj)

Oklahoma.

(1) Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Little River National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Optima National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Ozark Plateau National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Tishomingo Wildlife Management Unit.

(9) Washita National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.

(kk)

Oregon.

(1) Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.

(7) Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer.

(8) Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

(13) McNary National Wildlife Refuge.

(14) Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(15) Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.

(16) Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(17) Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.

(18) Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge.

(19) Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.

(20) William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge.

(ll)

Pennsylvania.

(1) Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Erie National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.

(4) Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

(mm)

Rhode Island.

(1) Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

(nn)

South Carolina.

(1) Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Santee National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.

(oo)

South Dakota.

(1) Huron Wetland Management District.

(2) Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Lake Andes Wetland Management District.

(5) Madison Wetland Management District.

(6) Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Sand Lake Wetland Management District.

(8) Waubay National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Waubay Wetland Management District.

(pp)

Tennessee.

(1) Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.

(qq)

Texas.

(1) Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

(2) Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

(3) Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge.

(5) Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge.

(6) Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(7) Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

(8) Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.

(9) Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

(10) Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

(11) McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge.

(12) San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge.

(13) Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge.

(14) Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge.

(rr)

Utah.

(1) Bear River Migratory Bird Ref

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