Notice of Availability of the Comprehensive Management Plan, the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Availability of the Comprehensive Management Plan, the

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Associated Environmental

Assessment (EA) for Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service (Service) has made available for public review the

Comprehensive Management Plan, a Finding of No Significant Impact

(FONSI), and associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for Cypress Creek

National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The Refuge is located in Illinois

near the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in Alexander,

Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union Counties.

DATES: Written comments should be received by June 16, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to: Regional Director,

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building,

1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056; Attention: Mike

Marxen, RE-AP. Copies of the Comprehensive Management Plan, FONSI, and

EA are available during normal business hours at the Cypress Creek

National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, Route 1, Box 53D, Ullin,

Illinois 62992.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Elizabeth O. Jones, Acting Refuge Manager at 618-634-2231.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service proposes to implement the

Comprehensive Management Plan for Cypress Creek National Wildlife

Refuge. The purpose of the Plan is (1) To provide a clear vision and

statement of the refuge in 15 years, (2) ensure that management

reflects the policies and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System

(3) ensure that management is consistent with federal, state, county,

and partner plans, and (4) provide Refuge staff with guidance and

priorities for budget requests and for consistent

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development, operation, and management over the next 15 years.

The alternatives considered in the EA are:

1. No Action This alternative reflects the status quo, allowing

current conditions and trends of management, public use, and land use

to continue. No substantial increases in funds or staff would be

required. Public use opportunities, facilities, and access would remain

the same at minimal development.

2. Implement the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Comprehensive Management Plan This alternative would establish an

overall management direction. The Refuge is envisioned as a major

contributing member in a coalition of partners actively working

together to protect and restore a 60,000 acre complex of diverse

habitat types for people to enjoy.

The Service's preferred alternative is the second alternative.

The FONSI is based on the following findings:

1. The Refuge will add economic diversity and stability to the

local area as visitor use increases.

2. Acquisition of lands has been and will continue to be from

willing sellers only.

3. Annual Revenue sharing payments are made to the counties to help

off-set potential impacts to the tax base.

4. Cultural resource surveys are planned based on the CMP.

5. This action will not have an adverse impact on threatened and

endangered species.

6. Drainage networks and floodplains will not be affected.

The Comprehensive Management Plan, FONSI, and EA will be available

to the public on May 15, 1997. The deadline for public comments is June

16, 1997. During this 30-day period the FONSI will not be final, nor

will the Service implement the selected alternative. A final decision

will be made on whether to carry out the alternative selected at the

conclusion of the 30-day period.

Dated: May 1, 1997.

Stephen D. Wilds,

Acting Regional Director.

[FR Doc. 97-12024 Filed 5-14-97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-M