Notice of public meeting and extended public review period on the Draft Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan for the Proposed Establishment of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Marshall, McCracken, and Graves Counties, Kentucky

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Notice of public meeting and extended public review period on the

Draft Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan for the

Proposed Establishment of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge,

Marshall, McCracken, and Graves Counties, Kentucky

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and extended public review period for

the proposed establishment of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge.

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

Service. Southeast Region, will hold a public meeting to answer

questions and hear comments concerning its proposal to establish a new

national wildlife refuge along the floodplain of the East Fork of the

Clarks River in Marshal, McCracken, and Graves Counties, Kentucky. This

notice also announces the Service's extension of the public review and

comment period on the refuge proposal to March 14, 1997.

DATES: The Service will hold a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. on February

20, 1997, at Benton Middle School, 906 Joe Creason Drive, Benton,

Kentucky. The public review and comment period on the draft

environmental assessment and land protection plan has also been

extended to March 14, 1997.

Written comments must be received no later than March 14, 1997, at

the address below in order to be considered for preparation of the

final environmental assessment.

ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for copies of the draft environmental

assessment and for further information on the project should be

addressed to Mr. Charles R. Danner, Team Leader, Planning and Support

Team, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta,

Georgia 30345.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the proposed refuge is to

protect, enhance, and manage approximately 18,000 acres of wetlands,

bottomland hardwoods, and associated buffer areas along the East Fork

of the Clarks River for the benefit of migratory and resident

waterfowl, neotropical migratory birds, resident wildlife, and other

species dependent on the river habitats of the area. A Draft

Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan for the proposed

refuge has been developed by Service biologists in coordination with

the Kentucky Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and local county

officials. The assessment evaluates three alternative actions and their

potential impacts on the environment. The public is invited to attend

the February 20 public meeting to ask questions and offer comments on

the refuge proposal. Written comments are also welcomed and should be

sent to Mr. Danner at the address noted above.

Dated: January 21, 1997.

C. Monty Halcomb,

Acting Regional Director.

[FR Doc. 97-1999 Filed 1-27-97; 8:45 am]

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