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15221
Federal Register
/Vol. 68, No. 60/Friday, March 28, 2003/Notices
farm planning and implementationusing anticipated funds. The rapidassessment of the basin will becompleted in June 2003.The Work Plan will be changed basedon a final analysis of the rapidassessment information and afterfunding allowances have been issued tothe NRCS state offices from the FY 2003appropriations. A more detaileddescription of NRCS activities over thenext five years will be prepared early inPhase 2 of the Work Plan. During Phase2, a Basin Team will be assembled,information will be analyzed from thesub-basin Rapid Assessments, moreprecise estimates will be made of land-owner willingness to participate, and a basin-wide planning effort will beestablished with state and other federalagencies, conservation and irrigationdistricts, and interested stake holders.
Department of Agriculture ForestService
The FS Work Plan for the UpperKlamath River Basin, Oregon, andMiddle and Lower Klamath River Basin,California, display past, present, andfuture projects which will enhance andrestore the functioning of the basinecosystem. The plan includes watershedlevel projects and plans as well localprojects designed to achieve theobjectives. Web links are includedwhere available that will give the readeradditional information for each project.The Work Plan displays currentactivities as well as future projects thatare in the planning stage. As planningproceeds, changes will be made basedon the availability of funds, scientificassessments, and environmentalassessments. Similar projects areexpected to be implemented in thefuture.The Work Plan describes recentaccomplishments as well as plannedactivities. The plan will be changedannually as wider area assessments andplans are developed with specificproposed actions. The planning willinvolve state and other federal agencies,the affected Tribes, and interestedstakeholders.
Department of the Interior
The Department of the Interior hassummarized its work on Klamath water,habitat and species issues in twodocuments. The first of these is titled,
‘‘
Summary of Ongoing and PlannedWork of the Department of the InteriorRelated to the Klamath River Basin.
’’
 That document summarizes ongoingand planned work of the five Interior bureaus
—
FWS, BOR, BIA, BLM, andUSGS
—
primarily involved in suchwork. The document highlights two keyplanning efforts underway
—
thedevelopment of a Klamath BasinConservation Implementation Plan led by the BOR and an aquatic habitatrestoration scenario being prepared bythe FWS. The summary also discussesHabitat Conservation Plan initiatives,Environmental Impact Statement workunderway, the Trinity River restorationinitiative, the development of a water bank for the Klamath Irrigation Project,habitat restoration, water leasing, andwater storage initiatives in the WoodRiver valley, work on water-rightclaims, groundwater studies in theupper Klamath River basin, andparticipation in the Federal licensingprocess for PacifiCorp
’
s Klamath River basin hydropower facilities.The second document is titled,
‘‘
Klamath Basin
—
Summary of RecentFederal Government Activities.
’’
Thisdocument summarizes work that has been conducted over the past severalyears
—
much of which is continuingtoday
—
dealing with the basin
’
s difficultand interrelated water, habitat andspecies issues. The summary paperhighlights initiatives dealing with waterresources, land management practices,salmon enhancement, fish and wildlifehabitat restoration, research, monitoringand assessment, Endangered SpeciesAct responsibilities, and communityoutreach.
Department of Commerce NationalOceanic and AtmosphericAdministration Fisheries
The report on Past, Present andFuture Activities Being Conducted inthe Klamath River Basin Related to theProtection and Recovery of Fish andTheir Habitat describes NOAA Fisheriesinvolvement in a broad range of activities in the Klamath Basin underthe authorities of the EndangeredSpecies Act (ESA), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation andManagement Act (Magnuson Act), andother federal statutes. Through thesestatutes, NOAA Fisheries endeavors toprotect and recover fish populationsunder their jurisdiction. NOAAFisheries also administers grants tostate, tribal and local entities in theKlamath River basin for salmonrestoration and watershed improvementactivities. NOAA Fisheries activities inthe basin principally occur in the lowerKlamath Basin, where anadromousspecies occur. However, NOAAFisheries does administer grants to theState of Oregon for watershedimprovements in the upper KlamathRiver basin, which in turn benefitanadromous species in the lower basin.The report summarizes NOAAFisheries
’
primary activities in theKlamath Basin that have occurred overthe past five years as well as thoseactivities that will occur into the future.It is intended to inform the user of theinvolvement of NOAA Fisheries in avariety of activities as they relate toanadromous fish in the basin. Thereport will be updated as projects andfunding levels evolve over the next fiveyears.
Signed at Washington, DC, on March 25,2003.
Gale A. Norton,
Secretary of the Interior and Chairman of the President 
’ 
s Klamath River Basin Federal Working Group.
[FR Doc. 03
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7513 Filed 3
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BILLING CODE 4310
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10
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M
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORFish and Wildlife ServiceNotice of Availability of DraftComprehensive Conservation Plan andEnvironmental Assessment for theAlamosa and Monte Vista NationalWildlife Refuge Complex, Alamosa, CO
AGENCY
:
Fish and Wildlife Service,Interior.
ACTION
:
Notice of availability.
SUMMARY
:
The U.S. Fish and WildlifeService announces that a DraftComprehensive Conservation Plan andEnvironmental Assessment (CCP/EA)for the Alamosa and Monte VistaNational Wildlife Refuge Complex isavailable for review and comment. ThisCCP/EA, prepared pursuant to theNational Wildlife Refuge SystemImprovement Act of 1997 and theNational Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service intends to manage theComplex for the next 15 years. Alsoavailable is a Spanish version Summaryof the Draft ComprehensiveConservation Plan and EnvironmentalAssessment.
DATES
:
Please submit comments on theDraft CCP/EA on or before April 28,2003.
ADDRESSES
:
Comments on the DraftCCP/EA should be addressed to: AdamMisztal, Planning Team Leader, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver,CO 80225
–
0486. Comments may also besubmitted via electronic mail to:
adam
 _
misztal@fws.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
:
 Adam Misztal, Planning Team Leader,U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver,CO 80225
–
0486; (303) 236
–
8145 ext.
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15222
Federal Register
/Vol. 68, No. 60/Friday, March 28, 2003/Notices
607; fax (303) 236
–
4792 or MikeBlenden, Complex Manager, Alamosa/Monte Vista National Wildlife RefugeComplex, U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceAdmin. Building, 9383 El Rancho Lane,Alamosa, CO 81101; (719) 589
–
4021; fax(719) 587
–
0595.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
:
 
Availability of Documents:
Copies of theDraft CCP/EA or Spanish versionSummary may be obtained by writingto: Adam Misztal, Planning TeamLeader, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center,Denver, CO 80225
–
0486. The Draft CCP/EA will also be available for viewingand downloading online at
http:// mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning/.Background:
Alamosa and MonteVista National Wildlife Refuges wereestablished under the authority of theMigratory Bird Conservation Act
‘‘
***for use as inviolate sanctuaries, or forany other management purpose, formigratory birds.
’’
The purpose formanaging habitats on the Alamosa andMonte Vista National Wildlife Refuge(the Complex) is to provide a biologically diverse area thatcomplements the San Luis Valley (SLV)ecosystem.Ten different plant communities/habitat types exist on the Complex:upland shrub, tall-emergent, short-emergent, saltgrass, short grass, shallowseasonal wetland, semipermanentwetland, riparian, riverine, andagriculture. These habitats support avariety of mammals, reptiles,amphibians, and birds. Mammalsinclude coyote, red fox, black bear,mountain lion, bobcat, elk, mule deer,pronghorn, raccoon, mink, American badger, and other small mammals. Birdscommonly seen on these Refugesinclude numerous waterfowl species,including 10 that nest on the Complex:mallard, gadwall, cinnamon, green-winged and blue-winged teal, northernpintail, northern shoveler, Americanwigeon, redheads, and ruddy ducks, andone species of goose (Canada). TheMonte Vista NWR (MVNWR) has one of the highest densities of nestingwaterfowl in the continent (Gilbert
et al.
 1996). On average, 15,000 ducks areproduced on MVNWR annually, whichconstitutes a major contribution to theState
’
s population and, subsequently, tothe Central Flyway
’
s duck population.Other birds using the Complexinclude great blue heron, little blueheron, snowy and cattle egret, sandhillcrane, northern harrier, Swainson
’
shawk, ring-necked pheasant, Ross
’
 goose, black-bellied plover, greateryellowlegs, willet, and Wilson
’
sphalarope. Two endangered species, thewhooping crane and southwesternwillow flycatcher, and one threatenedspecies, the bald eagle, utilize theComplex. In addition, five species of management concern to the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service
’
s NationalMigratory Bird Office also use theComplex: American bittern, black tern, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, andwhite-faced ibis.The Draft CCP/EA identifies andevaluates two alternatives for managingthe Alamosa and Monte Vista NationalWildlife Refuges in the San Luis Valleyof southwestern Colorado. Thealternatives are compared by describinghow the habitat management tools,water management, rest, prescribed burning, prescribed grazing, farming,and habitat protection would be usedunder each alternative. Also describedunder each alternative are themanagement of public use, culturalresources, and elk.Under the No Action (Currentmanagement) Alternative the Refugeswould continue to be managed as it has been in the recent past:
Water Management:
The Complexwould continue to use its irrigationsystems much like the privatelandowners who preceded it to producewet meadow habitat to support wetland-dependent wildlife species. Also watermanagement, on certain portions of theRefuges, would accommodate varioussituations; for example, to meet theneeds of certain species, compliancewith State water law, control of noxiousweeds, maintenance of water controlinfrastructure, and specific experimentsto alter vegetation.
Rest:
Availability of dense stands of wetland vegetation during the earlyspring months is an importantcomponent of waterbird production on both Refuges. Successful production of waterbirds is primarily reliant uponstands of vegetation largely excludedfrom harvest. Because of this, bothRefuges are important islands of nestingcover within the Valley and the Flyway.Stands of dense vegetation are achievedthrough careful water manipulation andrest from management practices thatresult in defoliation, such as grazing,fire, herbicide, and mowing. Althoughthe use of rest has tremendous benefitsfor a wide variety of birds, it is notfeasible nor desirable to maintain all of the Complex
’
s wetlands in a constantdensely vegetated state.
Prescribed Burning:
Burning isprimarily used to set back plantsuccession in wetlands and uplands andto provide a mosaic of vegetationcomposition and structure for wildlifespecies with a wide array of nesting andfeeding requirements. Habitats areperiodically burned to remove excessivelitter buildup, stimulate vegetationgrowth, enhance nutrient cycling,increase soil temperatures, and controlweeds. Prescribed burning is also usedin some cases to reduce extremely denseor weedy vegetation so that othermanagement tools can be used in thatarea.
Prescribed Grazing:
From 1996 untilpresent, cattle grazing has only occurredon the Complex to meet the needs of research. Grazing occurs during thegrowing season and animals are movedevery 1 to 6 days to a new site. A grazedsite is then rested from 25 to 35 days before it is grazed again. Sites may begrazed two to three times during May 15to September 1.
Farming:
The farming program on theMonte Vista NWR is primarily used toprovide high energy food for migratingcranes and waterfowl. However, thefood and cover provided by farm fieldsalso benefit resident wildlife such asdeer, rodents and pheasants. No farmingis conducted at Alamosa NWR due to alack of suitable soils.
Habitat Protection:
Acquisition of fourinholdings would continue to bepursued as opportunities arise.Easements and fee-title acquisitionswould continue to be acquired toprevent uses that degrade wildlifehabitat and buffer critical habitats onthe Refuge. These efforts wouldcontinue as opportunities arise and beconcentrated on lands within one-half mile of the current boundaries of theRefuges in order to protect them fromthe adverse impacts of housingdevelopment.Currently, the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService is an active partner in theColorado Wetlands Initiative. It is alarge Statewide partnership with thegoal of protecting, restoring, andenhancing wetland habitat. Thisinitiative is a voluntary approach towetland conservation. It is aimed atconserving all biologically significantwetlands of Colorado and associatedwildlife including birds, mammals,reptiles, and amphibians.The Complex staff would continue toassist private landowners to create,protect, and enhance wetlandsthroughout the SLV through thePartners for Fish and Wildlife Program(PFW). Partnerships would continue to be developed with entities such as theColorado Division of Wildlife and DucksUnlimited to supplement Servicefunding of the program.
Public Use:
Public access to theRefuges is provided and wouldcontinue. Monte Vista NWR has a largernetwork of roads open to the public,including several county roads which
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15223
Federal Register
/Vol. 68, No. 60/Friday, March 28, 2003/Notices
 bisect the Refuge, and a 2.5-mile autotour route. Alamosa NWR is a largercontiguous land base with fewer publicaccessible roadways, having only a 3-mile auto tour route and a spur off acounty road to the Hansen Bluff overlook. Both auto tour routes are nearareas regularly used by waterbirds andother wildlife. Two hiking trails alsoexist on the Alamosa Refuge; a 2-mile(one way) trail along the Rio Grande anda 1-mile walk along wetland edges nearthe Bluff Overlook. Visitor numbers aredirectly related to wildlife activitiessuch as courtship behaviors, cranestaging, etc. Uses that are not wildlife-dependent are discouraged or evenprohibited.
Hunting:
Waterfowl and small gamehunting would continue to be supportedand encouraged. Camping areas forhunters would be provided. Hunternumbers are not regulated except duringthe first split of the waterfowl season.Due to safety concerns, public elkhunting opportunities are managed. Anelk hunt coordinator, under contractwith the Colorado Division Of Wildlife(CDOW), accompanies the hunter toensure safety. The hunter is selectedfrom a public list maintained by CDOW.All applicants, for this hunt, mustdemonstrate a high degree of firearmproficiency and must be available on 24hours notice.
Fishing:
The shallow water in Refugewetlands does not support a viablefishery. Wetlands either dry up or freezesolid annually which eliminates all fishthat have entered the system. Therefore,fishing is not allowed on the Refuges.Creation and management of a viablefishery on the portions of the RioGrande flowing through the AlamosaNWR will not be pursued for a varietyof reasons. The major limiting factor isthe inability of this stretch of river tosupport native fish species due to itsephemeral flows; it is often extremelylow to dry during summer months.
Wildlife Observation:
The Refuge staff is an active participant in the MonteVista Crane Festival; providingtechnical support, as well as providingviewing areas, conducting special toursand assisting in setting a direction forthe Festival. The Crane Festival is thelargest wildlife related public event inColorado (estimated 10,000 visitors in1999).
Wildlife Photography:
Photographywould continue to be allowed, with noadditional Refuge support provided tophotographers.
Interpretation:
A visitor contactstation is part of the Complex
’
s mainoffice at the Alamosa NWR and isusually staffed daily. At Monte VistaNWR, the visitor contact station is onlyopen seasonally and operated by theFriends of the San Luis Valley NationalWildlife Refuges or by volunteers. Self-guided auto-tour routes withinterpretive signs are available tovisitors on both Refuges. Additionally,on the Alamosa NWR, there is a driveto the panoramic
‘‘
Bluff Overlook
’’
 which affords a magnificent view of Refuge wetlands, the Rio Grande, andthe Sangre de Cristo mountains to theeast.
Environmental Education:
Volunteerand/or contractor led environmentaleducation programs for local schools areprovided, both as Refuge field trips andclassroom presentations.
Universal Access and Design:
 Although efforts have been undertakento make the Refuges accessible to allusers, the Refuges are still short of thisgoal. Accessibility issues and needs will be addressed on a project-by-project basis as funding allows.
Cultural Resources:
Humans haveused the land we now call Alamosa andMonte Vista National Wildlife Refugesfor approximately 11,000 years.Fourteen documented prehistoric andhistoric archaeological sites occur onMonte Vista NWR and eleven onAlamosa NWR. All but four sites (threeon Monte Vista and one on Alamosa)have been determined as non-eligiblefor nomination to the National Registerof Historic Places. The remaining foursites require further investigation anddata collection before eligibility can bedetermined. These sites are beingprotected in accordance with theNational Historic Preservation Act of 1996. Extensive archaeological sitesexist in the headwaters of Spring Creekon Monte Vista Refuge and alongHansen
’
s Bluff on Alamosa Refuge.
Elk Management:
Elk on the Refugepresent several problems: Elk trails and bedding areas have an impact onvegetation that could be used, or is being used, by ground-nesting birds;although the elk are easily seen fromroads, they are very difficult to harvestin a safe manner; they damage fencesand take livestock forage onneighboring, private lands; theirmovement onto and off the Refuge haveresulted in collisions with vehicles onthe adjacent public highways.Current elk management, through amanaged public hunt, is conducted inaccordance with Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations. Hunts are generallyinitiated once transient elk numbersexceed 100 on the west end of MonteVista NWR. The hunts are conductedfrom August 15 to February 28 andinclude only cow elk. Hunters areselected from a list of applicants whohave demonstrated a high degree of firearm proficiency and are available on24 hours notice.
Proposed Alternative
Water Management:
Under thisAlternative, Refuge staff would continueto utilize surface and well water tocreate wetland habitat on both Refugesas described under the No ActionAlternative. Additional efforts wouldfocus on improving efficiency of surfacewater application, monitoring of waterusage, better understanding of waterrights, historical processes, subsurfaceand surface interactions, and improvingknowledge of groundwater and its rolein maintaining wetlands. Bettermethods and capabilities for monitoringhabitat responses to water applicationwould be developed to facilitate anadaptive habitat management program.Efforts will be taken to restoremeandering streambeds and theirassociated hydrology and riparianhabitats on Refuge lands. Although suchactions will not have major impacts oneither the unconfined or confinedaquifers of the Valley, they canpositively impact localized groundwatertables and artesian wells, and increaseefficiency of irrigation during thefollowing season.Under this Alternative, irrigationsystems in all Refuge units would beupgraded as funding allows to enactmore precise and efficient managementof irrigation water. Currently, wetlandvegetation is maintained using floodirrigation practices where water isapplied at the highest elevation of a unitfrom a supply ditch or well head and isallowed to flow across the unit to lowerelevations.
Rest:
Under this Alternative, irrigationsystems in all Refuge units would beupgraded as funding allows to enactmore precise and efficient managementof irrigation water. Currently, wetlandvegetation is maintained using floodirrigation practices where water isapplied at the highest elevation of a unitfrom a supply ditch or well head and isallowed to flow across the unit to lowerelevations.
Prescribed Burning:
In addition to thatdescribed under the No ActionAlternative, management wouldimplement two new initiatives. First,formation of an interagency fire teamwould be pursued. This idea has beendiscussed among the various State andFederal land management agencies, butno action has been taken. This teamwould be responsible for conductingprescribed burns and suppressingwildfires on member agency lands.Second, Refuge management wouldpursue the hiring of additional staff todevelop a burn monitoring program and
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