Notices. Notice

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BILLING CODE 4184-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. 2006N-0104] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Requirements for Submission of Labeling for Human Prescription Drugs and Biologics in Electronic Format AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration

(FDA)is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the reporting requirements contained in the requirements for submission of labeling for human prescription drugs and biologics in electronic format. DATES: Submit written or electronic comments on the collection of information by May 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: *http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments* . Submit written comments on the collection of information to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. All comments should be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Nelson, Office Management Programs (HFA-250), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-827-1482. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, FDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document. With respect to the following collection of information, FDA invites comments on these topics:

(1)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(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, including through the use of automated collection techniques, when appropriate, and other forms of information technology. Requirements for Submission of Labeling for Human Prescription Drugs and Biologics in Electronic Format (OMB Control Number 0910-0530)—Extension FDA is requesting that OMB extend approval under the PRA for the information collection contained in the final rule entitled “Requirements for Submission of Labeling for Human Prescription Drugs and Biologics in Electronic Format” (68 FR 69009, December 11, 2003) (the final rule). The final rule amended FDA regulations governing the format in which certain labeling is required to be submitted for FDA review with new drug applications (NDAs), certain biological license applications (BLAs), abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs), supplements, and annual reports. The final rule required that the content of labeling for prescription drug and biological products required under 21 CFR 201.100(d)(3) be submitted to FDA electronically in a form that FDA can process, review, and archive. Copies of product labeling have been required to be submitted to FDA for review in NDAs, certain BLAs, ANDAs, certain supplements, and annual reports under §§ 314.50, 314.70, 314.81, 314.94, 314.97, 314.98, 601.2, and 601.12 (21 CFR 314.50, 314.70, 314.81, 314.94, 314.97, 314.98, 601.2, and 601.12). Under these regulations, copies of labeling may be submitted electronically or on paper. The final rule added the requirement to submit the content of labeling in electronic format to simplify the drug labeling review process and speed up the approval of labeling changes. The reporting burden for submitting labeling under §§ 314.50, 314.70, 314.81, 314.94, 314.97, and 314.98 has been estimated by FDA and the collection of information has been approved by OMB under OMB control number 0910-0001, most recently until May 31, 2008. The reporting burden associated with current §§ 601.2 and 601.12 has also been estimated and that collection of information has been approved by OMB under OMB control number 0910-0338, most recently until September 30, 2008. We are not re-estimating these approved burdens in this action. Only the additional reoccurring reporting burdens associated with the electronic submission of the content of labeling in the final rule are estimated in this action. *New NDAs (§ 314.50), ANDAs (§ 314.94), and BLAs (§ 601.2)* : Based on the number of submissions during 2005 under the approved collections of information for §§ 314.50, 314.94, and 601.2, we estimate that approximately 75 NDA applicants, 160 ANDA applicants, and 6 BLA applicants (respondents) submit applications to us annually. We estimate that these applicants (respondents) submit approximately 111 NDAs, 766 ANDAs, and 21 BLAs each year that are subject to the requirements of the final rule. As explained in section V of the final rule, we estimate that the hours per response, i.e., the additional time necessary for submission of the content of labeling in electronic format for these applications, will be less than 15 minutes. *Supplements to NDAs (§ 314.70), ANDAs (§ 314.97), and BLAs (§ 601.12(f)(1) and (f)(2))* : Based on the number of submissions during 2005 under the approved collections of information for §§ 314.70, 314.97, and § 601.12(f)(1) and (f)(2), we estimate that approximately 272 NDA applicants, 189 ANDA applicants, and 35 BLA applicants (respondents) submit supplements to approved applications to us annually. We estimate that these applicants (respondents) submit approximately 1,839 NDA supplements, 3,208 ANDA supplements, and 82 BLA supplements each year that are subject to the requirements of the final rule. As explained in section V of the final rule, we estimate that the hours per response, i.e., the additional time necessary for submission of the content of labeling in electronic format for these applications, will be less than 15 minutes. *Annual Reports for NDAs (§ 314.81), ANDAs (§ 314.98), and BLAs (§ 601.12(f)(3))* : Based on the number of submissions during 2005 under the approved collections of information for §§ 314.81, 314.98, and 601.12(f)(3), we estimate that approximately 306 NDA applicants, 333 ANDA applicants, and 4 BLA applicants (respondents) submit annual reports to us annually. We estimate that NDA applicants submit to us approximately 2,617 annual reports, ANDA applicants submit approximately 6,054 annual reports, and BLA applicants submit approximately 16 annual reports each year that are subject to the requirements of the final rule. As explained in section V of the final rule, we estimate that the hours per response, i.e., the additional time necessary for submission of the content of labeling in electronic format for these submissions, will be less than 15 minutes. FDA estimates the burden of this collection of information as follows: **Table 1.—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden** 1 21 CFR Section No. of Respondents No. of Responses per Respondent Total Annual Responses Hours per Response Total Hours New Applications 314.50 75 1.48 111 .25 27.75 314.94 160 4.79 766 .25 191.50 601.14 2 6 3.50 21 .25 5.25 Supplements 314.70 272 6.76 1,839 .25 459.75 314.97 189 16.98 3,208 .25 802 601.14 3 35 2.34 82 .25 20.5 Annual Reports 314.81 306 8.55 2,617 .25 654.25 314.98 333 18.18 6,054 .25 1,513.50 601.14 4 4 4 16 .25 4 Total 3,678.50 1 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. 2 Applications submitted under § 601.2. 3 Supplements submitted under § 601.12(f)(1) and (f)(2). 4 Annual reports submitted under § 601.12(f)(3). Dated: March 20, 2006. Jeffrey Shuren, Assistant Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. E6-4506 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. 2006N-0105] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Environmental Impact Considerations AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration

(FDA)is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information collection contained in FDA regulations entitled “Environmental Impact Considerations.” DATES: Submit written or electronic comments on the collection of information by May 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: *http://www.fda.gov/dockets/ecomments* . Submit written comments on the collection of information to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20857. All comments should be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Nelson, Office of Management Programs (HFA-250), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-827-1482. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(1)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(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, including through the use of automated collection techniques, when appropriate, and other forms of information technology. Environmental Impact Considerations—Part 25 (21 CFR Part 25) (OMB Control Number 0910-0322)—Extension FDA is requesting OMB approval for the reporting requirements contained in the FDA regulation “Environmental Impact Considerations.” The National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), states national environmental objectives and imposes upon each Federal agency the duty to consider the environmental effects of its actions. Section 102(2)(C) of NEPA requires the preparation of an environmental impact statement

(EIS)for every major Federal action that will significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The FDA NEPA regulations are at part 25. All applications or petitions requesting agency action require the submission of a claim for a categorical exclusion or an environmental assessment (EA). A categorical exclusion applies to certain classes of FDA-regulated actions that usually have little or no potential to cause significant environmental effects and are excluded from the requirements to prepare an EA or EIS. Section 25.15(a) and

(d)specifies the procedures for submitting to FDA a claim for a categorical exclusion. Extraordinary circumstances (§ 25.21), which may result in significant environmental impacts, may exist for some actions that are usually categorically excluded. An EA provides information that is used to determine whether an FDA action could result in a significant environmental impact. Sections 25.40(a) and

(c)specifies the content requirements for EAs for nonexcluded actions. This collection of information is used by FDA to assess the environmental impact of agency actions and to ensure that the public is informed of environmental analyses. Firms wishing to manufacture and market substances regulated under statutes for which FDA is responsible must, in most instances, submit applications requesting approval. Environmental information must be included in such applications for the purpose of determining whether the proposed action may have a significant impact on the environment. Where significant adverse effects cannot be avoided, the agency uses the submitted information as the basis for preparing and circulating to the public an EIS, made available through a **Federal Register** document also filed for comment at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The final EIS, including the comments received, is reviewed by the agency to weigh environmental costs and benefits in determining whether to pursue the proposed action or some alternative that would reduce expected environmental impact. Any final EIS would contain additional information gathered by the agency after the publication of the draft EIS, a copy of or a summary of the comments received on the draft EIS, and the agency's responses to the comments, including any revisions resulting from the comments or other information. When the agency finds that no significant environmental effects are expected, the agency prepares a finding of no significant impact (FONSI). *Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Human Drugs* Under 21 CFR 312.23(a)(7)(iv)(e), 314.50(d)(1)(iii), and 314.94(a)(9)(i), each investigational new drug application (IND), new drug application (NDA), and abbreviated new drug application

(ANDA)must contain a claim for categorical exclusion under § 25.30 or § 25.31 or an EA under § 25.40. In 2005, FDA received 1,933 INDs from 1,517 sponsors, 114 NDAs from 94 applicants, 2,682 supplements to NDAs from 293 applicants, 777 ANDAs from 161 applicants, and 4,318 supplements to ANDAs from 219 applicants. FDA estimates that it receives approximately 9,813 claims for categorical exclusions as required under § 25.15(a) and (d), and 11 EAs as required under § 25.40(a) and (c). Based on information provided by the pharmaceutical industry, FDA estimates that it takes sponsors or applicants approximately 8 hours to prepare a claim for a categorical exclusion and approximately 3,400 hours to prepare an EA. FDA estimates the burden of this collection of information as follows: **Table 1.—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden** 1 Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Human Drugs 21 CFR Section No. of Respondents Annual Frequency per Response Total Annual Responses Hours per Response Total Burden Hours 25.15(a) and

(d)2,284 4.32 9,813 8 78,504 25.40(a) and

(c)11 1 11 3,400 37,400 Total 115,904 1 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. *Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Human Foods* Under 21 CFR 71.1, 171.1, 170.39, and 170.100, food additive petitions, color additive petitions, requests for exemption from regulation as a food additive, and submission of a food contact notification

(FCN)for a food contact substance must contain either a claim of categorical exclusion under § 25.30 or § 25.32, or an EA under § 25.40. From 2003 to 2005, FDA received an annual average of 88 industry submissions. FDA estimates that it received an annual average of 57 claims of categorical exclusions as required under § 25.15(a) and (d), and 31 EAs as required under § 25.40(a) and (c). FDA estimates that, on average, it takes petitioners, notifiers, or requestors approximately 3 hours to prepare a claim of categorical exclusion and approximately 210 hours to prepare an EA. **Table 2.—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden** 1 Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Human Foods 21 CFR Section No. of Respondents Annual Frequency per Response Total Annual Responses Hours per Response Total Burden Hours 25.15(a) and

(d)57 1.4 80 3 240 25.40(a) and

(c)31 1.3 39 210 8,190 Total 8,430 1 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. *Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Medical Devices* Under 21 CFR 814.20(b)(11), premarket approvals (original premarket approval applications

(PMAs)and supplements) must contain a claim for categorical exclusion under § 25.30 or § 25.34 or an EA under § 25.40. In 2005, FDA received 282 claims (original PMAs and supplements) for categorical exclusions as required under § 25.15(a) and (d), and 0 EAs as required under § 25.40(a) and (c). Based on information provided by less than 10 sponsors, FDA estimates that it takes approximately less than 1 hour to prepare a claim for a categorical exclusion and an unknown number of hours to prepare an EA. **Table 3.—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden** 1 Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Medical Devices 21 CFR Section No. of Respondents Annual Frequency per Response Total Annual Responses Hours per Response Total Burden Hours 25.15(a) and

(d)47 6 282 1 282 25.40(a) and

(c)0 0 0 0 0 Total 282 1 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. *Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Biological Products* Under 21 CFR 312.23(a)(7)(iv)(e) and 601.2(a), IND and biologics license applications

(BLAs)must contain a claim for categorical exclusion under § 25.30 or § 25.31 or an EA under § 25.40. In 2005, FDA received 565 INDs from 426 sponsors, 27 BLAs from 12 applicants, and 737 BLA supplements to license applications from 205 applicants. FDA estimates that approximately 10 percent of these supplements would be submitted with a claim for categorical exclusion or an EA. FDA estimates that it received approximately 666 claims for categorical exclusion as required under § 25.15(a) and (d), and 2 EAs as required under § 25.40(a) and (c). Based on information provided by industry, FDA estimates that it takes sponsors and applicants approximately 8 hours to prepare a claim for categorical exclusion and approximately 3,400 hours to prepare an EA for a biological product. **Table 4.—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden** 1 Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Biological Products 21 CFR Section No. of Respondents Annual Frequency per Response Total Annual Responses Hours per Response Total Burden Hours 25.15(a) and

(d)459 1.45 666 8 5,328 25.40(a) and

(c)2 1 2 3,400 6,800 Total 12,128 1 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. *Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Animal Drugs* Under 21 CFR 514.1(b)(14), new animal drug applications (NADAs) and abbreviated new animal drug applications (ANADAs), § 514.8(a)(1) supplemental NADAs and ANADAs, § 511.1 (b)(10) investigational new animal drug applications (INADs), § 570.35 (c)(1)(viii) generally recognized as safe

(GRAS)affirmation petitions, and § 571.1(c) food additive petitions must contain a claim for categorical exclusion under § 25.30 or § 25.33 or an EA under § 25.40. In 2005, FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine

(CVM)has received approximately 421 claims for categorical exclusion as required under § 25.15(a) and (d), and 14 EAs as required under § 25.40(a) and (c). Based on information provided by industry, FDA estimates that it takes sponsors/applicants approximately 8 hours to prepare a claim for a categorical exclusion and an average of 2,160 hours to prepare an EA. **Table 5.—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden** 1 Estimated Annual Reporting Burden for Animal Drugs 21 CFR Section No. of Respondents Annual Frequency per Response Total Annual Responses Hours per Response Total Burden Hours 25.15(a) and

(d)135 3.9 421 8 3,368 25.40(a) and

(c)12 1.6 14 2,160 30,240 Total 33,608 1 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. Based on information provided by industry, FDA estimates that the combined annual total burden hours for all Centers is 170,352. Dated: March 20, 2006. Jeffrey Shuren, Assistant Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. E6-4507 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-01-S DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Bureau of Customs and Border Protection Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): Ability of Truck Carriers To Use Third Parties To Submit Manifest Information in the Test of the ACE Truck Manifest System AGENCY: Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: General notice. SUMMARY: This document announces that the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection

(CBP)will permit truck carriers who are not Automated Commercial Environment

(ACE)Truck Carrier Accounts to use third parties to transmit truck manifest information on their behalf electronically in the ACE Truck Manifest system, via electronic data interchange

(EDI)messaging. Truck carriers electing to use a third party to submit manifest information to CBP must possess a valid Standard Carrier Alpha Code

(SCAC)from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. Truck carriers who elect to use this transmission method will not have access to operational data and will not receive status messages on ACE transactions, nor will they have access to integrated Account data from multiple system sources. These truck carriers will be able to obtain release of their cargo, crew, conveyances, and equipment via EDI messaging back to the transmitter of the information. By making these changes, CBP is opening the test to parties previously ineligible to participate. DATES: *Effective Date:* Truck carriers will be able to participate in ACE through the use of a third party transmitter starting on March 29, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Swanson, via e-mail at *james.d.swanson@dhs.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On February 4, 2004 and September 13, 2004, CBP published General Notices in the **Federal Register** (69 FR 55167 and 69 FR 5360) announcing a test, in conjunction with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), allowing participating truck carriers to transmit electronic manifest data in ACE, including advance cargo information as required by section 343(a) of the Trade Act of 2002, as amended by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (see 68 FR 68140). The advance cargo information requirements are detailed in the final rule published in the **Federal Register** at 68 FR 68140 on December 5, 2003. Truck carriers participating in the test opened up Truck Carrier Accounts which provided them with the ability to electronically transmit truck manifest data and obtain release of their cargo, crew, conveyances, and equipment via the ACE Portal or electronic data interchange

(EDI)messaging. In the September 13, 2004 notice, CBP stated that, in order to be eligible for participation in this test, a carrier must have: 1. Submitted an application ( *i.e.* , statement of intent to establish an ACE Account and to participate in the testing of electronic truck manifest functionality) as set forth in the February 4, 2004, **Federal Register** notice (69 FR 5360); 2. Provided a Standard Carrier Alpha Code(s) (SCAC); 3. Provided the name, address, and e-mail of a point of contact to receive further information. In addition, participants intending to use the ACE Secure Data Portal as the means to file the manifest must submit a statement certifying the ability to connect to the Internet. Participants intending to use an EDI interface are required to first test their ability to send and receive electronic messages in either American National Standards Institute

(ANSI)X12 or United Nations / Directories for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport (UN/EDIFACT) format with CBP. The September 13, 2004 notice indicated that acceptance into this test does not guarantee eligibility for, or acceptance into, future technical tests. Implementation Through this notice, CBP announces a change whereby truck carriers no longer have to open ACE Truck Carrier Accounts to participate in the ACE test. Specifically, truck carriers may elect to use a third party to submit electronic manifest information via EDI to CBP. Truck carriers participating in this fashion will not have access to operational data and will not receive status messages on ACE Accounts, nor will they have access to integrated Account data from multiple system sources. These truck carriers will be able to obtain release of their cargo, crew, conveyances, and equipment via EDI messaging back to the transmitter of the information. If the third party transmitting the truck manifest information to CBP does not use EDI, but instead wishes to use the ACE portal, the truck carrier who is submitting that information to the third party (for transmission to CBP) must have an ACE Truck Carrier Account as described in the February 4, 2004, General Notice (69 FR 5360). A truck carrier using a third party to transmit via EDI cargo, crew, conveyance and equipment information to CBP must have a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC). Any truck carrier with a SCAC may arrange to have a third party transmit manifest information to CBP via EDI consistent with the requirements of the ACE Truck Manifest Test. Previous Notices Continue To Be Applicable All of the other aspects of the ACE Truck Manifest Test as set forth in the September 13, 2004, notice (69 FR 55167), as modified by the General Notice published in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 13514) on March 21, 2005, continue to be applicable. (The March 21, 2005 notice clarified that all relevant data elements are required to be submitted in the automated truck manifest submission.) All of the aspects of the February 4, 2004, notice (69 FR 5360) also continue to be applicable, except as revised in this notice. Dated: March 22, 2006. Jayson P. Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations. [FR Doc. E6-4571 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-14-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge in Horry, Georgetown, and Marion Counties, South Carolina. SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitat, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The purpose of this notice is to achieve the following:

(1)Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and

(2)Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document. DATES: To ensure consideration, written comments must be received no later than April 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: Comments, questions, and requests for more information regarding the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge planning process should be sent to: M. Craig Sasser, Refuge Manager, 1601 North Fraser Street, Georgetown, South Carolina 29440; Telephone: 843/527-8069 or 843-509-1514; E-mail: *marshall_sasser@fws.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service has initiated comprehensive conservation planning for Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge for the management of its natural resources. This planning will result in the development of goals, objectives, and strategies to carry out the refuge's purposes and to comply with laws and policies governing management and public use of refuges. Opportunities will be provided for public input at open houses to be held in both Georgetown and Conway, South Carolina. All comments received from individuals become part of the official public record. Requests for such comments will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and the Council on Environmental Quality's NEPA regulations [40 CFR 1505.6(f)]. The refuge has an acquisition boundary that spans more than 55,000 acres and includes large sections of the Waccamaw and Great Pee Dee rivers and a small section of the Little Pee Dee River. The wetland diversity of this refuge is what sets it apart from most other found along the east coast. Wetland habitats range from historic, broken and actively managed tidal rice fields, to black water and alluvial flood plain forested wetlands. These tidal freshwater wetlands are some of the most diverse freshwater wetland system found in North America and they offer many important habitats for migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57. Dated: March 8, 2006. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. 06-2985 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am]

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