[Federal Register: July 16, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 136)] [Notices] [Page 38466] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr16jy99-100] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Historic Preservation Plan AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Historic Preservation Plan as part of its responsibilities for the long-term management of historic properties on Midway Atoll. This plan defines a program to integrate historic preservation planning with the wildlife conservation mission of the Service. By this notice, the public is informed that the plan is available and that copies may be obtained on request to the Service. ADDRESSES: Written requests for copies should be addressed to: U.S.A. Fish and Wildlife Service--Pacific Islands Ecoregion, Box 50088, Honolulu, HI 96850. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert P. Smith, Pacific Islands Manager, telephone (808) 541-2749. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Midway's historically important buildings and structures are primarily associated with World War II. Nine structures specifically associated with the June 1942 Battle of Midway were designated as National Historic Landmarks in 1986. Archaeological and architectural studies conducted in 1993 and 1994 identified and evaluated buildings, structures, and objects on the atoll's two main islands and determined that an additional 69 properties were eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. The Base Realignment and Closure Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-510, as amended, led to the closure of Midway's Naval Air Facility on October 1, 1993 and transfer of the property to the Service on October 31, 1996. Transition from a Naval Air Facility to a wildlife refuge necessitated a reduction in personnel and operational facilities. Therefore, identifying excess property was accomplished by the U.S. Navy and the Service in consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Council), the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Officer, and interested parties. Treatment of Midway's 78 historic properties during the Base Closure and transfer led to a Programmatic Agreement in 1996. One of the stipulations in the agreement was for the Service to prepare a Historic Preservation Plan for the long-term management of historic properties. Midway and Midway's Historic Preservation Plan are unique in several respects: first, the plan focuses on treatment of properties that have been previously identified and evaluated; second, some treatment options for Midway were determined by the Programmatic Agreement and implemented, with adverse effects mitigated by completion of documentation for all historic properties; third, the mission statement and primary goals of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge include preservation of historic resources. This Historic Preservation Plan focuses on long-term management conditions and goals for preserving and stabilizing historic properties, and recommends procedures for treating new discoveries, caring for museum collections, and implementing a public outreach program that includes historic preservation. Dated: July 9, 1999. Thomas Dwyer, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region. [FR Doc. 99-18158 Filed 7-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-M