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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery [DRAFT] Environmental Assessment May 2019

Craig Brook NFH Draft Environmental Assessment 2

[DRAFT] Environmental Assessment for Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery Recreational Fishing Plan

May 2019

This environmental assessment (EA) evaluates the anticipated effects associated with this proposed action and complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1509) and Department of the Interior (43 CFR 46; 516 DM 8) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (550 FW 3) policies. NEPA requires examination of the effects of proposed actions on the natural and human environment. Proposed Action: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to open fishing opportunities on Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery (NFH) by continuing to allow public access to Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond in accordance with the hatchery’s 2019 Recreational Fishing Plan and State of Maine fishing regulations. The public use areas, including boat launches on the hatchery property at Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond will be open during daylight hours enabling public access to the state waters for fishing. Background: Craig Brook NFH is part of the U.S. and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation (FAC) program. The FAC program works throughout the country to restore habitat across the landscape, prevent and control invasive species, assist Native American tribes and other partners in managing their fish and wildlife resources, advance fisheries and aquatic sciences and technologies, foster outdoor recreational opportunities, educate the public on the economic and ecological benefits of aquatic species and their habitats, and address new and emerging challenges – such as climate change. Craig Brook NFH is administered by the Service and was established as part of the federal system in September, 1889, under the special laws of 1871, chapter 684, section 1 (R.S. 1883, Ch. 2, §8), Maine had given its general consent to federal acquisition of property for public purposes enumerated in Article 1, Section 8, clause 17 of the United States Constitution. Clause 17 authorizes the federal government to purchase land with the consent of the state for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards and other needful public buildings. The purposes of the Craig Brook NFH are:

(1) Propagation of endangered Atlantic salmon as part of a partnership comprised of state, federal, tribal, non-government, and corporate entities working to recover the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment.

(2) Creating opportunities for outdoor recreation while promoting activities that

complement the purposes of the hatchery.


(3) Promoting science, education, and research through partnerships to inform fish

culture and native fish species conservation. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action: Fishing is a healthy, traditional recreational use of renewable natural resources deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Federal laws and the Service’s policies permit fishing on national fish hatcheries when those activities are compatible with the purposes for which the hatchery was established and the mission of the Service. The purpose of this proposed action is to formally open Craig Brook NFH to public recreational fishing opportunities so that recreational angling can occur at the hatchery, consistent with the Craig Brook NFH Recreational Fishing Plan. This is aligned with the purpose of Secretarial Order 3356 to increase access to public lands for hunting, shooting, and fishing, and put a new and a greater emphasis on recruiting and retaining new sportsmen conservationists, with a focus on engaging youths, veterans, minorities, and other communities that traditionally have low participation in outdoor recreation activities. The need of the proposed action is to meet the Service’s priorities and mandates as outlined by the Secretary of the Department of Interior to “recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general uses of the Federal Lands and “ensure that opportunities are provided within the National Fish Hatchery system for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational.” Recreational fishing is a priority public use of the FAC Program as identified in the core goals of the Strategic Plan for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program: FY2016-2020 (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2015). Alternatives Considered No Action Alternative - Hatchery Closed to Recreational Fishing Under the no action alternative, the Craig Brook NFH would be closed to recreational fishing. This alternative is being included in the EA for analytical purposes only, as under the status quo, recreational fishing occurs at the hatchery. For the purposes of this analysis, under the no action alternative, the hatchery would be closed to public fishing. Implementation of this alternative would not facilitate wildlife-dependent priority use that has been found to be compatible with the purposes of the hatchery and the mission of the National Fish Hatchery system. Proposed Action Alternative – Hatchery Open to Recreational Fishing The Craig Brook NFH Recreational Fishing Plan, referred to here as the Proposed Action Alternative, opens public access to Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond for fishing on the boundary of Service lands, in accordance with laws and regulations established by the State of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) for inland waters (MDIFW 2019), including licensing requirements, season dates, fishing methods, and harvest. In addition, the following additional restrictions will be in place on public access:


1) Public access to Alamoosook Lake is restricted to daylight hours (legal sunrise until legal

sunset). 2) Public access to Craig Pond is restricted to daylight hours (legal sunrise until legal sunset). Affected Environment Craig Brook NFH comprises approximately 135 acres in Hancock County, Maine in the unincorporated village of East Orland in the Town of Orland. The site is located 6.5 miles east of Bucksport, and 12.8 miles west of Ellsworth, Maine (figure 1). The Hatchery is situated between the outlet of Craig Pond and the shoreline of Alamoosook Lake.

Figure 1. Topographical map of Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in Hancock County, Maine in the unincorporated village of East Orland in the Town of Orland. Red lines indicate the Hatchery property boundary and the black circles indicate the two boat launches. Environmental Consequences of the Action This section analyzes the environmental consequences of the action on each affected resource, including direct and indirect effects. This EA only includes the written analyses of the environmental consequences on a resource when the impacts on that resource could be more than negligible and therefore considered an “affected resource”. Any resources that will not be more than negligibly impacted by the action have been dismissed from further analyses. Impact Types:

● Direct effects are those which are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place.

● Indirect effects are those which are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable.


● Cumulative impacts result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions.

Impacts to Fish Populations The primary angling opportunities at Alamoosook Lake are for warm water species such as white perch, chain pickerel, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. While the primary angling opportunities at Craig Pond are for cold water species such as brook trout, landlocked salmon and lake trout. No Action: For the purposes of analysis, the no action alternative considers hatchery waters closed to recreational fishing. Anglers would not have public access to either Craig Pond or Alamoosook Lake, with the only remaining access from private lands. Therefore, there would be much reduced public recreational fishing on these waterbodies and presumably diminished catch rates. According to MDIFW, there are an estimated average of 325 (282 to 408, n = 4) angler use days on Alamoosook Lake during the open-water season (April, ice out to the end of September). There is no survey data for the winter ice fishing season (January 1 to March 31) on Alamoosook Lake. Angler use on Craig Pond in 2015 was estimated at 216 angler use days during the open-water season and 684 angler use days during the winter ice fishing season. Under the current management strategy, MDIFW stocks Craig Pond with 125 spring yearling landlocked salmon, 100 fall yearling brook trout, and 1,100 fall fingerling brook trout annually. The MDIFW will not stock any body of water that does not have public access. Under the no action alternative, supplementation would cease and a very popular brook trout and salmon fisheries for the local area would be greatly diminished. Alamoosook Lake is not currently stocked. Therefore, under the no action, there would be much reduced public recreational fishing on Craig Pond and Alamoosook Lake, potentially reduced catch rates, no supplemental stocking, and potentially less impact from recreational fishing to fish species or populations in these waterbodies. Proposed Action: The proposed action considers Craig Brook NFH officially opened for recreational fishing. Therefore, recreational fishing potentially could cause negative impacts to fish populations if it occurs at unsustainably high levels or is not managed properly. However, angling has been occurring on Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond for many decades. The angler use has been characterized and there is an established stocking regime on Craig Pond. Potential impacts from fishing include direct mortality from harvest and catch and release; injury to fish caught and released, changes in age and size class distribution, changes in reproductive capacity and success, loss of genetic diversity, altered behavior, and changes in ecosystems and food webs (Lewin et al. 2006, Cline et al. 2007). Recreational fishing may also lead to introduction of non-native fish that may negatively affect native fish, wildlife, or vegetation. Refuge law enforcement will work with State enforcement on non-native introductions and use of bait fish regulations to help reduce the potential for unwanted introductions.


In general, anglers tend to target older and larger fish which tend to have greater reproductive capacity. Their selective removal may reduce the populations overall reproductive success. Catch and release fishing can also have impacts on individual fish, including injury and immediate or delayed mortality. The likelihood of mortality depends on type of fishing gear used, where the fish was hooked, how the fish is handled, angler experience, and environmental conditions. Fish caught and released with non-lethal injuries could be exposed to parasites, or bacterial or fungal infections. Handling fish also increases stress, which may lead to changes in physiology and behavior (Lewin et al. 2006). Since fishing generally removes individuals from a population, at high levels it can lead to reduced population sizes and loss of genetic diversity. The loss of genetic diversity can ultimately reduce a population’s fitness, resilience, and ability to adapt to environmental changes and stressors. The higher the fishing mortality, the greater these types of impacts will be (Lewin et al. 2006). While fishing does remove individuals from the population, we do not anticipate that the projected level of fishing pressure will affect the fish population in Craig Pond or Alamoosook Lake. All fishing regulations (including catch limits aimed at ensuring sustainable populations) will continue to be consistent with current Federal and State regulations. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that there will be no negative effect on affected fish species or populations on a regional and continent-wide basis. The state of Maine strives to ensure maintenance of healthy and diverse fish species populations. Anglers must abide by the State’s seasons, catch limits, and regulations to protect the State’s fish populations. The fishing pressure at the hatchery is projected to be sustainable. Other Wildlife and Aquatic Species No Action: For the purposes of analysis, the no action alternative considers hatchery waters closed to recreational fishing. There would be much reduced public recreational fishing on Craig Pond and Alamoosook Lake; therefore, there would likely be reduced impact from recreational fishing to other wildlife and aquatic species. Proposed Action: The proposed action considers Craig Brook NFH officially opened for recreational fishing. Therefore, fishing has the potential to increase disturbance to wildlife that use the lake and pond, including waterfowl and wading birds. The fishing season in Maine coincides in part with spring and early summer nesting periods for many species of waterbirds. Human activity, including walking trails and boat use, has the potential to affect the behavior, distribution, and abundance of waterbirds due to disturbance. Disturbance from recreational activities vary with the wildlife species involved and the activity’s type, level, frequency, duration, and the time of year it occurs. Anglers and other boaters may disturb nesting birds by approaching too closely to nests, causing nesting birds to flush. Flushing may expose eggs to predation or cooling, resulting in egg mortality. Anglers will be using existing public use areas to access the recreational fishing. Given the habitat types near the


public use areas and observation from staff, anglers would have minimal effect on nesting birds of conservation concern. No species of concern have been observed nesting in areas that anglers would utilize. Hatchery staff would close areas, as needed, to fishing if sensitive nest sites were ever to occur. Threatened and Endangered Species and Other Special Status Species There are several threatened or endangered species and special status species that occur in the vicinity of Craig Brook NFH. Alamoosook Lake is designated critical habitat for the Gulf of Maine distinct population segment of the endangered Atlantic salmon. The Northern long-eared bat is listed as threatened throughout the State of Maine. In addition, bald eagles have been observed flying over Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond and in nearby trees. No Action: For the purposes of analysis, the no action alternative considers hatchery waters closed to recreational fishing. While there would be much reduced public recreational fishing on Craig Pond and Alamoosook Lake, existing State and Federal laws are in place to protect threatened or endangered species and other special status species. Therefore, there would be no impact from recreational fishing to these species under the no action alternative. Proposed Action: The proposed action considers Craig Brook NFH officially opened for recreational fishing. Alamoosook Lake is designated critical habitat for endangered Atlantic salmon. The shallow and warm lake habitat is not well suited Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon have not been identified to be present in the lake and the State of Maine does not stock these fish in this body of water. State of Maine fishing laws makes it illegal for anglers to fish for Sea-run Atlantic salmon (Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, Part 9, Chapter 605, §6140-B). Northern long-eared bat is listed as threatened throughout the State of Maine. Given that recreational fish access is already established and access will not be permitted after sunset. Therefore, effects to Northern long-eared bats are not anticipated. Bald eagles have been observed flying over Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond and in trees on the hatchery property. However, the proposed action is not anticipated to have any impact to Bald eagles given that they have been present while this proposed action has taken place. Therefore, public fishing is not anticipated to have a negative impact on threatened or endangered species or other special status species. Where potential exists for impacts attributable to public access from Craig Brook NFH, hatchery staff will minimize disturbance by implementing area closures or restrictions such that threatened or endangered or at-risk species are not impacted by fishing activities. Geology, Soils, and Vegetation The hatchery property is situated on Devonian era granite bedrock (Osberg et al. 1985). The


predominant soil types are Marlow, Hermon, and Monadnock soils (NRCS 2018). These soil types are well drained and support a mix of soft and hardwoods. No Action: For the purposes of analysis, the no action alternative considers hatchery waters closed to recreational fishing. Therefore, there would be no impact from recreational fishing to vegetation or soils on the hatchery property. Proposed Action: The proposed action considers the Craig Brook NFH officially opened for recreational fishing. Therefore, bank and trail erosion from foot traffic may affect/alter riparian or lake shore vegetation and habitat and increase aquatic sediment loads of streams and rivers. Adverse impacts to soils and vegetation will be minimal because the public use areas and boat launches are well established. Additionally, current levels of use by anglers (approximately 3 angler use days during open water fishing season and 8 angler use days during the winter ice fishing season) at these access points have been sustainable and the hatchery has not observed adverse effects on vegetation and soil. Therefore, we do not expect trail erosion to increase because of foot traffic related to fishing. Visitor Use and Experience Visitors currently use the hatchery to enjoy wildlife-dependent activities such as birdwatching, photography, hiking, wildlife observation, and for fishing access. Visitors engaged in these activities have historically co-existed without conflicts. Of the estimated that 10 to 12 people that visit the public use areas each day during the summer months, 3 are recreational anglers. No Action: For the purposes of analysis, the no action alternative considers hatchery waters closed to recreational fishing. This may negatively impact hatchery visitation and result in a lost opportunity to promote the Service’s work to the angling community. While the loss of public access to Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond negatively affect anglers that want to fish those bodies of water, it is anticipated that those anglers would substitute other nearby fishing opportunities. Proposed Action: The proposed action considers the Craig Brook NFH officially opened for recreational fishing. This action should not impact other recreational opportunities because anglers currently use the public use areas without conflict and there is little spatial overlap among the hiking and birding activities with angling. The Service will continually monitor for conflicts and evaluate mitigation measures that may be necessary to solve or to minimize conflicts between users should the need arise. Cultural Resources Although, Craig Brook NFH was established in 1889 there are very few relics from the early history of the hatchery. The only remaining building from the earliest era of the hatchery is an


ice house (circa 1896). The ice house is centrally located among the existing hatchery buildings and was renovated in the 1940 or 1950. There are a few rearing structures that date back to the early years of the hatchery that have long been covered with earth, reclaimed by woods and not freely accessible by the public. The proposed action considers Craig Brook NFH officially opened for recreational fishing would not impact any cultural resources nor would the no action alternative. Under both alternatives there will be no construction of facilities, ground disturbing actions, or modifications of structures over 50 years of age. Land Use and Administration No Action: For the purposes of analysis, the no action alternative considers hatchery waters closed to recreational fishing. Therefore, there would be no impact from recreational fishing to use of hatchery facilities (roads, trails, parking lots) because they would be closed to the public. Proposed Action: The proposed action considers the Craig Brook NFH officially opened for recreational fishing. Therefore, an increase in use of hatchery roads, trails, and parking lots may occur. No negative impacts are expected because the public use areas and boat launches are well established. Currently the public use area and boat launch at Craig Pond are managed by an agreement with MDIFW. The MDIFW hires an individual to close the gated access to Craig Pond each evening during the summer months. Under the proposed action, the Craig Brook NFH may incur some additional costs of limiting access to daylight hours. Given the remote location and the past negative experiences with overnight use, it is in the best interest of the hatchery to continue to limit access to daylight hours. Socioeconomics According to data provided by the U.S. Census, the population in Hancock County, Maine has been steady with 54,497 residences in 2017 and a growth rate of 0.26% since 2010. The State population has also been steady with a growth rate of 0.75% over the same period. According to the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, approximately 283,000 residents and non-residents fished in Maine. All fishing-related expenditures in Maine totaled $371,829 in 2011. Neither of the alternatives are expected to have a negative impacts on socio economics because it is anticipated that anglers would substitute other nearby fishing opportunities. Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, requires all Federal agencies to incorporate environmental justice into their missions by identifying and addressing disproportionately high or adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs and policies on minorities


and low-income populations and communities. The Service has not identified any potential high and adverse environmental or human health impacts from this proposed action or any of the alternatives. The Service has identified no minority or low-income communities within the impact area. Minority or low income communities will not be disproportionately affected by any impacts from this proposed action or any of the alternatives. Indian Trust Resources There are no known Indian Trust Resources on this hatchery and this action will not impact any Indian Trust Resources. Cumulative Impact Analysis Cumulative impacts are defined as “the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such other actions” (40 CFR 1508.7). Fishing Under the proposed action there are no anticipated impacts to the fisheries in Alamoosook Lake or Craig Pond. Fishing has been allowed in both water bodies for many years and managed by the MDIFW. A valid fishing license from the State of Maine for inland waters will be required to fish State waters from the hatchery (MDIFW 2019). No Federal permit of other compliance will be necessary. The current preferred alternative would allow public access to recreational fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset. In contrast, adopting the no action alternative would reduce angling in Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond by closing public access and eliminating the State of Maine’s stocking program on Craig Pond. Other Wildlife-dependent recreation Under the proposed action use of the public use areas might negatively affect individual wildlife species that are disturbance-sensitive, such as certain migratory birds during the nesting season, such impacts would be minimal are not expected to increase from current use. It is unlikely that continuing public use will affect the population viability of such species. Land Use There are no new or additional anticipated effects to land use given that public use areas and boat launches are established and the area has been developed since 1889. There are no new or additional anticipated effects to soil, vegetation, wildlife, listed, proposed, or candidate species, or land use ownership from the proposed action since the access area has been in use since 1889. Use of lead tackle The sale and use of lead sinkers and unpainted bare lead jig heads that weigh 1 ounce of less or measures 2.5 inches or less is prohibited (MDIFW 2019). Therefore, fishing should not contribute to the impacts of lead to wildlife and the environment.


Mitigation Measures and Conditions Recreational fishing currently occurs on Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond. Thus, the proposed action alternative represents the status quo and will not present unknown or unique environmental risks. The proposed action alternative is not expected to have any adverse effects on ecologically critical areas, historic/cultural/archeological resources, air quality, fisheries resources, public health and safety, or water quality, including drinking water. No land use changes are expected. No hazardous wastes will be generated, transported, stored, or disposed of a result of the implementation to any of the alternatives. A valid fishing license from the State of Maine for inland waters will be required to fish State waters from the hatchery (MDIFW 2019). No Federal permit of other compliance will be necessary. Monitoring Monitoring of the fish populations on Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond will continue to be the responsibility of MDIFW. The hatchery staff will evaluate public access and use on an annual basis and modify, as needed, to protect fish, wildlife, their habitats, and hatchery infrastructure. Hatchery staff will monitor for impacts related to fishing, including garbage thrown in the public use areas, along the shoreline, access related erosion, damage to restored vegetation, etc. to these areas and may close properties or impose restrictions if needed. Alternatively, the Hatchery will engage with its partner groups to help with needed clean-ups and any ongoing repairs to shoreline and vegetation that might become necessary. The MDIFW is very interested in maintaining these public fishing opportunities by maintaining public access. In the past, MDIFW has helped to manage the Craig Pond public use area by closing the gated in the evening and cleaning the area. The Service will continually monitor for conflicts and evaluate mitigation measures that may be necessary to solve or to minimize conflicts between users. Visitors currently use the hatchery to enjoy wildlife-dependent activities such as birdwatching, photography, hiking, wildlife observation, and for fishing access. Visitors engaged in these activities have historically co-existed without conflicts. We anticipate that this will not change as a result of this proposed administrative action. Compatibility Determination Under the proposed action, the Service’s ability to reach its fish and wildlife population goals would not be negatively affected. Fishing activities proposed in the Craig Brook NFH Recreational Fishing Plan are compatible with the purpose of the hatchery. Recreational fishing, as outlined in the plan, “is not detrimental to the propagation and distribution of fish or other aquatic animal life” (50 CFR 71) at Craig Brook NFH. Summary of Analysis


This EA provides evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The term “significantly” as used in NEPA requires consideration of both the context of the action and the intensity of effects. This section summarizes the findings and conclusions of the analyses above so that we may determine the significance of the effects.

Affected Environment

No Action Alternative:

Proposed Action Alternative:

Impacts to Fish Populations Negligible impacts

Minimal impact because fishing will be conducted in accordance with State regulations to ensure sustainable fish

populations.

Other Wildlife and Aquatic Species Negligible impacts

Minimal impact because areas to be opened have already been developed as public use areas with boat launches

and are well established.

Threatened and Endangered Species No impacts

No impact because the areas to be opened are well established and the

Proposed Action Alternative (current management) has demonstrated no

impacts to threatened and endangered species.

Geology, Soils, and Vegetation No impacts

Minimal impact because the areas to be opened have already been

developed as public use areas with boat launches and are well

established.

Visitor Use and Experience Negative impact; no

additional recreational opportunity

Minimal impact because allowing recreational fishing at the hatchery

expands the use of the hatchery while not impacting other recreational

activities

Cultural Resources No impacts No impacts

Land Use and Administration No impacts

Minimal impacts because the areas to be opened have already been

developed as public use areas with boat launches and are well

established; however, this action may increase awareness of the public

fishing opportunities at the hatchery.

Socioeconomics No impacts No impacts

Environmental Justice No impacts No impacts

Indian Trust Resources No impacts No impacts

No Action Alternative (Hatchery Closed to Recreational Fishing) Under this Alternative, Craig Brook NFH would close public access to recreational fishing. Disadvantages of the No Action alternative include not being able to promote a priority public


use of the National Fish Hatchery System and the inability to meet Secretarial Order 3356 that “continues the Department of Interior's efforts to enhance conservation stewardship; increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans, including opportunities to hunt and fish; and improve the management of game species and their habitats for this generation and beyond." Closing public access is also inconsistent with the MDIFW objective to increase public fishing opportunities. There will be no cost associated with this alternative. There would be no impact to the environment.

Proposed Action Alternative (Hatchery Open to Recreational Fishing) The Service believes that maintaining public access and recreational fishing on Craig Brook NFH in accordance with Maine State fishing regulations, with the additional restriction of limiting access to daylight hours will not have any significant impacts on habitat, wildlife, or the human environment. Opening the Craig Brook NFH to fishing would promote Secretarial Order 3356 that “continues the Department of Interior's efforts to enhance conservation stewardship; increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans, including opportunities to hunt and fish; and improve the management of game species and their habitats for this generation and beyond." The proposed action does not establish a precedent for future actions that will significant effects on resources. Nor will it lead to a violation of Federal, State, or local environmental laws. The effects of the proposed action on the quality of the human environment are not likely to be highly controversial. Conclusion Therefore the Service, is proposing to open recreational fishing at Craig Brook NFH, as analyzed above under the Proposed Action Alternative, which will not have any significant impacts on the human environment. References: Cline, R., Sexton, N., and Steward, S.C. (2007). A human-dimensions review of human-wildlife

disturbance: a literature review of impacts, frameworks, and management solutions. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report 2007-1111.

Lewin, W.C., Arlinghaus, R., and Mehner, T. (2006). Documented and potential biological impacts of recreational fishing: insights for management and conservation. Reviews in Fisheries Science, 14, 305-367.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. (2019). Open water and ice fishing laws, 2019. Augusta, Maine: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Retrieved from https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/2019_MaineFishingLaws.pdf

Osberg, Philip H., Hussey, Arthur M., II, and Boone, Gary M. (1985). Bedrock geologic map of Maine: Maine Geological Survey. Retrieved from http://digitalmaine.com/mgs_maps/23

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2015). Strategic plan for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program: FY2016-2020. Washington, DC: U.S. Department


of the Interior. Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/pdf_files/FAC_StrategyPlan_2016-2020.pdf

Natural Resources Conservation Service (2018) Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey URL: Coordinate System https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

List of Preparers: Oliver Cox, Project Leader, Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery State Coordination: The Service reviewed applicable state fishing laws and has contacted the MDIFW about for the Recreational Fishing Plan. The MDIFW is supportive of Recreational Fishing Plan and maintain public access to Alamoosook Lake and Craig Pond. Tribal Consultation: The Service contacted the federally recognized tribes in the State of Maine about the Recreational Fishing Plan. The Service received comments from the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians noting that they did not have any immediate concerns with this proposal. Public Outreach: This EA and the Craig Brook NFH Recreational Fishing Plan will be provided to the public for a 30-day comment period. We will inform the public through local venues, the hatchery website, and social media. Comments received from the public will be considered, and modifications may be incorporated into the final plan and decision documents. Determination: This section will be filled out upon completion of any public comment period and at the time of finalization of the Environmental Assessment. ☐ The Service’s action will not result in a significant impact on the quality of the human

environment. See the attached “Finding of No Significant Impact”. ☐ The Service’s action on this permit application may significantly affect the quality of

the human environment and the Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. Preparer Signature: __________________________________________Date:________ Name/Title/Organization: __________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________ Certifying Officer Signature: ___________________________________Date:________ Name/Title: ______________________________________________________________


APPENDIX 1 OTHER APPLICABLE STATUTES, EXECUTIVE ORDERS & REGULATIONS

STATUTES, EXECUTIVE ORDERS, AND REGULATIONS

Cultural Resources

American Indian Religious Freedom Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 1996 – 1996a; 43 CFR Part 7 Antiquities Act of 1906, 16 U.S.C. 431-433; 43 CFR Part 3 Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, 16 U.S.C. 470aa – 470mm; 18 CFR Part 1312; 32 CFR Part 229; 36 CFR Part 296; 43 CFR Part 7 National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 470-470x-6; 36 CFR Parts 60, 63, 78, 79, 800, 801, and 810 Paleontological Resources Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 470aaa – 470aaa-11 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3001-3013; 43 CFR Part 10 Executive Order 11593 – Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, 36 Fed. Reg. 8921 (1971) Executive Order 13007 – Indian Sacred Sites, 61 Fed. Reg. 26771 (1996)

Fish & Wildlife Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 668-668c, 50 CFR 22 Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 36 CFR Part 13; 50 CFR Parts 10, 17, 23, 81, 217, 222, 225, 402, and 450 Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742 a-m


Lacey Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 10, 11, 12, 14, 300, and 904

Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; 50 CFR Parts 10, 12, 20, and 21

Executive Order 13186 – Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, 66 Fed. Reg. 3853 (2001)

Natural Resources Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q; 40 CFR Parts 23, 50, 51, 52, 58, 60, 61, 82, and 93; 48 CFR Part 23 Wilderness Act, 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq. Executive Order 13112 – Invasive Species, 64 Fed. Reg. 6183 (1999)

Water Resources Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.; 15 CFR Parts 923, 930, 933 Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (commonly referred to as Clean Water Act), 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.; 33 CFR Parts 320-330; 40 CFR Parts 110, 112, 116, 117, 230-232, 323, and 328 Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 401 et seq.; 33 CFR Parts 114, 115, 116, 321, 322, and 333 Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 141-148 Executive Order 11988 – Floodplain Management, 42 Fed. Reg. 26951 (1977)


Executive Order 11990 – Protection of Wetlands, 42 Fed. Reg. 26961 (1977)

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