93d Congress, 2d Session House Document No. 93- 403

PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO THE NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION SYSTEM

COMMUNICATION

FHOVI THE PRESIDENT OF THE TRANSMITTING

PROPOSALS FOR THIRTY-SEVEN ADDITIONS TO THE NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION SYSTEM AND DEFERRAL OF ACTION ON FIVE AREAS SUITABLE FOR INCLUSION IN THE SYSTEM, AND RECOMMENDATIONS AGAINST THE INCLUSION OF FOUR OTHER AREAS STUDIED, PURSUANT TO SECTION 3 OF THE WILDER- NESS ACT OF 1964 [16 USC 1132]

PART 31

UL BEND WILDERNESS

DECEMBER 4, 197 4. - Referred to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and ordered to be printed with illustrations.

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON: 1974 THE WHITE HOUSE • WASHINGTON D e cembe r 4, 1974

Dear Mr. Speaker:

Pursuant to the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, I am pleased to transmit herewith proposals for thirty-seven additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System.

As described in the Wilderness Message that I am con­ currently sending to the Congress today, the proposed new wilderness areas cover a total of over nine million primeval acres. In addition, the Secretary of the Interior has recommended that Congressional action on five other areas which include surface lands suitable for wilderness be deferred for the reasons set forth below:

A. Three areas which are open to mining might be needed in the future to provide vital minerals fer the Nation, but these areas have not been adequately surveyed for mineral deposits. The areas are the • Kofa Game Range, Arizona; Charles Sheldon Antelope Range, Nevada and Oregon; and, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Range, Montana.

B. One area is subject to withdrawals for power purposes and additional study is needed of the West's potential energy needs before a wilderness decision can be made. This is Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located in Arizona and Nevada. c. Certain parts of one area are subject to selection by the village of Mekoryuk under the terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and a wilderness recommenda­ tion should be made only after the completion of the Native selection process. The area in question is the Nunivak in Alaska. Four other possibilities considered by the Secretary of the Interior in his review of roadless areas of 5,000 acres or more were found to be unsuitable for inclusion in the Wilderness System: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon and Idaho; Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland; Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky; and, Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. I concur in this finding and in the other recommendations of the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, all of which are transmitted herewith.

Wilderness designation of both of these new wilderness areas and those already submitted that are pending be­ fore the Congress would dramatically demonstrate our commitment to preserve America's irreplaceable heritage, and I urge the Congress to act promptly in this regard.

Sincerely,

The Honorable Carl Albert Speaker of the House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 •

• United States Department of the Interior

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 AUG 2 8 1974 Dear Mr. President:

It is with pleasure that I recommend the establishment of areas totaling approximately 19,693 acres in UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge as part of the I~ational Wilderness Preservation System.

The recommendation stems from this Department's responsibility under the Wilderness Act ( 78 Stat. 890) to recommend to the President areas within its jurisdiction suitable for designation as wilderness. Having reviewed potential areas in UL Bend National Wildlife Ref'uge, we conclude that 19,693 of the ref'uge's 46,264 acres should be designated wilderness.

Named after a hairpin turn in the , UL BenC. is located along that river's Fort Peck Reservoir in north-central Montana. The refuge was established by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission on February 7, 1967, and includes 2,800 acres of unacquired State lands and 9,225 acres of land acquired by the Corps of Engineers and managed by the refuge under a cooperative agreement. Flat to rolling grasslands, broken by draws and ridges, make up the terrain of the ref'uge, whose primary objective is to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl. The cli.llla.te of the ar~a is quite cold, with an average of only 124 frost-free days per year. Such typical northern prairie waterfowl as Canada geese, widgeon, , pintails, , and blue-winged teal occur on the refuge. Among other birds found there is the unique burrowing owl, which nests in abandoned "dwellings" in towns. The area recanmended for wilderness designation constitutes about 40 percent of the refuge; the remainder of the ref'uge is required to meet manageme~t objectives.

In accordance with the requirements of the Wilderness Act, a public hearing on the recommendation was held at Malta, Montana, on May 20, 1974. Analyses of the hearing records and written expressions received, t ogether with the letters received from other Federal agencies, are contained in the enclosed synopsis. Complete records have been compiled and are avail­ able for inspection by the public. Enclosed is a draft bill which, if enacted, would incorporate the recommended area of UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge into the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Sincerely yours, ~'la;:•-,_,

The President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500

Enclosure •

• • A BILL

• To design.ate certain lands in the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Phillips County, M~ntana, as wilderness.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States of America in Congress assembled, That, in accordance

with section 3(c) of the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964 (78 Stat.

890, 892; U.S.C. 1132(c)), certain lands in the UL Bend National

Wildlife Re:fuge, Montana, which comprise about 19,693 acres, and which

are depicted on the map entitled ''uL Bend Wilderness Proposal" and

dated June 1974, are hereby designated as wilderness. The map and

a description of the boundaries of such lands shall be on file and

available for public inspection in the offices of the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

SEC. 2. As soon as practicable after this Act takes effect, a map

of the wilderness and a description of its boundaries shall be filed

with the Interior and Insular Affairs Committees of the United States

Senate and House of Representatives, and such map and description shall

have the same rorce and effect as if included in this Act: Provided, however, That correction of clerical and typographical errors in such description and map ma.y be made.

SEC. 3. The wilderness area designated by this Act shall be kno'Wil as the "UL Bend Wilderness" and shall be administered by the Secretary or the Interior in accordance with the provisions of the Wilderness Act governing areas designated by that Act as wilderness areas, and where appropriate any reference in that Act to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary of the Interior.

SEC. 4. Subject to all valid rights existing on the date of enactment of this Act, lands designated as wilderness by the Act are hereby withdra"Wl1 f'rom all forms of appropriations. under the mining laws and f'rom disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral leasing and all amendments thereto.

SEC. 5. Nothing in this Act shall affect the operation and maintenance of the Fort Peck Reservoir as administered by the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, at authorized water levels. The Fort Peck Reservoir shoreline boundaries of the area designated as wilderness by this Act shall not extend below the 2,270 foot contour and shall not affect the purposes of the Fort Peck project.

SEC. 6. No~hing in this Act shall be construed to diminish the authority of the Coast Guard, pursuant to 14 U.S.C. 2 and 81 and title

1 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1221), to use the area designated wilderness by this Act for navigational, and maritime safety purposes. PUBLIC HEARING ANALYSIS

UL BEND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

On May 20, 1974 pursuant to the requirements of the Wilderness Act, a public hearing was held at Malta, Montana to ascertain public views on the desirability to include the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The hearing record remained open until June 20, 1974 in order to al low sufficient time for interested agencies and individuals to submit written statements for inclusion in the official record.

The public hearing was officially opened at 9 a.m. on May ,20, 1974 at Malta City Hall, Malta, Montana. The hearing officer was Lotario D. Ortega, Field Solicitor, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Prepared statements were read by Mr. Ortega and Mr. Burton Rounds, Area Manager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billings, Montana.

The proposal made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the hearing was as follows: "Approximately 20,893 acres, consisting of two separate units - Beauchamp Unit at approximately 2,984 acres and the Lower Unit at approximately 17,909 acres - are recommended for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The remaining 25,371 acres were found unsuitable and should not be considered."

A total of 43 individuals cttended the hearing proceedings. No elected fficials were present. Nine statements were presented. Speakers were lled upon to make statements in the order in which they registered.

Organizational representatives that presented statements in favor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal included the following: The Wilderness Society, the Montana Wild! ife Federation, and the Montana Wilderness Associa­ tion. There were no organizations opposing the proposal.

A prepared statement was presented by the Montana Department of Fish and Game indicating their support of the wilderness proposal.

One individual favored the proposal while four others expressed opposition.

A question and answer session followed the oral presentations. The entire hearing proceedings lasted I hour and 50 minutes whereupon the hearing officer officially closed the hearing informing the audience that the hearing record would remain open for a period of 30 days. ANALYSIS OF WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE

UL BEND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Communications from State and Local Officials and Departments

The Montana Department of Fish and Game endorses the entire proposal. The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology supports establishing wilderness but suggests consideration be given to potential oil and gas exploration. The Phillips Conservation District opposes wilderness designation.

Communications from Federal Departments and Agencies

The Federal Power Commission indicates no opposition to the proposal. The U.S. Geological Survey states that a mineral survey will be needed before they can express an opinion. The Corps of Engineers District Office, Omaha, Nebraska, concurs in the wilderness proposal to designate 20,893 acres of which 3,325 acres are owned by the Corps.

Communications from Organizations

A total of 19 letters were received from various organizations. All but one organization support the wilderness proposal. The American Mining • Congress will not support wilderness until a mineral survey has been conducted.

Communications from Citizens

A total of 190 letters were received from citizens throughout the United States. All but one are in complete support of the wilderness proposal.

According to the written views, there is a majority in favor of the wilderness proposal to des1gnate 20,893 acres of the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge as a national wilderness area. • WILDERNESS STUDY SUMMARY

BEND

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Montana .J

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LOCATION MAP.. SCALE &il!!!!lli;;;;;;;;ill!!!!!!!!!!!!!li;;;;;;;;il!!!!!!!!!I- WIL[S •

This report was prepared pursuant to the Wilderness Act, Public Law 88-577. Publication of the findings and recom­ mendations herein should not be construed as representing either the approval or disapproval of the Secretary of the Interior. The purpose of this report is to provide informa­ tion and alternatives for further consideration by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Secretary of the Interior, and other Federal agencies. • • Preface

Approximately 20,893 acres within the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge are proposed for addition to the National Wilderness Preserva­ tion System. This brochure explains the proposal and summarizes a study of the refuge by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife at the direction of the Secretary of the Interior.

The Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964 (Public Law 88-577), re­ quires that the Secretary of the Interior review every roadless area of 5,000 contiguous acres or more and every roadless island, regard­ less of size, within the National Wildlife Refuge System within ten years after the effective date of the Act, and report to the President of the United States his recommendations as to the suitability or nonsuitability of each such area or island for preservation as wilder­ ness. A recommendation of the President for designation as wilder­ ness does not become effective unless provided by an Act of Congress.

In defining wilderness, the Act also included areas of less than 5,000 acres that are of sufficient size to make preservation and use in an unimpaired condition practicable.

Sections 4( a) and (b) of the Wilderness Act provide that: ( 1) The Act is to be within and supplemental to the purposes for which Na­ tional Wildlife Refuges are established; and (2) Wilderness areas shall be administered so as to preserve their wilderness character and shall be devoted to the public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use insofar as primary refuge objectives permit. Wilderness does not remove or alter an area's status as a National Wildlife Refuge .

• Introduction

UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge was established on February 7, 1967. The refuge contains approximately 46,264 acres and is located in Phillips County. Three sides are adjoined by the Charles M. Rus­ sell National Wildlife Range. The north boundary is bounded by public domain and private lands.

Fort Peck Reservoir surrounds the southern half of the area. These impounded waters of the Missouri River provide an ecological barrier for wildlife associated with land. Although the water level fluctuates seasonally, the elevation at full pool is 2250 feet above sea level. • Lands above this level were included in the wilderness study.

The primary objective of the refuge is to provide nesting, resting and feeding habitat for ducks, geese, swans, and other migratory birds. Other objectives include: ( 1) protecting rare and endangered wildlife species, (2) promoting and preserving diversity and a healthy abun­ dance of all wildlife on the refuge, and (3) providing compatible levels of wildlife and wildlands-oriented recreation.

• e History The first known white men to observe what is now called UL Bend were Lewis and Clark as evidenced by their journals dated May 21, 1805.

The abundance of game, chiefly the American bison, attracted a variety of Indians to the area. Blackfeet, Assiniboine and Gros Ven­ tres were some of the principal tribes. Evidence remains of Indian activity in the form of teepee rings, surface artifacts and bison jumps. Historically, UL Bend has been used as a crossing for steamboat passengers. Boats would dock on the east side of the bend, discharge their passengers and pick them up on the west side after a mile or so walk.

The first steamboat to pass UL Bend was the "Chippewa" in the summer of 1859. The steamboat became the primary mode of trans­ portation during the 1860's. River travel flourished until 1889 when the Great Northern Railroad pushed into Montana.

Cattle came into the area in the 1880's. Large cattle operations dominated the scene until early 1900. Farmers and small cattle operators crowded out the large cattle operations following the open­ ing of the area north of the Missouri River to homesteading. However, homesteaders' attempts to farm the 320-acre parcels met with little success and by the end of the depression many of these farms re­ verted back to the government or were apportioned out to a few ad­ jacent farms. Today ranching operations consist of a privately owned base of operations with extensive grazing privileges on adjacent public land.

• OLD LINE CABIN Physical Description

The Fort Peck Reservoir creates 32 miles of shoreline along the south boundary of the refuge. The reservoir is a Corps of Engineers project that was constructed in the 1930's by impounding waters of the Mis­ souri River. The Fort Feck dam is located some 95 miles downstream from the UL Bend.

Within the refuge are three major drainages: ( 1) Hawley Creek, (2) Jim Wells Creek, and (3) Valentine Creek. Seasonal runoffs created by melting snow or heavy rains force these creeks out of their banks onto the flat basin lands. The basin contains several waterfowl im­ poundments and many small dams for stock watering purposes.

The climate of the area is characterized with cold winters, warm sum­ mers, and an average precipitation of just over 12 inches. The aver­ age number of frost-free days is 124, usually occurring between mid-May and mid-September.

The UL Bend is a hairpin turn in the Missouri River which creates a large penninsula. Elevations vary from 2250 feet to 2700 feet above sea level. Along the river rugged ridges and coulees characterize the shoreline which is commonly referred to as the "Missouri River • breaks."

Within the interior of the refuge lies a large T-shaped basin. The basin is relatively flat in some places having a drop of less than four feet to the mile. To the north, the land levels off forming gently roll­ ing grass and sagebrush flats.

There are three basic types of vegetative cover on the refuge: ( 1) grassland-sagebrush, (2) marsh-meadows, and (3) conifer. The grass­ land-sagebrush and conifer vegetation are natural to the area, while the marsh-meadow is a result of man's creation. Ponderosa pine and juniper are the principal conifer species, occurring mainly on the east and west portions of the refuge.

The U. S. Geological Survey and the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology report no known mineral deposits of economic importance within the UL Bend Refuge. • •

"UL BEND" . ., .J

• Resources

Most species of waterfowl associated with the northern prairies occur • on the refuge. Canada geese, widgeon, mallards, pintails, gadwall and blue-winged teal are the most common waterfowl. Canada geese, widgeon, and mallards nest on the area. Peak numbers usually occur during the fall migration in late September. Other waterbirds found on the area are gulls, grebes, herons, and a variety of shorebirds.

Upland game birds common to the refuge are sage grouse, sharp­

, · tailed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, and gray partridge. All four of these birds nest on the area. Mourning doves are very abundant dur­ ing the summer and early fall periods. Doves normally nest on the ground.

Golden eagles are year-round residents and although no nesting has been observed on the refuge, nearby nesting has been reported. Bald eagles are seen during the spring and fall migration periods. Prairie falcons are observed several times a year, while the peregrine falcon is seen less frequently. Osprey usually occur along the reservoir ad­ jacent to UL Bend.

Big game species include , mule deer, white-tailed deer, and an­ telope. Elk are generally associated with the timbered breaks. Mule deer is the most abundant big game specie and occurs over most of the refuge. Antelope and white-tailed deer are more or less residents on the area. During periods of heavy pressure or severe • winters, antelope have numbered over 200.

A variety of small mammals are found on the area. Black-footed ferrets are presumed present although no actual sightings have been made. Fourteen prairie dog towns have been inventoried on the refuge ranging from one acre to several hundred acres. Coyote, bob­ cat, badger, white-tailed jackrabbits, cottontails, and porcupine are all residents.

Presently there are five water impoundments developed specifically for waterfowl. These ponds provide the necessary habitat for nesting species of waterfowl and are used during migration periods. Additional impoundments are planned in the basin area, but not within the pro­ posed . Management & • development

Since the refuge was established in 1967, only minor developments have occurred. Development plans call for the construction of a series of dikes resulting in subsequent waterfowl impoundments to be scat- - tered throughout the T-shaped basin. As previously mentioned, there are presently five such impoundments.

An all-weather road was constructed from the former Lock Ranch south to the Fort Peck Reservoir - a distance of 1. 5 miles. Approxi­ mately 26 miles of boundary have been fenced along the north and east sides. The interior of the refuge contains approximately 56 miles of cross fences which were in existence when the area was established.

Many small man-made water impoundments were constructed through the years for livestock watering purposes. Some of these impound- ments now serve as valuable waterfowl use areas as well as providing • water to resident wildlife. Few buildings exist on the refuge. The former Lock Ranch with a residence, barn, bunkhouse, and corrals have been retained. These facilities are rented to grazing permittees and serve as an overnight area for refuge personnel. A small cabin is located on the bend area and receives use by the public. The cabin is located within the pro­ posed wilderness area and plans are to retain the building for admin­ istrative purposes.

Good roads are non-existent. Travel on the numerous trails that tra­ verse the refuge can be accomplished during dry periods by conven­ tional vehicles, but normally a 4-wheel drive type is necessary. All trails leading into the proposed wilderness will be closed to motorized entry. From past experience these trails will revegetate within a few years and will become virtually unnoticeable.

Administrative entry into the proposed wilderness area will be neces­ sary should conditions arise such as removal of diseased livestock or wildlife, for control of harmful insects or noxious weeds, and for mini­ mum administrative needs. • •

\ /

·~ • Public use

Hunting and fishing are the predominant types of uses on the refuge. Annual visitation amounts to less than 4,000 people. The potential for recreational use of the area is high, but at the present time it is limited due to the lack of access.

Opportunities for fishing within the refuge are negligible, but the Fort Peck Reservoir affords excellent fishing. Since access to the reservoir is a problem, joint plans have been developed with the Corps of En­ gineers to provide a boat access on the refuge. This site is not within the proposed wilderness area.

Hunting for waterfowl, big game, and upland game birds is permitted on the refuge. Boats are used to gain access to the land-base hunting on the refuge. This means of access is becoming more popular and is expected to increase with wilderness designation. Boater access poses no conflict since none of the waters of the Fort Peck Reservoir are to be included. Motorized entry by vehicles will be excluded. •

FISHING ON FT. PECK RESERVOIR

GOOSE HUNTING ON THE REFUGE • •

SILENT BEAUTY e Social & economic considerations

At the present time there are no obvious demands for commercial development, including mineral and timber interests within the refuge. Grazing by domestic livestock is the main economic use and plans are to continue with a grazing program that is consistent with the area's wildlife management objectives.

Over $7,000 is presently being paid to Phillips County under the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act. This payment would not be affected should wilderness status be accorded the 20, 893 acres.

Motorized entry to the proposed wilderness, but not within, will not pose any significant inconvenience to the public since public use is • relatively low and access by water is permitted. •

Conclusions

Approximately 20, 893 acres of the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge appear suitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

The proposed wilderness will consist of two units - the lower unit containing most of the bend comprising some 17,909 acres and the west unit or Beauchamp Unit comprising some 2,984 acres. No de­ velopments are proposed within these units, nor are there existing improvements that render the area unsuitable.

The remaining 25,371 acres of the refuge were found not suitable for wilderness status as they are needed to meet refuge objectives which include intensive management and development. • An Environmental Statement has been prepared for this proposal and is available on request.

• • Changes Subsequent to the Public Hearing

State school lands (1,200 acres), were deleted from the wilderness

proposal as they are not now Federally owned .

• U L BEND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE \VILDERNESS PROPOSAL

11111 WILDERNESS PROPOSAL t+t++ STATE SCHOOL LANDS ------REFUGE BOUNDARY SCALE: 1/2" = 1 mile • •

UL BEND WILDERNESS PROPOSAL UL BEND N.WR.

MAY 1974

PRELIMllU,RY - -SUBJECT TO CHANGE

•

LEGEND

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• List of Document Parts -- House Document 93-403

PART

1. Mount Rainier Wilderness, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 2. Kenai Wilderness, Kenai National Moose Range, Alaska 3. Cloud Peak Wilderness, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming 4. Agassiz Wilderness, Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota 5. Sheldon Wilderness, Sheldon National Antelope Refuge, Nevada (and proposed deferral of action on portions of the Charles Sheldon Antelope Range, Nevada and Oregon) 6. Monarch Wilderness, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests, California 7. Santee Wilderness, Santee National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina 8. Everglades Wilderness, Everglades National Park, Florida 9. Salmon River and Idaho Wildernesses, Boise, Challis, Payette, Salmon, Bitterroot, and Nezperce National Forests, Idaho 10. Parker River Wilderness, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Massa­ chusetts 11. Hawaii Volcanoes Wilderness, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii 12. Big Lake Wilderness, Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas 13. Aleutian Islands Wilderness, Aleutian Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska 14. Beartooth Wilderness, Custer and Gallatin National Forests, Montana 15. Dinosaur Wilderness, Dinosaur National Monument, utah and Colorado 16. Lacassine Wilderness, Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana • 17. Popo Agie Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming 18. Mattamuskeet Wilderness, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, N. Car.; Swanquarter Wilderness, Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, N. Carolina; Cedar IslandWilderness, Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, N. Carolina; Pea Island Wilderness, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, 19. Organ Pipe Cactus Wilderness, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona 20. J. N. "Ding" Darling Wilderness, J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida 21. Trinity Alps Wilderness, Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests, California 22. Assateague Island Wilderness, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia 23. Death Valley Wilderness, Death Valley National Monument, California and Nevada 24. Fort Niobrara Wilderness, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska 25. , Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Montana 26. Great Smoky Mountains Wilderness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee • Big Blue, Courthouse Mountain, Dolores Peak, and Sneffels and Mount Wilson Wildernesses, San Juan and Uncompaghre National Forests, Colorado Lake Woodruff Wilderness, Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida 29. Anaho Island Wilderness, Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada 30. Noxubee Wilderness, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi 31. UL Bend Wilderness, UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Montana 32. Bombay Hook Wilderness, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware 33. Back Bay Wilderness, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia 34. Gila Wilderness, New Mexico (addition) 35. Proposed areas for which deferral of action is recommended: Kofa Game Range, Arizona Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Range, Montana Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada and Arizona Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska 36. Areas found unsuitable for inclusion in the System: Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon and Idaho Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois • 0

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