NWRA News

US Fish & Wildlife News

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Eagle Permit Comment Time Extended

The Service has extended the comment period on the proposed rule, published on April 13, 2012, to revise the regulations governing permits for nonpurposeful take of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) where the take is associated with, but not the purpose of, an activity. The comment period for Changes in the Regulations Governing Eagle Permitting will close July 12, 2012. The proposed regulation changes include increasing the maximum term for programmatic permits from 5 to 30 years and increasing permit application processing fees for such long-term permits. In addition, the Service published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to solicit ideas, suggestions, and information to help guide other potential improvements to the 2009 final Eagle Permitting regulations, and this deadline is extended to July 12, 2012 as well. For more information on proposed rule changes and ANPR process, visit: http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/. Eagle permit comments: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow instructions for submitting comments found in Docket No. FWS–R9–MB–2011–0054.

ANPR comments: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0094.

 

Seeking Ideas to Strengthen Incentives and Partnerships for Landowner Conservation of Wildlife

The Service announced the extension of a public process exploring the expansion of incentives for voluntary partnerships with private landowners and other land stewards to help conserve imperiled wildlife. This effort is part of the commitment to use innovative approaches to restore and protect the habitats for wildlife and improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).Comment period will close July 13, 2012. To view a copy of the notice: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/improving_ESA/landowner_incentives.html.

To see current tools being used: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/landowners/landowner-tools.html.

To make suggestions: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. [FWS–R9–ES–2011–0099].

 

Endangered Species Day Celebrations

On May 18, 2012, the USFWS and numerous organizations will honor Endangered Species Day, and the nationwide conservation efforts underway protecting America’s threatened, endangered, and at-risk species. To find an event near you go to: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/ESDay/2012.html.