Search Results for keywords:"Migratory Bird Treaty Act"

On January 7, 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule concerning the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) which aimed to exclude incidental take of migratory birds from prohibited activities. However, the rule's effective date, initially set for February 8, 2021, has been delayed to March 8, 2021. This decision follows the Congressional Review Act, ongoing litigation, and concerns from the Canadian government. The delay allows for further review and public comment on whether the rule should be amended, further delayed, or rescinded entirely.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has updated its rules to allow the general public, educators, and government agencies to possess migratory birds and eagles under certain conditions without needing a permit. This change improves clarity and reduces administrative burdens by moving from a permit system to regulatory authorizations for various activities, such as the salvage of dead birds, exhibition use of bird specimens, and relocating birds trapped in buildings. The revisions also address specific rules for handling, possessing, and using eagle specimens for educational purposes, and clarify situations under which these birds can be handled. The updates aim to streamline processes while ensuring the protection of migratory birds and eagles.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to remove the Interior least tern from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to its recovery. This decision comes after a detailed review showing that the species has increased in population and no longer faces significant threats that would qualify it as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Effective February 12, 2021, the Interior least tern is no longer protected under the Act, although it will still be covered by other regulations, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service will continue to monitor the species for at least five years to ensure it remains stable and prevent it from becoming endangered once more.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized a rule specifying the scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The rule clarifies that the MBTA's prohibitions on actions like pursuing, hunting, capturing, or killing migratory birds apply only to deliberate actions directed at these birds, their nests, or their eggs. It explains that the incidental harm or death of birds resulting from activities not aimed at them is not covered under this law. This decision aims to provide legal clarity and reduce regulatory uncertainty for industries and individuals.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on a new information collection in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is related to the Online Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Survey Data Entry Portal, which helps manage and track the migration and population trends of sandhill cranes. Individuals and state agencies participating in the survey are required to register online and contribute data about crane sightings, such as location and number of cranes. The survey assists in creating appropriate hunting regulations and managing the sandhill crane population effectively.