Search Results for keywords:"U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new information collection to better manage the usage of Carbon Dioxide-Carp for controlling invasive Asian carp species. This initiative includes various forms to be filled out by state and tribal governments, helping to track the product's application and effects. The Service is also considering using an automated, online permitting system called "ePermits" to streamline this process and reduce the burden on respondents. Public comments are invited by March 12, 2021, to help improve and assess the utility of this information collection.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to change the status of Furbish’s lousewort, a plant species, from "endangered" to "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal suggests measures to conserve the plant, focusing on preventing harm due to climate change and habitat loss. Public comments are invited, and specific regulations are recommended to protect the species. This action is based on scientific findings indicating that the immediate threat to the plant has been reduced, but long-term challenges remain.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new information collection related to their concessions program, as part of their efforts to reduce paperwork and gather comments from the public. This program involves private businesses and nonprofits managing recreation facilities within National Wildlife Refuges. They aim to collect information to ensure operations minimize wildlife disturbance, offer high-quality visitor experiences, and comply with financial and management requirements. Comments are invited from the public until February 3, 2021, focusing on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to improve the information collection process.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new hunting regulations for migratory game birds for the 2025-26 season. These regulations are part of an annual process where they set general guidelines, called frameworks, within which individual states can decide specifics like hunting season dates. The proposal includes various regulatory alternatives, particularly for duck hunting, and potential changes to the system of zones and split seasons. The Service is also exploring a new administrative process to streamline regulation, aiming to increase efficiency and save costs while maintaining conservation goals. Public comments are encouraged on all aspects of the proposal.

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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) in Florida and South Carolina. This involves revising maps to add and remove certain areas based on their development status and suitability to be coastal barriers. The proposed changes will impact several counties, including the addition of new units and the adjustment of existing boundaries, and the public is invited to review and comment on these proposed modifications. Final recommendations will be submitted to Congress after considering public input and further evaluations.

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.

In this notice, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting public comments on renewing an information collection related to its financial assistance programs, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The agency issues grants and cooperative awards to various entities under different programs, and seeks feedback on whether collecting this information is necessary, accurate, and efficient. The public is encouraged to submit their comments by March 31, 2025, and it’s noted that personal information included in these comments could be made publicly available.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to its existing information collection process related to special use permits for activities on national wildlife refuges. They plan to introduce a new, simplified application form (Form 3-1383-EZ) to reduce the burden on applicants involved in non-economic activities. In addition, they are updating other forms to include more relevant activity options and improve the wording for clarity. Public comments on these changes are invited until February 18, 2025.

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.