Search Results for keywords:"Alaska"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new rule to update the migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska. This rule will clarify language on regional species closures, remove emperor geese from the harvest list due to population concerns, and update the names of specific bird species. It also eliminates the permit requirement for hunting in the Kodiak Island Roaded Area while keeping certain bird species protected. Public comments are being accepted until February 20, 2025.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a notice regarding an administrative disaster declaration for a rural area in the State of Alaska. This declaration was made due to severe storms and flooding that occurred from October 20 to October 23, 2024. The SBA is offering disaster loans to affected areas, specifically targeting the Northwest Arctic Borough, and applications can be submitted online through their portal. The deadline for physical loan applications is May 12, 2025, and for economic injury loans, it is December 15, 2025.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258 in Alaska's Cook Inlet. This document is now open for public review and comment until March 1, 2021, with virtual public hearings scheduled for February 2021. The Draft EIS explores potential environmental impacts of the lease sale and considers alternatives to the proposal, focusing on protecting local wildlife and important ecological areas. Public feedback can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to rules about hunting migratory birds in Alaska, focusing on subsistence harvest regulations. This includes introducing permits for hunters from excluded areas, closing the harvesting of emperor goose eggs statewide due to population concerns, and providing clarity on certain boundaries and regulations to ensure compliance and proper management. The proposals aim to involve Native representatives in managing these rules and ensure the sustainability of bird populations while balancing subsistence needs.

The National Park Service (NPS) is announcing public meetings for several Subsistence Resource Commissions (SRCs) in Alaska, including those for the Aniakchak National Monument, Denali National Park, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Lake Clark National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park. These gatherings will be either in-person or via teleconference, with opportunities for public participation and comment. The meetings' purpose is to discuss topics like SRC membership, updates from the Federal Subsistence Board and the Alaska Boards of Fish and Game, and other relevant business. The meetings are open to the public, and accommodations for attendees with disabilities are available upon request.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the City of Hoonah in Alaska. This permit allows activities that might accidentally disturb marine mammals during the construction of a cargo dock at the Hoonah Marine Industrial Center. Eight species of marine mammals, like whales and seals, may be affected by the sound from pile driving and drilling. However, no serious harm or death is expected, and various measures will be put in place to minimize disturbance and protect these animals.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program. This decision, signed by the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior, finalizes the plan to implement an oil and gas leasing program in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The decision follows the requirements set by a U.S. law to manage these leasing activities. Additional details, including the specific lands available for leasing and the rules for leasing operations, have been determined in the ROD.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public comments and new information on the draft 2024 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) for regions in Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific. These reports, reviewed annually under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, provide data on marine mammal populations, including their distribution, abundance, and human-caused injuries. The updated reports have revised estimates for some marine mammal stocks and seek additional new data for others. Public comments must be submitted by June 20, 2025, and can help enhance the scientific understanding and conservation efforts for these marine animals.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued an amendment to a major disaster declaration for Alaska, initially made on April 9, 2020. This update, effective January 20, 2021, involves appointing Vincent J. Maykovich as the new Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster, replacing Michael F. O'Hare. The notice outlines various federal assistance programs available for disaster relief, including community disaster loans and housing assistance. This change is part of FEMA's ongoing efforts to manage and coordinate federal disaster responses.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service in the Department of Agriculture announced a correction to a previous document about loan guarantee rates and fees for fiscal year 2021. The correction added missing details specific to Alaska and clarified when certain fee payments begin. The original notice was issued on September 1, 2020, and the correction updates it to include all necessary information.