Fish and Wildlife Service extends comment period to revise eagle permit regulations 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife 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 now 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.

Written comments and information concerning the proposed Regulations Governing Eagle Permitting must be submitted by midnight on July 12, 2012. Docket Number FWS-R9-MB- 2011-0054. Comments may be submitted through:

• Federal eRulemaking portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments found in Docket No. FWS–R9–MB–2011–0054.
• U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attention: FWS–R9–MB– 2011–0054; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 North Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203–1610.

On April 13, 2012, the Service published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to solicit ideas, suggestions, and information that will help guide other potential improvements to the 2009 final Eagle Permitting regulations.

Written comments and information concerning the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking must also be submitted by July 12, 2012. Comments must be submitted separately for the proposed permit regulation changes and for the ANPR and may be submitted by one of two methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0094;
• U.S. mail or hand delivery: Division of Migratory Bird Management, Attn: “Docket Number FWS-R9-MB-2011-0094,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MBSP– 4107, Arlington, Virginia 22203

The Service will post all comments on www.regulations.gov. This generally means any personal information provided through the process will be posted.

For more information about the proposed rule changes and the ANPR process, visit:

www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/

Contact:
Alicia F. King, 571-214-3117, alicia_f_king/fws.gov
Noemi Perez, 703-358-2688, noemi_perez/fws.gov

The mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird Program is to ensure long-term ecological sustainability of migratory bird populations and their habitats for future generations, through careful monitoring, effective management, and by supporting national and international partnerships that conserve habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. For more information: www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/dmbmdbhc.html

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.