Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-2010-11 and 2011-12 Subsistence Taking of Wildlife Regulations, 5127-5130 [E9-1593]

Download as PDF 5127 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 74, No. 18 Thursday, January 29, 2009 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service 36 CFR Part 242 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 100 [FWS–R7–SM–2009–0001; 70101–1261– 0000L6] RIN 1018–AW30 Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska—2010–11 and 2011–12 Subsistence Taking of Wildlife Regulations AGENCIES: Forest Service, Agriculture; Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule. This proposed rule would establish regulations for hunting and trapping seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of wildlife for subsistence uses during the 2010–11 and 2011–12 regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board completes the biennial process of revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in even-numbered years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered years; public proposal and review processes take place during the preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the applicable biennial cycle. When final, the resulting rulemaking will replace the existing subsistence wildlife taking regulations, which expire on June 30, 2010. This rule would also amend the customary and traditional use determinations of the Federal Subsistence Board and the general regulations on subsistence taking of fish and wildlife. DATES: Public meetings: The Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils will hold public meetings to receive comments and make proposals to rmajette on PRODPC74 with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:24 Jan 28, 2009 Jkt 217001 change this proposed rule on several dates between February 10 and April 1, 2009, and then hold another round of public meetings to discuss and receive comments on the proposals, and make recommendations on the proposals to the Federal Subsistence Board, on several dates between August 25 and October 28, 2009. The Board will discuss and evaluate proposed regulatory changes during a public meeting in Anchorage, AK, on January 12, 2010. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional information on the public meetings. Public Comments: Comments and proposals to change this proposed rule must be received or postmarked by April 30, 2009. ADDRESSES: Public Meetings: The Federal Subsistence Board and the Regional Advisory Councils’ public meetings will be held at various locations in Alaska. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional information on locations of the public meetings. Public Comments: You may submit comments by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: USFWS, Office of Subsistence Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 121, Attn: Theo Matuskowitz, Anchorage, AK 99503–6199. • Hand delivery to the Designated Federal Official attending any of the Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council public meetings. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional information on locations of the public meetings. We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Public Review Process section below for more information). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chair, Federal Subsistence Board, c/o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attention: Peter J. Probasco, Office of Subsistence Management; (907) 786– 3888 or subsistence@fws.gov. For questions specific to National Forest System lands, contact Steve Kessler, Regional Subsistence Program Leader, USDA, Forest Service, Alaska Region; (907) 743–9461. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Background Under Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) (16 U.S.C. 3111–3126), the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries) jointly implement the Federal Subsistence Management Program. This program grants a preference for subsistence uses of fish and wildlife resources on Federal public lands and waters in Alaska. The Secretaries first published regulations to carry out this program in the Federal Register on May 29, 1992 (57 FR 22940). The Program has subsequently amended these regulations several times. Because this program is a joint effort between Interior and Agriculture, these regulations are located in two titles of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Title 36, ‘‘Parks, Forests, and Public Property,’’ and Title 50, ‘‘Wildlife and Fisheries,’’ at 36 CFR 242.1–28 and 50 CFR 100.1– 28, respectively. The regulations contain subparts as follows: Subpart A, General Provisions; Subpart B, Program Structure; Subpart C, Board Determinations; and Subpart D, Subsistence Taking of Fish and Wildlife. Federal Subsistence Board Consistent with subpart B of these regulations, the Departments established a Federal Subsistence Board to administer the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The Board is made up of: • Chair appointed by the Secretary of the Interior with concurrence of the Secretary of Agriculture; • Alaska Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; • Alaska Regional Director, U.S. National Park Service; • Alaska State Director, U.S. Bureau of Land Management; • Alaska Regional Director, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs; and • Alaska Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service. Through the Board, these agencies participate in the development of regulations for subparts A, B, and C, which set forth the basic program, and they continue to work together on regularly revising the subpart D regulations, which, among other things, set forth specific harvest seasons and limits. E:\FR\FM\29JAP1.SGM 29JAP1 5128 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 18 / Thursday, January 29, 2009 / Proposed Rules Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils In administering the program, the Secretaries divided Alaska into 10 subsistence resource regions, each of which is represented by a Regional Council. The Regional Councils provide a forum for rural residents with personal knowledge of local conditions and resource requirements to have a Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region rmajette on PRODPC74 with PROPOSALS Public Review Process—Comments, Proposals, and Public Meetings The Regional Councils have a substantial role in reviewing this 1—Southeast Regional Council ........................................................................................ 2—Southcentral Regional Council ................................................................................... 3—Kodiak/Aleutians Regional Council ........................................................................... 4—Bristol Bay Regional Council ..................................................................................... 5—Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Council .............................................................. 6—Western Interior Regional Council ............................................................................. 7—Seward Peninsula Regional Council .......................................................................... 8—Northwest Arctic Regional Council ........................................................................... 9—Eastern Interior Regional Council .............................................................................. 10—North Slope Regional Council .................................................................................. During May 2009, the written proposals to change subpart D hunting and trapping regulations and subpart C customary and traditional use determinations will be compiled and distributed for public review. During the Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region meaningful role in the subsistence management of fish and wildlife on Federal public lands in Alaska. The Regional Council members represent varied geographical, cultural, and user diversity within each region. 30-day public comment period, which is presently scheduled to end on June 18, 2009, written public comments will be accepted on the distributed proposals. The Board, through the Regional Councils, will hold a second series of 1—Southeast Regional Council ........................................................................ 2—Southcentral Regional Council ................................................................... 3—Kodiak/Aleutians Regional Council ........................................................... 4—Bristol Bay Regional Council ..................................................................... 5—Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Council .............................................. 6—Western Interior Regional Council ............................................................. 7—Seward Peninsula Regional Council .......................................................... 8—Northwest Arctic Regional Council ........................................................... 9—Eastern Interior Regional Council .............................................................. 10—North Slope Regional Council .................................................................. A notice will be published of specific dates, times, and meeting locations in local and statewide newspapers prior to both series of meetings. Locations and dates may change based on weather or local circumstances. The amount of work on each Regional Council’s agenda determines the length of each Regional Council meeting. The Board will discuss and evaluate proposed changes to the subsistence management regulations during a public meeting scheduled to be held in Anchorage, AK, on January 12, 2010. The Council Chairs, or their designated representatives, will present their respective Councils’ recommendations at the Board meeting. Additional oral testimony may be provided on specific proposals before the Board at that time. At that public meeting, the Board will deliberate and take final action on proposals received that request changes to this proposed rule. Proposals to the Board to modify wildlife harvest regulations and customary and traditional use determinations must include the following information: VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:24 Jan 28, 2009 Jkt 217001 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Petersburg ...................... Anchorage ..................... Kodiak ........................... Naknek .......................... St. Marys ....................... Galena ............................ Nome ............................. Kotzebue ........................ Central ........................... Barrow ........................... February 24, 2009. March 10, 2009. March 31, 2009. March 24, 2009. February 24, 2009. February 18, 2009. February 10, 2009. March 5, 2009. March 10, 2009. February 17, 2009. meetings in August through October 2009, to receive comments on specific proposals and to develop recommendations to the Board at the following locations in Alaska, on the following dates: Yakutat ........................................ Cooper Landing .......................... Kodiak ......................................... Dillingham .................................. Bethel .......................................... Aniak ........................................... Nome ........................................... Kotzebue ..................................... TBA ............................................. Barrow ......................................... (a) Name, address, and telephone number of the requestor; (b) Each section and/or paragraph designation in this proposed rule for which changes are suggested; (c) A statement explaining why each change is necessary; (d) Proposed wording changes; and (e) Any additional information that you believe will help the Board in evaluating the proposed change. The Board rejects proposals that fail to include the above information, or proposals that are beyond the scope of authorities in § l.24, subpart C (the regulations governing customary and traditional use determinations), and §§ l.25, andl.26, subpart D (the general and specific regulations governing the subsistence take of wildlife). During the January 12, 2010, meeting, the Board may defer review and action on some proposals to allow time for local cooperative planning efforts, or to acquire additional needed information. The Board may elect to defer taking action on any given proposal if the workload of staff, Regional Councils, or the Board PO 00000 proposed rule and making recommendations for the final rule. The Federal Subsistence Board (Board), through the Regional Councils, will hold meetings on this proposed rule at the following locations in Alaska, on the following dates: October 6, 2009. October 13, 2009. September 10, 2009. October 27, 2009. October 1, 2009. October 6, 2009. October 1, 2009. October 27, 2009. October 13, 2009. August 25, 2009. becomes excessive. These deferrals may be based on recommendations by the affected Regional Council(s) or staff members, or on the basis of the Board’s intention to do least harm to the subsistence user and the resource involved. The Board may consider and act on alternatives that address the intent of a proposal while differing in approach. Proposed Changes From the 2008–10 Wildlife Seasons and Harvest Limit Regulations Subpart D regulations are subject to periodic review and revision. The Federal Subsistence Board completes the biennial process of revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in even-numbered years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered years; public proposal and review processes take place during the preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the applicable biennial cycle. The text of the 2008–10 subparts C and D final rule published June 24, 2008 E:\FR\FM\29JAP1.SGM 29JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 18 / Thursday, January 29, 2009 / Proposed Rules (73 FR 35726), serves as the foundation for this 2010–12 subparts C and D proposed rule. The regulations relating to wildlife contained in this proposed rule will take effect on July 1, 2010, unless elements are changed by subsequent Board action following the public review process outlined above in this document. Compliance With Statutory and Regulatory Authorities National Environmental Policy Act A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that described four alternatives for developing a Federal Subsistence Management Program was distributed for public comment on October 7, 1991. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was published on February 28, 1992. The Record of Decision (ROD) on Subsistence Management for Federal Public Lands in Alaska was signed April 6, 1992. The selected alternative in the FEIS (Alternative IV) defined the administrative framework of an annual regulatory cycle for subsistence regulations. A 1997 environmental assessment dealt with the expansion of Federal jurisdiction over fisheries and is available at the office listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The Secretary of the Interior, with concurrence of the Secretary of Agriculture, determined that expansion of Federal jurisdiction does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the human environment and, therefore, signed a Finding of No Significant Impact. rmajette on PRODPC74 with PROPOSALS Section 810 of ANILCA An ANILCA Section 810 analysis was completed as part of the FEIS process on the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The intent of all Federal subsistence regulations is to accord subsistence uses of fish and wildlife on public lands a priority over the taking of fish and wildlife on such lands for other purposes, unless restriction is necessary to conserve healthy fish and wildlife populations. The final section 810 analysis determination appeared in the April 6, 1992, ROD and concluded that the Federal Subsistence Management Program, under Alternative IV with an annual process for setting subsistence regulations, may have some local impacts on subsistence uses, but will not likely restrict subsistence uses significantly. During the subsequent environmental assessment process for extending fisheries jurisdiction, an evaluation of the effects of this rule was conducted in VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:24 Jan 28, 2009 Jkt 217001 accordance with section 810. That evaluation also supported the Secretaries’ determination that the rule will not reach the ‘‘may significantly restrict’’ threshold that would require notice and hearings under ANILCA section 810(a). Paperwork Reduction Act The information collection requirements contained in this rule have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and assigned OMB control number 1018–0075, which expires October 31, 2009. We may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a current valid OMB control number. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that this rule is not significant and has not reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866. OMB bases its determination upon the following four criteria: (a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government. (b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other agencies’ actions. (c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants, user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients. (d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires preparation of flexibility analyses for rules that will have a significant effect on a substantial number of small entities, which include small businesses, organizations, or governmental jurisdictions. In general, the resources to be harvested under this rule are already being harvested and consumed by the local harvester and do not result in an additional dollar benefit to the economy. However, we estimate that 2 million pounds of meat are harvested by subsistence users annually and, if given an estimated dollar value of $3.00 per pound, this amount would equate to about $6 million in food value statewide. Based upon the amounts and values cited above, the Departments certify that this rulemaking will not have a significant economic effect on a PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 5129 substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act Under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), this rule is not a major rule. It does not have an effect on the economy of $100 million or more, will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, and does not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. Executive Order 12630 Title VIII of ANILCA requires the Secretaries to administer a subsistence priority on public lands. The scope of this program is limited by definition to certain public lands. Likewise, these regulations have no potential takings of private property implications as defined by Executive Order 12630. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Secretaries have determined and certify pursuant to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State governments or private entities. The implementation of this rule is by Federal agencies and there is no cost imposed on any State or local entities or tribal governments. Executive Order 12988 The Secretaries have determined that these regulations meet the applicable standards provided in Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, regarding civil justice reform. Executive Order 13132 In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. Title VIII of ANILCA precludes the State from exercising subsistence management authority over fish and wildlife resources on Federal lands unless it meets certain requirements. Executive Order 13175 In accordance with the President’s memorandum of April 29, 1994, ‘‘Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments’’ (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes and have E:\FR\FM\29JAP1.SGM 29JAP1 5130 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 18 / Thursday, January 29, 2009 / Proposed Rules determined that there are no substantial direct effects. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is a participating agency in this rulemaking. Executive Order 13211 On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, or use. This Executive Order requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. This rule is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 13211, affecting energy supply, distribution, or use, and no Statement of Energy Effects is required. List of Subjects 36 CFR Part 242 Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Fish, National forests, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife. 50 CFR Part 100 Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Fish, National forests, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife. rmajette on PRODPC74 with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 3410–11–P; 4310–55–P Letters POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 New Standards for Domestic Mailing Services Postal Service TM. ACTION: Proposed rule. Theo Matuskowitz drafted these regulations under the guidance of Peter J. Probasco of the Office of Subsistence Management, Alaska Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska. Additional assistance was provided by: • Daniel Sharp, Alaska State Office, Bureau of Land Management; • Sandy Rabinowitch and Nancy Swanton, Alaska Regional Office, National Park Service; • Drs. Warren Eastland and Glenn Chen, Alaska Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs; • Jerry Berg and Carl Jack, Alaska Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and • Steve Kessler, Alaska Regional Office, U.S. Forest Service. For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Federal Subsistence Board proposes to amend 36 CFR part 242 and 50 CFR part 100 for the 2010– 11 and 2011–12 regulatory years. The text of the proposed rule is the same as the final rule for the 2008–09 and 2009– 10 wildlife regulatory years published in the Federal Register June 24, 2008 (73 FR 35726). 15:24 Jan 28, 2009 in May 2010. We summarize the revisions by shape for 2009 and 2010, and provide proposed changes to the mailing standards in the DMM. We invite your comments on the proposed standards. AGENCY: Drafting Information VerDate Nov<24>2008 Dated: January 6, 2009. Peter J. Probasco, Acting Chair, Federal Subsistence Board. Dated: January 6, 2009. Steve Kessler, Subsistence Program Leader, USDA—Forest Service. [FR Doc. E9–1593 Filed 1–28–09; 8:45 am] Jkt 217001 SUMMARY: In February 2009, the Postal Service will file a notice of mailing services price adjustments with the Postal Regulatory Commission, effective in May 2009. This proposed rule provides the mailing standards that would accompany new prices in 2009 and 2010. DATES: We must receive your comments on or before March 2, 2009. ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the Manager, Mailing Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., Room 3436, Washington, DC 20260–3436. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments at USPS Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., 11th Floor N, Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Email comments, containing the name and address of the commenter, may be sent to: MailingStandards@usps.gov, with a subject line of ‘‘Price-related Proposal Comments.’’ Faxed comments are not accepted. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Chatfield, 202–268–7278. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service’s proposed rule includes: Several mail classification changes, modifications to mailpiece characteristics, and changes in classification terminology. This proposed rule contains the revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) that we would adopt to implement the new prices. Additional changes will be included in a separate final rule to support prices established by the Governors. We think it is vital to share proposed modifications to mailing standards as far in advance as possible; therefore, included are additional proposed revisions scheduled for implementation PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Proposed Changes for Letters and Flats for May 2009 In May 2009, we propose alignment of standards for commercial machinable and automation letters so all machinable letters have the physical characteristics required of automation letters, with the exception of a qualifying barcode. Commercial letters that are not machinable are mailed as nonmachinable letters. We propose a new minimum 0.009inch thickness standard for automation and machinable letters. We propose new static charge and the coefficient of friction standards for automation and machinable letters to ensure they do not produce excessive static charge and can be handled efficiently when inducted and removed from processing equipment. Our proposal revises the list of nonmachinable characteristics. We clarify that letters with nonpaper surfaces, and letters with keys, coins or similar objects that are either loose or thick enough to make a letter nonuniform in thickness, render letters nonmachinable. Letters that do not meet the ‘‘automation-compatible’’ physical standards in DMM 201.3.0 would be considered nonmachinable letters. We propose to allow optional sortation of First-Class Mail and Standard Mail automation letters and Standard Mail machinable letters to all applicable sort levels, with prices matching the level of sortation chosen. We propose to revise standards for window envelopes on letter-size mailpieces, restricting the size of an address block window to extend no closer to the bottom edge than 3⁄4 inch when the window is within 43⁄4 inches of the envelope’s leading edge and no closer than 1 inch to any other edge. For best compatibility with processing, we recommend a window size no greater than 2 inches by 41⁄2 inches. Flats Effective in May 2009, we plan to extend the eligibility for automation prices to certain flat-size mailpieces that are not able to meet the flexibility standards in DMM 301.1.3, but that are able to demonstrate flats machine compatibility through a Pricing and Classification Service Center (PCSC)administered testing process. Some flat- E:\FR\FM\29JAP1.SGM 29JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 18 (Thursday, January 29, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5127-5130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-1593]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 18 / Thursday, January 29, 2009 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 5127]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

36 CFR Part 242

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 100

[FWS-R7-SM-2009-0001; 70101-1261-0000L6]
RIN 1018-AW30


Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska--
2010-11 and 2011-12 Subsistence Taking of Wildlife Regulations

AGENCIES: Forest Service, Agriculture; Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This proposed rule would establish regulations for hunting and 
trapping seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking 
of wildlife for subsistence uses during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 
regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board completes the biennial 
process of revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in 
even-numbered years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations 
in odd-numbered years; public proposal and review processes take place 
during the preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and 
traditional use determinations during the applicable biennial cycle. 
When final, the resulting rulemaking will replace the existing 
subsistence wildlife taking regulations, which expire on June 30, 2010. 
This rule would also amend the customary and traditional use 
determinations of the Federal Subsistence Board and the general 
regulations on subsistence taking of fish and wildlife.

DATES: Public meetings: The Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory 
Councils will hold public meetings to receive comments and make 
proposals to change this proposed rule on several dates between 
February 10 and April 1, 2009, and then hold another round of public 
meetings to discuss and receive comments on the proposals, and make 
recommendations on the proposals to the Federal Subsistence Board, on 
several dates between August 25 and October 28, 2009. The Board will 
discuss and evaluate proposed regulatory changes during a public 
meeting in Anchorage, AK, on January 12, 2010. See SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION for additional information on the public meetings.
    Public Comments: Comments and proposals to change this proposed 
rule must be received or postmarked by April 30, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Public Meetings: The Federal Subsistence Board and the 
Regional Advisory Councils' public meetings will be held at various 
locations in Alaska. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional 
information on locations of the public meetings.
    Public Comments: You may submit comments by one of the following 
methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: USFWS, Office of 
Subsistence Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 121, Attn: Theo 
Matuskowitz, Anchorage, AK 99503-6199.
     Hand delivery to the Designated Federal Official attending 
any of the Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council public 
meetings. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for additional information on 
locations of the public meetings.
    We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see the Public Review Process section below for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chair, Federal Subsistence Board, c/o 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attention: Peter J. Probasco, Office of 
Subsistence Management; (907) 786-3888 or subsistence@fws.gov. For 
questions specific to National Forest System lands, contact Steve 
Kessler, Regional Subsistence Program Leader, USDA, Forest Service, 
Alaska Region; (907) 743-9461.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Under Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation 
Act (ANILCA) (16 U.S.C. 3111-3126), the Secretary of the Interior and 
the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries) jointly implement the 
Federal Subsistence Management Program. This program grants a 
preference for subsistence uses of fish and wildlife resources on 
Federal public lands and waters in Alaska. The Secretaries first 
published regulations to carry out this program in the Federal Register 
on May 29, 1992 (57 FR 22940). The Program has subsequently amended 
these regulations several times. Because this program is a joint effort 
between Interior and Agriculture, these regulations are located in two 
titles of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Title 36, ``Parks, 
Forests, and Public Property,'' and Title 50, ``Wildlife and 
Fisheries,'' at 36 CFR 242.1-28 and 50 CFR 100.1-28, respectively. The 
regulations contain subparts as follows: Subpart A, General Provisions; 
Subpart B, Program Structure; Subpart C, Board Determinations; and 
Subpart D, Subsistence Taking of Fish and Wildlife.

Federal Subsistence Board

    Consistent with subpart B of these regulations, the Departments 
established a Federal Subsistence Board to administer the Federal 
Subsistence Management Program. The Board is made up of:
     Chair appointed by the Secretary of the Interior with 
concurrence of the Secretary of Agriculture;
     Alaska Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
     Alaska Regional Director, U.S. National Park Service;
     Alaska State Director, U.S. Bureau of Land Management;
     Alaska Regional Director, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs; 
and
     Alaska Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service.
    Through the Board, these agencies participate in the development of 
regulations for subparts A, B, and C, which set forth the basic 
program, and they continue to work together on regularly revising the 
subpart D regulations, which, among other things, set forth specific 
harvest seasons and limits.

[[Page 5128]]

Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils

    In administering the program, the Secretaries divided Alaska into 
10 subsistence resource regions, each of which is represented by a 
Regional Council. The Regional Councils provide a forum for rural 
residents with personal knowledge of local conditions and resource 
requirements to have a meaningful role in the subsistence management of 
fish and wildlife on Federal public lands in Alaska. The Regional 
Council members represent varied geographical, cultural, and user 
diversity within each region.

Public Review Process--Comments, Proposals, and Public Meetings

    The Regional Councils have a substantial role in reviewing this 
proposed rule and making recommendations for the final rule. The 
Federal Subsistence Board (Board), through the Regional Councils, will 
hold meetings on this proposed rule at the following locations in 
Alaska, on the following dates:

 
 
 
Region 1--Southeast Regional Council.......  Petersburg..................  February 24, 2009.
Region 2--Southcentral Regional Council....  Anchorage...................  March 10, 2009.
Region 3--Kodiak/Aleutians Regional Council  Kodiak......................  March 31, 2009.
Region 4--Bristol Bay Regional Council.....  Naknek......................  March 24, 2009.
Region 5--Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional     St. Marys...................  February 24, 2009.
 Council.
Region 6--Western Interior Regional Council  Galena......................  February 18, 2009.
Region 7--Seward Peninsula Regional Council  Nome........................  February 10, 2009.
Region 8--Northwest Arctic Regional Council  Kotzebue....................  March 5, 2009.
Region 9--Eastern Interior Regional Council  Central.....................  March 10, 2009.
Region 10--North Slope Regional Council....  Barrow......................  February 17, 2009.
 

    During May 2009, the written proposals to change subpart D hunting 
and trapping regulations and subpart C customary and traditional use 
determinations will be compiled and distributed for public review. 
During the 30-day public comment period, which is presently scheduled 
to end on June 18, 2009, written public comments will be accepted on 
the distributed proposals.
    The Board, through the Regional Councils, will hold a second series 
of meetings in August through October 2009, to receive comments on 
specific proposals and to develop recommendations to the Board at the 
following locations in Alaska, on the following dates:

 
 
 
Region 1--Southeast Regional Council.......  Yakutat....................  October 6, 2009.
Region 2--Southcentral Regional Council....  Cooper Landing.............  October 13, 2009.
Region 3--Kodiak/Aleutians Regional Council  Kodiak.....................  September 10, 2009.
Region 4--Bristol Bay Regional Council.....  Dillingham.................  October 27, 2009.
Region 5--Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional     Bethel.....................  October 1, 2009.
 Council.
Region 6--Western Interior Regional Council  Aniak......................  October 6, 2009.
Region 7--Seward Peninsula Regional Council  Nome.......................  October 1, 2009.
Region 8--Northwest Arctic Regional Council  Kotzebue...................  October 27, 2009.
Region 9--Eastern Interior Regional Council  TBA........................  October 13, 2009.
Region 10--North Slope Regional Council....  Barrow.....................  August 25, 2009.
 

    A notice will be published of specific dates, times, and meeting 
locations in local and statewide newspapers prior to both series of 
meetings. Locations and dates may change based on weather or local 
circumstances. The amount of work on each Regional Council's agenda 
determines the length of each Regional Council meeting.
    The Board will discuss and evaluate proposed changes to the 
subsistence management regulations during a public meeting scheduled to 
be held in Anchorage, AK, on January 12, 2010. The Council Chairs, or 
their designated representatives, will present their respective 
Councils' recommendations at the Board meeting. Additional oral 
testimony may be provided on specific proposals before the Board at 
that time. At that public meeting, the Board will deliberate and take 
final action on proposals received that request changes to this 
proposed rule.
    Proposals to the Board to modify wildlife harvest regulations and 
customary and traditional use determinations must include the following 
information:
    (a) Name, address, and telephone number of the requestor;
    (b) Each section and/or paragraph designation in this proposed rule 
for which changes are suggested;
    (c) A statement explaining why each change is necessary;
    (d) Proposed wording changes; and
    (e) Any additional information that you believe will help the Board 
in evaluating the proposed change.
    The Board rejects proposals that fail to include the above 
information, or proposals that are beyond the scope of authorities in 
Sec.  --.24, subpart C (the regulations governing customary and 
traditional use determinations), and Sec. Sec.  --.25, and--.26, 
subpart D (the general and specific regulations governing the 
subsistence take of wildlife). During the January 12, 2010, meeting, 
the Board may defer review and action on some proposals to allow time 
for local cooperative planning efforts, or to acquire additional needed 
information. The Board may elect to defer taking action on any given 
proposal if the workload of staff, Regional Councils, or the Board 
becomes excessive. These deferrals may be based on recommendations by 
the affected Regional Council(s) or staff members, or on the basis of 
the Board's intention to do least harm to the subsistence user and the 
resource involved. The Board may consider and act on alternatives that 
address the intent of a proposal while differing in approach.

Proposed Changes From the 2008-10 Wildlife Seasons and Harvest Limit 
Regulations

    Subpart D regulations are subject to periodic review and revision. 
The Federal Subsistence Board completes the biennial process of 
revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in even-numbered 
years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered 
years; public proposal and review processes take place during the 
preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use 
determinations during the applicable biennial cycle.
    The text of the 2008-10 subparts C and D final rule published June 
24, 2008

[[Page 5129]]

(73 FR 35726), serves as the foundation for this 2010-12 subparts C and 
D proposed rule. The regulations relating to wildlife contained in this 
proposed rule will take effect on July 1, 2010, unless elements are 
changed by subsequent Board action following the public review process 
outlined above in this document.

Compliance With Statutory and Regulatory Authorities

National Environmental Policy Act

    A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that described four 
alternatives for developing a Federal Subsistence Management Program 
was distributed for public comment on October 7, 1991. The Final 
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was published on February 28, 
1992. The Record of Decision (ROD) on Subsistence Management for 
Federal Public Lands in Alaska was signed April 6, 1992. The selected 
alternative in the FEIS (Alternative IV) defined the administrative 
framework of an annual regulatory cycle for subsistence regulations.
    A 1997 environmental assessment dealt with the expansion of Federal 
jurisdiction over fisheries and is available at the office listed under 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The Secretary of the Interior, with 
concurrence of the Secretary of Agriculture, determined that expansion 
of Federal jurisdiction does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the human environment and, therefore, signed a 
Finding of No Significant Impact.

Section 810 of ANILCA

    An ANILCA Section 810 analysis was completed as part of the FEIS 
process on the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The intent of 
all Federal subsistence regulations is to accord subsistence uses of 
fish and wildlife on public lands a priority over the taking of fish 
and wildlife on such lands for other purposes, unless restriction is 
necessary to conserve healthy fish and wildlife populations. The final 
section 810 analysis determination appeared in the April 6, 1992, ROD 
and concluded that the Federal Subsistence Management Program, under 
Alternative IV with an annual process for setting subsistence 
regulations, may have some local impacts on subsistence uses, but will 
not likely restrict subsistence uses significantly.
    During the subsequent environmental assessment process for 
extending fisheries jurisdiction, an evaluation of the effects of this 
rule was conducted in accordance with section 810. That evaluation also 
supported the Secretaries' determination that the rule will not reach 
the ``may significantly restrict'' threshold that would require notice 
and hearings under ANILCA section 810(a).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements contained in this rule have 
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and assigned 
OMB control number 1018-0075, which expires October 31, 2009. We may 
not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a 
collection of information unless it displays a current valid OMB 
control number.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that this 
rule is not significant and has not reviewed this rule under Executive 
Order 12866. OMB bases its determination upon the following four 
criteria:
    (a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or 
more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector, 
productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.
    (b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other 
agencies' actions.
    (c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants, 
user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their 
recipients.
    (d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
requires preparation of flexibility analyses for rules that will have a 
significant effect on a substantial number of small entities, which 
include small businesses, organizations, or governmental jurisdictions. 
In general, the resources to be harvested under this rule are already 
being harvested and consumed by the local harvester and do not result 
in an additional dollar benefit to the economy. However, we estimate 
that 2 million pounds of meat are harvested by subsistence users 
annually and, if given an estimated dollar value of $3.00 per pound, 
this amount would equate to about $6 million in food value statewide. 
Based upon the amounts and values cited above, the Departments certify 
that this rulemaking will not have a significant economic effect on a 
substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    Under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (5 
U.S.C. 801 et seq.), this rule is not a major rule. It does not have an 
effect on the economy of $100 million or more, will not cause a major 
increase in costs or prices for consumers, and does not have 
significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, 
productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to 
compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Executive Order 12630

    Title VIII of ANILCA requires the Secretaries to administer a 
subsistence priority on public lands. The scope of this program is 
limited by definition to certain public lands. Likewise, these 
regulations have no potential takings of private property implications 
as defined by Executive Order 12630.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Secretaries have determined and certify pursuant to the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this 
rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given 
year on local or State governments or private entities. The 
implementation of this rule is by Federal agencies and there is no cost 
imposed on any State or local entities or tribal governments.

Executive Order 12988

    The Secretaries have determined that these regulations meet the 
applicable standards provided in Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive 
Order 12988, regarding civil justice reform.

Executive Order 13132

    In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have 
sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment. Title VIII of ANILCA precludes the State from 
exercising subsistence management authority over fish and wildlife 
resources on Federal lands unless it meets certain requirements.

Executive Order 13175

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we 
have evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes 
and have

[[Page 5130]]

determined that there are no substantial direct effects. The Bureau of 
Indian Affairs is a participating agency in this rulemaking.

Executive Order 13211

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 on 
regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, or 
use. This Executive Order requires agencies to prepare Statements of 
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. This rule is not a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 13211, affecting 
energy supply, distribution, or use, and no Statement of Energy Effects 
is required.

Drafting Information

    Theo Matuskowitz drafted these regulations under the guidance of 
Peter J. Probasco of the Office of Subsistence Management, Alaska 
Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska. 
Additional assistance was provided by:
     Daniel Sharp, Alaska State Office, Bureau of Land 
Management;
     Sandy Rabinowitch and Nancy Swanton, Alaska Regional 
Office, National Park Service;
     Drs. Warren Eastland and Glenn Chen, Alaska Regional 
Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs;
     Jerry Berg and Carl Jack, Alaska Regional Office, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service; and
     Steve Kessler, Alaska Regional Office, U.S. Forest 
Service.

List of Subjects

36 CFR Part 242

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Fish, National 
forests, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Wildlife.

50 CFR Part 100

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Fish, National 
forests, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Wildlife.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Federal Subsistence 
Board proposes to amend 36 CFR part 242 and 50 CFR part 100 for the 
2010-11 and 2011-12 regulatory years. The text of the proposed rule is 
the same as the final rule for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 wildlife 
regulatory years published in the Federal Register June 24, 2008 (73 FR 
35726).

    Dated: January 6, 2009.
Peter J. Probasco,
Acting Chair, Federal Subsistence Board.
    Dated: January 6, 2009.
Steve Kessler,
Subsistence Program Leader, USDA--Forest Service.
[FR Doc. E9-1593 Filed 1-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P; 4310-55-P
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