Alaska; Subsistence Collections, 1592-1596 [2015-33144]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• National Park Service

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1592-1596]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-33144]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

36 CFR Part 13

[NPS-AKRO-19165; PPAKAKROZ5, PPMPRLE1Y.L00000]
RIN 1024-AE28


Alaska; Subsistence Collections

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service proposes to allow qualified 
subsistence users to collect and use nonedible fish and wildlife parts 
and plant materials for the creation and subsequent disposition (use, 
barter, or sale) of handicrafts. The rule would also (1) clarify that 
collecting or possessing living wildlife is generally prohibited and 
(2) limit the types of bait that may be used to take bears for 
subsistence uses.

DATES: Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on April 12, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Regulation Identifier 
Number (RIN) 1024-AE28, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail or hand deliver to: National Park Service, Regional 
Director, Alaska Regional Office, 240 West 5th Ave., Anchorage, AK 
99501.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number or RIN for this rulemaking. All comments received 
will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. For additional information see ``Public 
Participation'' under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andee Sears, Regional Law Enforcement 
Specialist, Alaska Regional Office, 240 West 5th Ave., Anchorage, AK 
99501. Phone (907) 644-3410. Email: AKR_Regulations@nps.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Subsistence Uses Authorized by ANILCA

    In 1980, Congress enacted the Alaska National Interest Lands 
Conservation Act (ANILCA) (16 U.S.C. 410hh-410hh-5; 3101-3233) to 
preserve various nationally significant areas in Alaska. One of the 
purposes of ANILCA is ``to provide the opportunity for rural residents 
engaged in a subsistence way of life to continue to do so.'' 16 U.S.C. 
3101(c). Title II of ANILCA established new National Park System units, 
added to existing units, and determined where subsistence uses would be 
allowed in those units. Subsistence uses by local rural residents are 
authorized in all national preserves and in the Alagnak Wild River 
(managed as a national preserve), Aniakchak National Monument, Cape 
Krusenstern National Monument, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Kobuk 
Valley National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Wrangell-Saint Elias 
National Park, and the additions to Denali National Park. 16 U.S.C. 
3113 defines ``subsistence uses'' as follows:

[T]he customary and traditional uses by rural Alaska residents of 
wild, renewable resources for direct personal or family consumption 
as food, shelter, fuel, clothing, tools, or

[[Page 1593]]

transportation; for the making and selling of handicraft articles 
out of nonedible byproducts of fish and wildlife resources taken for 
personal or family consumption; for barter, or sharing for personal 
or family consumption; and for customary trade.

    This definition reflects that the creation of hand-made crafts from 
nonedible natural materials has long been a part of the cultural, 
social, and economic practices of those living a subsistence way of 
life in Alaska. While ANILCA does not expressly address making and 
selling of handicraft articles out of plant materials, the NPS believes 
it falls within this definition, and that it is not otherwise 
prohibited. Making and selling handicraft articles out of plant 
materials is clearly use of a wild renewable resource for barter or 
customary trade. The omission of plant materials from the statute's 
specific provision on handicraft articles does not indicate any intent 
to prohibit their use. That definition provides that fish and wildlife-
based handicraft articles for subsistence purposes are only made from 
``nonedible byproducts'' to avoid the take of fish and wildlife solely 
for the purpose of making handicrafts out of them. Plant materials fall 
within the definition's more general provision of wild, renewable 
resources. Subsistence users requested NPS regulations be changed to 
allow this customary and traditional practice.

Consistency With NPS Regulations

    NPS regulations managing subsistence uses are found in 36 CFR part 
13, subpart F--Subsistence. NPS regulations regarding the subsistence 
use of timber and plant materials allow the noncommercial gathering of 
plant materials for subsistence uses without a permit. 36 CFR 
13.485(b). NPS regulations at 36 CFR 13.420 define the terms ``barter'' 
and ``customary trade'' that are used in the statutory definition of 
``subsistence uses.'' Barter means the exchange of fish or wildlife or 
their parts for other fish or game or their parts; or for other food or 
for nonedible items other than money if the exchange is of a limited 
and noncommercial nature. This definition recognizes the traditional 
cultural, social, and economic practices of non-cash exchange of 
subsistence resources among those living a ``genuine subsistence 
lifestyle'' (46 FR 31824, June 17, 1981). Customary trade is limited to 
the exchange of furs for cash, and other activities designated for a 
particular NPS unit by special regulation. This allowance for the 
exchange of furs for cash acknowledged that trapping was an ``integral 
and longstanding part of the subsistence lifestyle in many regions in 
Alaska'' (46 FR 31824, June 17, 1981). Since the June 1981 rulemaking, 
two NPS units in Alaska where such customary trade was known to have 
occurred, Gates of the Arctic National Preserve and Kobuk Valley 
National Park, have had special regulations that expand the definition 
of ``customary trade'' in those units to include the sale of handicraft 
articles made from plant material taken by local rural residents of the 
park area and which do not require any written authorization from the 
superintendent. 36 CFR 13.1006 and 13.1504, respectively. The proposed 
rule would not change or remove these special regulations which would 
control over the proposed rule for these units. The NPS specifically 
seeks comment on whether these special regulations should continue to 
apply to Gates of the Arctic National Preserve and Kobuk Valley 
National Park, or whether they should be removed which would make those 
units subject to the provisions in the proposed rule.
    Except for these specific and limited authorizations for barter and 
customary trade of handicraft articles in Alaska, National Park System-
wide regulations at 36 CFR 5.3 generally prohibit engaging in any 
business in park areas without authorization. This means that other 
forms of sale, barter, and trade that are customary and traditional 
uses of wild, renewable resources by rural Alaska residents are not 
allowed under current NPS regulations. In addition, National Park 
System-wide regulations at 36 CFR 2.1(a)(1) prohibit the collection of 
wildlife, plants, or parts thereof. There is a limited authorization 
for the hand-collection of fruits, berries, nuts, or unoccupied 
seashells for personal use or consumption, but the sale or commercial 
use of these products is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.1(c).

Environmental Impact Analysis

    The NPS prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the 
impacts of various alternatives that would address the collection and 
use of plant materials and nonedible animal parts to make handicrafts 
that may subsequently be bartered or sold. The NPS received substantial 
public input during scoping for the EA, including input following 
presentations to all affected Subsistence Resource Commissions and 
Regional Advisory Councils. All tribes affiliated with park areas in 
Alaska were invited to consult on the alternatives in the EA. On April 
14, 2014, the Regional Director for the Alaska Region signed a Finding 
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that selected the preferred 
alternative (Alternative D) in the EA as the selected action.

The Proposed Rule

Subsistence Uses of Plants and Nonedible Animal Parts

    This part of the proposed rule would implement the selected action 
identified in the FONSI and would apply to all NPS units in Alaska 
where subsistence uses by local rural residents are authorized by 
ANILCA. The rule would allow NPS-qualified local rural residents to 
collect and use the following items to make and sell handicrafts:
     Plant materials; and
     nonedible animal parts (e.g., antlers, horns, bones, 
teeth, claws, hooves, skins, hides, fur, hair, feathers, or quills) 
that are naturally shed or discarded, lawfully taken, or that remain on 
the landscape due to the natural mortality of an animal.
    While this proposed rule would authorize the collection and use of 
feathers of birds not covered by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection 
Act or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (which will generally mean grouse 
and ptarmigan), collection and use of other bird feathers remains 
subject to any applicable federal and state laws.
    In order to properly manage the collection of nonedible animal 
parts, subsistence users would be required to have a Federal 
Subsistence Board customary and traditional use determination for 
animal species whose nonedible parts would be used to make handicrafts. 
The determination must be specific to the area where the collection 
would occur. Eligible persons would also be required to have written 
authorization from the superintendent to collect plant materials or 
nonedible animal parts with appropriate terms and conditions to protect 
area resources and values. The sale of raw, unworked materials or parts 
would be prohibited. The proposed rule would provide superintendents 
with authority to set conditions, limits, and other restrictions on 
collection activities to protect resources and values. Eligibility to 
collect plants or nonedible animal parts would follow the same criteria 
for other subsistence uses in national parks, monuments and preserves.
    The proposed rule would allow handicrafts to be sold or exchanged 
through barter or customary trade. The regulatory definition of 
``barter'' would be amended to allow the exchange of handicraft 
articles for fish or game or their parts; or for other food or 
nonedible items other than money if the exchange is of a limited 
noncommercial

[[Page 1594]]

nature. The regulatory definition of ``customary trade'' would be 
amended to allow the exchange of handicraft articles for cash to 
support personal and family needs, so long as these exchanges do not 
constitute a significant commercial enterprise. The NPS specifically 
seeks comment on how the term ``significant commercial enterprise'' 
could be further explained to provide more clarity to the public about 
what exchanges would be prohibited by this rule.
    The rule would add a definition of ``handicraft article'' that is 
taken from the current Federal Subsistence Regulations at 50 CFR 
100.25(a). This definition would clarify that a handicraft must result 
from the alteration or manipulation of the shape and appearance of 
natural materials to create something of greater monetary or aesthetic 
value. The NPS specifically seeks comment on how the term 
``substantially greater monetary and aesthetic value'' could be further 
explained to provide more clarity to the public about what qualifies as 
a handicraft article under this rule.

Collection of Live Wildlife

    This part of the proposed rule would clarify that collecting living 
wildlife (including eggs and offspring) is not authorized in NPS units 
located in Alaska unless specifically authorized by federal statute or 
pursuant to (1) an NPS research specimen collection permit issued under 
36 CFR 2.5; (2) Federal Subsistence Regulations; or (3) special 
regulations for Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This 
clarification results from public inquiries about the collection of 
live raptor chicks in national preserves. The take of wildlife is 
generally prohibited in NPS units. Although hunting and trapping are 
allowed in national preserves in accordance with applicable federal and 
non-conflicting state law and regulations, the NPS does not consider 
the collection of live raptors or eggs to be hunting or trapping. 
Moreover, this activity is in any event prohibited by 36 CFR 2.2(a)(2), 
which prohibits ``intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding, 
or other activities.'' This prohibition applies to activities that 
might be authorized by the State of Alaska under a falconry permit. In 
2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NPS issued memoranda 
expressly clarifying that collection of raptors is prohibited in units 
of the National Park System. Because the State of Alaska has authorized 
some of these practices as ``hunting'' under state law, the NPS is 
proposing to eliminate any potential confusion that these activities 
could be allowed in national preserves as state-authorized ``hunting.'' 
The rule would expressly state that the collection or possession of 
living wildlife, which includes raptors or eggs, is not allowed as a 
hunting or trapping activity in national preserves in Alaska. This 
regulation does not prohibit the use of trained raptors for hunting 
activities where authorized by applicable federal and state law.
    This proposed clarification would not restrict other collection of 
wildlife for subsistence uses authorized under Title VIII of ANILCA, 
collection of migratory bird eggs authorized pursuant to U.S. Fish & 
Wildlife Service regulations, or collection of gull eggs in Glacier Bay 
by the Huna Tlingit pursuant to the statutory authorization for that 
activity.

Use of Bait for Taking Bears Under Federal Subsistence Regulations

    The NPS is proposing to limit the types of bait that may be used to 
take bears for subsistence uses under Federal Subsistence Regulations 
in units of the National Park System in Alaska. Under the proposed 
rule, bait would be limited to (1) parts of legally taken native fish 
or wildlife that are not required to be salvaged; or (2) remains of 
native fish or wildlife that died of natural causes. The proposed rule 
would prohibit items such as dog food, grease, bread, and marshmallows, 
which are currently allowed and commonly used to bait bears. These 
practices are inconsistent with NPS regulations that prohibit feeding 
wildlife (36 CFR 2.2(a)(2)) and the NPS legal and policy framework 
which calls for managing wildlife for natural processes. It also 
furthers NPS efforts to avoid habituating wildlife to unnatural food 
sources, such as human foods.

Compliance With Other Laws, Executive Orders, and Department Policy

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget will 
review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rule is not 
significant.
    Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of Executive Order 
12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system 
to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, 
most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory 
ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory 
approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of 
choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, 
and consistent with regulatory objectives. Executive Order 13563 
emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available 
science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public 
participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this 
rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rule will not have a significant economic effect on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This certification is based on the cost-
benefit and regulatory flexibility analyses found in the reports 
entitled ``Regulatory Flexibility Threshold Analysis: Special 
Regulations for National Park Areas in Alaska'' and ``Preliminary Cost/
Benefit Analysis: Special Regulations for National Park Service Areas 
in Alaska'' which can be viewed online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/akro by clicking the link ``Subsistence Uses of Horns, Antlers, Bones 
and Plants'' and then clicking ``Document List.''

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the SBREFA. 
This rule:
    a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more.
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, federal, state, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions
    c. 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.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    This rule does not effect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630. A takings 
implication assessment is not required.

[[Page 1595]]

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, this rule 
does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism summary impact statement. The proposed rule 
is limited in effect to federal lands managed by the NPS in Alaska and 
would not have a substantial direct effect on state and local 
government in Alaska. A Federalism summary impact statement is not 
required.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. 
Specifically, this rule:
    (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all 
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be 
written to minimize litigation; and
    (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all 
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal 
standards.

Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175 and Department Policy) and 
ANCSA Corporations

    The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its 
government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes through a 
commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes and recognition of their 
right to self-governance and tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this 
rule under the criteria in Executive Order 13175 and under the 
Department's tribal consultation policy and Alaska Native Claims 
Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporations policy and have determined that 
tribal consultation is not required because the rule will have no 
substantial direct effect on federally recognized Indian tribes or 
ANCSA Native Corporation lands, water areas, or resources. The NPS is 
seeking input from Alaska Native tribes and Alaska Native Corporations 
regarding these potential changes.

Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)

    This final rule does not contain any new collections of information 
that require approval by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Information collection 
requirements associated with the requirement for the superintendent's 
written authorization to collect plant materials or nonedible animal 
parts under this final rule are covered under OMB Control Number 1024-
0026, which expires on 08/31/2016. Information collection requirements 
associated with Federal Subsistence Board customary and traditional use 
determinations have been approved under OMB Control Number 1018-0075 
which expires on 02/29/2016. We may not conduct or sponsor, and a 
person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement 
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not 
required because we reached a Finding of No Significant Impact. The EA 
and FONSI are available online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/akro by 
clicking the link ``Subsistence Uses of Horns, Antlers, Bones and 
Plants'' and then clicking ``Document List.'' The other parts of this 
rule (collection of live wildlife, bear baiting under Federal 
Subsistence Regulations) are excluded from the requirement to prepare a 
detailed statement because they fall within the categorical exclusion 
covering modifications to existing regulations for NPS-administered 
areas that do not (a) increase public use to the extent of compromising 
the nature and character of the area or cause physical damage to it; 
(b) introduce non-compatible uses that might compromise the nature and 
characteristics of the area or cause physical damage to it; (c) 
conflict with adjacent ownerships or land uses; or (d) cause a nuisance 
to adjacent owners or occupants. (For further information see Section 
3.3 of Director's Order #12 Handbook). We have also determined that the 
rule does not involve any of the extraordinary circumstances listed in 
43 CFR 46.215 that would require further analysis under NEPA.

Effects on the Energy Supply (Executive Order 13211)

    This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition 
in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not 
required.

Clarity of This Regulation

    The NPS is required by Executive Orders 12866 (section 1(b)(12)), 
12988 (section 3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use common, everyday words and clear language rather than 
jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section above. 
To better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific 
as possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the 
sections or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or 
sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables 
would be useful, etc.

Drafting Information

    The primary authors of this regulation are Jenna Giddens, Bud Rice, 
and Andee Sears of the Alaska Regional Office, National Park Service; 
and Jay Calhoun and Russel Wilson of the Division of Regulations, 
Washington Support Office, National Park Service.

Public Participation

    It is the policy of the Department of the Interior, whenever 
practicable, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the 
rulemaking process. Accordingly, interested persons may submit written 
comments regarding this proposed rule by one of the methods listed in 
the ADDRESSES section above.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 13

    Alaska, National parks, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    In consideration of the foregoing, the National Park Service 
proposes to amend 36 CFR part 13 as set forth below:

PART 13--NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM UNITS IN ALASKA

0
1. The authority citation for part 13 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3124; 54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102; 
Sec. 13.1204 also issued under Sec. 1035, Pub. L. 104-333, 110 Stat. 
4240.


[[Page 1596]]


0
2. Add paragraphs (j) and (k) to Sec.  13.42 as follows:
* * * * *
    (j) Collecting or possessing living wildlife (including eggs and 
offspring) is prohibited unless expressly authorized by federal statute 
or pursuant to Sec.  2.5 of this chapter, 50 CFR part 100, or special 
regulations in subpart N of this chapter. A falconry permit or other 
permit issued by the State of Alaska for the take of wildlife does not 
provide the required authorization. These collecting activities are not 
allowed as hunting or trapping activities in national preserves under 
paragraph (a) of this section 13.42. This regulation does not prohibit 
the use of trained raptors for hunting activities where authorized by 
applicable federal and state law.
    (k)(1) The following types of bait may be used to take bears for 
subsistence uses:
    (i) Parts of legally taken native fish or wildlife that are not 
required to be salvaged; or
    (ii) Remains of native fish or wildlife that died of natural 
causes.
    (2) The use of any other type of bait to take bears for subsistence 
uses is prohibited.
0
3. Amend Sec.  13.420 by:
0
A. Adding the terms ``Animal parts'' and ``Handicraft article''
0
B. Revising the term ``Subsistence uses''
    The additions and revisions to read as follows:


Sec.  13.420  Definitions.

    Animal parts means nonedible antlers, horns, bones, teeth, claws, 
hooves, skins, hides, fur, hair, feathers, or quills that:
    (1) Are obtained from a lawfully hunted or trapped animal;
    (2) Have been shed or discarded as a result of natural life-cycle 
events; or
    (3) Remain on the landscape as a result of the natural mortality of 
the animal.
    Handicraft article is a finished product made by a rural Alaskan 
resident in which the shape and appearance of the natural material has 
been substantially changed by the skillful use of hands, such as 
sewing, weaving, lacing, beading, drilling, carving, etching, 
scrimshawing, painting, or other means, which has substantially greater 
monetary and aesthetic value than the unaltered natural material. The 
term includes products made from plant materials and from nonedible 
byproducts of fish and wildlife resources taken for personal or family 
consumption. This term does not include a trophy or European mount of 
horns or antlers.
* * * * *
    Subsistence uses. As used in this part, this term means the 
customary and traditional uses by rural Alaska residents of wild, 
renewable resources for direct personal or family consumption as food, 
shelter, fuel, clothing, tools or transportation; for the making and 
selling of handicraft articles out of nonedible byproducts of fish and 
wildlife resources taken for personal or family consumption; for barter 
or sharing for personal or family consumption; and for customary trade. 
For the purposes of this subpart, the terms--
    (1) ``Family'' shall mean all persons related by blood, marriage, 
or adoption, or any person living within the household on a permanent 
basis; and
    (2) ``Barter'' shall mean the exchange of handicraft articles or 
fish or wildlife or their parts taken for subsistence uses--
    (i) For other fish or game or their parts; or
    (ii) For other food or for nonedible items other than money if the 
exchange is of a limited and noncommercial nature; and
    (3) ``Customary trade'' shall be limited to the exchange of 
handicraft articles or furs for cash to support personal and family 
needs; and does not include trade which constitutes a significant 
commercial enterprise.
0
4. Add Sec.  13.482 to read as follows:


Sec.  13.482  Subsistence collection and use of animal parts.

    (a) Local rural residents may collect animal parts (excluding 
migratory birds, marine mammals, and threatened or endangered species) 
for subsistence uses in park areas where subsistence uses are allowed, 
provided that:
    (1) The resident has a federal customary and traditional use 
determination for the species collected in the game management unit 
where the collecting occurs (50 CFR part 100); and
    (2) The resident has written authorization from the superintendent 
issued under Sec.  1.6 of this chapter that identifies specific areas 
where this activity is allowed.
    (b) The superintendent may establish conditions, limits, and other 
restrictions on collection activities. Areas open to collections will 
be identified on a map posted on the park Web site and available at the 
park visitor center or park headquarters. Violating a condition, limit, 
or restriction is prohibited.
    (c) Non-conflicting State regulations regarding the use of bear 
claws that are now or may later be in effect are adopted as a part of 
these regulations.
0
5. Amend Sec.  13.485 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (b)
0
b. Redesignating paragraph (c) as paragraph (d)
0
c. Adding new paragraph (c)
    The revisions and additions to read as follows:


Sec.  13.485  Subsistence use of timber and plant material.

* * * * *
    (b) The gathering by local rural residents of fruits, berries, 
mushrooms, and other plant materials for subsistence uses, and the 
gathering of dead or downed timber for firewood for noncommercial 
subsistence uses, shall be allowed without a permit in park areas where 
subsistence uses are allowed, provided that local rural residents may 
not gather plant materials to make handicraft articles for customary 
trade or barter unless they have written authorization from the 
superintendent issued under Sec.  1.6 of this chapter that identifies 
specific areas where this activity is allowed.
    (c) The superintendent may establish conditions, limits, and other 
restrictions on gathering activities. Violating a condition, limit, or 
restriction is prohibited.
* * * * *

    Dated: December 11, 2015.
Karen Hyun,
Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and 
Parks.
[FR Doc. 2015-33144 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-EJ-P