Migratory Bird Permits; Regulations for Managing Resident Canada Goose Populations, 17987-17992 [2018-08500]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 25, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17987-17992]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08500]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Parts 20 and 21

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0012; FF09M21200-178-FXMB1232099BPP0L2]
RIN 1018-BC72


Migratory Bird Permits; Regulations for Managing Resident Canada 
Goose Populations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: In 2005, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or 
``we'') published a final environmental impact statement on management 
of resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis) that documented resident 
Canada goose population levels ``that are increasingly coming into 
conflict with people and

[[Page 17988]]

causing personal and public property damage.'' Subsequently, the 
Service implemented several actions intended to reduce, manage, and 
control resident Canada goose populations in the continental United 
States and to reduce related damages; those actions included 
depredation and control orders that allow destruction of Canada goose 
nests and eggs by authorized personnel between March 1 and June 30. 
However, some resident Canada geese currently initiate nests in 
February, particularly in the southern United States, and it seems 
likely that in the future nest initiation dates will begin earlier and 
hatching of eggs will perhaps end later than dates currently 
experienced. Thus, the Service proposes to amend the depredation and 
control orders to allow destruction of resident Canada goose nests and 
eggs at any time of year.

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received by May 25, 2018.

ADDRESSES: 
    Document availability: You may obtain copies of the related 
environmental assessment at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. 
FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0012.
    Comment submission: You may submit comments by either one of the 
following methods. Please do not submit comments by both.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. FWS-HQ-
MB-2018-0012.
     U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0012; Division of Policy, Performance, and 
Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; MS: BPHC; 5275 
Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We will not accept email or faxes. We will post all comments on 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. See Public Comments, below, for more information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul I. Padding, Atlantic Flyway 
Representative, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 11510 American Holly Drive, Laurel, MD 20708; (301) 
497-5851 or email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Authority and Responsibility

    Migratory birds are protected under four bilateral migratory bird 
treaties the United States entered into with Great Britain (for Canada 
in 1916 as amended in 1999), the United Mexican States (1936 as amended 
in 1972 and 1999), Japan (1972 as amended in 1974), and the Soviet 
Union (1978). Regulations allowing the take of migratory birds are 
authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (Act; 16 U.S.C. 703-712), 
which implements the above-mentioned treaties. The Act provides that, 
subject to and to carry out the purposes of the treaties, the Secretary 
of the Interior is authorized and directed to determine when, to what 
extent, and by what means allowing hunting, killing, and other forms of 
taking of migratory birds, their nests, and eggs is compatible with the 
conventions. The Act requires the Secretary to implement a 
determination by adopting regulations permitting and governing those 
activities.
    Canada geese are federally protected by the Act because they are 
listed as migratory birds in all four treaties. Because Canada geese 
are covered by all four treaties, regulations must meet the 
requirements of the most restrictive of the four. For Canada geese, 
this is the treaty with Canada. All regulations concerning resident 
Canada geese are compatible with its terms, with particular reference 
to Articles II, V, and VII.
    Each treaty not only permits sport hunting, but permits the take of 
migratory birds for other reasons, including scientific, educational, 
propagative, or other specific purposes consistent with the 
conservation principles of the various Conventions. More specifically, 
Article VII, Article II (paragraph 3), and Article V of ``The Protocol 
Between the Government of the United States of America and the 
Government of Canada Amending the 1916 Convention between the United 
Kingdom and the United States of America for the Protection of 
Migratory Birds in Canada and the United States'' provides specific 
limitations on allowing the take of migratory birds for reasons other 
than sport hunting. Article VII authorizes permitting the take, kill, 
etc., of migratory birds that, under extraordinary conditions, become 
seriously injurious to agricultural or other interests. Article V 
relates to the taking of nests and eggs, and Article II, paragraph 3, 
states that, in order to ensure the long-term conservation of migratory 
birds, migratory bird populations shall be managed in accord with 
listed conservation principles.
    The other treaties are less restrictive. The treaties with both 
Japan (Article III, paragraph 1, subparagraph (b)) and the Soviet Union 
(Article II, paragraph 1, subparagraph (d)) provide specific exceptions 
to migratory bird take prohibitions for the purpose of protecting 
persons and property. The treaty with Mexico requires, with regard to 
migratory game birds, only that there be a ``closed season'' on hunting 
and that hunting be limited to 4 months in each year.
    Regulations governing the issuance of permits to take, capture, 
kill, possess, and transport migratory birds are promulgated at title 
50, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), parts 13, 21 and 22, and issued 
by the Service. The Service annually promulgates regulations governing 
the take, possession, and transportation of migratory game birds under 
sport hunting seasons at 50 CFR part 20. Regulations regarding all 
other take of migratory birds (except for eagles) are published at 50 
CFR part 21, and typically are not changed annually.

Background

    In November 2005, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or 
``we'') published a final environmental impact statement on management 
of resident Canada geese that documented resident Canada goose 
population levels ``that are increasingly coming into conflict with 
people and causing personal and public property damage.'' On August 10, 
2006, we published in the Federal Register (71 FR 45964) a final rule 
establishing regulations at 50 CFR parts 20 and 21 authorizing State 
wildlife agencies, private landowners, and airports to conduct (or 
allow) indirect and/or direct population control management activities 
to reduce, manage, and control resident Canada goose populations in the 
continental United States and to reduce related damages. Those 
activities include depredation and control orders that allow 
destruction of resident Canada goose nests and eggs by authorized 
personnel between March 1 and June 30, because that timeframe 
encompassed the period when resident Canada geese typically nested.
    In recent years, some resident Canada geese have initiated nests in 
February, particularly in the southern United States, and it seems 
likely that in the future nest initiation dates will begin earlier and 
hatching of eggs will perhaps end later than dates currently 
experienced. This proposed rule would amend the special permit and 
depredation and control orders to allow destruction of resident Canada 
goose nests and eggs at any time of year, thereby affording State 
agencies, private landowners, and airports greater flexibility to use 
these methods of controlling local abundances of resident Canada geese.

Definition of Resident Canada Geese

    The current definition of resident Canada geese contained in 50 CFR 
20.11 and 21.3 states that ``Canada geese that

[[Page 17989]]

nest within the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia in the 
months of March, April, May, or June, or reside within the lower 48 
States and the District of Columbia in the months of April, May, June, 
July, or August'' are considered resident Canada geese. We are 
proposing to amend this definition by deleting the phrase, ``in the 
months of March, April, May, or June,'' (following the word 
``Columbia'') to clarify that any Canada geese that nest within lower 
48 States and the District of Columbia are resident Canada geese.

Removal of Date Restrictions on Nest and Egg Destruction

    In title 50 of the CFR, destruction of resident Canada goose nests 
and eggs is currently authorized under special Canada goose permits 
(Sec.  21.26), a control order for airports and military airfields 
(Sec.  21.49), a depredation order specific to nests and eggs (Sec.  
21.50), a depredation order for agricultural facilities (Sec.  21.51), 
and a public health control order (Sec.  21.52). Each of these 
regulations prescribes the dates during which nests and eggs of 
resident Canada goose may be destroyed. We propose to remove those date 
restrictions and allow destruction of Canada goose nests and eggs, as 
otherwise authorized under these regulations, at any time of year.
    Our proposal is based on several factors. First, nest and egg 
destruction has been an effective tool in reducing local conflicts and 
damages caused by resident Canada geese. Second, resident Canada geese 
are identified as such based on where, not when, they nest. Lastly, 
some Canada geese are already nesting in February in southern States, 
and it seems likely that nest initiation dates will also advance into 
February in mid-latitude and perhaps northern States in the future, and 
hatching of nests may occur later than June 30.

Eliminating Date Restrictions for Lethal Control Activities in 
California, Oregon, and Washington

    On June 17, 1999, we published in the Federal Register (64 FR 
32766) a final rule establishing 50 CFR 21.26, the special Canada goose 
permit. Special Canada goose permits may be issued to State wildlife 
agencies authorizing them to conduct certain resident Canada goose 
management and control activities that are normally prohibited. At that 
time, we indicated that States may conduct those control activities 
between March 11 and August 31, but that they should make a concerted 
effort to limit the take of adult birds to June, July, and August in 
order to minimize the potential impact on migrant populations. We 
imposed a date restriction of May 1 through August 31 in some areas in 
California, Oregon, and Washington inhabited by the threatened Aleutian 
Canada goose (Branta canadensis leucopareia) pursuant to the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The 
Aleutian Canada goose was listed as endangered in 1967 (32 FR 4001; 
March 11, 1967) and reclassified to threatened status in 1990 (55 FR 
51106; December 12, 1990). Aleutian geese occur in a small numbers 
within these States, primarily San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento River 
Delta areas in central California, Humboldt Bay and Crescent City areas 
on the northern California coast, and Langlois and Pacific City areas 
on the Oregon coast. We indicated that if this subspecies is delisted, 
we would review this provision.
    On March 20, 2001, we published in the Federal Register (66 FR 
15643) a final rule to remove the Aleutian Canada goose from the 
Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, due to recovery. 
Abundance of this population increased from 790 birds in 1975, to an 
estimated 156,030 in the winter of 2016. The Pacific Flyway Council's 
objective for this population is 60,000 geese. Currently, there is no 
special habitat or other threat that may reduce this population back to 
levels that may need protection under the ESA. Considering the current 
status of the Aleutian Canada goose, we propose to remove the May 1 
restriction so that management and control activities may be conducted 
during the same period (March 11 through August 31) throughout all 
States.

Environmental Assessment

    We prepared an environmental assessment (EA) that analyzed two 
alternative courses of action to address these earlier nesting and 
later hatching dates and decrease local abundances of Canada geese that 
nest in the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia:
    (1) Maintain the current date restrictions specified in regulations 
at 50 CFR 21.26, 21.49, 21.50, 21.51, and 21.52 on destruction of 
resident Canada goose nests and eggs, and no change in the definition 
of resident Canada geese at 50 CFR 20.11 and 21.3 (No action); and
    (2) Revise the definition of resident Canada geese at 50 CFR 20.11 
and 21.3, and allow destruction of resident Canada goose nests and eggs 
at any time of year under 50 CFR 21.26, 21.49, 21.50, 21.51, and 21.52 
(Proposed action).
    The full EA can be found on our website at https://www.fws.gov/birds 
or at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0012.
    We note that the proposed amendment to Sec.  21.26 in regard to 
accounting for the current status of the Aleutian Canada goose was not 
addressed in the EA, but is a categorically excluded action (43 CFR 
46.210) addressed in an environmental action statement (EAS). The EAS 
can be found on our website at https://www.fws.gov/birds or at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0012.

Public Comments

    You may submit your comments and supporting materials by one of the 
methods listed in ADDRESSES. We will not consider comments sent by 
email or fax, or written comments sent to an address other than the one 
listed in ADDRESSES. Comments and materials we receive, as well as 
supporting documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, are 
available for public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov.
    We will post your entire comment--including your personal 
identifying information--on https://www.regulations.gov. You may request 
at the top of your document that we withhold personal information such 
as your street address, phone number, or email address from public 
review; however, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Required Determinations

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides that the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined 
that this rule is not significant.
    Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 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. E.O. 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

[[Page 17990]]

exchange of ideas. We have developed this proposed rule in a manner 
consistent with these requirements.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as 
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121)), whenever an agency is required to 
publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must 
prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility 
analysis that describes the effects of the rule on small businesses, 
small organizations, and small government jurisdictions. However, no 
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency 
certifies the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    SBREFA amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal 
agencies to provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying 
that a rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. Thus, for a regulatory 
flexibility analysis to be required, impacts must exceed a threshold 
for ``significant impact'' and a threshold for a ``substantial number 
of small entities.'' See 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
    The economic impacts of this proposed rule would primarily affect 
State and local governments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 
Wildlife Services because of the structure of wildlife damage 
management. Data are not available to estimate the exact number of 
local governments that would be affected, but it is unlikely to be a 
substantial number nationally. Therefore, we certify that, if adopted, 
this rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This proposed rule is not a major rule under SBREFA (5 U.S.C. 
804(2)). It would not have a significant impact on a substantial number 
of small entities.
    This rule would not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 
million or more. This rule would not cause a major increase in costs or 
prices for consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local 
government agencies; or geographic regions.
    Finally, this rule would not have significant adverse effects on 
competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the 
abilities of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
enterprises.

Executive Order 13771--Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs

    This proposed rule is expected to be an Executive Order (E.O.) 
13771 (82 FR 9339, February 3, 2017) deregulatory action because it 
would relieve a restriction in 50 CFR parts 20 and 21.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 
et seq.), we have determined the following:
    a. This proposed rule would not ``significantly or uniquely'' 
affect small government activities. A small government agency plan is 
not required.
    b. This proposed rule would not produce a Federal mandate on local 
or State government or private entities. Therefore, this action is not 
a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act.

Takings

    In accordance with E.O. 12630, this proposed rule does not contain 
a provision for taking of private property, and would not have 
significant takings implications. A takings implication assessment is 
not required.

Federalism

    This proposed rule would not interfere with the States' abilities 
to manage themselves or their funds. We do not expect any economic 
impacts to result from this regulations change. This rule would not 
have sufficient Federalism effects to warrant preparation of a 
federalism summary impact statement under E.O. 13132.

Civil Justice Reform

    In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has 
determined that the proposed rule will not unduly burden the judicial 
system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the 
Order.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule does not contain new collections of information 
that require approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). OMB 
has approved the information collection requirements associated with 
the control and management of resident Canada geese at 50 CFR part 20 
and 50 CFR part 21, and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0133 (expires 
December 31, 2018).
    An agency 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

    We have analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and U.S. 
Department of the Interior regulations at 43 CFR part 46. We have 
completed an environmental assessment of the proposed amendment of the 
depredation and control orders that would allow destruction of resident 
Canada goose nests and eggs at any time of year; that environmental 
assessment is included in the docket for this proposed rule. We 
conclude that our proposed action would have the impacts listed below 
under Environmental Consequences of the Action. The proposed amendment 
to Sec.  21.26 in regard to accounting for the current status of the 
Aleutian Canada goose was not addressed in the EA, but is a NEPA 
categorically excluded action (43 CFR 46.210) addressed in an 
environmental action statement (EAS), which is also included in the 
docket for this proposed rule. The docket for this proposed rule is 
available at https://www.regulations.gov (Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-
0012).

Environmental Consequences of the Action

    Migrant Canada geese do not nest in the lower 48 States or the 
District of Columbia; thus, this proposed action (amendments related 
only to depredation and control orders) is not expected to have any 
significant impacts on migrant Canada geese. All resident Canada goose 
population abundances are well above population objectives. Assuming 
that the number of resident Canada geese that initiate nests in January 
or February does not exceed the current number that initiate nests in 
March, we expect that this proposed action would result in destruction 
of a maximum of 2,749 additional nests in January and February. We 
expect it is more likely that the proposed action would shift some 
portion of the current resident Canada goose nest and egg destruction 
activities occurring in March to either January or February. All 
populations of resident Canada geese are expected to remain at or above 
population objective levels.
    Socioeconomic. This proposed action is expected to have positive 
impacts on the socioeconomic environment in localized urban and 
suburban areas where resident Canada geese are subjected to continued 
(annual) nest and egg destruction actions that gradually reduce goose 
numbers and

[[Page 17991]]

resulting conflicts. It is also expected to reduce crop depredation at 
some localized agricultural sites where nest destruction can encourage 
geese to leave the site.
    Endangered and threatened species. The proposed rule will not 
affect endangered or threatened species or critical habitats.

Compliance With Endangered Species Act Requirements

    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 
16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), requires that ``The Secretary [of the 
Interior] shall review other programs administered by him and utilize 
such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this Act'' (16 U.S.C. 
1536(a)(1)). It further states that ``[e]ach Federal agency shall, in 
consultation with and with the assistance of the Secretary, insure that 
any action authorized, funded, or carried out by such agency * * * is 
not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered 
species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse 
modification of [critical] habitat'' (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)). The 
proposed rule would not affect endangered or threatened species or 
critical habitats.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have 
evaluated potential effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and 
have determined that there are no potential effects. This proposed rule 
would not interfere with the tribes' abilities to manage themselves or 
their funds or to regulate migratory bird activities on tribal lands.

Clarity of This Proposed Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 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 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 ADDRESSES. 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 are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, 
the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (E.O. 13211)

    E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy 
Effects when undertaking certain actions. This proposed rule is not a 
significant regulatory action under E.O. 13211, and would not 
significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, 
this action is not a significant energy action. No Statement of Energy 
Effects is required.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Parts 20 and 21

    Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, we hereby propose to amend 
parts 20 and 21, of subchapter B, chapter I, title 50 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 20--MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING

0
1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 703 et seq, and 16 U.S.C. 742a-j.

0
2. Amend Sec.  20.11 by revising paragraph (n) to read as follows:


Sec.  20.11  What terms do I need to understand?

* * * * *
    (n) Resident Canada geese means Canada geese that nest within the 
lower 48 States and the District of Columbia or that reside within the 
lower 48 States and the District of Columbia in the months of April, 
May, June, July, or August.
* * * * *

PART 21--MIGRATORY BIRD PERMITS

0
3. The authority citation for part 21 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 703-712.

0
4. Amend Sec.  21.3 by revising the definition for ``Resident Canada 
geese'' to read as follows:


Sec.  21.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Resident Canada geese means Canada geese that nest within the lower 
48 States and the District of Columbia or that reside within the lower 
48 States and the District of Columbia in the months of April, May, 
June, July, or August.
* * * * *
0
5. Amend Sec.  21.26 by revising paragraph (d)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  21.26  Special Canada goose permit.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) When may a State conduct management and control activities? 
States and their employees and agents may conduct egg and nest 
manipulation activities at any time of year. Other management and 
control activities, including the take of resident Canada geese, under 
this section may only be conducted between March 11 and August 31.
* * * * *
0
6. Amend Sec.  21.49 by revising paragraph (d)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  21.49  Control order for resident Canada geese at airports and 
military airfields.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) Airports and military airfields may conduct management and 
control activities, involving the take of resident Canada geese, under 
this section between April 1 and September 15. The destruction of 
resident Canada goose nests and eggs may take place at any time of 
year.
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec.  21.50 by revising paragraph (d)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  21.50  Depredation order for resident Canada geese nests and 
eggs.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (4) Registrants may conduct resident Canada goose nest and egg 
destruction activities at any time of year. Homeowners' associations 
and local governments or their agents must obtain landowner consent 
prior to destroying nests and eggs on private property within the 
homeowners' association or local government's jurisdiction and be in 
compliance with all State and local laws and regulations.
* * * * *
0
8. Amend Sec.  21.51 by revising paragraph (d)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  21.51   Depredation order for resident Canada geese at 
agricultural facilities.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (4) Authorized agricultural producers and their employees and 
agents may

[[Page 17992]]

conduct management and control activities, involving the take of 
resident Canada geese, under this section between May 1 and August 31. 
The destruction of resident Canada goose nests and eggs may take place 
at any time of year.
* * * * *
0
9. Amend Sec.  21.52 by revising paragraph (e)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  21.52  Public health control order for resident Canada geese.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (3) Authorized State and Tribal wildlife agencies and their 
employees and agents may conduct management and control activities, 
involving the take of resident Canada geese, under this section between 
April 1 and August 31. The destruction of resident Canada goose nests 
and eggs may take place at any time of year.
* * * * *

    Dated: April 10, 2018.
Susan Combs,
Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Exercising the Authority of the 
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2018-08500 Filed 4-24-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P