Refuge-Specific Regulations; Public Use; Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, 35628-35632 [2020-10924]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 113 (Thursday, June 11, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35628-35632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-10924]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 36

[Docket No. FWS-R7-NWRS-2017-0058; FXRS12610700000-189-FF07R00000]
RIN 1018-BC74


Refuge-Specific Regulations; Public Use; Kenai National Wildlife 
Refuge

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we) proposes to 
amend its refuge-specific regulations on Kenai National Wildlife Refuge 
(NWR) to allow State-regulated trapping, harvest of brown bears over 
bait, discharge of firearms along the Kenai and Russian Rivers during 
certain times of the year in accordance with State law, increased 
access for the public using bicycles and game carts, and the use of 
snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and utility task vehicles on certain 
lakes when there is adequate snow and ice cover. The purpose of this 
proposed rule is to align public use regulations on Kenai NWR with 
State of Alaska regulations, align Service and State management of fish 
and wildlife to the extent practicable and consistent with Federal law, 
enhance consistency with harvest regulations on adjacent non-Federal 
lands and waters, and increase access to Federal lands in furtherance 
of Secretarial Orders 3347 and 3356.

DATES: We must receive your comments on the proposed rule or the 
associated draft environmental assessment on or before August 10, 2020. 
Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal 
(see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 
the closing date.

ADDRESSES: 
    Comment submission: You may submit comments by one of the following 
methods:
     Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: 
https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R7-NWRS-2017-
0058, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, click on 
the Search button. On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the 
left side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the 
Proposed Rule box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by 
clicking on ``Comment Now!''
     By hard copy: Submit your comments by U.S. mail to: Public 
Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R7-NWRS-2017-0058, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, MS: JAO/1N, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 
22041-3803.
    We request that you send comments only by the methods described 
above. We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see Public Participation and Public Availability of Comments, 
below, for more information).
    Availability of documents: To view supporting documents, including 
the draft environmental assessment and comments received on this 
proposed rule, go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket 
No. FWS-R7-NWRS-2017-0058.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Glaspell, Alaska National 
Wildlife Refuge Chief, Alaska Regional Office, 1011 East Tudor Road, 
Anchorage, AK 99503; telephone: (907-786-3584).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This proposed rule addresses interests raised by the State of 
Alaska regarding the management of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. 
Federal regulations regarding these refuges are found in title 50 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations at part 36.
    Specifically, this proposed rule considers changes to public use 
regulations for Kenai NWR. The proposed regulatory changes relate to 
allowing the harvest of brown bears at registered bait stations, 
allowing for trapping under State law without a Federal permit, 
allowing the discharge of firearms along the Kenai and Russian Rivers 
at certain times of year, increasing access by bicycles and game carts, 
and allowing snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and utility task 
vehicles on certain lakes when there is adequate snow and ice cover.
    Refuge management is governed by Federal laws such as the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd), as 
amended (Refuge Administration Act); the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997, which amended the Refuge Administration 
Act (Pub. L. 105-57) (Refuge Improvement Act); and the Alaska National 
Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-487) (ANILCA); by 
regulations implementing these laws; by treaties; by Service policy; 
and by principles of sound resource management that establish standards 
for resource management or limit the range of potential activities 
(e.g., visitor use opportunities administered via special use 
permitting) that may be allowed on the Refuge.
    ANILCA authorizes traditional activities such as subsistence; the 
exercise of valid commercial fishing rights; and hunting, fishing, and 
trapping in accordance with State and Federal laws. Under Service 
regulations implementing this direction, public recreational activities 
within the Alaska National Wildlife Refuges are authorized as long as 
such activities are conducted in a manner compatible with the purposes 
for which the areas were established (50 CFR 36.31(a)). Such 
recreational activities include but are not limited to sightseeing, 
nature observations and photography, hunting, fishing, boating, 
camping, hiking, picnicking, and other related activities.

[[Page 35629]]

The Refuge Administration Act, as amended by the Refuge Improvement 
Act, defines wildlife-dependent recreation and wildlife-dependent 
recreational use as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and 
photography, or environmental education and interpretation. These uses 
are encouraged and will receive emphasis in management of public use on 
refuges (16 U.S.C. 668dd).
    These objectives are reflected in the 2010 Kenai NWR Revised 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement 
(Revised CCP, p. J-6). In addition, ``The Refuge will manage all 
recreation use to avoid crowded conditions and to minimize adverse 
effects to cultural resources, fish and wildlife, wilderness, and other 
special values of the Refuge. `Leave No Trace' will be the standard. 
The least intrusive means of managing use will be employed. Actions 
that may be taken to manage recreation include limiting commercial 
guiding and outfitting; regulating use and access subject to the 
provisions of section 1110(a) of ANILCA; and recommending changes in 
State and/or Federal fishing, hunting, and/or trapping regulations. 
When necessary, recreation opportunities may be seasonally or otherwise 
restricted to minimize user conflicts and to protect the natural or 
other values of a refuge. Any restrictions on public use will follow 
the public participation and closure procedures at 50 CFR 36, 43 CFR 
36, or other applicable regulations.'' (Revised CCP, p. J-31).

Secretarial Orders on Recreation and Coordination With Partners

    This proposed rule advances the priorities of the Department of the 
Interior (DOI) to increase recreational access on the lands and waters 
it administers; improve collaboration with States, Tribes, and other 
partners in doing so; and align Federal and State regulations, to the 
extent practicable and consistent with Federal law. The Secretary has 
issued Secretarial Orders and associated guidance to advance these 
priorities.
    On March 2, 2017, Secretarial Order 3347, Conservation Stewardship 
and Outdoor Recreation was signed. Part of the stated purpose of 
Secretarial Order 3347 is to increase outdoor recreation and improve 
the management of game species and their habitat. Secretarial Order 
3347 directs DOI to identify specific actions to (1) expand access 
significantly for recreational hunting and fishing on public lands, and 
(2) improve recreational hunting and fishing cooperation, consultation, 
and communication with State wildlife managers.
    On September 15, 2017, the Secretary signed Order 3356, Hunting, 
Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation Opportunities 
and Coordination with States, Tribes, and Territories. Part of the 
stated purpose of Secretarial Order 3356 is for DOI, in greater 
collaboration with State partners, to increase outdoor recreation 
opportunities for all Americans, including opportunities to hunt. 
Secretarial Order 3356, among other things, directs DOI to (1) identify 
whether hunting opportunities on DOI lands could be lawfully expanded; 
(2) work cooperatively with State wildlife agencies to enhance their 
access to DOI lands for wildlife management actions; (3) work 
cooperatively with State wildlife agencies to ensure that hunting 
regulations for DOI lands and waters complement the regulations on the 
surrounding lands and waters; and (4) work in close coordination and 
cooperation with the appropriate State wildlife agency to begin the 
necessary process to modify regulations in order to advance shared 
wildlife conservation goals/objectives that align predator management 
programs, seasons, and methods of take permitted on all DOI-managed 
lands and waters with corresponding programs, seasons, and methods 
established by State wildlife management agencies to the extent legally 
practicable.
    In addition to generally supporting increased recreational access 
on Federal lands and waters, the Administration has made it a priority 
to align State regulations with Federal regulations. On September 10, 
2018, the Secretary issued a Secretarial memorandum that was issued to 
the heads of DOI bureaus and offices recognizing States as the primary 
first-line authorities for fish and wildlife management and expressing 
a commitment to defer to States in this regard except as otherwise 
required by Federal law. The memorandum further directed agencies to 
review all regulations, policies, and guidance pertaining to fish and 
wildlife conservation and management, specifically provisions that are 
more restrictive than otherwise applicable State provisions.

Regulatory Review of Kenai Public Use Regulations

    On October 2, 2017, the Service published a document in the Federal 
Register notifying the public that we were conducting a regulatory 
review of the public use regulations in 50 CFR 36.39 for the Kenai NWR 
(82 FR 45793). In cooperation with the State of Alaska, pursuant to the 
direction in Secretarial Orders 3347 and 3356, we reviewed the refuge's 
public use regulations to consider changes.
    During the review, the State of Alaska asked the Service to 
reconsider refuge-specific regulations for Kenai NWR that restrict 
public access and hunting and fishing opportunities. First, they 
requested that the Service eliminate the prohibition on the harvest of 
brown bears at bait stations, as the regulation is not related to a 
conservation concern and existing State regulations are in effect for 
the harvest management of black and brown bears.
    Secondly, the State requested that firearm discharge restrictions 
along the Kenai and Russian Rivers be removed, as the State already 
prohibits firearm discharge in this area during the peak public use 
time of June and July and does not consider it necessary to extend the 
restriction for public safety. Restricting firearm discharge in that 
area later in the year can limit the public's ability to use public 
lands for priority public uses, such as for moose and brown bear 
hunting, seasons for which begin on September 1.
    Thirdly, the State commented that the restriction on non-motorized 
wheeled vehicles, including bicycles and game carts, is not 
commensurate with resource impacts and therefore requested that we 
reconsider their use. Finally, the State requested that off-road 
vehicles and snowmobiles be allowed for ice fishing, during adequate 
snow/ice cover, similar to the allowance of licensed highway vehicles, 
as they weigh considerably less and, as a result, can be safer than 
highway vehicles when ice depth is inconsistent.
    On September 27, 2018, DOI sent a letter to the States from then-
Deputy Secretary David Bernhardt asking for direct feedback on the 
regulatory review process, especially in situations where Federal 
prescriptions for fish and wildlife management are more restrictive and 
inconsistent with State policies, and to identify opportunities to 
reduce regulatory inefficiencies in furtherance of the Secretarial 
Orders. During consultation and in its January 2, 2019, response 
letter, the State of Alaska submitted these and additional requests for 
Kenai NWR regulations and programs to be reviewed. The State requested 
the Service requirement to obtain a Federal trapping permit at 50 CFR 
36.32(c)(1)(iii) be rescinded, as duplicative with State requirements 
and an interference with wildlife management and public use. The State 
also renewed its longstanding requests to cooperatively reevaluate 
closures at 50 CFR 36.39(i) to accessing certain

[[Page 35630]]

remote lakes by aircraft and on harvest opportunities within the Skilak 
Wildlife Recreation Area.
    The Service will continue to coordinate with the State, Tribes, and 
other partners on management of public uses on Kenai NWR to ensure the 
intent of the Secretarial Orders 3347 and 3356, to the extent 
practicable and consistent with Federal law.

This Proposed Rule

    The purpose of this proposed rule is to align public use 
regulations on Kenai NWR with State of Alaska regulations to the extent 
practicable and consistent with Federal law, enhance consistency with 
harvest regulations on surrounding non-Federal lands and waters, and 
increase access to Federal lands in furtherance of Secretarial Orders 
3347 and 3356.
    The Service proposes to amend its refuge-specific regulations for 
Kenai NWR at 50 CFR 36.39 to allow for the harvest of brown bears over 
bait as allowed by the State of Alaska's hunting regulations (title 5 
of Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) at chapter 92.044), allow the 
discharge of firearms along the Kenai and Russian Rivers during certain 
times of the year, increase access by bicycles and game carts, and 
allow snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and utility task vehicles on 
certain lakes when there is adequate snow and ice cover. These 
amendments will expand priority public use opportunities for all 
Americans, and complement State regulations on lands and waters 
surrounding the Kenai NWR to the extent practicable and consistent with 
Federal laws, including the Refuge Administration Act, the Refuge 
Improvement Act, and ANILCA. The Service further proposes to amend its 
regulations at 50 CFR 36.32(c)(1)(iii) to remove the Federal permit 
requirement for trapping within the Kenai NWR, allowing trapping within 
the refuge in accordance with State and Federal law. Consistent with 
both Congressional and Secretarial direction, the Service is 
considering and seeking public comment on whether a regulatory permit 
requirement remains necessary and appropriate to ensure trapping is 
compatible with refuge purposes.
    This proposed rule reflects the Service's ongoing commitment to 
working with the State of Alaska and using State regulatory processes 
to the maximum extent allowed by Federal law in proposing changes to 
existing State regulations governing or affecting the taking of fish 
and wildlife in Alaska refuges, as required by Congress and affirmed in 
43 CFR part 24, the Revised CCP, the 1982 Master Memorandum of 
Understanding between the Service and the State of Alaska, Secretarial 
Orders 3347 and 3356, and the 2016 refuge-specific rulemaking, 81 FR 
27030 (May 5, 2016). The Service maintains its closure authority at 50 
CFR 36.42 to ensure these public uses remain compatible with refuge 
purposes, including through requiring a refuge special use permit when 
determined to be necessary and appropriate to address resource-related 
concerns. The Service remains responsible for visitor management on the 
Alaska National Wildlife Refuge consistent with ANILCA and the Refuge 
Administration Act, which includes conducting planning efforts to 
determine how to best manage diverse public uses on the Kenai NWR.

Public Participation

    It is the policy of DOI, whenever practicable, to afford the public 
an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. Accordingly, 
we will accept written comments and information from all interested 
parties during the comment period (see DATES) on the provisions in this 
proposed rule, as well as other provisions of 50 CFR 36.39(i). We are 
soliciting public comment and supporting data to gain information on 
the draft environmental assessment and the proposed rule. In addition, 
we are soliciting information that would help inform the Service's 
regulatory impacts analysis, such as costs and benefits and trade-offs 
associated with the changes to Kenai NWR public use regulations being 
proposed in this rulemaking. As a specific example, we are soliciting 
information or data that would help the Service quantify the effects of 
increasing opportunities for consumptive uses such as brown bear 
hunting through the proposed allowance of hunting this species over 
bait on opportunities for non-consumptive uses such as viewing and 
photography of brown bears on Kenai NWR, including any economic impacts 
which might result.
    We will consider information and recommendations we receive during 
the comment period in our final determination on this proposed action. 
You may submit your comments and materials concerning the proposed rule 
by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We will not accept comments 
submitted by fax, email, or in any way other than those methods listed 
in ADDRESSES.

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 the Service in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, the Service cannot guarantee that it 
will be able to do so.

Compliance With Other Laws, Executive Orders, and Department Policy

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. The Office 
of Information and Regulatory Affairs has waived their review regarding 
their significance determination of this proposed rule.
    Executive Order (E.O.) 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. 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. The Service will develop 
this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.

Executive Order 13771

    We do not believe this proposed rule is an E.O. 13771 (``Reducing 
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs'') (82 FR 9339, February 3, 
2017) regulatory action because we believe this rule is not significant 
under E.O. 12866; however, the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs has waived their review regarding their E.O. 12866 significance 
determination of this proposed rule.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as 
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996)), whenever an agency must 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

[[Page 35631]]

describes the effects of the rule on small entities (small businesses, 
small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no 
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of the agency 
certifies the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. SBREFA amended the RFA to require 
Federal agencies to provide a statement of the factual basis for 
certifying that the rule will 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).
    Amending the regulations as proposed may have small incremental 
changes on total visitor use days. Increasing access opportunities for 
bicycling, game carts, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and utility 
task vehicles may correspond with a slight increase in visitor use days 
(about 5,000 to 10,000 visitors per year). In addition, hunting days on 
the refuge may increase if hunters using bait stations are allowed to 
take brown bears, even though State seasons and harvest limits for 
brown bears will remain in effect. Conversely, wildlife watching 
activities may decrease if there are decreased opportunities to view 
bears. We estimate that the overall change in recreation use-days would 
represent less than 1 percent of the average recreation use-days on the 
refuge (1 million visitors annually).
    Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels, 
gas stations, etc.) (NAIC 44) and accommodation and food service 
establishments (NAIC 72) may be impacted by spending generated by 
refuge visitation. Seventy-six percent of establishments in the Kenai 
Peninsula Borough qualify as small businesses. This statistic is 
similar for retail trade establishments (72 percent) and accommodation 
and food service establishments (65 percent). Due to the negligible 
change in average recreation days, this proposed rule would have a 
minimal effect on these small businesses.
    With the negligible change in overall visitation anticipated from 
this proposed rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small 
entities would experience more than a small economic impact. Therefore, 
we certify that, if made final, this rule would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as defined 
under the RFA. An initial/final regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required. Accordingly, a small entity compliance guide is not required.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    (a) Would not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more.
    (b) Would not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local government 
agencies; or geographic regions.
    (c) Would 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 (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)

    This proposed 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 would not have a significant or unique 
effect on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. It 
addresses public use of refuge lands and imposes no requirements on 
other agencies or governments. A statement containing the information 
required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act is not required.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

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

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, the 
proposed rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. A 
federalism summary impact statement is not required.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    This proposed rule complies with the requirements of Executive 
Order 12988. 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 (Executive Order 13175 and Department 
Policy)

    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 
proposed rule under the criteria in Executive Order 13175 and under the 
Department's tribal consultation and Alaska Native Claims Settlement 
Act Native Corporation policies. The Service notified Alaska Native 
tribes and corporations of its intent to undertake this rulemaking in 
October 2017 and invited them at that time to consult on the harvest of 
brown bears over bait, the discharge of firearms along the Kenai and 
Russian Rivers during certain times of the year in accordance with 
State law, increased access for the public using bicycles and game 
carts, and the use of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and utility 
task vehicles on certain lakes when there is adequate snow and ice 
cover. While no request for formal consultation was received, the 
Service initiated discussions on the rulemaking with one tribe and one 
corporation during the course of ongoing coordination with them. We 
will consult with all tribes and corporations that request formal 
consultation during this rulemaking process.

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

    This proposed rule does not contain any 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 previously approved the information collection 
requirements associated with Special Use Permits and assigned OMB 
Control Number 1018-0102 (expires 08/31/2020). You may view the 
information collection request at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. 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 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

    The Service is analyzing this proposed rule in accordance with the 
criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 
U.S.C. 4332(C)), 43 CFR part 46, and part 516 of the DOI Departmental 
Manual. We

[[Page 35632]]

have completed a draft environmental assessment, which is available at 
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R7-NWRS-2017-0058. We are 
soliciting public comment and supporting data to gain information on 
the draft environmental assessment and the proposed rule as set forth 
above in DATES and ADDRESSES.

Effects on the Energy Supply (Executive Order 13211)

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

Clarity of This 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:
    (1) Be logically organized;
    (2) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (3) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (4) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (5) 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.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 36

    Alaska, Recreation and recreation areas, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife refuges.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, the Service proposes to amend 50 CFR part 36 as set 
forth below:

PART 36--ALASKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

0
1. The authority citation for part 36 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 460(k) et seq., 668dd-668ee, 3101 et seq., 
Pub. L. 115-20, 131 Stat. 86.


Sec.  36.32  [Amended]

0
2. In Sec.  36.32, revise paragraph (c)(1)(iii) by removing the word 
``Kenai'' and the comma that follows it.
0
3. Amend Sec.  36.39 by revising paragraphs (i)(3)(i), (i)(4)(ii)(E), 
(i)(5)(i) and (ii), and (i)(9)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  36.39  Public use.

* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) We prohibit the operation of all off-road vehicles, as defined 
at Sec.  36.2, except that four-wheel-drive, licensed, and registered 
motor vehicles designed and legal for highway use may operate on 
designated roads, rights-of-way, and parking areas open to public 
vehicular access. At the operator's risk, we also allow licensed and 
registered motor vehicles designed and legal for highway use, all-
terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles, and registered snowmobiles on 
Hidden, Engineer, Kelly, Petersen, and Watson Lakes only to provide 
access for ice fishing. You must enter and exit the lakes via existing 
boat ramps.
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (E) In the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area, except on Skilak Lake 
and as provided in paragraph (i)(3) of this section. You must enter and 
exit via the Upper and Lower Skilak Lake campground boat launches.
* * * * *
    (5) * * *
    (i) You may not discharge a firearm within \1/4\ mile of designated 
public campgrounds, trailheads, waysides, buildings including public 
use cabins, or the Sterling Highway from the east Refuge boundary to 
the east junction of the Skilak Loop Road. From May 1 to October 31, 
you may not discharge a firearm within \1/4\ mile of the west shoreline 
of the Russian River from the upstream extent of the Russian River 
Falls downstream to its confluence with the Kenai River, and from the 
shorelines of the Kenai River from the east refuge boundary downstream 
to Skilak Lake, and from the outlet of Skilak Lake downstream to the 
refuge boundary, except that firearms may be used in these areas to 
dispatch animals while lawfully trapping and shotguns may be used for 
waterfowl and small game hunting along the Kenai River. These firearms-
discharge regulations do not preclude use of firearms for taking game 
in defense of life and property as defined under State law.
    (ii) We prohibit hunting over bait, with the exception of hunting 
for black bears and brown bears, and then only as authorized under the 
terms and conditions of a special use permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued 
by the Refuge Manager.
* * * * *
    (9) * * *
    (iii) May I use non-motorized wheeled vehicles on the refuge? Yes, 
you may use bicycles and other non-motorized wheeled vehicles, 
including hand-operated game carts specifically manufactured to 
transport meat of legally harvested big game, on refuge roads and 
rights-of-way designated for public vehicular access and designated 
refuge trails. In addition, you may use said game carts on designated 
industrial roads closed to public vehicular access. Information on 
these designated roads and trails is available from Refuge 
Headquarters. Further, you may use a wheelchair if you have a 
disability that requires its use for locomotion.
* * * * *

George Wallace,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2020-10924 Filed 6-10-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P