Fish and Wildlife Service April 8, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is establishing migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska for the 2014 season. These regulations allow for the continuation of customary and traditional subsistence uses of migratory birds in Alaska and prescribe regional information on when and where the harvesting of birds may occur. These regulations were developed under a co-management process involving the Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Native representatives. The rulemaking is necessary because the regulations governing the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska are subject to annual review. This rulemaking establishes region-specific regulations that go into effect on April 8, 2014, and expire on August 31, 2014.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on our October 28, 2013, proposed rule to list the Bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, with a special rule. We are also reopening the public comment period on our October 28, 2013, proposed rule to designate critical habitat for this DPS. We are also announcing the location and time of public hearings to receive public comments on the proposals. Finally, we announce a 6-month extension of the final determination of whether or not to list the Bi-State DPS as a threatened species. We are taking this action based on substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the proposed listing, making it necessary to solicit additional information by reopening the comment period for 60 days. We will publish a listing determination on or before April 28, 2015.