The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting public comments on the proposed implementation of a Special Recreation Permit for birding and hunting guiding outfitters at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. The public comment period for the proposed fee will be open until August 29.

Under the proposal, outfitters would apply for a year-long permit to give them access to conduct commercial activities on the refuge. The proposed fee would be $130 annually for the commercial birding permit and a $150 fee for commercial hunt guiding and outfitting services. These costs mirror nearby federal lands with similar permits. The fees collected through this program directly benefit the visitor experience at the refuge.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, known for spectacular wildlife observation opportunities, is situated in the Middle Rio Grande Valley in Socorro County, New Mexico. Though surrounded by private land, there are enormous tracts of public land within an hour’s drive of the refuge, including land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

Wildlife enthusiasts visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for many different reasons throughout the year, from birdwatching to fishing and photography to hunting. For more information about the refuge visit the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Website.

The public can provide feedback on the proposed fees by email at BosquedelApacheNWR@fws.gov.