The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has published final regulations which clarify the procedures it will follow when permits for visitor services on Alaskas National Wildlife Refuges are issued competitively. At this time there are no competitive permits being offered, since all permits are now issued noncompetitively.
The new regulations will not affect permits which are issued noncompetitively, and will not include guided sport fishing or hunting activities.
The regulations are required to implement Section 1307 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA). According to that Section, when permits are issued competitively for visitor services on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska, preference will be given to historic operators, most affected Native Corporations, and local residents.
Section 1307-related permits are currently issued upon request if the proposed activity is necessary to carry out the refuge public use program and is consistent with the refuge purposes. In future years, as the demand for this type of permit increases, the Service expects the demand for this type of commercial recreational service will eventually exceed capacity of the Refuges, which will require a limit on the number of permits issued in order to protect refuge resources. By this regulation, the procedures are in place which can guide the process for issuing permits comeptitively.
The "final rule" was published in the Federal Register, 62 FR 1838, on January 14, 1997, and becomes effective on February 13, 1997. Questions about the rule or process can be directed to David G. Patterson, 786-3389.
