The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that it will hold two public hearings to seek comment on the proposal to designate critical habitat for the polar bear and on the Draft Economic Analysis (DEA) of that proposed designation. These hearings are scheduled as follows:
Anchorage, Alaska, Z.J. Loussac Library, Wilda Marsten Theater, June 15 from 7-10 p.m. There will be a presentation followed by a question and answer period. Public testimony will be taken, please sign in to testify and bring your comments in writing if possible. For more information: call 1-800-362-5148 or visit http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/polarbear/criticalhabitat.htm
Barrow, Alaska, Inupiat Heritage Center, Multipurpose Center, June 17 from 7-10 p.m. There will be a presentation followed by a question and answer period. Public testimony will be taken, please sign in to testify and bring your comments in writing if possible. Those unable to attend may call 888-282-0437 (Passcode “Polar Bear”) to listen to the presentation and testify. For more information: call 1-800-362-5148 or visit
Thttp://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/polarbear/criticalhabitat.htm
On October 29, 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) published in the Federal Register a Proposed Rule to Designate Critical Habitat for the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus). On May 5, 2010, the Service published in the Federal Register (75 FR 24545) a notice re-opening the public comment period and informing the public of the availability of a Draft Economic Analysis on the proposed designation of critical habitat. The re-opened public comment period allows all interested parties an opportunity to provide additional comment on the proposed rule and the associated DEA.
We will accept comments on the proposal and DEA through July 6, 2010. You may submit comments at the hearings referenced above or by one of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov">. Please follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-R7-ES-2009-0042 or U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R7-ES-2009-0042; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.
