The Service held two public hearings, one in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the other in Pinetop, Arizona, to provide the public additional opportunities to present comments on the proposed reclassification of the Mexican wolf as an endangered subspecies, and the proposed revisions to the Mexican wolf Experimental Nonessential Population rule. These hearings were attended by approximately 500 people each. Most of the attendees were from the local area, while others traveled from as far as New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington State, Missouri, California and Utah to attend the hearings and give comment.
Because of the large turnout at both hearings, each speaker was limited to two minutes for oral comments, yet most were able to express their thoughts and passion about the issue at hand. However, even with the time limitation, many people who wanted to provide oral comments weren’t able to do so. Written comments were encouraged and accepted, and carry the same weight as oral comments. The comment period for these proposals officially ends on December 17, 2013.
Written comments can be submitted online at the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov, docket number FWS–R2–ES–2013–0056. Comments can also be sent by U.S. mail to:
| Mexican wolf. Photocredit: USFWS. |
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Public Comments Processing
Attn: FWS–R2–ES–2013–0056
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM
Arlington, VA 22203
A record of the public hearings and written comments will be posted at the eRulemaking Portal.
