The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has scheduled a public hearing to be held by teleconference on May 13, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. (Alaska Daylight Time) to present information and solicit public comments on a proposed regulation to protect Dall sheep on Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The proposed regulation would prohibit the use of domestic sheep, goats, and camelids (i.e., llamas and alpacas) on Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lands, due to concerns about disease transmission to Dall sheep and other wildlife. It was published on April 9 as part of a larger proposed rule to expand hunting and fishing opportunities on national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries across the country. This management action was identified in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan, which was finalized in 2015 after an extensive public process.
The proposed regulation better aligns the Service with Alaska Department of Fish and Game hunting regulations that bar the use of domestic sheep and goats while hunting sheep, mountain goats, and musk ox. It is also consistent with 2012 recommendations from the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies that call for separating domestic sheep and goats from wild species due to potential disease transmission.
During this event, there will be a short presentation on the proposed regulation and then an opportunity for the public to provide comments to the Service.
To learn more about the proposed regulation and how to participate in this public hearing, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/arctic or call 1- 907-456-0549 or toll free 1- 800-362-4546.
OTHER METHODS TO COMMENT
On the web by clicking here (Federal Register). You can review the regulation at this site.
Mail a hard copy or hand deliver to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2020-0013; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB/PERMA (JAO); Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
