NPS releases Regulation and EA to amend Wildlife Harvest regulations in the Preserves

On September 4, 2014, the National Park Service released a long-awaited regulation prohibiting certain methods of hunting on National Park Preserve Lands.  This regulation is a response to recent changes in Alaska Department of Fish and Game Regulations that would allow certain hunting practices such as flashlighting black bear sows and cubs in their dens, shooting grizzly bears over bait, and extending the season for hunting wolves and coyotes.  Read the regulation at this link:  http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=NPS-2014-0004-0001

At the same time, NPS released an Environmental Assessment (EA) of this decision.  The EA describes the circumstances under which this regulation was developed and gives further information on the affected parks. View the EA at this link:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=49062

DCC supports this effort to manage wildlife consistent with legislative direction and wound wildlife management policies. We’ll have more information on any hearings scheduled or other talking points throughout the comment period.

COMMENT DEADLINE FOR REGULATION AND EA – December 3, 2014

Regulation information  and comments

Information: contact Andee Sears at the NPS Regional Office,  644-3417
or email AKR_Regulations@nps.gov

Regulation comments:  submit online at the government website http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=NPS-2014-0004-0001

EA information and comments

EA information: Write or call EA authors
Brooke Merrell  brooke_merrell@nps.gov,  907-644-3397
Bud Rice  bud_rice@nps.gov, 907-644-3530

EA comments: Comments can be made through the National Park Planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=49062.