Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2013-14 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary) With Requests for Indian Tribal Proposals and Requests for 2015 Spring and Summer Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest Proposals in Alaska

Federal Register, Volume 78 Issue 68 (Tuesday, April 9, 2013)

Federal Register Volume 78, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 9, 2013)

Proposed Rules

Pages 21199-21210

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2013-08212

Page 21199

Vol. 78

Tuesday,

No. 68

April 9, 2013

Part II

Department of the Interior

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Fish and Wildlife Service

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50 CFR Part 20

Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2013-14 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary) With Requests for Indian Tribal Proposals and Requests for 2015 Spring and Summer Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest Proposals in Alaska; Proposed Rule

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057; FF09M21200-134-FXMB1231099BPP0

RIN 1018-AY87

Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2013-14 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary) With Requests for Indian Tribal Proposals and Requests for 2015 Spring and Summer Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest Proposals in Alaska

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; availability of supplemental information.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter the Service or we) proposes to establish annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds for the 2013-14 hunting season. We annually prescribe outside limits (frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. This proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, describes the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2013-14 duck hunting seasons, requests proposals from Indian tribes that wish to establish special migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands, and requests proposals for the 2015 spring and summer migratory bird subsistence season in Alaska. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance; aid Federal, State, and tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds; and permit harvests at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions.

DATES: You must submit comments on the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2013-14 duck hunting seasons on or before June 22, 2013. Following subsequent Federal Register notices, you will be given an opportunity to submit comments for proposed early-season frameworks by July 27, 2013, and for proposed late-season frameworks and subsistence migratory bird seasons in Alaska by August 31, 2013. Tribes must submit proposals and related comments on or before June 1, 2013. Proposals from the Co-management Council for the 2015 spring and summer migratory bird subsistence harvest season must be submitted to the Flyway Councils and the Service on or before June 15, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposals by one of the following methods:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-

MB-2013-0057.

U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.

We will not accept emailed or faxed comments. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Public Comments section below for more information).

Send your proposals for the 2015 spring and summer migratory bird subsistence season in Alaska to the Executive Director of the Co-

management Council, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503; or fax to (907) 786-3306; or email to ambcc@fws.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, at: Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240; (703) 358-1714. For information on the migratory bird subsistence season in Alaska, contact Donna Dewhurst, (907) 786-3499, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, Mail Stop 201, Anchorage, AK 99503.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Overview

Migratory game birds are those bird species so designated in conventions between the United States and several foreign nations for the protection and management of these birds. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712), the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to determine when ``hunting, taking, capture, killing, possession, sale, purchase, shipment, transportation, carriage, or export of any * * * bird, or any part, nest, or egg'' of migratory game birds can take place, and to adopt regulations for this purpose. These regulations are written after giving due regard to ``the zones of temperature and to the distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of migratory flight of such birds'' and are updated annually (16 U.S.C. 704(a)). This responsibility has been delegated to the Service as the lead Federal agency for managing and conserving migratory birds in the United States.

The Service develops migratory game bird hunting regulations by establishing the frameworks, or outside limits, for season lengths, bag limits, and areas for migratory game bird hunting. Acknowledging regional differences in hunting conditions, the Service has administratively divided the Nation into four Flyways for the primary purpose of managing migratory game birds. Each Flyway (Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific) has a Flyway Council, a formal organization generally composed of one member from each State and Province in that Flyway. The Flyway Councils, established through the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA), also assist in researching and providing migratory game bird management information for Federal, State, and Provincial governments, as well as private conservation agencies and the general public.

The process for adopting migratory game bird hunting regulations, located at 50 CFR part 20, is constrained by three primary factors. Legal and administrative considerations dictate how long the rulemaking process will last. Most importantly, however, the biological cycle of migratory game birds controls the timing of data-gathering activities and thus the dates on which these results are available for consideration and deliberation.

The process includes two separate regulations-development schedules, based on early and late hunting season regulations. Early hunting seasons pertain to all migratory game bird species in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; migratory game birds other than waterfowl (i.e., dove, woodcock, etc.); and special early waterfowl seasons, such as teal or resident Canada geese. Early hunting seasons generally begin before October 1. Late hunting seasons generally start on or after October 1 and include most waterfowl seasons not already established.

There are basically no differences in the processes for establishing either early or late hunting seasons. For each cycle, Service biologists gather, analyze, and interpret biological survey data and provide this information to all those involved in the process through a series of published status reports and presentations to Flyway Councils and other interested parties. Because the Service is required to take abundance of migratory game birds and other factors into consideration, the Service undertakes a number of surveys throughout the year in conjunction with Service Regional Offices, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and State and

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Provincial wildlife-management agencies. To determine the appropriate frameworks for each species, we consider factors such as population size and trend, geographical distribution, annual breeding effort, the condition of breeding and wintering habitat, the number of hunters, and the anticipated harvest.

After frameworks, or outside limits, are established for season lengths, bag limits, and areas for migratory game bird hunting, migratory game bird management becomes a cooperative effort of State and Federal governments. After Service establishment of final frameworks for hunting seasons, the States may select season dates, bag limits, and other regulatory options for the hunting seasons. States may always be more conservative in their selections than the Federal frameworks but never more liberal.

Notice of Intent To Establish Open Seasons

This document announces our intent to establish open hunting seasons and daily bag and possession limits for certain designated groups or species of migratory game birds for 2013-14 in the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, under Sec. Sec. 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K of 50 CFR part 20.

For the 2013-14 migratory game bird hunting season, we will propose regulations for certain designated members of the avian families Anatidae (ducks, geese, and swans); Columbidae (doves and pigeons); Gruidae (cranes); Rallidae (rails, coots, moorhens, and gallinules); and Scolopacidae (woodcock and snipe). We describe these proposals under Proposed 2013-14 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary) in this document. We published definitions of waterfowl flyways and mourning dove management units, as well as a description of the data used in and the factors affecting the regulatory process, in the March 14, 1990, Federal Register (55 FR 9618).

Regulatory Schedule for 2013-14

This document is the first in a series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations. We will publish additional supplemental proposals for public comment in the Federal Register as population, habitat, harvest, and other information become available. Because of the late dates when certain portions of these data become available, we anticipate abbreviated comment periods on some proposals. Special circumstances limit the amount of time we can allow for public comment on these regulations.

Specifically, two considerations compress the time for the rulemaking process: the need, on one hand, to establish final rules early enough in the summer to allow resource agencies to select and publish season dates and bag limits before the beginning of hunting seasons and, on the other hand, the lack of current status data on most migratory game birds until later in the summer. Because the regulatory process is strongly influenced by the times when information is available for consideration, we divide the regulatory process into two segments: early seasons and late seasons (further described and discussed above in the Background and Overview section).

Major steps in the 2013-14 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications are illustrated in the diagram at the end of this proposed rule. All publication dates of Federal Register documents are target dates.

All sections of this and subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines are organized under numbered headings. These headings are:

  1. Ducks

    1. General Harvest Strategy

    2. Regulatory Alternatives

    3. Zones and Split Seasons

    4. Special Seasons/Species Management

    i. September Teal Seasons

    ii. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons

    iii. Black Ducks

    iv. Canvasbacks

    v. Pintails

    vi. Scaup

    vii. Mottled Ducks

    viii. Wood Ducks

    ix. Youth Hunt

    x. Mallard Management Units

    xi. Other

  2. Sea Ducks

  3. Mergansers

  4. Canada Geese

    1. Special Seasons

    2. Regular Seasons

    3. Special Late Seasons

  5. White-fronted Geese

  6. Brant

  7. Snow and Ross's (Light) Geese

  8. Swans

  9. Sandhill Cranes

  10. Coots

  11. Moorhens and Gallinules

  12. Rails

  13. Snipe

  14. Woodcock

  15. Band-tailed Pigeons

  16. Mourning Doves

  17. White-winged and White-tipped Doves

  18. Alaska

  19. Hawaii

  20. Puerto Rico

  21. Virgin Islands

  22. Falconry

  23. Other

    Later sections of this and subsequent documents will refer only to numbered items requiring your attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we will omit those items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items will be discontinuous and appear incomplete.

    We will publish final regulatory alternatives for the 2013-14 duck hunting seasons in mid-July. We will publish proposed early season frameworks in mid-July and late season frameworks in mid-August. We will publish final regulatory frameworks for early seasons on or about August 16, 2013, and those for late seasons on or about September 14, 2013.

    Request for 2015 Spring and Summer Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest Proposals in Alaska

    Background

    The 1916 Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) established a closed season for the taking of migratory birds between March 10 and September 1. Residents of northern Alaska and Canada traditionally harvested migratory birds for nutritional purposes during the spring and summer months. The 1916 Convention and the subsequent 1936 Mexico Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Game Mammals provide for the legal subsistence harvest of migratory birds and their eggs in Alaska and Canada during the closed season by indigenous inhabitants.

    On August 16, 2002, we published in the Federal Register (67 FR 53511) a final rule that established procedures for incorporating subsistence management into the continental migratory bird management program. These regulations, developed under a new co-management process involving the Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Native representatives, established an annual procedure to develop harvest guidelines for implementation of a spring and summer migratory bird subsistence harvest. Eligibility and inclusion requirements necessary to participate in the spring and summer migratory bird subsistence season in Alaska are outlined in 50 CFR part 92.

    This proposed rule calls for proposals for regulations that will expire on August 31, 2015, for the spring and summer subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska. Each year, seasons will open on or after March 11 and close before September 1.

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    Alaska Spring and Summer Subsistence Harvest Proposal Procedures

    We will publish details of the Alaska spring and summer subsistence harvest proposals in later Federal Register documents under 50 CFR part 92. The general relationship to the process for developing national hunting regulations for migratory game birds is as follows:

    (

    1. Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council. The public may submit proposals to the Co-management Council during the period of November 1-December 15, 2013, to be acted upon for the 2015 migratory bird subsistence harvest season. Proposals should be submitted to the Executive Director of the Co-management Council, listed above under the caption ADDRESSES.

      (b) Flyway Councils.

      (1) The Co-management Council will submit proposed 2015 regulations to all Flyway Councils for review and comment. The Council's recommendations must be submitted before the Service Regulations Committee's last regular meeting of the calendar year in order to be approved for spring and summer harvest beginning April 2 of the following calendar year.

      (2) Alaska Native representatives may be appointed by the Co-

      management Council to attend meetings of one or more of the four Flyway Councils to discuss recommended regulations or other proposed management actions.

      (c) Service Regulations Committee. The Co-management Council will submit proposed annual regulations to the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) for their review and recommendation to the Service Director. Following the Service Director's review and recommendation, the proposals will be forwarded to the Department of the Interior for approval. Proposed annual regulations will then be published in the Federal Register for public review and comment, similar to the annual migratory game bird hunting regulations. Final spring and summer regulations for Alaska will be published in the Federal Register in the preceding winter after review and consideration of any public comments received.

      Because of the time required for review by us and the public, proposals from the Co-management Council for the 2015 spring and summer migratory bird subsistence harvest season must be submitted to the Flyway Councils and the Service by June 15, 2014, for Council comments and Service action at the late-season SRC meeting.

      Review of Public Comments

      This proposed rulemaking contains the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2013-14 duck hunting seasons. This proposed rulemaking also describes other recommended changes or specific preliminary proposals that vary from the 2012-13 final frameworks (see August 30, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 53118) for early seasons and September 20, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 58444) for late seasons) and issues requiring early discussion, action, or the attention of the States or tribes. We will publish responses to all proposals and written comments when we develop final frameworks for the 2013-14 season. We seek additional information and comments on this proposed rule.

      Consolidation of Notices

      For administrative purposes, this document consolidates the notice of intent to establish open migratory game bird hunting seasons, the request for tribal proposals, and the request for Alaska migratory bird subsistence seasons with the preliminary proposals for the annual hunting regulations-development process. We will publish the remaining proposed and final rulemaking documents separately. For inquiries on tribal guidelines and proposals, tribes should contact the following personnel:

      Region 1 (Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands)--Nanette Seto, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181; (503) 231-6164.

      Region 2 (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas)--Greg Hughes, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103; (505) 248-7885.

      Region 3 (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin)--Jane West, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Building, One Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056; (612) 713-5432.

      Region 4 (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, South Carolina, and Tennessee)--E. J. Williams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Room 324, Atlanta, GA 30345; (404) 679-4000.

      Region 5 (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia)--Chris Dwyer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589; (413) 253-8576.

      Region 6 (Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming)--Casey Stemler, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Building, Denver, CO 80225; (303) 236-8145.

      Region 7 (Alaska)--Pete Probasco, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503; (907) 786-3423.

      Region 8 (California and Nevada)--Marie Strassburger, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825-1846; (916) 414-6727.

      Requests for Tribal Proposals

      Background

      Beginning with the 1985-86 hunting season, we have employed guidelines described in the June 4, 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467) to establish special migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations (including off-reservation trust lands) and ceded lands. We developed these guidelines in response to tribal requests for our recognition of their reserved hunting rights, and for some tribes, recognition of their authority to regulate hunting by both tribal and nontribal members throughout their reservations. The guidelines include possibilities for:

      (1) On-reservation hunting by both tribal and nontribal members, with hunting by nontribal members on some reservations to take place within Federal frameworks, but on dates different from those selected by the surrounding State(s);

      (2) On-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of usual Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag and possession limits; and

      (3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands, outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added flexibility in daily bag and possession limits.

      In all cases, tribal regulations established under the guidelines must be consistent with the annual March 10 to September 1 closed season mandated by the 1916 Convention Between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) for the Protection of Migratory Birds (Convention). The guidelines are applicable to those tribes that have reserved hunting rights on Federal Indian reservations (including off-

      reservation trust lands) and ceded lands. They also may be applied to the establishment of migratory game bird hunting regulations for nontribal members on all lands within the exterior boundaries of reservations where tribes have full wildlife management authority over such hunting, or where the tribes and affected States otherwise have reached

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      agreement over hunting by nontribal members on non-Indian lands.

      Tribes usually have the authority to regulate migratory game bird hunting by nonmembers on Indian-owned reservation lands, subject to our approval. The question of jurisdiction is more complex on reservations that include lands owned by non-Indians, especially when the surrounding States have established or intend to establish regulations governing migratory bird hunting by non-Indians on these lands. In such cases, we encourage the tribes and States to reach agreement on regulations that would apply throughout the reservations. When appropriate, we will consult with a tribe and State with the aim of facilitating an accord. We also will consult jointly with tribal and State officials in the affected States where tribes may wish to establish special hunting regulations for tribal members on ceded lands. It is incumbent upon the tribe and/or the State to request consultation as a result of the proposal being published in the Federal Register. We will not presume to make a determination, without being advised by either a tribe or a State, that any issue is or is not worthy of formal consultation.

      One of the guidelines provides for the continuation of tribal members' harvest of migratory game birds on reservations where such harvest is a customary practice. We do not oppose this harvest, provided it does not take place during the closed season required by the Convention, and it is not so large as to adversely affect the status of the migratory game bird resource. Since the inception of these guidelines, we have reached annual agreement with tribes for migratory game bird hunting by tribal members on their lands or on lands where they have reserved hunting rights. We will continue to consult with tribes that wish to reach a mutual agreement on hunting regulations for on-reservation hunting by tribal members.

      Tribes should not view the guidelines as inflexible. We believe that they provide appropriate opportunity to accommodate the reserved hunting rights and management authority of Indian tribes while also ensuring that the migratory game bird resource receives necessary protection. The conservation of this important international resource is paramount. Use of the guidelines is not required if a tribe wishes to observe the hunting regulations established by the State(s) in which the reservation is located.

      Details Needed in Tribal Proposals

      Tribes that wish to use the guidelines to establish special hunting regulations for the 2013-14 migratory game bird hunting season should submit a proposal that includes:

      (1) The requested migratory game bird hunting season dates and other details regarding the proposed regulations;

      (2) Harvest anticipated under the proposed regulations;

      (3) Methods employed to monitor harvest (mail-questionnaire survey, bag checks, etc.);

      (4) Steps that will be taken to limit level of harvest, where it could be shown that failure to limit such harvest would seriously impact the migratory game bird resource; and

      (5) Tribal capabilities to establish and enforce migratory game bird hunting regulations.

      A tribe that desires the earliest possible opening of the migratory game bird season for nontribal members should specify this request in its proposal, rather than request a date that might not be within the final Federal frameworks. Similarly, unless a tribe wishes to set more restrictive regulations than Federal regulations will permit for nontribal members, the proposal should request the same daily bag and possession limits and season length for migratory game birds that Federal regulations are likely to permit the States in the Flyway in which the reservation is located.

      Tribal Proposal Procedures

      We will publish details of tribal proposals for public review in later Federal Register documents. Because of the time required for review by us and the public, Indian tribes that desire special migratory game bird hunting regulations for the 2013-14 hunting season should submit their proposals as soon as possible, but no later than June 1, 2013.

      Tribes should direct inquiries regarding the guidelines and proposals to the appropriate Service Regional Office listed above under the caption Consolidation of Notices. Tribes that request special migratory game bird hunting regulations for tribal members on ceded lands should send a courtesy copy of the proposal to officials in the affected State(s).

      Public Comments

      The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever practicable, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed regulations. Before promulgation of final migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will take into consideration all comments we receive. Such comments, and any additional information we receive, may lead to final regulations that differ from these proposals.

      You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed rule by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not accept comments sent by email or fax or to an address not listed in the ADDRESSES section. Finally, we will not consider hand-delivered comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not postmarked, by the date specified in the DATES section.

      We will post all comments in their entirety--including your personal identifying information--on http://www.regulations.gov. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

      Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Room 4107, 4501 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203.

      For each series of proposed rulemakings, we will establish specific comment periods. We will consider, but possibly may not respond in detail to, each comment. As in the past, we will summarize all comments we receive during the comment period and respond to them after the closing date in any final rules.

      NEPA Consideration

      NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document ``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-

      14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. We published notice of availability in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 18, 1988 (53 FR

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      31341). In addition, an August 1985 environmental assessment entitled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the address indicated under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

      In a notice published in the September 8, 2005, Federal Register (70 FR 53376), we announced our intent to develop a new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the migratory bird hunting program. Public scoping meetings were held in the spring of 2006, as detailed in a March 9, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 12216). We released the draft SEIS on July 9, 2010 (75 FR 39577). The draft SEIS is available either by writing to the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or by viewing our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.

      Endangered Species Act Consideration

      Before issuance of the 2013-14 migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will comply with provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; hereinafter the Act), to ensure that hunting is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species designated as endangered or threatened or modify or destroy its critical habitat and is consistent with conservation programs for those species. Consultations under section 7 of the Act may cause us to change proposals in this and future supplemental proposed rulemaking documents.

      Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

      Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is significant because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy.

      Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.

      An economic analysis was prepared for the 2008-09 season. This analysis was based on data from the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting (estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data). The alternatives are (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer days than those issued during the 2007-08 season, (2) Issue moderate regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3) Issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2007-08 season. For the 2008-09 season, we chose alternative 3, with an estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $205-$270 million. We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, and the 2012-13 seasons. At this time, we are proposing no changes to the season frameworks for the 2013-14 season, and as such, we will again consider these three alternatives. However, final frameworks will be dependent on population status information available later this year. For these reasons, we have not conducted a new economic analysis, but the 2008-09 analysis is part of the record for this rule and is available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057.

      Regulatory Flexibility Act

      The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, and 2008. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-

      year intervals. The 2008 Analysis was based on the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend approximately $1.2 billion at small businesses in 2008. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the Division of Migratory Bird Management (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057.

      Clarity of the Rule

      We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must:

      (

    2. Be logically organized;

      (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;

      (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;

      (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and

      (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.

      If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

      Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

      This proposed rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule would have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule would establish hunting seasons, we do not plan to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).

      Paperwork Reduction Act

      We examined these proposed regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, subpart K, are utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements of our Migratory Bird Surveys and assigned control number 1018-0023 (expires 4/30/2014). This

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      information is used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better manage these populations.

      OMB has also approved the information collection requirements of the Alaska Subsistence Household Survey, an associated voluntary annual household survey used to determine levels of subsistence take in Alaska, and assigned control number 1018-0124 (expires 4/30/2013). A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

      Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

      We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this proposed rulemaking would not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

      Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

      The Department, in promulgating this proposed rule, has determined that this proposed rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

      Takings Implication Assessment

      In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this proposed rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule would not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, these rules would allow hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public property.

      Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211

      Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this proposed rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.

      Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

      In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust resources. However, in this proposed rule, we solicit proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2013-14 migratory bird hunting season. The resulting proposals will be contained in a separate proposed rule. By virtue of these actions, we have consulted with Tribes affected by this rule.

      Federalism Effects

      Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism impact summary statement.

      List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

      Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.

      Authority: The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2013-14 hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-711, 16 U.S.C. 712, and 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j.

      Dated: March 25, 2013.

      Michael J. Bean,

      Counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

      Proposed 2013-14 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary)

      Pending current information on populations, harvest, and habitat conditions, and receipt of recommendations from the four Flyway Councils, we may defer specific regulatory proposals. No changes from the final 2012-13 frameworks established on August 30 and September 20, 2012 (77 FR 53118 and 77 FR 58444) are being proposed at this time. Other issues requiring early discussion, action, or the attention of the States or tribes are contained below:

  24. Ducks

    Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest management are: (

    1. General Harvest Strategy, (B) Regulatory Alternatives, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/

      Species Management. Only those containing substantial recommendations are discussed below.

    2. General Harvest Strategy

      We propose to continue using adaptive harvest management (AHM) to help determine appropriate duck-hunting regulations for the 2013-14 season. AHM permits sound resource decisions in the face of uncertain regulatory impacts and provides a mechanism for reducing that uncertainty over time. We use AHM to evaluate four alternative regulatory levels for duck hunting based on the population status of mallards. (We enact special hunting restrictions for species of special concern, such as canvasbacks, scaup, and pintails).

      Pacific, Central and Mississippi Flyways

      Until 2008, we based the prescribed regulatory alternative for the Pacific, Central, and Mississippi Flyways on the status of mallards and breeding-habitat conditions in central North America (Federal survey strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77, and State surveys in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan). In 2008, we based hunting regulations upon the breeding stock that contributes primarily to each Flyway. In the Pacific Flyway, we set hunting regulations based on the status and dynamics of a newly defined stock of ``western'' mallards. Western mallards are those breeding in Alaska and the northern Yukon Territory (as based on Federal surveys in strata 1-12), and in California and Oregon (as based on State-conducted surveys). In the Central and

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      Mississippi Flyways, we set hunting regulations based on the status and dynamics of mid-continent mallards. Mid-continent mallards are those breeding in central North America not included in the Western mallard stock, as defined above.

      For the 2013-14 season, we recommend continuing to use independent optimization to determine the optimum regulations. This means that we would develop regulations for mid-continent mallards and western mallards independently, based upon the breeding stock that contributes primarily to each Flyway. We detailed implementation of this new AHM decision framework in the July 24, 2008, Federal Register (73 FR 43290).

      Atlantic Flyway

      Since 2000, we have prescribed a regulatory alternative for the Atlantic Flyway annually using an eastern mallard AHM decision framework that is based on the population status of mallards breeding in eastern North America (Federal survey strata 51-54 and 56, and State surveys in New England and the mid-Atlantic region). We recommend continuation of the AHM process for the 2013-14 season.

      Last year, we proposed and subsequently implemented several changes related to the population models used in the eastern mallard AHM protocol. For the benefit of the reader, we reiterate those changes implemented here. Until last year, the AHM process used to set harvest regulations for eastern mallards was based on an objective of maximizing long-term cumulative harvest and using predictions from six population models representing different hypotheses about the recruitment process and sources of bias in population predictions. The Atlantic Flyway Council and the Service evaluated the performance of the model set used to support eastern mallard AHM and found that the then current models used to predict survival (as a function of harvest) and recruitment (as a function of breeding population size) did not perform adequately, resulting in a consistent over-prediction of mallard population size in most years. Consequently, we stated then that we believed it was necessary to update those population models with more contemporary survival and recruitment information and revised hypotheses about the key factors affecting eastern mallard population dynamics. Further, the Flyway is also reconsidering harvest management objectives and assessing the spatial designation of the eastern mallard breeding population. Recognizing that the development of a fully revised AHM protocol would likely take several years to complete, we developed a revised model set to inform eastern mallard harvest decisions until all of the updates to the eastern mallard AHM protocol are completed. We propose to again use this model set to inform eastern mallard harvest regulations until a fully revised AHM protocol is finalized. Further details on the revised models and results of simulations of this interim harvest policy are available on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds, or at http://www.regulations.gov.

      Final 2013-14 AHM Protocol

      We will detail the final AHM protocol for the 2013-14 season in the early-season proposed rule, which we will publish in mid-July (see Schedule of Regulations Meetings and Federal Register Publications at the end of this proposed rule for further information). We will propose a specific regulatory alternative for each of the Flyways during the 2013-14 season after survey information becomes available in late summer. More information on AHM is located at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Management/AHM/AHM-intro.htm.

    3. Regulatory Alternatives

      The basic structure of the current regulatory alternatives for AHM was adopted in 1997. In 2002, based upon recommendations from the Flyway Councils, we extended framework dates in the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' regulatory alternatives by changing the opening date from the Saturday nearest October 1 to the Saturday nearest September 24; and changing the closing date from the Sunday nearest January 20 to the last Sunday in January. These extended dates were made available with no associated penalty in season length or bag limits. At that time we stated our desire to keep these changes in place for 3 years to allow for a reasonable opportunity to monitor the impacts of framework-date extensions on harvest distribution and rates of harvest before considering any subsequent use (67 FR 12501; March 19, 2002).

      For 2013-14, we are proposing to maintain the same regulatory alternatives that were in effect last year (see accompanying table for specifics of the proposed regulatory alternatives). Alternatives are specified for each Flyway and are designated as ``RES'' for the restrictive, ``MOD'' for the moderate, and ``LIB'' for the liberal alternative. We will announce final regulatory alternatives in mid-

      July. We will accept public comments until June 22, 2013, and you should send your comments to an address listed under the caption ADDRESSES.

    4. Special Seasons/Species Management

      i. September Teal Seasons

      In 2009, we agreed to allow an additional 7 days during the special September teal season in the Atlantic Flyway (74 FR 43009). In addition, we requested that a new assessment of the cumulative effects of all teal harvest, including harvest during special September seasons be conducted. Furthermore, we indicated that we would not agree to any further modifications of special September teal seasons or other special September duck seasons until a thorough assessment of the harvest potential had been completed for both blue-winged and green-

      winged teal, as well as an assessment of the impacts of current special September seasons on these two species. Cinnamon teal were subsequently included in this assessment.

      We recognize the long-standing interest by the Flyway Councils to pursue additional teal harvest opportunity, and the final report of the working group indicates that additional opportunity likely can be supported by at least some of the teal species. However, we note that the working group was not charged with assessing how additional harvest opportunity could be provided. Last year, we indicated our willingness to work with the Flyways to explore ways to provide that opportunity. Previous attempts at providing additional teal harvest opportunity have included special September teal seasons, provision of bonus teal during the regular season, September duck seasons (e.g. Iowa), and September teal/wood duck seasons. Past Service policy has discontinued the use of September teal seasons in production States, eliminated bonus teal options, and limited the use of September duck seasons to the State of Iowa. Furthermore, September teal/wood duck seasons are limited to Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Based on these past actions and assessments that supported them, we believe that the Flyways would need to provide some compelling new information to warrant reconsideration of these approaches. However, we recognize such reconsideration may be warranted and look forward to further dialogue with the Flyways on what method or methods might be best employed to take advantage of the additional teal harvest

      Page 21207

      potential documented by our joint assessment.

      Also, we believe that substantial technical work will still need to be completed by the Flyways and the Service before such opportunities can be offered. Furthermore, we believe a comprehensive approach should be taken and that any expansion of teal opportunities should be treated on an experimental basis with the requirement they be fully evaluated in a geographically comprehensive manner and be coordinated within and among Flyways, including consideration of teal harvest allocation. Lastly, our long standing policy regarding harvest strategies has been to review and approve any new, or changes to existing, plans prior to any SRC meeting discussing potential implementation of the strategy. We do not believe the complex technical work required can be completed and vetted with all four flyways during the 2013-14 regulatory cycle in accordance with this policy prior to any discussion of potential implementation of the strategy for the 2013-14 season.

      As we have previously stated, teal harvest evaluation plans must include study objectives, experimental design, decision criteria, and identification of data needs. The evaluation plan should address not only potential impacts to teal populations, but also impacts to non-

      target species and the ability of hunters to comply with special teal regulations. Any expansion of teal opportunities should be limited to teal and not expanded to include other species, as has been contained in previous Flyway Council proposals. Further, because of the historical differences between northern and southern States regarding how teal harvest regulations have been provided, we expect that reaching broad-based agreement on issues such as management objectives, appropriate regulatory alternatives, and models to be used to predict the effects of the regulatory alternatives on the status of the impacted teal species will take a substantial amount of time and effort by both the Flyways and the Service. We are willing to work with the Flyway Councils to collaboratively develop the evaluation framework.

      A copy of the working groups' final report is available on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds, or at http://www.regulations.gov.

      vi. Scaup

      In 2008, we implemented an AHM decision-making framework to inform scaup harvest regulations (73 FR 43290; July 24, 2008). At that time, restrictive, moderate, and liberal scaup regulatory alternatives were defined and implemented in all four Flyways according to guidelines established in 2007 (see http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/BySpecies/scaup_regs_scoping_draftVI.pdf or www.regulations.gov for a copy of the guidelines). Subsequent comment from the Flyway Councils led us to further clarify criteria associated with the establishment of ``hybrid seasons'' (74 FR 16339; April 10, 2009) and to allow additional modifications of the alternatives for each Flyway. The resulting updated regulatory alternatives were then adopted on July 24, 2009 (74 FR 36870) for use during the 2009-10 season. Because of the considerable uncertainty involved with predicting scaup harvest, we agreed with the Flyways to keep these packages in place for at least 3 years. Since we now have scaup harvest information available for the first 3 years of the new packages (2009-11 seasons), Flyways have the option to make changes to the scaup regulatory alternatives for the 2013-14 season consistent with the process and evaluation criteria finalized in 2008 and clarified in 2009.

  25. Canada Geese

    1. Regular Seasons

    In 2011, we denied a request by the Central Flyway Council to increase the bag limit of Canada geese from 3 to 5 in the East-Tier States during the regular season. At that time, we stated that because the birds impacted by this regulations change, the Tall Grass Prairie (TGP) population, was shared with the Mississippi Flyway, progress needed to be made regarding revising the TGP management plan (76 FR 58682; September 21, 2011). At a minimum, agreement between the two Flyways on management objectives must be reached.

    Last year, the Central Flyway Council again requested an increase in the daily bag limit of Canada geese from 3 to 5 in the East-Tier States during the regular season. Based on discussions at the meetings, we stated it was apparent that the dialogue between the Flyways had just begun, and that progress on developing agreed-upon objectives and the plan revision was limited (77 FR 58448; September 20, 2012). Thus, we did not approve the Council's recommendation.

    At the February 6, 2013, SRC meeting, the Central Flyway indicated that technical representatives from the two Flyways had been working on a revised management plan for the TGP since last fall, and expects that the new plan be adopted during upcoming March Flyway Council meetings. If the two Flyways can reach agreement on objectives for the TGP during this regulations cycle, we would consider a new recommendation by the Central Flyway Council to increase the bag limit on Canada geese in the East Tier States during the regular Canada goose season.

  26. Mourning Doves

    In 2003, all four Flyway Councils approved the Mourning Dove National Strategic Harvest Plan (Plan). The Plan represented a new, more informed means of decision-making for dove harvest management besides relying solely on traditional roadside counts of mourning doves as indicators of population trend. However, recognizing that a more comprehensive, national approach would take time to develop, we requested the development of interim harvest strategies, by management unit, until the elements of the Plan could be fully implemented. In 2004, each management unit submitted its respective strategy, but the strategies used different datasets and different approaches or methods. After initial submittal and review in 2006, we requested that the strategies be revised, using similar, existing datasets among the management units along with similar decision-making criteria. In 2008, we accepted and endorsed the interim mourning dove harvest strategies for the Central, Eastern, and Western Management Units (73 FR 50678; August 27, 2008). In 2009, the interim harvest strategies were successfully employed and implemented in all three Management Units (74 FR 36870; July 24, 2009). For the 2013-14 season, we propose continuing to use the interim harvest strategies to determine mourning dove hunting regulations.

    Since 2003, much progress has been made on the development of a National Mourning Dove harvest strategy which makes use of new monitoring data and demographics models. We hope to discuss and approve the new national mourning dove harvest strategy at the June SRC meeting. A copy of the new strategy is available at available on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds, or at http://www.regulations.gov.

  27. Other

    In the September 23, 2010, Federal Register (75 FR 58250), we stated that we were generally supportive of the Flyways' interest in increasing the possession limits for migratory game

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    birds and appreciated the discussions to frame this important issue. At that time, we also stated that we believed there were many unanswered questions regarding how this interest could be fully articulated in a proposal that satisfies the harvest management community, while fostering the support of the law enforcement community and informing the general hunting public. Thus, we proposed the creation of a cross-

    agency Working Group, chaired by the Service, and comprised of staff from the Service's Migratory Bird Program, State Wildlife Agency representatives, and Federal and State law enforcement staff, to begin to frame a recommendation that fully articulates a potential change in possession limits. This effort would include a discussion of the current status and use of possession limits, which populations and/or species/species groups should not be included in any proposed modification of possession limits, potential law enforcement issues, and a reasonable timeline for the implementation of any such proposed changes.

    After discussions last year at the January SRC meeting and March and July Flyway Council meetings, the Atlantic, Central, and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended that the Service increase the possession limit from 2 times to 3 times the daily bag limit for all migratory game bird species and seasons except for those species that currently have possession limits of less than 2 times the daily bag limit (e.g., rails), permit hunts (e.g., cranes and swans), and for overabundant species for which no current possession limits are assigned (e.g., light geese), beginning in the 2013-14 season (77 FR 58444; September 20, 2012). These recommendations from the three Councils are one such outgrowth of the efforts started in 2010, and we look forward to additional input from the Mississippi Flyway Council. Once we receive the Mississippi Flyway Council's input, we plan to discuss these recommendations with the Working Group and present recommendations to the SRC this spring. We would present any resulting proposal for the SRC's consideration at the June SRC meeting (see 2013 Schedule of Regulations Meetings and Federal Register Publications at the end of this proposed rule for further information), with proposed implementation during the 2013-14 hunting seasons.

    Additionally, when our initial review of possession limits was instituted in 2010, we also realized that any review of possession limits could not be adequately conducted without expanding the initial review to include possession and possession-related regulations. In particular, it was our belief that any potential increase in the possession limits should be done in concert with a review and update of the wanton waste regulations in 50 CFR 20.25. We believed it prudent to review some of the long-standing sources of confusion (for both hunters and law enforcement) regarding wanton waste. A review of the current Federal wanton waste regulations, along with various State wanton waste regulations, has been recently completed and we anticipate publishing a proposed rule this spring/summer to revise 50 CFR 20.25.

    Lastly, we also recognize that there are other important issues surrounding possession, such as termination of possession, that need to be reviewed. However, that review is a much larger and more complex review than the wanton waste regulations and the possession limit regulations. We anticipate starting that review upon completion of the wanton waste and possession limits aspects of our overall review.

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