Migratory bird permits: continent light goose; populations reduction; conservation order establishment,

[Federal Register: January 6, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 3)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 822-823]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr06ja99-26]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Parts 20 and 21

RIN 1018-AF05

Extension of Comment Period: Migratory Bird Permits; Establishment of a Conservation Order for the Reduction of Mid- Continent Light Goose Populations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

SUMMARY: The Service is extending the comment period on the Federal Register rule dated November 9, 1998 (63 FR 60278) that invites public comments on proposed changes to the migratory bird hunting regulations regarding implementation of a conservation order for the reduction of mid-continent light goose populations.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of comments is extended from January 8, 1999 to January 15, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Comments regarding this proposed rulemaking should be addressed to Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Interior, Ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, D.C. 20240. The public may inspect comments during normal business hours in room 634--Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia. Comments and suggestions on the information collection requirements should be sent directly to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs; Office of Management and Budget; Attention: Interior Desk Officer, Washington, DC 20503; and to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ms 222--ARLSQ, 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Blohm, Acting Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358- 1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Mid-continent lesser snow goose and Ross' goose population has nearly quadrupled in the last 30 years. The Western Central Flyway lesser snow and Ross' goose population also has quadrupled in the last 23 years. Collectively, these central and eastern arctic and subarctic-nesting light goose populations are referred to as Mid-continent light geese (MCLG). Due to high population growth rates, a decline in adult mortality, and an increase in winter survival, MCLG are now seriously injurious to their habitat and habitat important to other migratory birds which poses a serious threat to the short and long-term health and status of migratory bird populations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or ``we'') believes that MCLG populations exceed long-term sustainable levels for their arctic and subarctic breeding habitats and the populations must be reduced.

In a Federal Register notice dated November 9, 1998, we propose to establish a new subpart in 50 CFR Part 21 for the management of overabundant MCLG populations. In cooperation with State wildlife agencies, we propose to implement a population control program by establishing a conservation order for MCLG under the authority of the proposed subpart. This proposed rule will increase the use and availability of additional hunting methods and will authorize take of MCLG outside of the normal open light goose hunting season. In order to minimize or avoid take of non-target species, States may implement this proposed action only when all migratory bird hunting seasons are closed. Although the desired goal is to significantly reduce overabundant MCLG populations, we believe that this proposed rule will not threaten the long-term status of MCLG populations or threaten the status of other species that could be impacted through the implementation of this proposed rule.

We are concurrently proposing an additional but separate population reduction strategy. In addition to this proposed rule to amend 50 CFR Part 21, we are also proposing to amend 50 CFR Part 20 to authorize the use of new hunting methods to harvest MCLG. That proposed rule would authorize States to allow the use of new hunting methods (electronic callers and unplugged shotguns) to harvest MCLG during a light-goose only season, when all other migratory bird hunting seasons are closed. The proposal is also in the nature of a proposed rule and the extension of the comment period on the rule is published in this issue of the Federal Register. The combination of these two proposals is designed to increase MCLG harvest and to provide a biologically sound and cost effective and efficient method for the reduction and management of overabundant MCLG populations.

We have received a request to extend the comment period on this rule. The Service invites careful consideration by all parties, and welcomes serious scrutiny from those committed to the long-term conservation of migratory birds. Therefore, to facilitate substantive

[[Page 823]]

public review, we are extending the comment period to January 15, 1999.

Dated: December 30, 1998. Thomas O. Melius, Acting Director.

[FR Doc. 99-144Filed1-5-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P