Federal Subsistence Management Program Review: Scoping Process

Federal Register Notice: Program Review-Subsistence Management for Public Lands in Alaska

NEW COMMENT DEADLINE: March 30, 2026

The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture have extended the public comment period for the Federal Subsistence Management Program review. Comments are now due by March 30. The new Federal Register notice can be found here.

Consultation with Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations will take place state-wide, in-person and virtually, on March 10 and 17, 2026, at 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations will be notified directly with more details.

NOTE: Information on this page is subject to change. 

Action Being Taken:  Under Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. § 3111-3126, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (“the Secretaries”) jointly implement the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The Secretaries are undertaking a limited review of this Program to ensure it is meeting the needs of subsistence users and the Secretaries’ obligations under Title VIII.  

A public scoping process will inform the Secretaries’ review.  The regulations applicable to the Federal Subsistence Management Program are set forth at 36 C.F.R. Part 242 (Agriculture) and 43 C.F.R. Part 51 (Interior).  The Secretaries intend to focus this review on the following topics: 

  • The 2024 move of the Office of Subsistence Management, from within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior, to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget of the Department of the Interior;
  • Criteria for regional advisory council membership;
  • Membership of the Federal Subsistence Board;
  • Federal regulations and state regulations for duplication and inconsistency;
  • Regulations applicable to special actions;
  • Role of the State of Alaska and its Department of Fish and Game in the Federal Subsistence Management Program; and
  • Board policies and procedures for rural determinations. 

Input is requested on these topics and on other topics that may benefit from review.  A 60-day public scoping period began on December 15 and was extended by 45 days.  A joint open house was held in Anchorage and virtually on February 3, 2026.  If any changes to regulations are proposed as a result of this review, there will be further notice in the Federal Register and an opportunity to comment.

How to Comment (public):  written comments and materials concerning this review, or an appointment request to provide oral comments, can be emailed to subsistence@ios.doi.gov or mailed to Office of the Secretary, Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs, 4230 University Drive, Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99508.  Written comments may also be submitted electronically through www.regulations.gov by searching for docket number DOI-2025-0170. All comments must be received or postmarked by Monday, March 30, 2026.

How to Comment (RACs and SRCs): during or after the public scoping period, submit written comments and materials concerning this review through the Council or Commission chair to the Federal Subsistence Board chair for transmission to the Alaska Affairs Office.

All submitted comments will be posted online and accessible through www.regulations.gov.  Search for docket number DOI-2025-0170 or go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/DOI-2025-0170/comments.

Fact Sheet: Public Scoping Process for Federal Subsistence Program Review

 

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