Public Hearing announced for Wildlife Special Action Request WSA17-04 to close Federal public lands in Units 26A and 26B to caribou hunting by non-Federally qualified users

The Western Arctic Caribou Herd (WACH), Teshekpuk (TCH), and Central Arctic (CACH) herds have experienced declines of approximately 50% over the last decade.  Low calf survival and recruitment and high cow mortality are contributing factors to the population decline. The proponent is concerned that current harvest rates, if allowed to continue, would increase the ongoing population declines or lengthen the recovery period.  Caribou are not only an important traditional, cultural and nutritional resource, but are also important for the food security and health of Federally qualified subsistence users.  The proponent states that closing Units 26A and 26B to non-Federally qualified users will provide for better harvest opportunities for local subsistence users and will reduce user conflicts.  The intent of this request is to ensure Federally qualified subsistence users get the caribou they need in the 2017–2018 regulatory year, to protect the WACH, TCH, and CACH herds. 

The public may attend the hearing in person or by teleconference. Public testimony provided at the hearing will be summarized by Federal staff and provided to the Board for consideration.

Public Hearing information is below:

Utqiagvik (Barrow)

6:00 – 9:00pm, May 10
Inupiat Heritage Center
5421 North Star Street, Barrow, Alaska 99723
Teleconference: TOLL FREE (888) 455-5897
Passcode: 3344290

The Federal Subsistence Board is committed to providing access to this hearing for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, closed captioning, or other accommodation needs to the Office of Subsistence Management by calling (800) 478-1456, by emailing subsistence@fws.gov, If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services., at least seven business days prior to the hearing.

Additional information on the Federal Subsistence Management Program may be found on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska.

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