Fish and Wildlife looking for public comment on changes to the Endangered Species Act
The Service is asking for comments and suggestions on two preliminary draft chapters of an Environmental Impact Statement examining the potential environmental impacts of a proposed rule to revise the existing nonessential experimental population designation of the Mexican wolf.
A 45-day public comment period begins on August 5, and will end on September 19.
Fisher and Wildlife has developed several potential alternatives to support progress toward our reintroduction objective of establishing a viable, self-sustaining population of Mexican wolves in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area, and to more effectively manage Mexican wolves throughout Arizona and New Mexico. Fish and Wildlife has not yet determined what the preferred alternative will be, and thinks that there may be other reasonable alternatives that should be considered. Therefore, the agency wants and suggestions from all interested parties on a number of issues for consideration in preparation of the draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Fish and Wildlife comments on implementation of a management plan for Mexican wolves in areas of Arizona and New Mexico that are outside of the current Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area. Together, the proposed rule and the proposed management plan will make up the proposed action analysed in the Impact Statement.
Fisher and Wildlife will let the public know when the Statement is complete. At that time, the Service plans to open an additional comment period, and hold public hearings and informational sessions so that interested and affected people may comment.
For further information and to access the documents available for review, go to National Forest offices or visit fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/NEPA_713.cfm or regulations.gov. Search for FWS-R2-ES-2013-0098.