News Release
Date: July 18, 2018
Contact: Peter Christian
Extended comment period will close September 6, 2018
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—The National Park Service (NPS) is extending the public comment period on a proposed regulation change for hunting and trapping in Alaska’s national preserves by 45 days. The deadline, originally scheduled for July 23, has been extended to accommodate interest in this issue from the general public and state and local groups.
On May 22, 2018, NPS announced a proposal to amend its regulations for hunting and trapping on national preserves in Alaska. The proposed rule would remove regulatory provisions issued in 2015 that prohibit certain hunting practices that are otherwise permitted by Alaska.
Since the 2015 final rule was implemented, the Department of the Interior has issued two Secretarial Orders regarding how the Department should manage recreational hunting and trapping in the lands and waters it administers, and directing greater collaboration with state, tribe, and territorial partners in doing so.
The proposed regulations would only apply to hunting on Alaska national preserves. National parks in Alaska would not be affected by the proposed changes.
To view the proposed rule and for information on how to submit comments please visit www.regulations.gov and search for “RIN 1024-AE38”. A printed copy of the proposal is available by request in writing to: NPS Regulations, 240 W. 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. Comments may also be submitted in writing or hand-delivered to the same address.
Once the public comment period ends for the proposed rule the National Park Service will review the comments and that input will inform the final rule which will be published in the Federal Register. The final rule would be effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Last updated: July 18, 2018