Carol Bannerman (301) 734-6464
Angela Harless (202) 720‑4623
USDA TO HOLD NATIONAL WILDLIFE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2008--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will hold a meeting of the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee (NWSAC) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 5, 6 and 7, in Riverdale, Md.
The three-day meeting will discuss efforts to increase operational capacity through prioritizing research objectives of APHIS’ wildlife services (WS) program. Additionally, the committee will discuss pertinent national programs and how to increase their effectiveness, as well as ensuring WS remains an active participant in the goal of agricultural protection.
The meeting will be open to the public but, due to time constraints, the public will not be allowed to participate in discussions. Any interested group or individual can file a written statement with the committee before or after the meeting regarding any of the issues discussed. Written statements also can be filed at the meeting.
The NWSAC, which is comprised of stakeholders from diverse interests including agriculture and animal welfare, advises the secretary of agriculture on WS program activities, research and policies. WS is responsible for managing wildlife damage conflicts, preventing wildlife damage to agriculture and natural resources and protecting communities from wildlife threats. The committee also serves as a public forum enabling those interested in the WS program to have a voice in the program’s policies.
The meeting will be held at the Oklahoma City Memorial Conference Center, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, Md. 20737.
For more information or to file comments, contact Joanne Garrett, director, operational support staff, USDA, APHIS, WS, 4700 River Road, Unit 87, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1234 or call (301) 734-7921. Submitted written statements should refer to Docket No. APHIS-2008-0070.
This notice is scheduled for publication in the June 26 Federal Register.
#
Note to Reporters: USDA news releases, program announcements and media advisories are available on the Internet. Go to the APHIS news release page at
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom. Also, anyone with an e-mail address can sign up to receive APHIS press releases automatically. Send an e-mail message to lyris@mdrdlyriss10.aphis.usda.gov and leave the subject blank. In the message type
subscribe press_releases.