[Federal Register: November 13, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 219)]
[Notices]               
[Page 63445]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13no98-35]

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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[Docket No. 98-107-1]

 
Availability of Memorandum of Understanding With the Forest 
Service, USDA

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: We are advising the public that a Memorandum of Understanding 
(MOU) between the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), 
Wildlife Services, and the Forest Service, United States Department of 
Agriculture, has been renewed until September 3, 2003, and is available 
for examination by the public. The MOU establishes guidelines and 
policy for managing animal damage on National Forest System lands by 
clarifying the roles and cooperative responsibilities of the Forest 
Service and APHIS's Wildlife Services in the management of programs 
under the Animal Damage Control Act of 1931, as amended.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the MOU are available for public inspection at 
USDA, room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect the MOU are 
requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the 
reading room. Copies of the MOU may be obtained by contacting the 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Martin Mendoza, Jr., Director, 
Operational Support, Wildlife Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 87, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1234, (301) 734-7921.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Animal Damage Control Act of March 
2, 1931, as amended (7 U.S.C. 426-426c), the Secretary of Agriculture 
is authorized to manage wildlife on National Forest System lands to 
protect humans, and prevent damage to agriculture, forests, wild game 
animals, fur-bearing animals, and birds.
    The Secretary has assigned responsibility for managing wildlife 
damage to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), 
Wildlife Services. The U.S. Forest Service is responsible for 
management of wildlife on National Forest System lands. In June of 
1993, both agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which 
served to: (1) Identify responsibilities of the respective agencies and 
foster a partnership in discharging the Federal obligation under the 
Animal Damage Control Act, as amended, for the management of wild 
vertebrates causing damage on National Forest System lands; (2) 
establish general guidelines to assist field personnel in carrying out 
their animal damage management responsibilities consistent with 
policies of the U.S. Forest Service and Wildlife Services; and (3) 
strengthen the cooperative approach to animal damage management on 
National Forest System lands through exchange of information and mutual 
program support.
    The MOU was set to expire after 5 years, and was renewed on 
September 3, 1998. This notice informs the public that the MOU is 
available for public inspection.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 6th day of November 1998.
Joan M. Arnoldi,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 98-30392 Filed 11-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P