2008-2009 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations – Modifications

On January 13, 2009, we published a proposed regulation for refuge-specific hunting and fishing. This rule contains only modifications to existing language in 50 CFR part 32. This will be out for a 30-day public comment period ending on February 12, 2009. You may view the proposed rule at the following link: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-287.pdf


2008-09 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations – Additions

On August 28, 2008, we published a final regulation for refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing. This rule (proposed on June 11, 2008) contained one new refuge hunting opening (Hamden Slough NWR in MN) and increases in activities at six other refuges (Agassiz in MN, Blackwater in MD, Whittlesey Creek in WI, and Bayou Cocodrie, Tensas River, and Upper Ouachita all in LA). These changes were first proposed during the 2006-07 season (when we published the proposed rule on July 24, 2006) but subsequently withdrawn from the final rule described in the next section below. This rule was effective on the publication date (August 28, 2008). You may view both the proposed and final rules at the following links:

Final rule: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-20022.pdf



2008-09 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

On June 11, 2008, we published another final regulation for refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing. This rule, delayed since the 2006-07 season (when we published the proposed rule on July 24, 2006) due to ongoing litigation, contains one refuge fishing opening (Cape May NWR in NJ) corrects administrative errors, makes other minor modifications to existing regulations in 50 CFR part 32 and updates the list of refuges in part 32 to include the addition of existing Wetland Management Districts. This rule was effective July 11, 2008.

Final rule: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12188.pdf



EA Example

Example of a revised environmental analysis (EA) incorporating a cumulative impact analysis (CIA) that includes all three hunting opportunities: Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota.

Many other examples of revised EAs incorporating CIAs can be found on Regional Refuge homepages.

For background and further information, here are links to both the January 19, 2007 memo from Ken Stansell (82 KB PDF) to Regional Chiefs providing guidance on the CIA process, along with March 8, 2007 supplementary guidance (17 KB PDF).



E-mail your comments to refugeSytemPolicyComments@fws.gov.