Invitation for Public Comment: Environmental Assessment on Gray Wolf Damage Management in Idaho

Invitation for Public Comment

 

Environmental Assessment: Gray Wolf Damage Management in Idaho

 

 

Wildlife Services (WS), a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is inviting you to participate in the planning process for a new Environmental Assessment (EA) on gray wolf damage management in Idaho. The EA will review alternatives for WS response to requests for assistance in reducing damage to agricultural and natural resources, and property; and risks to human health and safety caused by gray wolves. Once completed, the new EA will replace an existing 2011 EA on WS’ involvement in gray wolf damage management in Idaho. The new EA will explain WS-Idaho’s past activities in response to requests for gray wolf damage management assistance, provide expanded analysis of recent literature and discuss new alternatives for future action.

 

We would appreciate your input on 1) issues that should be evaluated in the EA; 2) management alternatives and methods that should be considered; and 3) any other relevant information and data you believe should be considered in the analysis. We have also invited the federally recognized Native American tribes in Idaho, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and other state and federal agencies that manage the lands where wolf depredation may occur or that have special expertise to participate in the planning process.

 

Additional information on the project may be obtained at the Federal eRulemaking Portal (https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=APHIS-2018-0022), or by calling or sending a written request to the Idaho WS state office: USDA, APHIS, WS, 9134 West Blackeagle Dr., Boise, ID 83709. Phone: (208) 373-1630. We request that all comments be submitted in writing to the Federal eRulemaking Portal or the Idaho WS state office by June 11, 2018 for full consideration in the new EA. All comments received, including the names and addresses of people who comment, will be part of the public record and will be released for public review as required and allowed by law.