Opportunity for Public Comment - Predator Damage Management in Idaho

Opportunity for Public Comment

Environmental Assessment:  Predator Damage Management in Idaho

 

You are invited by the United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services Program (WS) in Idaho to participate in the planning process for the development of a new Environmental Assessment (EA) on alternatives for reducing damage to agricultural and natural resources, and property; and risks to public health and safety caused by predators in Idaho.  Once completed, the new EA will replace existing EAs on Idaho WS’ involvement in Predator Damage Management (PDM).  Predator species involved in the majority of conflicts and damage in Idaho which will be addressed in the EA include badgers; black bears; black-billed magpies; bobcats; common ravens; coyotes; feral/free-ranging dogs and wolf-dog hybrids; grizzly bears; mountain lions; raccoons; red foxes; and striped skunks.  Other predators in Idaho that have historically caused only localized damage on an occasional basis include American crows, feral/free-ranging cats, long-tailed weasels, mink; short-tailed weasels, and spotted skunks.  Predation by wolves and fish-eating birds are addressed in separate EAs and will not be included in the new EA

 

The new EA is being prepared in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.  Idaho WS is also consulting with the U.S. Departments of the Interior Bureau of Land Management and Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Idaho National Laboratory, and Idaho Department of Lands.  WS has tentatively identified alternatives for involvement in predator damage and conflict management in the state and issues which should be considered in the new EA.   The agencies are seeking your input, and issues or concerns you may have regarding 1) the Idaho WS’ involvement in PDM; 2) PDM alternatives which should be considered; and 3) any other relevant information and data you believe should be considered in the analysis.

 

Additional information on the project may be obtained at the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2014-0105), 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 January 14, 2015 for full consideration in the new EA.  All comments received, including the names and addresses of those people who comment, will be part of the public record and will be released for public review as required and allowed by law.