Public Hearings Announced for two Temporary Wildlife Special Action Requests WSA22-05 and WSA22-06 (Western Arctic Caribou)

A second telephonic-only public hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, or until the end of public participation. The purpose of this hearing is to receive public testimony only on WSA22-06.

Temporary Wildlife Special Action Request WSA22-05, submitted by the Northwest Arctic Subsistence Regional Advisory Council, requests the Board to reduce the caribou harvest limit in Unit 23 from 5 caribou per day to 4 caribou per year, only one of which may be a cow for the remainder of the 2022-2024 regulatory cycle.

Temporary Wildlife Special Action Request WSA22-06, submitted by the Western Interior Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council, requests the Board to reduce the caribou harvest limit across the range of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd (WACH) from five caribou per day to four caribou per year, only one of which may be a cow for the remainder of the 2022-2024 regulatory cycle.  Specifically, reduce the harvest limit in Units 21D, remainder; 24A, reminder; 24B, remainder; 24C; 24D; and all caribou hunt areas within Units 22, 23, and 26A.

Both proponents cite conservation concerns over the recent decline of the WACH as the impetus for these requests.  Copies of the requests can be found at www.doi.gov/subsistence/wildlife-special-actions. 

The public is encouraged to participate in these hearings in person or by calling the telephone number below.  When prompted, enter the passcode.  Comments will be forwarded to the Board for their consideration.

Public Hearing Information:

WSA22-05 and WSA22-06

In Person:  April 26, 2023, in Kotzebue at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center, 171 3rd Avenue, from 4:00 PM – 6:00PM (or until the end of public participation)

Teleconference: Toll Free: 888-455-7761
Passcode: 9411900

WSA22-06

Teleconference Only: May 2, 2023, from 4:00 PM—6:00 PM (or until the end of public participation)
Teleconference: Toll Free: 888-455-7761
Passcode: 6179618

The Board is committed to providing access to this public meeting for all participants. Please direct requests for accommodation needs to the Office of Subsistence Management at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3888 or by e-mail subsistence@fws.gov at least seven business days prior to the meeting.  

Information about the Federal Subsistence Management Program may be found on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska.
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NWR Public Hearing WSA 22-05 And WSA 22-06 [pdf]

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