USFWS Collecting Permitting Request For Comments

[Peter Rauch]

Check out http://www.fws.gov/r9dia/global/permfr.html if you are
concerned about U.S. government (USFWS) policy regarding the permitting
for the collecting of organisms. The Request For Public Comment period
 ends on 24 Sept 1998.
 ********************

(cross-posted to taxacom, entomo-l)
Peter

Excerpts:

   Federal Register
   U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International Affairs
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

  Development of Policy for the Use of Permits as Conservation Tools; Request
  for Public Comment

    AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
    ACTION: Scoping Notice.

    SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service is ...
    ... reviewing our
    current permitting programs and solicit information and comments from all
    interested parties on the development of a policy that would approach
    permits as a conservation tool and provide a more efficient permit process
    that is consistently implemented Service-wide, with a focus on scientific
    research and scientific and conservation institutions that meet certain
    standards.

    DATES: Send public comments on this notice by September 24, 1998. We will
    consider any comments in developing a policy.

    ADDRESSES: Send comments to the Chief, Office of Management Authority, U.S.
    Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington,
    Virginia 22203.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Teiko Saito, Chief, Office of Management
    Authority, at the above address, telephone (703) 358-2093, extension 2; fax
    (703) 358-2280.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
...cut, cut...
    Public Comments Solicited
    We intend to complete the review and development of any necessary new
    policy as quickly as possible. We invite interested organizations and the
    public to comment on the need for a policy for wildlife permits as a
    conservation tool and to suggest new approaches to permitting that could
    make the process more efficient and user friendly; ensure consistent and
    fair implementation; foster partnerships for wildlife conservation; and
    focus on risk management and conservation of protected animals and plants.
    Any suggested new approach needs to be consistent with our basic statutory
    responsibilities for the conservation of wildlife and plants; balance the
    benefits to the user with the risks of potentially harmful activities
    affecting protected species; and be capable of being applied in a
    consistent and fair manner to all affected persons.

    Required Determinations
    This notice is merely a scoping document seeking public input on the
    development of a policy that would approach permits as a conservation tool
    and provide a more efficient permit process. It complies with all
    applicable administrative requirements, and is not a significant regulatory
    action subject to the Office of Management and Budget review under
    Executive Order 12866.
...cut, cut...
    July 31, 1998
    /s/ Jamie Rappaport Clark, DIRECTOR