83_FR_3094 83 FR 3079 - Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-2017-18 and 2018-19 Subsistence Taking of Fish Regulations

83 FR 3079 - Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-2017-18 and 2018-19 Subsistence Taking of Fish Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 15 (January 23, 2018)

Page Range3079-3085
FR Document2018-00461

This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish for subsistence uses in Alaska during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) completes the biennial process of revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in even-numbered years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered years; public proposal and review processes take place during the preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the applicable biennial cycle. This rule also revises fish customary and traditional use determinations.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3079-3085]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00461]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

36 CFR Part 242

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 100

[Docket No. FWS-R7-SM-2015-0003; FXFR13350700640-167-FF07J00000; 
FBMS#4500096963]
RIN 1018-BA76


Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska--
2017-18 and 2018-19 Subsistence Taking of Fish Regulations

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture; Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest 
limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish for subsistence 
uses in Alaska during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 regulatory years. The 
Federal Subsistence Board (Board) completes the biennial process of 
revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in even-numbered 
years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered 
years; public proposal and review processes take place during the 
preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use 
determinations during the applicable biennial cycle. This rule also 
revises fish customary and traditional use determinations.

DATES: This rule is effective January 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The Board meeting transcripts are available for review at 
the Office of Subsistence Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, Mail Stop 
121, Anchorage, AK 99503, or on the Office of Subsistence Management 
website (https://www.doi.gov/subsistence). The comments received in 
response to the proposed rule are available on www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FWS-R7-SM-2015-0003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chair, Federal Subsistence Board, c/o 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attention: Eugene R. Peltola, Jr., 
Office of Subsistence Management; (907) 786-3888 or 
[email protected]. For questions specific to National Forest System 
lands, contact Thomas Whitford, Regional Subsistence Program Leader, 
USDA, Forest Service, Alaska Region; (907) 743-9461 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Under Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation 
Act (ANILCA) (16 U.S.C. 3111-3126), the Secretary of the Interior and 
the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries) jointly implement the 
Federal Subsistence Management Program. This program provides a 
preference for take of fish and wildlife resources for subsistence uses 
on Federal public lands and waters in Alaska. The Secretaries published 
temporary regulations to carry out this program in the Federal Register 
on June 29, 1990 (55 FR 27114), and published final regulations in the 
Federal Register on May 29, 1992 (57 FR 22940). The Program managers 
have subsequently amended these regulations a number of times. Because 
this program is a joint effort between Interior and Agriculture, these 
regulations are located in two titles of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR): Title 36, ``Parks, Forests, and Public Property,'' 
and Title 50, ``Wildlife and Fisheries,'' at 36 CFR 242.1-242.28 and 50 
CFR 100.1-100.28, respectively. The regulations contain subparts as 
follows: Subpart A, General Provisions; Subpart B, Program Structure; 
Subpart C, Board Determinations; and Subpart D, Subsistence Taking of 
Fish and Wildlife.
    Consistent with subpart B of these regulations, the Secretaries 
established a Federal Subsistence Board to administer the Federal 
Subsistence Management Program. The Board comprises:
     A Chair appointed by the Secretary of the Interior with 
concurrence of the Secretary of Agriculture;
     The Alaska Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service;
     The Alaska Regional Director, National Park Service;
     The Alaska State Director, Bureau of Land Management;
     The Alaska Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs;
     The Alaska Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service; and
     Two public members appointed by the Secretary of the 
Interior with concurrence of the Secretary of Agriculture.
    Through the Board, these agencies participate in the development of 
regulations for subparts C and D, which, among other things, set forth 
program eligibility and specific harvest seasons and limits.
    In administering the program, the Secretaries divided Alaska into 
10 subsistence resource regions, each of which is represented by a 
Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council (Council). The Councils 
provide a forum for rural residents with personal knowledge of local 
conditions and resource requirements to have a meaningful role in the 
subsistence management of fish and wildlife on Federal public lands in 
Alaska. The Council members represent varied geographical, cultural, 
and user interests within each region.
    The Board addresses customary and traditional use determinations 
during the applicable biennial cycle. Section __.24 (customary and 
traditional use determinations) was originally published in the Federal 
Register on May 29, 1992 (57 FR 22940). The regulations at 36 CFR 242.4 
and 50 CFR 100.4 define ``customary and traditional use'' as ``a long-
established, consistent pattern of use, incorporating beliefs and 
customs which have been transmitted from generation to generation. . . 
.'' Since 1992, the Board has made a number of customary and 
traditional use determinations at the request of affected subsistence 
users. Those modifications, along with some administrative corrections, 
were published in the Federal Register as follows:

                                          Modifications to Sec.   __.24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Rule made changes to the following
       Federal Register citation             Date of publication                 provisions  of __.24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
59 FR 27462............................  May 27, 1994..............  Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
59 FR 51855............................  October 13, 1994..........  Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
60 FR 10317............................  February 24, 1995.........  Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.

[[Page 3080]]

 
61 FR 39698............................  July 30, 1996.............  Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
62 FR 29016............................  May 29, 1997..............  Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
63 FR 35332............................  June 29, 1998.............  Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
63 FR 46148............................  August 28, 1998...........  Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
64 FR 1276.............................  January 8, 1999...........  Fish/Shellfish.
64 FR 35776............................  July 1, 1999..............  Wildlife.
65 FR 40730............................  June 30, 2000.............  Wildlife.
66 FR 10142............................  February 13, 2001.........  Fish/Shellfish.
66 FR 33744............................  June 25, 2001.............  Wildlife.
67 FR 5890.............................  February 7, 2002..........  Fish/Shellfish.
67 FR 43710............................  June 28, 2002.............  Wildlife.
68 FR 7276.............................  February 12, 2003.........  Fish/Shellfish.
69 FR 5018.............................  February 3, 2004..........  Fish/Shellfish.
69 FR 40174............................  July 1, 2004..............  Wildlife.
70 FR 13377............................  March 21, 2005............  Fish/Shellfish.
70 FR 36268............................  June 22, 2005.............  Wildlife.
71 FR 15569............................  March 29, 2006............  Fish/Shellfish.
71 FR 37642............................  June 30, 2006.............  Wildlife.
72 FR 12676............................  March 16, 2007............  Fish/Shellfish.
72 FR 73426............................  December 27, 2007.........  Wildlife/Fish.
73 FR 35726............................  June 26, 2008.............  Wildlife.
74 FR 14049............................  March 30, 2009............  Fish/Shellfish.
75 FR 37918............................  June 30, 2010.............  Wildlife.
76 FR 12564............................  March 8, 2011.............  Fish/Shellfish.
77 FR 35482............................  June 13, 2012.............  Wildlife.
79 FR 35232............................  June 19, 2014.............  Wildlife.
81 FR 52528............................  August 8, 2016............  Wildlife.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Rule

    The Departments published a proposed rule on February 22, 2016 (81 
FR 8675), to amend the fish section of subparts C and D of 36 CFR part 
242 and 50 CFR part 100. The proposed rule opened a comment period, 
which closed on April 1, 2016. The Departments advertised the proposed 
rule by mail, email, web page, social media, radio, and newspaper, and 
comments were submitted via www.regulations.gov to Docket No. FWS-R7-
SM-2015-0003. During that period, the Councils met and, in addition to 
other Council business, received suggestions for proposals from the 
public. The Board received a total of 15 proposals for changes to 
subparts C and D; this included 1 proposal that was deemed invalid 
because it was beyond the scope of the Board's authority. After the 
comment period closed, the Board prepared a booklet describing the 
proposals and distributed it to the public. The proposals were also 
available online. The public then had an additional 45 days in which to 
comment on the proposals for changes to the regulations.
    The 10 Councils met again, received public comments, and formulated 
their recommendations to the Board on proposals for their respective 
regions. The Councils had a substantial role in reviewing the proposed 
rule and making recommendations for the final rule. Moreover, a Council 
Chair, or a designated representative, presented each Council's 
recommendations at the Board's public meeting of January 10-12, 2017. 
These final regulations reflect Board review and consideration of 
Council recommendations, Tribal and Alaska Native corporation 
consultations, and public comments. The public received extensive 
opportunity to review and comment on all changes.
    Of the 14 valid proposals, 10 were on the Board's regular agenda 
and 4 were on the consensus agenda. The consensus agenda is made up of 
proposals for which there is agreement among the affected Councils, a 
majority of the Interagency Staff Committee members, and the Alaska 
Department of Fish and Game concerning a proposed regulatory action. 
Anyone may request that the Board remove a proposal from the consensus 
agenda and place it on the non-consensus (regular) agenda. The Board 
votes en masse on the consensus agenda after deliberation and action on 
all other proposals.
    Of the proposals on the consensus agenda, the Board adopted one; 
adopted two with modification; and rejected one. Analysis and 
justification for the action taken on each proposal on the consensus 
agenda are available for review at the Office of Subsistence 
Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, Mail Stop 121, Anchorage, AK 99503, 
or on the Office of Subsistence Management website (https://www.doi.gov/subsistence). Of the proposals on the regular (non-
consensus) agenda, the Board adopted one; adopted three with 
modification; rejected one; deferred one; withdrew three at the 
requests of the proponents; and took no action on one.

Summary of Non-Consensus Proposals Not Adopted by the Board

    The Board rejected, deferred, or took no action on three non-
consensus proposals. The rejected proposals were recommended for 
rejection by one or more of the Councils unless noted below.

Yukon-Northern Area

    The Board rejected a proposal to allow for the harvest of early-run 
Chinook Salmon in sub-district 5D of the Yukon River based on 
conservation concerns and treaty obligations. This action was supported 
by three Councils and contrary to the recommendation of one Council.

Kuskokwim Area

    The Board deferred action on one proposal to restructure the 
management plans, fishing schedules, and methods and means and allow 
for independent action to be taken by the in-season

[[Page 3081]]

manager on the Kuskokwim River. Action on this proposal was deferred 
until the next fish cycle, until the affected entities come to a 
conclusion, or a request to readdress this proposal is submitted.

Cook Inlet Area

    The Board took no action on one proposal for the Kenai River. This 
decision was based on its earlier action on a similar proposal 
addressing a community gillnet.

Summary of Non-Consensus Proposals Adopted by the Board

    The Board adopted or adopted with modification four non-consensus 
proposals. Modifications were suggested by the affected Council(s), 
developed during the analysis process, or developed during the Board's 
public deliberations. All of the adopted proposals were recommended for 
adoption by at least one of the Councils unless noted below.

Yukon-Northern Area

    The Board adopted a proposal to revise harvest limits to allow 
harvest once the mid-range of the interim management escapement goal 
and the total allowable catch goal are projected to be achieved on the 
Yukon River.
    The Board adopted a proposal with modification to revise the 
methods and means for the use of gillnets in Racetrack Slough of the 
Koyukuk River and the sloughs of the Huslia River drainage.

Cook Inlet Area

    The Board adopted a proposal with modification to revise the season 
dates for the experimental community gillnet fishery on the Kasilof 
River for the residents of Ninilchik.
    The Board adopted a proposal to revise the season dates, reporting 
requirements, and household harvest limits, require the live release of 
Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden, remove the requirement of an 
operational plan, and revise permit conditions for the community 
gillnet fishery on the Kenai River for the residents of Ninilchik.
    These final regulations reflect Board review and consideration of 
Council recommendations, Tribal and Alaska Native corporation 
consultations, and public comments. Because this rule concerns public 
lands managed by an agency or agencies in both the Departments of 
Agriculture and the Interior, identical text will be incorporated into 
36 CFR part 242 and 50 CFR part 100.

Conformance With Statutory and Regulatory Authorities

Administrative Procedure Act Compliance

    The Board has provided extensive opportunity for public input and 
involvement in compliance with Administrative Procedure Act 
requirements, including publishing a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register, participation in multiple Council meetings, additional public 
review and comment on all proposals for regulatory change, and 
opportunity for additional public comment during the Board meeting 
prior to deliberation. Additionally, an administrative mechanism exists 
(and has been used by the public) to request reconsideration of the 
Board's decision on any particular proposal for regulatory change (36 
CFR 242.20 and 50 CFR 100.20). Therefore, the Board believes that 
sufficient public notice and opportunity for involvement have been 
given to affected persons regarding Board decisions.
    In the more than 25 years that the Program has been operating, no 
benefit to the public has been demonstrated by delaying the effective 
date of the subsistence regulations. A lapse in regulatory control 
could affect the continued viability of fish or wildlife populations 
and future subsistence opportunities for rural Alaskans, and would 
generally fail to serve the overall public interest. Therefore, the 
Board finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to make this rule 
effective upon the date set forth in DATES to ensure continued 
operation of the subsistence program.

National Environmental Policy Act Compliance

    A Draft Environmental Impact Statement that described four 
alternatives for developing a Federal Subsistence Management Program 
was distributed for public comment on October 7, 1991. The Final 
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was published on February 28, 
1992. The Record of Decision (ROD) on Subsistence Management for 
Federal Public Lands in Alaska was signed April 6, 1992. The selected 
alternative in the FEIS (Alternative IV) defined the administrative 
framework of an annual regulatory cycle for subsistence regulations.
    The following Federal Register documents pertain to this 
rulemaking:

 Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, Subparts A, B, and C: Federal Register Documents
                                          Pertaining to the Final Rule
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Federal Register  citation         Date of publication            Category of document            Details
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57 FR 22940...................  May 29, 1992.................  Final Rule...................  ``Subsistence
                                                                                               Management
                                                                                               Regulations for
                                                                                               Public Lands in
                                                                                               Alaska; Final
                                                                                               Rule'' was
                                                                                               published in the
                                                                                               Federal Register.
64 FR 1276....................  January 8, 1999..............  Final Rule...................  Amended the
                                                                                               regulations to
                                                                                               include
                                                                                               subsistence
                                                                                               activities
                                                                                               occurring on
                                                                                               inland navigable
                                                                                               waters in which
                                                                                               the United States
                                                                                               has a reserved
                                                                                               water right and
                                                                                               to identify
                                                                                               specific Federal
                                                                                               land units where
                                                                                               reserved water
                                                                                               rights exist.
                                                                                               Extended the
                                                                                               Federal
                                                                                               Subsistence
                                                                                               Board's
                                                                                               management to all
                                                                                               Federal lands
                                                                                               selected under
                                                                                               the Alaska Native
                                                                                               Claims Settlement
                                                                                               Act and the
                                                                                               Alaska Statehood
                                                                                               Act and situated
                                                                                               within the
                                                                                               boundaries of a
                                                                                               Conservation
                                                                                               System Unit,
                                                                                               National
                                                                                               Recreation Area,
                                                                                               National
                                                                                               Conservation
                                                                                               Area, or any new
                                                                                               national forest
                                                                                               or forest
                                                                                               addition, until
                                                                                               conveyed to the
                                                                                               State of Alaska
                                                                                               or to an Alaska
                                                                                               Native
                                                                                               Corporation.
                                                                                               Specified and
                                                                                               clarified the
                                                                                               Secretaries'
                                                                                               authority to
                                                                                               determine when
                                                                                               hunting, fishing,
                                                                                               or trapping
                                                                                               activities taking
                                                                                               place in Alaska
                                                                                               off the public
                                                                                               lands interfere
                                                                                               with the
                                                                                               subsistence
                                                                                               priority.
66 FR 31533...................  June 12, 2001................  Interim Rule.................  Expanded the
                                                                                               authority that
                                                                                               the Federal
                                                                                               Subsistence Board
                                                                                               may delegate to
                                                                                               agency field
                                                                                               officials and
                                                                                               clarified the
                                                                                               procedures for
                                                                                               enacting
                                                                                               emergency or
                                                                                               temporary
                                                                                               restrictions,
                                                                                               closures, or
                                                                                               openings.

[[Page 3082]]

 
67 FR 30559...................  May 7, 2002..................  Final Rule...................  Amended the
                                                                                               operating
                                                                                               regulations in
                                                                                               response to
                                                                                               comments on the
                                                                                               June 12, 2001,
                                                                                               interim rule.
                                                                                               Also corrected
                                                                                               some inadvertent
                                                                                               errors and
                                                                                               oversights of
                                                                                               previous rules.
68 FR 7703....................  February 18, 2003............  Direct Final Rule............  Clarified how old
                                                                                               a person must be
                                                                                               to receive
                                                                                               certain
                                                                                               subsistence use
                                                                                               permits and
                                                                                               removed the
                                                                                               requirement that
                                                                                               Regional Advisory
                                                                                               Councils must
                                                                                               have an odd
                                                                                               number of
                                                                                               members.
68 FR 23035...................  April 30, 2003...............  Affirmation of Direct Final    Because no adverse
                                                                Rule.                          comments were
                                                                                               received on the
                                                                                               direct final rule
                                                                                               (67 FR 30559),
                                                                                               the direct final
                                                                                               rule was adopted.
69 FR 60957...................  October 14, 2004.............  Final Rule...................  Clarified the
                                                                                               membership
                                                                                               qualifications
                                                                                               for Regional
                                                                                               Advisory Council
                                                                                               membership and
                                                                                               relocated the
                                                                                               definition of
                                                                                               ``regulatory
                                                                                               year'' from
                                                                                               subpart A to
                                                                                               subpart D of the
                                                                                               regulations.
70 FR 76400...................  December 27, 2005............  Final Rule...................  Revised
                                                                                               jurisdiction in
                                                                                               marine waters and
                                                                                               clarified
                                                                                               jurisdiction
                                                                                               relative to
                                                                                               military lands.
71 FR 49997...................  August 24, 2006..............  Final Rule...................  Revised the
                                                                                               jurisdiction of
                                                                                               the subsistence
                                                                                               program by adding
                                                                                               submerged lands
                                                                                               and waters in the
                                                                                               area of Makhnati
                                                                                               Island, near
                                                                                               Sitka, AK. This
                                                                                               allowed
                                                                                               subsistence users
                                                                                               to harvest marine
                                                                                               resources in this
                                                                                               area under
                                                                                               seasons, harvest
                                                                                               limits, and
                                                                                               methods specified
                                                                                               in the
                                                                                               regulations.
72 FR 25688...................  May 7, 2007..................  Final Rule...................  Revised nonrural
                                                                                               determinations.
75 FR 63088...................  October 14, 2010.............  Final Rule...................  Amended the
                                                                                               regulations for
                                                                                               accepting and
                                                                                               addressing
                                                                                               special action
                                                                                               requests and the
                                                                                               role of the
                                                                                               Regional Advisory
                                                                                               Councils in the
                                                                                               process.
76 FR 56109...................  September 12, 2011...........  Final Rule...................  Revised the
                                                                                               composition of
                                                                                               the Federal
                                                                                               Subsistence Board
                                                                                               by expanding the
                                                                                               Board by two
                                                                                               public members
                                                                                               who possess
                                                                                               personal
                                                                                               knowledge of and
                                                                                               direct experience
                                                                                               with subsistence
                                                                                               uses in rural
                                                                                               Alaska.
77 FR 12477...................  March 1, 2012................  Final Rule...................  Extended the
                                                                                               compliance date
                                                                                               for the final
                                                                                               rule (72 FR
                                                                                               25688, May 7,
                                                                                               2007) that
                                                                                               revised nonrural
                                                                                               determinations
                                                                                               until the
                                                                                               Secretarial
                                                                                               program review is
                                                                                               complete or in 5
                                                                                               years, whichever
                                                                                               comes first.
80 FR 68249...................  November 4, 2015.............  Final Rule...................  Revised the
                                                                                               nonrural
                                                                                               determination
                                                                                               process and
                                                                                               allowed the
                                                                                               Federal
                                                                                               Subsistence Board
                                                                                               to define which
                                                                                               communities and
                                                                                               areas are
                                                                                               nonrural.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A 1997 environmental assessment dealt with the expansion of Federal 
jurisdiction over fisheries and is available at the office listed under 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The Secretary of the Interior, with 
concurrence of the Secretary of Agriculture, determined that expansion 
of Federal jurisdiction does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the human environment and, therefore, signed a 
Finding of No Significant Impact.

Section 810 of ANILCA

    An ANILCA section 810 analysis was completed as part of the FEIS 
process on the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The intent of 
all Federal subsistence regulations is to accord subsistence uses of 
fish and wildlife on public lands a priority over the taking of fish 
and wildlife on such lands for other purposes, unless restriction is 
necessary to conserve healthy fish and wildlife populations. The final 
section 810 analysis determination appeared in the April 6, 1992, ROD 
and concluded that the Program, under Alternative IV with an annual 
process for setting subsistence regulations, may have some local 
impacts on subsistence uses, but will not likely restrict subsistence 
uses significantly.
    During the subsequent environmental assessment process for 
extending fisheries jurisdiction, an evaluation of the effects of this 
rule was conducted in accordance with section 810. That evaluation also 
supported the Secretaries' determination that the rule will not reach 
the ``may significantly restrict'' threshold that would require notice 
and hearings under ANILCA section 810(a).

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA)

    An agency may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to 
respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. This rule 
does not contain any new collections of information that require OMB 
approval. OMB has reviewed and approved the collections of information 
associated with the subsistence regulations at 36 CFR part 242 and 50 
CFR part 100, and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0075, which expires 
June 30, 2019.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget will 
review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rule is not 
significant.
    Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while 
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. 
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches 
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for 
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and 
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further 
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that 
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open 
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent 
with these requirements.

[[Page 3083]]

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
requires preparation of flexibility analyses for rules that will have a 
significant effect on a substantial number of small entities, which 
include small businesses, organizations, or governmental jurisdictions. 
In general, the resources to be harvested under this rule are already 
being harvested and consumed by the local harvester and do not result 
in an additional dollar benefit to the economy. However, we estimate 
that two million pounds of meat are harvested by subsistence users 
annually and, if given an estimated dollar value of $3.00 per pound, 
this amount would equate to about $6 million in food value Statewide. 
Based upon the amounts and values cited above, the Departments certify 
that this rulemaking will not have a significant economic effect on a 
substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    Under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (5 
U.S.C. 801 et seq.), this rule is not a major rule. It does not have an 
effect on the economy of $100 million or more, will not cause a major 
increase in costs or prices for consumers, and does not have 
significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, 
productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to 
compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Executive Order 12630

    Title VIII of ANILCA requires the Secretaries to administer a 
subsistence priority on public lands. The scope of this Program is 
limited by definition to certain public lands. Likewise, these 
regulations have no potential takings of private property implications 
as defined by Executive Order 12630.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Secretaries have determined and certify pursuant to the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this 
rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given 
year on local or State governments or private entities. The 
implementation of this rule is by Federal agencies, and there is no 
cost imposed on any State or local entities or tribal governments.

Executive Order 12988

    The Secretaries have determined that these regulations meet the 
applicable standards provided in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive 
Order 12988, regarding civil justice reform.

Executive Order 13132

    In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have 
sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism summary impact statement. Title VIII of ANILCA precludes the 
State from exercising subsistence management authority over fish and 
wildlife resources on Federal lands unless it meets certain 
requirements.

Executive Order 13175

    The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Title VIII, 
does not provide specific rights to tribes for the subsistence taking 
of wildlife, fish, and shellfish. However, the Board provided Federally 
recognized Tribes and Alaska Native corporations opportunities to 
consult on this rule. Consultation with Alaska Native corporations are 
based on Public Law 108-199, div. H, Sec. 161, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 
452, as amended by Public Law 108-447, div. H, title V, Sec. 518, Dec. 
8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3267, which provides that: ``The Director of the 
Office of Management and Budget and all Federal agencies shall 
hereafter consult with Alaska Native corporations on the same basis as 
Indian tribes under Executive Order No. 13175.''
    The Secretaries, through the Board, provided a variety of 
opportunities for consultation: Commenting on proposed changes to the 
existing rule; engaging in dialogue at the Council meetings; engaging 
in dialogue at the Board's meetings; and providing input in person, by 
mail, email, or phone at any time during the rulemaking process.
    On April 12, 2016, the Board provided Federally recognized Tribes 
and Alaska Native Corporations a specific opportunity to consult on 
this rule prior to the start of its public regulatory meeting. 
Federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations were 
notified by mail and telephone and were given the opportunity to attend 
in person or via teleconference.

Executive Order 13211

    This Executive Order requires agencies to prepare Statements of 
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. However, this rule is 
not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 13211, affecting energy 
supply, distribution, or use, and no Statement of Energy Effects is 
required.

Drafting Information

    Theo Matuskowitz drafted these regulations under the guidance of 
Eugene R. Peltola, Jr. of the Office of Subsistence Management, Alaska 
Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska. 
Additional assistance was provided by:
     Daniel Sharp, Alaska State Office, Bureau of Land 
Management;
     Mary McBurney, Alaska Regional Office, National Park 
Service;
     Dr. Glenn Chen, Alaska Regional Office, Bureau of Indian 
Affairs;
     Carol Damberg, Alaska Regional Office, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service; and
     Thomas Whitford, Alaska Regional Office, USDA Forest 
Service.

List of Subjects

36 CFR Part 242

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Fish, National 
forests, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Wildlife.

50 CFR Part 100

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Fish, National 
forests, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Wildlife.

Regulation Promulgation

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Federal Subsistence 
Board amends title 36, part 242, and title 50, part 100, of the Code of 
Federal Regulations, as set forth below.

PART ____--SUBSISTENCE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC LANDS IN 
ALASKA

0
1. The authority citation for both 36 CFR part 242 and 50 CFR part 100 
continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3, 472, 551, 668dd, 3101-3126; 18 U.S.C. 
3551-3586; 43 U.S.C. 1733.

Subpart C--Board Determinations

0
2. Amend Sec.  ____.24(a)(2) in the table by revising the seventh entry 
under ``PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND AREA:'' to read as follows:


Sec.  ____.24  Customary and traditional use determinations.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *

[[Page 3084]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Area                     Species            Determination
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Prince William Sound Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Glennallen Subdistrict of     Salmon..............  Residents of the
 the Upper Copper River                              Prince William
 District.                                           Sound Area and
                                                     residents of
                                                     Cantwell,
                                                     Chickaloon,
                                                     Chisana, Dot Lake,
                                                     Dry Creek, Healy
                                                     Lake, Northway,
                                                     Tanacross, Tetlin,
                                                     Tok, and those
                                                     individuals living
                                                     along the Alaska
                                                     Highway from the
                                                     Alaskan/Canadian
                                                     border to Dot Lake,
                                                     along the Tok
                                                     Cutoff from Tok to
                                                     Mentasta Pass, and
                                                     along the Nabesna
                                                     Road.
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

Subpart D--Subsistence Taking of Fish and Wildlife

0
3. Amend Sec.  ____.27 by:
0
a. Adding paragraph (e)(3)(xiii)(B);
0
b. Revising paragraphs (e)(3)(xv)(A) and (B);
0
c. Adding paragraph (e)(3)(xvi)(F);
0
d. Revising paragraph (e)(10)(iv)(I) introductory text, and paragraph 
(e)(10)(iv)(J); and
0
f. Revising paragraph (e)(13)(ix).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  ____.27  Subsistence taking of fish.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (xiii) * * *
    (B) In Subdistrict 5D you may take salmon once the mid-range of the 
Canadian interim management escapement goal and the total allowable 
catch goal are projected to be achieved.
* * * * *
    (xv) * * *
    (A) In Subdistrict 4A upstream from the mouth of Stink Creek, you 
may take Chinook salmon by drift gillnets less than 150 feet in length 
from June 10 through July 14, and chum salmon by drift gillnets after 
August 2; unless closed by the Federal In-season Manager; from June 10 
through August 2, the Federal In-season Manager may open fishing 
periods during which chum salmon may be taken by drift gillnets.
    (B) In Subdistrict 4A downstream from the mouth of Stink Creek, you 
may take Chinook salmon by drift gillnets less than 150 feet in length 
from June 10 through July 14; unless closed by the Federal In-season 
Manager; from June 10 through August 2, the Federal In-season Manager 
may open fishing periods during which chum salmon may be taken by drift 
gillnets.
* * * * *
    (xvi) * * *
    (F) In Racetrack Slough on the Koyukuk River and in the sloughs of 
the Huslia River drainage, from when each river is free of ice through 
June 15, the offshore end of the set gillnet may not be closer than 20 
feet from the opposite bank except that sloughs 40 feet or less in 
width may have \3/4\ width coverage with set gillnet, unless closed by 
Federal special action.
* * * * *
    (10) * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (I) Residents of Ninilchik may harvest sockeye, Chinook, coho, and 
pink salmon through an experimental community gillnet fishery in the 
Federal public waters of the upper mainstem of the Kasilof River from a 
Federal regulatory marker on the river below the outlet of Tustumena 
Lake downstream to the Tustumena Lake boat launch June 16-August 15. 
The experimental community gillnet fishery will expire 5 years after 
approval of the first operational plan.
* * * * *
    (J) Residents of Ninilchik may harvest sockeye, Chinook, coho, and 
pink salmon in the Federal public waters of the Kenai River with a 
single gillnet to be managed and operated by the Ninilchik Traditional 
Council. Ninilchik residents may retain other species incidentally 
caught in the Kenai River except for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden; 
all rainbow trout and Dolly Varden must be released.
    (1) Only one community gillnet can be operated on the Kenai River. 
The gillnet cannot be over 10 fathoms in length, must be no larger than 
5.25-inch mesh, and may not obstruct more than half of the river width 
with stationary fishing gear. Subsistence stationary gillnet gear may 
not be set within 200 feet of other subsistence stationary gear.
    (2) One registration permit will be available and will be awarded 
by the Federal in-season fishery manager, in consultation with the 
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge manager. The registration permit will be 
issued to the Ninilchik Traditional Council.
    (i) As the community gillnet owner, the Ninilchik Traditional 
Council will be responsible for its use and removal in consultation 
with the Federal fishery manager.
    (ii) As part of the permit, after the season, the Ninilchik 
Traditional Council must provide written documentation of required 
evaluation information to the Federal fishery manager including, but 
not limited to, persons or households operating the gear, hours of 
operation, and number of each species caught and retained or released.
    (3) The Ninilchik Traditional Council may operate the net for 
subsistence purposes on behalf of residents of Ninilchik by requesting 
a subsistence fishing permit that:
    (i) Identifies a person who will be responsible for fishing the 
gillnet;
    (ii) Includes provisions for recording daily catches within 72 
hours, the household to whom the catch was given, and other information 
determined to be necessary for effective resource management by the 
Federal fishery manager.
    (4) Fishing will be allowed from July 1 through August 15 and 
September 10-30 on the Kenai River unless closed or otherwise 
restricted by Federal special action.
    (5) Salmon taken in the gillnet fishery will be included as part of 
the dip net/rod and reel household annual limits for the Kenai River of 
participating households.
    (6) Fishing for each salmon species will end and the fishery will 
be closed by Federal special action prior to regulatory end dates if 
the annual total harvest limit for that species is reached or 
superseded by Federal special action.
* * * * *
    (13) * * *

[[Page 3085]]

    (ix) Nets are prohibited in streams flowing across or adjacent to 
the roads on Wrangell and Mitkof islands, and in streams flowing across 
or adjacent to the road systems connected to the community of Sitka.
* * * * *

    Dated: December 5, 2017.
Eugene R. Peltola, Jr.,
Assistant Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting 
Chair, Federal Subsistence Board.
    Dated: December 6, 2017.
Thomas Whitford,
Subsistence Program Leader, USDA--Forest Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-00461 Filed 1-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-11-P; 4333-15-P



                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                                               3079

                                                Dated: January 18, 2018.                                           of Subsistence Management website                                        • A Chair appointed by the Secretary
                                              Aaron Siegel,                                                        (https://www.doi.gov/subsistence). The                                of the Interior with concurrence of the
                                              Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison                               comments received in response to the                                  Secretary of Agriculture;
                                              Officer, Department of Defense.                                      proposed rule are available on                                           • The Alaska Regional Director, U.S.
                                              [FR Doc. 2018–01168 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am]                          www.regulations.gov in Docket No.                                     Fish and Wildlife Service;
                                              BILLING CODE 5001–06–P                                               FWS–R7–SM–2015–0003.                                                     • The Alaska Regional Director,
                                                                                                                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                                                         National Park Service;
                                                                                                                   Chair, Federal Subsistence Board, c/o                                    • The Alaska State Director, Bureau
                                              DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                                            U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,                                       of Land Management;
                                                                                                                   Attention: Eugene R. Peltola, Jr., Office                                • The Alaska Regional Director,
                                              Forest Service                                                       of Subsistence Management; (907) 786–                                 Bureau of Indian Affairs;
                                                                                                                   3888 or subsistence@fws.gov. For                                         • The Alaska Regional Forester,
                                              36 CFR Part 242                                                      questions specific to National Forest                                 USDA Forest Service; and
                                                                                                                   System lands, contact Thomas Whitford,                                   • Two public members appointed by
                                              DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                                           Regional Subsistence Program Leader,                                  the Secretary of the Interior with
                                                                                                                   USDA, Forest Service, Alaska Region;                                  concurrence of the Secretary of
                                              Fish and Wildlife Service                                            (907) 743–9461 or twhitford@fs.fed.us.                                Agriculture.
                                                                                                                                                                                            Through the Board, these agencies
                                              50 CFR Part 100                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                            participate in the development of
                                                                                                                   Background                                                            regulations for subparts C and D, which,
                                              [Docket No. FWS–R7–SM–2015–0003;
                                              FXFR13350700640–167–FF07J00000;                                                                                                            among other things, set forth program
                                              FBMS#4500096963]
                                                                                                                      Under Title VIII of the Alaska                                     eligibility and specific harvest seasons
                                                                                                                   National Interest Lands Conservation                                  and limits.
                                              RIN 1018–BA76                                                        Act (ANILCA) (16 U.S.C. 3111–3126),                                      In administering the program, the
                                                                                                                   the Secretary of the Interior and the                                 Secretaries divided Alaska into 10
                                              Subsistence Management Regulations                                   Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries)                                subsistence resource regions, each of
                                              for Public Lands in Alaska—2017–18                                   jointly implement the Federal                                         which is represented by a Federal
                                              and 2018–19 Subsistence Taking of                                    Subsistence Management Program. This                                  Subsistence Regional Advisory Council
                                              Fish Regulations                                                     program provides a preference for take                                (Council). The Councils provide a forum
                                              AGENCY:  Forest Service, Agriculture;                                of fish and wildlife resources for                                    for rural residents with personal
                                              Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.                                 subsistence uses on Federal public                                    knowledge of local conditions and
                                              ACTION: Final rule.                                                  lands and waters in Alaska. The                                       resource requirements to have a
                                                                                                                   Secretaries published temporary                                       meaningful role in the subsistence
                                              SUMMARY:   This final rule establishes                               regulations to carry out this program in                              management of fish and wildlife on
                                              regulations for seasons, harvest limits,                             the Federal Register on June 29, 1990                                 Federal public lands in Alaska. The
                                              methods, and means related to taking of                              (55 FR 27114), and published final                                    Council members represent varied
                                              fish for subsistence uses in Alaska                                  regulations in the Federal Register on                                geographical, cultural, and user interests
                                              during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019                                   May 29, 1992 (57 FR 22940). The                                       within each region.
                                              regulatory years. The Federal                                        Program managers have subsequently                                       The Board addresses customary and
                                              Subsistence Board (Board) completes                                  amended these regulations a number of                                 traditional use determinations during
                                              the biennial process of revising                                     times. Because this program is a joint                                the applicable biennial cycle. Section
                                              subsistence hunting and trapping                                     effort between Interior and Agriculture,                              ll.24 (customary and traditional use
                                              regulations in even-numbered years and                               these regulations are located in two                                  determinations) was originally
                                              subsistence fishing and shellfish                                    titles of the Code of Federal Regulations                             published in the Federal Register on
                                              regulations in odd-numbered years;                                   (CFR): Title 36, ‘‘Parks, Forests, and                                May 29, 1992 (57 FR 22940). The
                                              public proposal and review processes                                 Public Property,’’ and Title 50,                                      regulations at 36 CFR 242.4 and 50 CFR
                                              take place during the preceding year.                                ‘‘Wildlife and Fisheries,’’ at 36 CFR                                 100.4 define ‘‘customary and traditional
                                              The Board also addresses customary and                               242.1–242.28 and 50 CFR 100.1–100.28,                                 use’’ as ‘‘a long-established, consistent
                                              traditional use determinations during                                respectively. The regulations contain                                 pattern of use, incorporating beliefs and
                                              the applicable biennial cycle. This rule                             subparts as follows: Subpart A, General                               customs which have been transmitted
                                              also revises fish customary and                                      Provisions; Subpart B, Program                                        from generation to generation. . . .’’
                                              traditional use determinations.                                      Structure; Subpart C, Board                                           Since 1992, the Board has made a
                                              DATES: This rule is effective January 23,                            Determinations; and Subpart D,                                        number of customary and traditional
                                              2018.                                                                Subsistence Taking of Fish and Wildlife.                              use determinations at the request of
                                              ADDRESSES: The Board meeting                                            Consistent with subpart B of these                                 affected subsistence users. Those
                                              transcripts are available for review at                              regulations, the Secretaries established a                            modifications, along with some
                                              the Office of Subsistence Management,                                Federal Subsistence Board to administer                               administrative corrections, were
                                              1011 East Tudor Road, Mail Stop 121,                                 the Federal Subsistence Management                                    published in the Federal Register as
                                              Anchorage, AK 99503, or on the Office                                Program. The Board comprises:                                         follows:

                                                                                                                            MODIFICATIONS TO § ll.24
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Rule made changes to the
                                                                   Federal Register citation                                                               Date of publication                                         following provisions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            of ll.24

                                              59 FR 27462 ....................................................................   May 27, 1994 ...................................................................   Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
                                              59 FR 51855 ....................................................................   October 13, 1994 .............................................................     Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
                                              60 FR 10317 ....................................................................   February 24, 1995 ...........................................................      Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.



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                                              3080                    Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                                                                                                     MODIFICATIONS TO § ll.24—Continued
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Rule made changes to the
                                                                     Federal Register citation                                                                   Date of publication                                          following provisions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   of ll.24

                                              61   FR   39698 ....................................................................    July 30, 1996 ...................................................................    Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
                                              62   FR   29016 ....................................................................    May 29, 1997 ...................................................................     Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
                                              63   FR   35332 ....................................................................    June 29, 1998 ..................................................................     Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
                                              63   FR   46148 ....................................................................    August 28, 1998 ..............................................................       Wildlife and Fish/Shellfish.
                                              64   FR   1276 ......................................................................   January 8, 1999 ...............................................................      Fish/Shellfish.
                                              64   FR   35776 ....................................................................    July 1, 1999 .....................................................................   Wildlife.
                                              65   FR   40730 ....................................................................    June 30, 2000 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              66   FR   10142 ....................................................................    February 13, 2001 ...........................................................        Fish/Shellfish.
                                              66   FR   33744 ....................................................................    June 25, 2001 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              67   FR   5890 ......................................................................   February 7, 2002 .............................................................       Fish/Shellfish.
                                              67   FR   43710 ....................................................................    June 28, 2002 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              68   FR   7276 ......................................................................   February 12, 2003 ...........................................................        Fish/Shellfish.
                                              69   FR   5018 ......................................................................   February 3, 2004 .............................................................       Fish/Shellfish.
                                              69   FR   40174 ....................................................................    July 1, 2004 .....................................................................   Wildlife.
                                              70   FR   13377 ....................................................................    March 21, 2005 ................................................................      Fish/Shellfish.
                                              70   FR   36268 ....................................................................    June 22, 2005 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              71   FR   15569 ....................................................................    March 29, 2006 ................................................................      Fish/Shellfish.
                                              71   FR   37642 ....................................................................    June 30, 2006 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              72   FR   12676 ....................................................................    March 16, 2007 ................................................................      Fish/Shellfish.
                                              72   FR   73426 ....................................................................    December 27, 2007 .........................................................          Wildlife/Fish.
                                              73   FR   35726 ....................................................................    June 26, 2008 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              74   FR   14049 ....................................................................    March 30, 2009 ................................................................      Fish/Shellfish.
                                              75   FR   37918 ....................................................................    June 30, 2010 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              76   FR   12564 ....................................................................    March 8, 2011 ..................................................................     Fish/Shellfish.
                                              77   FR   35482 ....................................................................    June 13, 2012 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              79   FR   35232 ....................................................................    June 19, 2014 ..................................................................     Wildlife.
                                              81   FR   52528 ....................................................................    August 8, 2016 ................................................................      Wildlife.



                                              Current Rule                                                             recommendations for the final rule.                                     Management, 1011 East Tudor Road,
                                                The Departments published a                                            Moreover, a Council Chair, or a                                         Mail Stop 121, Anchorage, AK 99503, or
                                              proposed rule on February 22, 2016 (81                                   designated representative, presented                                    on the Office of Subsistence
                                              FR 8675), to amend the fish section of                                   each Council’s recommendations at the                                   Management website (https://
                                              subparts C and D of 36 CFR part 242 and                                  Board’s public meeting of January 10–                                   www.doi.gov/subsistence). Of the
                                              50 CFR part 100. The proposed rule                                       12, 2017. These final regulations reflect                               proposals on the regular (non-
                                              opened a comment period, which closed                                    Board review and consideration of                                       consensus) agenda, the Board adopted
                                              on April 1, 2016. The Departments                                        Council recommendations, Tribal and                                     one; adopted three with modification;
                                              advertised the proposed rule by mail,                                    Alaska Native corporation                                               rejected one; deferred one; withdrew
                                              email, web page, social media, radio,                                    consultations, and public comments.                                     three at the requests of the proponents;
                                              and newspaper, and comments were                                         The public received extensive                                           and took no action on one.
                                              submitted via www.regulations.gov to                                     opportunity to review and comment on                                    Summary of Non-Consensus Proposals
                                              Docket No. FWS–R7–SM–2015–0003.                                          all changes.                                                            Not Adopted by the Board
                                              During that period, the Councils met                                        Of the 14 valid proposals, 10 were on
                                                                                                                       the Board’s regular agenda and 4 were                                     The Board rejected, deferred, or took
                                              and, in addition to other Council                                                                                                                no action on three non-consensus
                                              business, received suggestions for                                       on the consensus agenda. The
                                                                                                                       consensus agenda is made up of                                          proposals. The rejected proposals were
                                              proposals from the public. The Board                                                                                                             recommended for rejection by one or
                                              received a total of 15 proposals for                                     proposals for which there is agreement
                                                                                                                       among the affected Councils, a majority                                 more of the Councils unless noted
                                              changes to subparts C and D; this                                                                                                                below.
                                              included 1 proposal that was deemed                                      of the Interagency Staff Committee
                                              invalid because it was beyond the scope                                  members, and the Alaska Department of                                   Yukon-Northern Area
                                              of the Board’s authority. After the                                      Fish and Game concerning a proposed                                        The Board rejected a proposal to
                                              comment period closed, the Board                                         regulatory action. Anyone may request                                   allow for the harvest of early-run
                                              prepared a booklet describing the                                        that the Board remove a proposal from                                   Chinook Salmon in sub-district 5D of
                                              proposals and distributed it to the                                      the consensus agenda and place it on                                    the Yukon River based on conservation
                                              public. The proposals were also                                          the non-consensus (regular) agenda. The                                 concerns and treaty obligations. This
                                              available online. The public then had an                                 Board votes en masse on the consensus                                   action was supported by three Councils
                                              additional 45 days in which to comment                                   agenda after deliberation and action on                                 and contrary to the recommendation of
                                              on the proposals for changes to the                                      all other proposals.                                                    one Council.
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                                              regulations.                                                                Of the proposals on the consensus
                                                The 10 Councils met again, received                                    agenda, the Board adopted one; adopted                                  Kuskokwim Area
                                              public comments, and formulated their                                    two with modification; and rejected one.                                  The Board deferred action on one
                                              recommendations to the Board on                                          Analysis and justification for the action                               proposal to restructure the management
                                              proposals for their respective regions.                                  taken on each proposal on the                                           plans, fishing schedules, and methods
                                              The Councils had a substantial role in                                   consensus agenda are available for                                      and means and allow for independent
                                              reviewing the proposed rule and making                                   review at the Office of Subsistence                                     action to be taken by the in-season


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                   3081

                                              manager on the Kuskokwim River.                           fishery on the Kasilof River for the                      proposal for regulatory change (36 CFR
                                              Action on this proposal was deferred                      residents of Ninilchik.                                   242.20 and 50 CFR 100.20). Therefore,
                                              until the next fish cycle, until the                         The Board adopted a proposal to                        the Board believes that sufficient public
                                              affected entities come to a conclusion,                   revise the season dates, reporting                        notice and opportunity for involvement
                                              or a request to readdress this proposal                   requirements, and household harvest                       have been given to affected persons
                                              is submitted.                                             limits, require the live release of                       regarding Board decisions.
                                                                                                        Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden,                              In the more than 25 years that the
                                              Cook Inlet Area                                           remove the requirement of an
                                                The Board took no action on one                                                                                   Program has been operating, no benefit
                                                                                                        operational plan, and revise permit
                                              proposal for the Kenai River. This                                                                                  to the public has been demonstrated by
                                                                                                        conditions for the community gillnet
                                              decision was based on its earlier action                                                                            delaying the effective date of the
                                                                                                        fishery on the Kenai River for the
                                              on a similar proposal addressing a                                                                                  subsistence regulations. A lapse in
                                                                                                        residents of Ninilchik.
                                              community gillnet.                                           These final regulations reflect Board                  regulatory control could affect the
                                                                                                        review and consideration of Council                       continued viability of fish or wildlife
                                              Summary of Non-Consensus Proposals                                                                                  populations and future subsistence
                                                                                                        recommendations, Tribal and Alaska
                                              Adopted by the Board                                                                                                opportunities for rural Alaskans, and
                                                                                                        Native corporation consultations, and
                                                The Board adopted or adopted with                       public comments. Because this rule                        would generally fail to serve the overall
                                              modification four non-consensus                           concerns public lands managed by an                       public interest. Therefore, the Board
                                              proposals. Modifications were suggested                   agency or agencies in both the                            finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
                                              by the affected Council(s), developed                     Departments of Agriculture and the                        553(d)(3) to make this rule effective
                                              during the analysis process, or                           Interior, identical text will be                          upon the date set forth in DATES to
                                              developed during the Board’s public                       incorporated into 36 CFR part 242 and                     ensure continued operation of the
                                              deliberations. All of the adopted                         50 CFR part 100.                                          subsistence program.
                                              proposals were recommended for                                                                                      National Environmental Policy Act
                                              adoption by at least one of the Councils                  Conformance With Statutory and
                                                                                                        Regulatory Authorities                                    Compliance
                                              unless noted below.
                                              Yukon-Northern Area                                       Administrative Procedure Act                                 A Draft Environmental Impact
                                                                                                        Compliance                                                Statement that described four
                                                The Board adopted a proposal to                                                                                   alternatives for developing a Federal
                                              revise harvest limits to allow harvest                      The Board has provided extensive
                                                                                                        opportunity for public input and                          Subsistence Management Program was
                                              once the mid-range of the interim                                                                                   distributed for public comment on
                                              management escapement goal and the                        involvement in compliance with
                                                                                                        Administrative Procedure Act                              October 7, 1991. The Final
                                              total allowable catch goal are projected                                                                            Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
                                              to be achieved on the Yukon River.                        requirements, including publishing a
                                                                                                        proposed rule in the Federal Register,                    was published on February 28, 1992.
                                                The Board adopted a proposal with                                                                                 The Record of Decision (ROD) on
                                              modification to revise the methods and                    participation in multiple Council
                                                                                                        meetings, additional public review and                    Subsistence Management for Federal
                                              means for the use of gillnets in
                                                                                                        comment on all proposals for regulatory                   Public Lands in Alaska was signed April
                                              Racetrack Slough of the Koyukuk River
                                                                                                        change, and opportunity for additional                    6, 1992. The selected alternative in the
                                              and the sloughs of the Huslia River
                                                                                                        public comment during the Board                           FEIS (Alternative IV) defined the
                                              drainage.
                                                                                                        meeting prior to deliberation.                            administrative framework of an annual
                                              Cook Inlet Area                                           Additionally, an administrative                           regulatory cycle for subsistence
                                                The Board adopted a proposal with                       mechanism exists (and has been used by                    regulations.
                                              modification to revise the season dates                   the public) to request reconsideration of                    The following Federal Register
                                              for the experimental community gillnet                    the Board’s decision on any particular                    documents pertain to this rulemaking:

                                                SUBSISTENCE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC LANDS IN ALASKA, SUBPARTS A, B, AND C: Federal Register
                                                                             DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO THE FINAL RULE
                                                 Federal Register             Date of publication       Category of document                                              Details
                                                     citation

                                              57 FR 22940 ..............    May 29, 1992 ............   Final Rule ..................   ‘‘Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska;
                                                                                                                                           Final Rule’’ was published in the Federal Register.
                                              64 FR 1276 ................   January 8, 1999 ........    Final Rule ..................   Amended the regulations to include subsistence activities occurring on
                                                                                                                                           inland navigable waters in which the United States has a reserved
                                                                                                                                           water right and to identify specific Federal land units where reserved
                                                                                                                                           water rights exist. Extended the Federal Subsistence Board’s man-
                                                                                                                                           agement to all Federal lands selected under the Alaska Native
                                                                                                                                           Claims Settlement Act and the Alaska Statehood Act and situated
                                                                                                                                           within the boundaries of a Conservation System Unit, National
                                                                                                                                           Recreation Area, National Conservation Area, or any new national
                                                                                                                                           forest or forest addition, until conveyed to the State of Alaska or to
                                                                                                                                           an Alaska Native Corporation. Specified and clarified the Secre-
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                                                                                                                                           taries’ authority to determine when hunting, fishing, or trapping ac-
                                                                                                                                           tivities taking place in Alaska off the public lands interfere with the
                                                                                                                                           subsistence priority.
                                              66 FR 31533 ..............    June 12, 2001 ...........   Interim Rule ...............    Expanded the authority that the Federal Subsistence Board may dele-
                                                                                                                                           gate to agency field officials and clarified the procedures for enact-
                                                                                                                                           ing emergency or temporary restrictions, closures, or openings.




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                                              3082               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                                SUBSISTENCE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC LANDS IN ALASKA, SUBPARTS A, B, AND C: Federal Register
                                                                        DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO THE FINAL RULE—Continued
                                                 Federal Register             Date of publication         Category of document                                              Details
                                                     citation

                                              67 FR 30559 ..............    May 7, 2002 ..............    Final Rule ..................   Amended the operating regulations in response to comments on the
                                                                                                                                            June 12, 2001, interim rule. Also corrected some inadvertent errors
                                                                                                                                            and oversights of previous rules.
                                              68 FR 7703 ................   February 18, 2003 .....       Direct Final Rule ........      Clarified how old a person must be to receive certain subsistence use
                                                                                                                                            permits and removed the requirement that Regional Advisory Coun-
                                                                                                                                            cils must have an odd number of members.
                                              68 FR 23035 ..............    April 30, 2003 ............   Affirmation of Direct           Because no adverse comments were received on the direct final rule
                                                                                                            Final Rule.                     (67 FR 30559), the direct final rule was adopted.
                                              69 FR 60957 ..............    October 14, 2004 ......       Final Rule ..................   Clarified the membership qualifications for Regional Advisory Council
                                                                                                                                            membership and relocated the definition of ‘‘regulatory year’’ from
                                                                                                                                            subpart A to subpart D of the regulations.
                                              70 FR 76400 ..............    December 27, 2005 ..          Final Rule ..................   Revised jurisdiction in marine waters and clarified jurisdiction relative
                                                                                                                                            to military lands.
                                              71 FR 49997 ..............    August 24, 2006 ........      Final Rule ..................   Revised the jurisdiction of the subsistence program by adding sub-
                                                                                                                                            merged lands and waters in the area of Makhnati Island, near Sitka,
                                                                                                                                            AK. This allowed subsistence users to harvest marine resources in
                                                                                                                                            this area under seasons, harvest limits, and methods specified in
                                                                                                                                            the regulations.
                                              72 FR 25688 ..............    May 7, 2007 ..............    Final Rule ..................   Revised nonrural determinations.
                                              75 FR 63088 ..............    October 14, 2010 ......       Final Rule ..................   Amended the regulations for accepting and addressing special action
                                                                                                                                            requests and the role of the Regional Advisory Councils in the proc-
                                                                                                                                            ess.
                                              76 FR 56109 ..............    September 12, 2011 ..         Final Rule ..................   Revised the composition of the Federal Subsistence Board by expand-
                                                                                                                                            ing the Board by two public members who possess personal knowl-
                                                                                                                                            edge of and direct experience with subsistence uses in rural Alaska.
                                              77 FR 12477 ..............    March 1, 2012 ...........     Final Rule ..................   Extended the compliance date for the final rule (72 FR 25688, May 7,
                                                                                                                                            2007) that revised nonrural determinations until the Secretarial pro-
                                                                                                                                            gram review is complete or in 5 years, whichever comes first.
                                              80 FR 68249 ..............    November 4, 2015 .....        Final Rule ..................   Revised the nonrural determination process and allowed the Federal
                                                                                                                                            Subsistence Board to define which communities and areas are
                                                                                                                                            nonrural.



                                                A 1997 environmental assessment                           will not likely restrict subsistence uses                 Regulatory Planning and Review
                                              dealt with the expansion of Federal                         significantly.                                            (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
                                              jurisdiction over fisheries and is                             During the subsequent environmental
                                              available at the office listed under FOR                                                                                Executive Order 12866 provides that
                                                                                                          assessment process for extending                          the Office of Information and Regulatory
                                              FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The
                                                                                                          fisheries jurisdiction, an evaluation of                  Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of
                                              Secretary of the Interior, with
                                                                                                          the effects of this rule was conducted in                 Management and Budget will review all
                                              concurrence of the Secretary of
                                                                                                          accordance with section 810. That                         significant rules. OIRA has determined
                                              Agriculture, determined that expansion
                                              of Federal jurisdiction does not                            evaluation also supported the                             that this rule is not significant.
                                              constitute a major Federal action                           Secretaries’ determination that the rule
                                                                                                          will not reach the ‘‘may significantly                      Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the
                                              significantly affecting the human                                                                                     principles of E.O. 12866 while calling
                                              environment and, therefore, signed a                        restrict’’ threshold that would require
                                                                                                          notice and hearings under ANILCA                          for improvements in the nation’s
                                              Finding of No Significant Impact.                                                                                     regulatory system to promote
                                                                                                          section 810(a).
                                              Section 810 of ANILCA                                                                                                 predictability, to reduce uncertainty,
                                                                                                          Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA)                     and to use the best, most innovative,
                                                An ANILCA section 810 analysis was                                                                                  and least burdensome tools for
                                              completed as part of the FEIS process on                      An agency may not conduct or
                                                                                                                                                                    achieving regulatory ends. The
                                              the Federal Subsistence Management                          sponsor and you are not required to
                                                                                                                                                                    executive order directs agencies to
                                              Program. The intent of all Federal                          respond to a collection of information
                                                                                                                                                                    consider regulatory approaches that
                                              subsistence regulations is to accord                        unless it displays a currently valid
                                                                                                                                                                    reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
                                              subsistence uses of fish and wildlife on                    Office of Management and Budget
                                                                                                                                                                    and freedom of choice for the public
                                              public lands a priority over the taking                     (OMB) control number. This rule does
                                                                                                                                                                    where these approaches are relevant,
                                              of fish and wildlife on such lands for                      not contain any new collections of
                                                                                                                                                                    feasible, and consistent with regulatory
                                              other purposes, unless restriction is                       information that require OMB approval.
                                              necessary to conserve healthy fish and                                                                                objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes
                                                                                                          OMB has reviewed and approved the
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                                              wildlife populations. The final section                                                                               further that regulations must be based
                                                                                                          collections of information associated
                                              810 analysis determination appeared in                                                                                on the best available science and that
                                                                                                          with the subsistence regulations at 36
                                              the April 6, 1992, ROD and concluded                                                                                  the rulemaking process must allow for
                                                                                                          CFR part 242 and 50 CFR part 100, and
                                              that the Program, under Alternative IV                                                                                public participation and an open
                                                                                                          assigned OMB Control Number 1018–
                                              with an annual process for setting                                                                                    exchange of ideas. We have developed
                                                                                                          0075, which expires June 30, 2019.
                                              subsistence regulations, may have some                                                                                this rule in a manner consistent with
                                              local impacts on subsistence uses, but                                                                                these requirements.


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                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                            3083

                                              Regulatory Flexibility Act                              Executive Order 12988                                  13211, affecting energy supply,
                                                                                                        The Secretaries have determined that                 distribution, or use, and no Statement of
                                                The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980                                                                       Energy Effects is required.
                                              (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires                         these regulations meet the applicable
                                              preparation of flexibility analyses for                 standards provided in sections 3(a) and                Drafting Information
                                              rules that will have a significant effect               3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988,
                                                                                                      regarding civil justice reform.                          Theo Matuskowitz drafted these
                                              on a substantial number of small                                                                               regulations under the guidance of
                                              entities, which include small                           Executive Order 13132                                  Eugene R. Peltola, Jr. of the Office of
                                              businesses, organizations, or                              In accordance with Executive Order                  Subsistence Management, Alaska
                                              governmental jurisdictions. In general,                 13132, the rule does not have sufficient               Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
                                              the resources to be harvested under this                Federalism implications to warrant the                 Service, Anchorage, Alaska. Additional
                                              rule are already being harvested and                    preparation of a Federalism summary                    assistance was provided by:
                                              consumed by the local harvester and do                  impact statement. Title VIII of ANILCA                   • Daniel Sharp, Alaska State Office,
                                              not result in an additional dollar benefit              precludes the State from exercising                    Bureau of Land Management;
                                              to the economy. However, we estimate                    subsistence management authority over                    • Mary McBurney, Alaska Regional
                                              that two million pounds of meat are                     fish and wildlife resources on Federal                 Office, National Park Service;
                                              harvested by subsistence users annually                 lands unless it meets certain                            • Dr. Glenn Chen, Alaska Regional
                                              and, if given an estimated dollar value                 requirements.                                          Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs;
                                              of $3.00 per pound, this amount would                                                                            • Carol Damberg, Alaska Regional
                                              equate to about $6 million in food value                Executive Order 13175
                                                                                                                                                             Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
                                              Statewide. Based upon the amounts and                      The Alaska National Interest Lands                  and
                                              values cited above, the Departments                     Conservation Act, Title VIII, does not                   • Thomas Whitford, Alaska Regional
                                              certify that this rulemaking will not                   provide specific rights to tribes for the              Office, USDA Forest Service.
                                              have a significant economic effect on a                 subsistence taking of wildlife, fish, and
                                              substantial number of small entities                    shellfish. However, the Board provided                 List of Subjects
                                              within the meaning of the Regulatory                    Federally recognized Tribes and Alaska                 36 CFR Part 242
                                              Flexibility Act.                                        Native corporations opportunities to
                                                                                                      consult on this rule. Consultation with                  Administrative practice and
                                              Small Business Regulatory Enforcement                                                                          procedure, Alaska, Fish, National
                                                                                                      Alaska Native corporations are based on
                                              Fairness Act                                                                                                   forests, Public lands, Reporting and
                                                                                                      Public Law 108–199, div. H, Sec. 161,
                                                                                                      Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 452, as amended               recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife.
                                                 Under the Small Business Regulatory
                                              Enforcement Fairness Act (5 U.S.C. 801                  by Public Law 108–447, div. H, title V,                50 CFR Part 100
                                              et seq.), this rule is not a major rule. It             Sec. 518, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3267,
                                                                                                      which provides that: ‘‘The Director of                   Administrative practice and
                                              does not have an effect on the economy                                                                         procedure, Alaska, Fish, National
                                              of $100 million or more, will not cause                 the Office of Management and Budget
                                                                                                      and all Federal agencies shall hereafter               forests, Public lands, Reporting and
                                              a major increase in costs or prices for                                                                        recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife.
                                              consumers, and does not have                            consult with Alaska Native corporations
                                              significant adverse effects on                          on the same basis as Indian tribes under               Regulation Promulgation
                                              competition, employment, investment,                    Executive Order No. 13175.’’
                                                                                                         The Secretaries, through the Board,                    For the reasons set out in the
                                              productivity, innovation, or the ability                                                                       preamble, the Federal Subsistence
                                              of U.S.-based enterprises to compete                    provided a variety of opportunities for
                                                                                                      consultation: Commenting on proposed                   Board amends title 36, part 242, and
                                              with foreign-based enterprises.                                                                                title 50, part 100, of the Code of Federal
                                                                                                      changes to the existing rule; engaging in
                                              Executive Order 12630                                   dialogue at the Council meetings;                      Regulations, as set forth below.
                                                                                                      engaging in dialogue at the Board’s
                                                Title VIII of ANILCA requires the                                                                            PART ____—SUBSISTENCE
                                                                                                      meetings; and providing input in
                                              Secretaries to administer a subsistence                                                                        MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS FOR
                                                                                                      person, by mail, email, or phone at any
                                              priority on public lands. The scope of                                                                         PUBLIC LANDS IN ALASKA
                                                                                                      time during the rulemaking process.
                                              this Program is limited by definition to                   On April 12, 2016, the Board
                                              certain public lands. Likewise, these                                                                          ■ 1. The authority citation for both 36
                                                                                                      provided Federally recognized Tribes                   CFR part 242 and 50 CFR part 100
                                              regulations have no potential takings of                and Alaska Native Corporations a
                                              private property implications as defined                                                                       continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                      specific opportunity to consult on this
                                              by Executive Order 12630.                               rule prior to the start of its public                    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3, 472, 551, 668dd,
                                                                                                                                                             3101–3126; 18 U.S.C. 3551–3586; 43 U.S.C.
                                              Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                            regulatory meeting. Federally
                                                                                                                                                             1733.
                                                                                                      recognized Tribes and Alaska Native
                                                 The Secretaries have determined and                  Corporations were notified by mail and                 Subpart C—Board Determinations
                                              certify pursuant to the Unfunded                        telephone and were given the
                                              Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et                   opportunity to attend in person or via                 ■  2. Amend § ____.24(a)(2) in the table
                                              seq., that this rulemaking will not                     teleconference.                                        by revising the seventh entry under
                                              impose a cost of $100 million or more                                                                          ‘‘PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND AREA:’’ to
                                              in any given year on local or State                     Executive Order 13211
                                                                                                                                                             read as follows:
                                              governments or private entities. The                      This Executive Order requires
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                                              implementation of this rule is by                       agencies to prepare Statements of                      § ____.24 Customary and traditional use
                                              Federal agencies, and there is no cost                  Energy Effects when undertaking certain                determinations.
                                              imposed on any State or local entities or               actions. However, this rule is not a                       (a) * * *
                                              tribal governments.                                     significant regulatory action under E.O.                   (2) * * *




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                                              3084                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                                                      Area                                Species                                                    Determination


                                                          *                         *                        *                           *                       *                      *              *

                                                                                                                      Prince William Sound Area


                                                       *                    *                              *                           *                  *                    *                 *
                                              Glennallen Subdistrict of the Upper Cop-               Salmon .............    Residents of the Prince William Sound Area and residents of Cantwell,
                                                per River District.                                                            Chickaloon, Chisana, Dot Lake, Dry Creek, Healy Lake, Northway, Tanacross,
                                                                                                                               Tetlin, Tok, and those individuals living along the Alaska Highway from the
                                                                                                                               Alaskan/Canadian border to Dot Lake, along the Tok Cutoff from Tok to
                                                                                                                               Mentasta Pass, and along the Nabesna Road.

                                                          *                         *                        *                           *                       *                      *              *



                                              *      *         *       *      *                               (xvi) * * *                                              consultation with the Kenai National
                                                                                                              (F) In Racetrack Slough on the                           Wildlife Refuge manager. The
                                              Subpart D—Subsistence Taking of                              Koyukuk River and in the sloughs of the                     registration permit will be issued to the
                                              Fish and Wildlife                                            Huslia River drainage, from when each                       Ninilchik Traditional Council.
                                                                                                           river is free of ice through June 15, the                      (i) As the community gillnet owner,
                                              ■ 3. Amend § ____.27 by:                                     offshore end of the set gillnet may not                     the Ninilchik Traditional Council will
                                              ■ a. Adding paragraph (e)(3)(xiii)(B);
                                                                                                           be closer than 20 feet from the opposite                    be responsible for its use and removal
                                              ■ b. Revising paragraphs (e)(3)(xv)(A)
                                                                                                           bank except that sloughs 40 feet or less                    in consultation with the Federal fishery
                                              and (B);
                                                                                                           in width may have 3⁄4 width coverage                        manager.
                                              ■ c. Adding paragraph (e)(3)(xvi)(F);
                                                                                                           with set gillnet, unless closed by                             (ii) As part of the permit, after the
                                              ■ d. Revising paragraph (e)(10)(iv)(I)
                                                                                                           Federal special action.                                     season, the Ninilchik Traditional
                                              introductory text, and paragraph
                                              (e)(10)(iv)(J); and                                          *      *     *     *     *                                  Council must provide written
                                              ■ f. Revising paragraph (e)(13)(ix).                            (10) * * *                                               documentation of required evaluation
                                                 The additions and revisions read as                          (iv) * * *                                               information to the Federal fishery
                                              follows:                                                        (I) Residents of Ninilchik may harvest                   manager including, but not limited to,
                                                                                                           sockeye, Chinook, coho, and pink                            persons or households operating the
                                              § ____.27       Subsistence taking of fish.                  salmon through an experimental                              gear, hours of operation, and number of
                                              *      *     *     *    *                                    community gillnet fishery in the Federal                    each species caught and retained or
                                                 (e) * * *                                                 public waters of the upper mainstem of                      released.
                                                 (3) * * *                                                 the Kasilof River from a Federal                               (3) The Ninilchik Traditional Council
                                                 (xiii) * * *                                              regulatory marker on the river below the                    may operate the net for subsistence
                                                 (B) In Subdistrict 5D you may take                        outlet of Tustumena Lake downstream                         purposes on behalf of residents of
                                              salmon once the mid-range of the                             to the Tustumena Lake boat launch June                      Ninilchik by requesting a subsistence
                                              Canadian interim management                                  16–August 15. The experimental                              fishing permit that:
                                              escapement goal and the total allowable                      community gillnet fishery will expire 5                        (i) Identifies a person who will be
                                              catch goal are projected to be achieved.                     years after approval of the first                           responsible for fishing the gillnet;
                                              *      *     *     *    *                                    operational plan.                                              (ii) Includes provisions for recording
                                                 (xv) * * *                                                *      *     *     *     *                                  daily catches within 72 hours, the
                                                 (A) In Subdistrict 4A upstream from                          (J) Residents of Ninilchik may harvest                   household to whom the catch was
                                              the mouth of Stink Creek, you may take                       sockeye, Chinook, coho, and pink                            given, and other information
                                              Chinook salmon by drift gillnets less                        salmon in the Federal public waters of                      determined to be necessary for effective
                                              than 150 feet in length from June 10                         the Kenai River with a single gillnet to                    resource management by the Federal
                                              through July 14, and chum salmon by                          be managed and operated by the                              fishery manager.
                                              drift gillnets after August 2; unless                        Ninilchik Traditional Council. Ninilchik                       (4) Fishing will be allowed from July
                                              closed by the Federal In-season                              residents may retain other species                          1 through August 15 and September 10–
                                              Manager; from June 10 through August                         incidentally caught in the Kenai River                      30 on the Kenai River unless closed or
                                              2, the Federal In-season Manager may                         except for rainbow trout and Dolly                          otherwise restricted by Federal special
                                              open fishing periods during which                            Varden; all rainbow trout and Dolly                         action.
                                              chum salmon may be taken by drift                            Varden must be released.                                       (5) Salmon taken in the gillnet fishery
                                              gillnets.                                                       (1) Only one community gillnet can                       will be included as part of the dip net/
                                                 (B) In Subdistrict 4A downstream                          be operated on the Kenai River. The                         rod and reel household annual limits for
                                              from the mouth of Stink Creek, you may                       gillnet cannot be over 10 fathoms in                        the Kenai River of participating
                                              take Chinook salmon by drift gillnets                        length, must be no larger than 5.25-inch                    households.
                                              less than 150 feet in length from June 10                    mesh, and may not obstruct more than                           (6) Fishing for each salmon species
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                                              through July 14; unless closed by the                        half of the river width with stationary                     will end and the fishery will be closed
                                              Federal In-season Manager; from June                         fishing gear. Subsistence stationary                        by Federal special action prior to
                                              10 through August 2, the Federal In-                         gillnet gear may not be set within 200                      regulatory end dates if the annual total
                                              season Manager may open fishing                              feet of other subsistence stationary gear.                  harvest limit for that species is reached
                                              periods during which chum salmon may                            (2) One registration permit will be                      or superseded by Federal special action.
                                              be taken by drift gillnets.                                  available and will be awarded by the                        *       *    *      *    *
                                              *      *     *     *    *                                    Federal in-season fishery manager, in                          (13) * * *


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                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                              3085

                                                 (ix) Nets are prohibited in streams                    For the reasons stated in the                        LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
                                              flowing across or adjacent to the roads                 preamble, the Postal Service amends 39
                                              on Wrangell and Mitkof islands, and in                  CFR chapter I as follows:                              45 CFR Part 1611
                                              streams flowing across or adjacent to the
                                              road systems connected to the                           PART 266—[AMENDED]                                     Income Level for Individuals Eligible
                                              community of Sitka.                                                                                            for Assistance
                                              *      *     *    *     *                               ■ 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR
                                                                                                      part 266 continues to read as follows:                 AGENCY:  Legal Services Corporation.
                                                Dated: December 5, 2017.                                                                                     ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                          Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552a; 39 U.S.C. 401.
                                              Eugene R. Peltola, Jr.,
                                              Assistant Regional Director, U.S. Fish and              ■ 2. Revise § 266.3(b)(3) to read as                   SUMMARY:  The Legal Services
                                              Wildlife Service Acting Chair, Federal                  follows:                                               Corporation (LSC) is required by law to
                                              Subsistence Board.                                                                                             establish maximum income levels for
                                                Dated: December 6, 2017.                              § 266.3 Collection and disclosure of                   individuals eligible for legal assistance.
                                              Thomas Whitford,                                        information about individuals.                         This document updates the specified
                                              Subsistence Program Leader, USDA—Forest                 *       *    *     *    *                              income levels to reflect the annual
                                              Service.                                                   (b) * * *                                           amendments to the Federal Poverty
                                              [FR Doc. 2018–00461 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am]                (3) Under 39 U.S.C. 412(a), the Postal              Guidelines issued by the U.S.
                                              BILLING CODE 3410–11–P; 4333–15–P                       Service shall not make a mailing or                    Department of Health and Human
                                                                                                      other list of names or addresses (past or              Services (HHS).
                                                                                                      present) of postal patrons or other                    DATES:   Effective January 23, 2018.
                                                                                                      persons available to the public, unless                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                              POSTAL SERVICE                                          such action is authorized by law.                      Stefanie K. Davis, Assistant General
                                                                                                      Consistent with this provision, the                    Counsel, Legal Services Corporation,
                                              39 CFR Part 266                                         Postal Service may make such a list                    3333 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20007;
                                              Privacy of Information; Adding                          available as follows:                                  (202) 295–1563; sdavis@lsc.gov.
                                              Clarifying Language Concerning the                         (i) In accordance with 39 U.S.C.
                                                                                                                                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:       Section
                                              Purpose of a Contract or Interagency                    412(b), to the Secretary of Commerce for
                                                                                                                                                             1007(a)(2) of the Legal Services
                                              Agreement                                               use by the Bureau of the Census;
                                                                                                                                                             Corporation Act (Act), 42 U.S.C.
                                                                                                         (ii) As required by the terms of a                  2996f(a)(2), requires LSC to establish
                                              AGENCY:  Postal ServiceTM.                              legally enforceable contract entered into              maximum income levels for individuals
                                              ACTION: Final rule.                                     by the Postal Service under its authority              eligible for legal assistance. Section
                                                                                                      contained in 39 U.S.C. 401(3) and when                 1611.3(c) of LSC’s regulations
                                              SUMMARY:   The Postal Service is adding                 subject to a valid non-disclosure                      establishes a maximum income level
                                              language for clarification purposes to                  agreement. The purpose of the contract                 equivalent to 125% of the Federal
                                              ensure that the purpose of a contract or                must comply with 5 U.S.C. 552a(n),                     Poverty Guidelines (Guidelines), which
                                              interagency agreement complies with                     which prohibits the sale or rental of an               HHS is responsible for updating and
                                              the Postal Reorganization Act and the                   individual’s name and address;                         issuing. 45 CFR 1611.3(c).
                                              Privacy Act of 1974.
                                                                                                         (iii) As required by the terms of a                    Each year, LSC updates Appendix A
                                              DATES: Effective date: January 23, 2018.                legally enforceable interagency                        to 45 CFR part 1611 to provide client
                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        agreement entered into by the Postal                   income eligibility standards based on
                                              Natalie A. Bonanno, Chief Counsel,                      Service under its authority contained in               the most recent Guidelines. The figures
                                              Federal Compliance,                                     39 U.S.C. 411 and when subject to a                    for 2018, set out below, are equivalent
                                              natalie.a.bonanno@usps.gov, 202–268–                    valid non-disclosure agreement. The                    to 125% of the Guidelines published by
                                              2944.                                                   purpose of the interagency agreement                   HHS on January 18, 2018, 83 FR 2642.
                                                                                                      must comply with 5 U.S.C. 552a(n),                        In addition, LSC is publishing a chart
                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:     On
                                                                                                      which prohibits the sale or rental of an               listing income levels that are 200% of
                                              October 11, 2017 (82 FR 47115), the
                                                                                                      individual’s name and address;                         the Guidelines. This chart is for
                                              Postal Service published its revised
                                              privacy regulations to implement                           (iv) In accordance with 5 U.S.C.                    reference purposes only as an aid to
                                              numerous non-substantive editorial                      552a(b), the Postal Service may disclose               recipients in assessing the financial
                                              changes effective on the same date.                     a list of names and addresses of                       eligibility of an applicant whose income
                                              These changes included renaming                         individuals pursuant to a written                      is greater than 125% of the applicable
                                              certain offices with privacy-related                    request by, or with the prior written                  Guidelines amount, but less than 200%
                                              duties, modification of the roles of                    consent of, each individual whose name                 of the applicable Guidelines amount
                                              employees tasked with implementing                      and address is contained in such list,                 (and who may be found to be financially
                                              aspects of the privacy regulations, and                 provided that such names and addresses                 eligible under duly adopted exceptions
                                              minor editorial changes to postal                       are derived from records maintained by                 to the annual income ceiling in
                                              privacy policy to improve its                           the Postal Service in a system of records              accordance with 45 CFR 1611.3, 1611.4,
                                              consistency and clarity. The Postal                     as defined by 5 U.S.C. 552a(a); or                     and 1611.5).
                                              Service is now adding clarifying                           (v) As otherwise expressly authorized                  Except where there are minor
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                                              language to ensure the purpose of a                     by federal law.                                        variances due to rounding, the amount
                                              contract or interagency agreement                       *       *    *     *    *                              by which the guideline increases for
                                              complies with the Postal Reorganization                                                                        each additional member of the
                                              Act and the Privacy Act of 1974.                        Tracy A. Quinlan,                                      household is a consistent amount.
                                                                                                      Attorney, Federal Compliance.
                                              List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 266                     [FR Doc. 2018–01084 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                             List of Subjects in 45 CFR Part 1611
                                                 Privacy.                                             BILLING CODE 7710–12–P                                   Grant Programs—Law, Legal services.


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Document Created: 2018-01-23 01:08:57
Document Modified: 2018-01-23 01:08:57
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis rule is effective January 23, 2018.
ContactChair, Federal Subsistence Board, c/o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attention: Eugene R. Peltola, Jr., Office of Subsistence Management; (907) 786-3888 or [email protected] For questions specific to National Forest System lands, contact Thomas Whitford, Regional Subsistence Program Leader, USDA, Forest Service, Alaska Region; (907) 743-9461 or [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 3079 
RIN Number1018-BA76
CFR Citation36 CFR 242
50 CFR 100
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Alaska; Fish; National Forests; Public Lands; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Wildlife

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