DEPARTMENTAL REGULATION

Number:

1043-027

SUBJECT:

Reestablishment of the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee

DATE:

February 7, 2011

OPI:Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

1. Committee Designation

The Committee’s official designated name is National Wildlife Services (WS) Advisory Committee (Committee).

2. Authority

The APHIS WS program operates under the Act of March 2, 1931, (7 U.S.C. 426 – 426b) and the Act of December 22, 1987 (7 USC 426c).

3. Objectives and Scope of Activities

The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on policies and program issues necessary to manage damage caused by depredating wildlife to protect America’s agricultural, industrial, and natural resources and to safeguard public health and safety. The Committee is being established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C., App.

4. Description of Duties

The reestablishment of this Committee is in the public interest in connection with the duties and responsibilities assigned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by Public Law No. 99-190. The duties of the Committee involve advising the Secretary on:

(a) overall policy and guidance for the operation of the WS program;

(b) resources to accomplish the WS mission;

(d) public health and safety problems created by birds and other wildlife; and

(e) research activities and priorities to address wildlife damage management needs.

5. Agency or Official to Whom the Committee Reports

The Committee will report to the Secretary of Agriculture through the Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

6. Support

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) WS’ Operational Support Staff Office will provide the necessary support for the Committee.

7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years

The annual costs are estimated at $24,000 and .03 staff years.

8. Designated Federal Officer

The Deputy Administrator for APHIS WS will serve as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) and will provide the necessary staff support for the Committee. The DFO will approve or call all of the advisory committee’s and subcommittees’ meetings, prepare and approve all meeting agendas, attend all committee and subcommittee meetings, adjourn any meeting when the DFO determines adjournment to be in the public interest, and chair meetings when directed to do so by the official to whom the advisory committee reports.

9. Number and Frequency of Meetings

Meetings will be held annually or more often if the Secretary of Agriculture deems it necessary.

10. Duration

This Committee is a continuing committee.

11. Termination

Termination shall occur two years from the filing date.

12. Membership and Designation

Membership will be composed of twenty (20) persons representing a broad spectrum of agricultural, environmental, conservation, academic, animal welfare, and related interests. Equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, will be followed in appointing representative members to the Committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the needs of a diverse group served by the Department, membership shall include, to the extent practical, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, woman, and persons with disabilities.

13. Subcommittees

The Committee may request establishment and use subcommittees which are created by the Agency or DFO. Subcommittees will report back to the Committee, and will not provide advice or work products directly to the Department or Agency.

14. Recordkeeping

The records of the committee, formally and informally established subcommittees, or other subgroups of the committee, shall be handled in accordance with General Records Schedule 26, Item 2 or other approved agency records disposition schedule. These records shall be available for public inspection and copying, subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552.

15. Filing Date

February 7, 2011