Notice2026-09805
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports-Management Authority
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 15, 2026
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew a currently approved information collection without change.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 94 (Friday, May 15, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 94 (Friday, May 15, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27972-27975]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-09805]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2026-1915; FXIA16710900000-267-FF09A30000; OMB
Control Number 1018-0093]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the
Office of Management and Budget; Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit
Applications and Reports--Management Authority
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew a
currently approved information collection without change.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
June 15, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this
particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under
Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
Please provide a copy of your comments to the Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB
(JAO/3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or by
email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8bc2e5ede4d4c8e4e7e7cbedfcf8a5ece4fd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="652c0b030a3a260a0909250312164b020a13">[email protected]</span></a>. Please reference ``1018-0093'' in the
subject line of your comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c15323a33031f3330301c3a2b2f723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="155c7b737a4a567a7979557362663b727a63">[email protected]</span></a>, or by
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals in the United States who are
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial
711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay
services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay
services offered within their country to make international calls to
the point-of-contact in the United States. You may also view the
information collection request at <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its implementing regulations at 5
CFR part 1320, all information collections require approval under the
PRA. We 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.
On December 23, 2025, we published in the Federal Register (90 FR
60119) a notice of our intent to request that OMB approve this
information collection. In that notice, we solicited comments for 60
days, ending on February 23, 2026. We also published the Federal
Register notice on <a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> (Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2025-0935). We
received the following comments in response to that notice:
Comment 1: Electronic comment received February 21, 2026, via
<a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> (FWS-HQ-IA-2025-0935-0002) from Jewell Batway. Ms.
Batway's comments addressed the new Tongass Forest Plan and the need to
protect salmon.
Agency Response to Comment 1: The commenter did not address the
information collection requirements; therefore, no response is
required.
Comment 2: Anonymous electronic comment received February 23, 2026,
via <a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a> (FWS-HQ-IA-2025-0935-0003). The commenter
encouraged the Service to protect animals and to give them the peace
they need.
Agency Response to Comment 2: The commenter did not address the
[[Page 27973]]
information collection requirements; therefore, no response is
required.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we are again inviting the public and other Federal agencies to
comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of
information. This helps us assess the impact of our information
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It
also helps the public understand our information collection
requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
We are especially interested in public comment addressing the
following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection
of information, including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g.,
permitting electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of
public record. Before including your address, phone number, email
address, or other personally identifiable information in your comment,
you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personally
identifiable information--may be publicly available at any time. While
you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personally identifiable
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
Abstract: The general permit requirements at 50 CFR part 13 provide
the uniform rules, conditions, and procedures for the application for,
and the issuance, denial, suspension, revocation, and general
administration of, all permits for all of the laws, treaties, and
regulations administered by the Service that authorize activities
requiring permits. The requirements in 50 CFR part 13 are in addition
to any other permit regulations that may apply to a specific
circumstance and are outlined in other sections of our regulations.
The Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA; 16 U.S.C. 4901-4916) and the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES; 27 U.S.T. 1087, March 3, 1973) mandate a system of
permits and certificates to help ensure that international trade is
legal and does not threaten the survival of wildlife or plant species
in the wild. Permits under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA; 16
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) ensure that activities are consistent with the
intent and purposes of the ESA and MMPA. Permitted activities under the
Bald and Golden Eagle Act (BGEPA; 16 U.S.C. 668-668d) must be
compatible with the preservation of eagles. Permitted activities
regarding injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42; 16
U.S.C. 3371-3378) regulate the importation into the United States and
any shipment between the continental United States, the District of
Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any
possession of the United States, of animal species determined to be
injurious by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary). Such
importation and shipments are prohibited, except by permit. Although
the Service's Division of Management Authority does not administer the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 704), we receive
authorization from the Migratory Bird Program to issue import/export
permits under the MBTA.
Prior to the import or export of species listed under the MBTA,
MMPA, BGEPA, Lacey Act, WBCA, ESA, and/or CITES, the Management
Authority and Scientific Authority must make appropriate determinations
and issue the appropriate documents. Section 8A of the ESA designates
the Secretary as the U.S. Management Authority and U.S. Scientific
Authority for CITES. The Secretary in turn delegated these authorities
to the Service.
Before a country can issue an export permit for CITES appendix I or
II specimens, the CITES Scientific Authority of the exporting country
must determine that the export will not be detrimental to the survival
of the species, and the Management Authority must be satisfied that the
specimens were acquired legally. For the export of appendix III
specimens, the Management Authority must be satisfied that the
specimens were acquired legally (CITES does not require findings from
the Scientific Authority). Prior to the importation of appendix I
specimens, both the Scientific Authority and the Management Authority
of the importing country must make required findings. The Scientific
Authority must also monitor trade of all species to ensure that the
level of trade is sustainable.
Article VIII(3) of the CITES treaty states that participating
parties should make efforts to ensure that CITES specimens are traded
with a minimum of delay. Section XIII of Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev.
CoP19) recommends use of simplified procedures for issuing CITES
documents to expedite trade that will have no impact, or a negligible
impact, on conservation of the species involved.
Applications and Reports
All Service permit applications and reports are in the 3-200 series
of forms, each tailored to a specific activity based on the
requirements for specific types of permits. In accordance with Federal
regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, we collect standard identifier information
for all permit applications, such as:
<bullet> Applicant's full name, whether an individual or business,
and address (street address, city, county, State, and zip code; and
mailing address, if different from street address); main and alternate
telephone numbers; and an email address (required if filing
electronically, optional for a mail-in application); and
-If the applicant resides or is located outside the United States, an
address in the United States, and, if the applicant is conducting
commercial activities, the name and address of the applicant's agent
inside the United States; and
-If the applicant is a business, corporation, public agency, or
institution, the tax identification number; description of the business
type, corporation, agency, or institution; and the name and title of
the person responsible for the permit (such as president, principal
officer, or director);
<bullet> Location where the requested permitted activity is to
occur or be conducted;
<bullet> Reference to the part(s) and section(s) of 50 CFR
subchapter B as listed in 50 CFR 13.11(b) under which the application
is made for a permit or permits, together with any additional
justification, including supporting documentation as required by the
referenced part(s) and section(s);
<bullet> If the requested permitted activity involves the import or
re-export of wildlife or plants from or to any foreign country, and the
country of origin, or the country of export or re-export restricts the
taking, possession,
[[Page 27974]]
transportation, exportation, or sale of wildlife or plants,
documentation as indicated in Sec. 14.52(c) of subchapter B;
<bullet> Certification containing the following language:
-I hereby certify that I have read and am familiar with the regulations
contained in title 50, part 13, of the Code of Federal Regulations and
the other applicable parts in subchapter B of chapter I of title 50,
Code of Federal Regulations, and I further certify that the information
submitted in this application for a permit is complete and accurate to
the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any false
statement herein may subject me to suspension or revocation of this
permit and to the criminal penalties of 18 U.S.C. 1001.
<bullet> Desired effective date of permit (except where issuance
date is fixed by the part under which the permit is issued);
<bullet> Signature date;
<bullet> Signature of the applicant;
<bullet> Such other information as the Director determines relevant
to the processing of the application; and
<bullet> Additional information required on applications for other
types of permits may be found by referring to table 1 in paragraph (b)
in 50 CFR 13.12.
Standardization of general information common to the forms makes
the filing of applications easier for the public, as well as expediting
our review of applications. The information that we collect on
applications and reports is the minimum necessary for us to determine
if the applicant meets/continues to meet issuance requirements for the
particular activity.
Miscellaneous Information Collections
<bullet> Request for Approval of a CITES Export Program (American
Ginseng, CITES furbearers, American Alligator), 50 CFR 23.68, 50 CFR
23.69, and 50 CFR 23.70--For States and Tribes that set up and maintain
management programs for these species to protect from over-harvest,
requesting approval of their management plans allows the Division of
Scientific Authority to make programmatic findings under specific
requirements that allow the export of these species under CITES. These
programmatic findings streamline the permit process for applicants.
<bullet> Report for Furbearer CITES Export Programs, 50 CFR
23.69(b)(3)--A State or Tribe with an approved CITES export program
must submit a CITES furbearer activity report that provides information
as to whether or not the population status or management of the species
has changed within the State or Tribal lands. If information has not
changed, the report may reference information provided in previous
years. Range-wide non-detriment findings are re-evaluated at least
every 5 years, or sooner if information indicates that there has been a
change in the status of management of the species that might lead to
different treatment of the species.
<bullet> Report for American Alligator CITES Export Program, 50 CFR
23.70(c)(2)--A State or Tribe with an approved CITES export program
must submit a CITES American alligator activity report that provides
information as to whether or not the population status or management of
the species has changed within the State or Tribal lands. If
information has not changed, the report may reference information
provided in previous years. Range-wide non-detriment findings are re-
evaluated at least every 5 years, or sooner if information indicates
that there has been a change in the status of management of the species
that might lead to different treatment of the species.
<bullet> Report--Plant Rescue Program Receipt and Condition of
Specimens, 50 CFR 23.79--Seized plants that are placed with a
registered Plant Rescue Center may be required to account periodically
for the donation or loan regarding the receipt of those specimens and
the condition in which they arrived.
<bullet> Report Take (Grizzly Bears), 50 CFR 17.40(b)--Grizzly
bears taken in self-defense or in the defense of others by individuals
or their designee in Montana or Wyoming must report the take to the
Service's Office of Law Enforcement within 5 days of the said take. If
taken in Idaho or Washington said take must also be reported to the
appropriate State and Tribal authorities.
<bullet> Report Take (Mountain Lion), 50 CFR 17.40(h)--Mountain
lions taken in the State of Florida must be reported to the Service's
Office of Law Enforcement within 5 days of the said take.
<bullet> Application--Participation in the Plant Rescue Center
Program, 50 CFR 23.79--The Plant Rescue Center Program is established
to place confiscated live plants quickly to prevent physical damage to
plants. Entities that wish to participate may submit a letter
requesting participation. A request to become part of the Plant Rescue
Center Program comes via a letter. The requestor must address the
requirements in the regulation.
<bullet> Marking/Labeling Requirements--The following contain
marking/labeling requirements outlined in the regulations. We do not
collect information on this; rather, if items show up with these
species without the necessary labelling/marking and permits, they will
be seized.
[cir] Vicuna Products, Beluga Sturgeon Caviar, and African Elephant
Sport Hunted Trophies, 50 CFR 23.75, 50 CFR 23.71, 50 CFR 17.44(y), and
50 CFR 17.40(e)
[cir] Beluga Sturgeon Exemption, 50 CFR 17.44(y)(3)
[cir] Wildlife Hybrid Exemption, 50 CFR 23.43
[cir] Exception to Use of CITES Specimens after Import, 50 CFR 23.55
<bullet> International Reporting Requirements--The Service imposes
international reporting requirements specified in 50 CFR parts 13, 17,
18, and 23. These reporting requirements are associated with the
findings we must make under the various laws, treaties, and regulations
administered by the Service. This may include consultation on
sustainable use, population data, management practices, and
verification of information received from other sources. The Service
does not provide a form for this collection; rather, we request
specific information based on the most current data we hold, in order
to enable us to update or clarify that data. We estimate the annual
burden associated with the international reporting requirements to be
24 responses and 192 burden hours. There are no nonhour burden costs
associated with the international reporting requirements.
<bullet> Recordkeeping Requirements, 50 CFR 13.46--Permittees must
keep records of all activities conducted under certain permits,
including those of subpermittees carried out under the authority of the
permit, as well as documentation of any take that occurs from the
permitted activity and the data gathered through surveys and
monitoring. We use these data to assess the conservation benefits or
detriments to plant and wildlife populations. Additionally, under 50
CFR 13.47, the Service may enter a permittee's premises at any
reasonable hour to inspect any wildlife or plant held or to inspect,
audit, or copy any permits, books, or records required to be kept by
these regulations for compliance under the permit conditions.
<bullet> Amendments to Permit Applications--Amendments to a permit
may be requested by the permittee, or the Service may amend a permit
for just cause upon a written finding of necessity. Amendments comprise
changes to the permit authorization or conditions. The permittee must
apply for amendments to the permit by submitting a description of the
modified
[[Page 27975]]
activity and the changed impacts. These are considered substantive
amendments and incur a fee. For CITES permits, if there is a change in
the legal individual or business name, this is considered a substantive
amendment and incurs a fee. For federal permits, a permittee is not
required to obtain a new permit if there is a change in the legal
individual or business name, or in the mailing address of the
permittee. A permittee is required to notify the issuing office within
10 calendar days of such change. This provision does not authorize any
change in location of the conduct of the permitted activity when
approval of the location is a qualifying condition of the permit.
The public may access the currently approved versions of all forms
contained in this information collection at <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202302-1018-009">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202302-1018-009</a>.
Title of Collection: Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications
and Reports--Management Authority, 50 CFR parts 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22,
23.
OMB Control Number: 1018-0093.
Form Numbers: 3-200-19 through 3-200-37, 3-200-39 through 3-200-42,
3-200-43a through 3-200-43d, 3-200-46 through 3-200-53, 3-200-58, 3-
200-61, 3-200-64 through 3-200-66, 3-200-69, 3-200-70, 3-200-73 through
3-200-76, 3-200-80, and 3-200-85 through 3-200-88.
Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved
collection.
Description of Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals (including
hunters); private sector (including biomedical companies, circuses,
zoological parks, botanical gardens, nurseries, museums, universities,
antique dealers, exotic pet industry, taxidermists, commercial
importers/exporters of wildlife and plants, freight forwarders/
brokers); and State, local, Tribal, and Federal government agencies.
Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 6,139.
Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 8,946.
Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to
40 hours, depending on activity.
Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 9,035.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion or annually, depending on
activity.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $576,387 for costs
associated with application processing fees, which range from $0 to
$250. There is no fee for reports. State, local, Tribal, and Federal
government agencies and those acting on their behalf are exempt from
processing fees.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-09805 Filed 5-14-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 15, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.