Federal Subsistence Open House

Open House:  February 3, 2026, 3-7 p.m. in the Gordon Watson Conference Room at 1011 E Tudor Road, Anchorage

Microsoft Teams link:  Click here to join event

Call-in number:  (833) 436-1163;  conference ID: 829 130 64#

Action Being Taken:  Under Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. § 3111-3126, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (“the Secretaries”) jointly implement the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The Secretaries are undertaking a limited review of this Program to ensure it is meeting the needs of subsistence users and the Secretaries’ obligations under Title VIII.

A public scoping process will inform the Secretaries’ review.  The regulations applicable to the Federal Subsistence Management Program are set forth at 36 C.F.R. Part 242 (Agriculture) and 43 C.F.R. Part 51 (Interior).  The Secretaries intend to focus this review on the following topics:

• The 2024 move of the Office of Subsistence Management, from within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior, to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget of the Department of the Interior;
• Criteria for regional advisory council membership;
• Membership of the Federal Subsistence Board;
• Federal regulations and state regulations for duplication and inconsistency;
• Regulations applicable to special actions;
• Role of the State of Alaska and its Department of Fish and Game in the Federal Subsistence Management Program; and
• Board policies and procedures for rural determinations.

Input is requested on these topics and on other topics that may benefit from review.   A 60-day public scoping period will begin following a published notice in the Federal Register.  A joint open house is scheduled in Anchorage during the public scoping period (see above).  A report with a scoping summary and recommendations for responsive action will be developed in early 2026. There will be further notice in the Federal Register and opportunity to comment on any changes to regulations that are proposed as a result of this review.

How to Comment (public):  written comments and materials concerning this review or an appointment request to provide oral comments can be emailed to subsistence@ios.doi.gov or mailed to Office of the Secretary, Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs, 4230 University Drive, Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99508. All comments must be received or postmarked by Friday February 13, 2026.