Press Release

Hallie Pickhardt	(301) 734-5175
Jerry Redding	(202) 720-6959

USDA TO HOLD NATIONAL WILDLIFE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2003--The U.S. Department of Agriculture will be sponsoring a 2-day meeting of the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee (NWSAC) June 24-25 in Riverdale, Md.

The NWSAC advises the Secretary of Agriculture concerning policies, program issues and research needed to support the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services’ wildlife services program. The committee also serves as a public forum enabling those interested in WS’ activities to have a voice in the program’s policies.

WS provides federal leadership and expertise to resolve damage caused by wildlife, creating a balance that allows people and wildlife to coexist peacefully.

NWSAC members will focus on WS’ operational and research activities. The meeting, which is open to the public, will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24 and 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, June 25. It will be held at the USDA Center at Riverside, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, Md. 20737.

Notice of the meetings is scheduled for publication in the April 9 Federal Register. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Due to time constraints, the public will not be able to participate in the committee’s discussions. Written statements concerning meeting topics may be filed with the committee before or after the meeting by sending them to Joanne Garrett, director, operational support staff, USDA, APHIS, WS, 4700 River Road, Unit 87, Riverdale, Md. 20737.

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