FERAL SWINE PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING

For more than 15 years, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided management and support at the state and local level for feral swine damage. While these efforts have helped ease localized damage, the overall population and range of feral swine has continued to increase more rapidly than expected. The problems they cause have become national in scope. To more effectively address the damage and disease risks associated with this invasive species, APHIS is considering implementation of a nationally coordinated feral swine damage management program in partnership with States, Tribes and Territories.

On Thursday, May 23, 2013, APHIS’ Wildlife Services and Veterinary Services programs will host a public meeting to provide more information about feral swine damage, to propose a national approach to feral swine damage management, and to take comments from participating stakeholders. Feedback provided during the meeting will assist the Agency in preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to examine the potential impacts of alternatives for feral swine damage management. Additional information regarding the EIS scoping process will be made available through a soon-to-be published Federal Register notice.

Advance Registration:
Stakeholders interested in attending the meeting (either in person or via the Webcast) must register in advance by clicking here. Registration will close at noon on Wednesday, May 22nd.

Event Logistics:
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT
Location: 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737

The APHIS Conference Center is located at 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737, near the University of Maryland at College Park. Visitor parking is available at the building for $5.00 per day. The APHIS building is also accessible from the College Park Metro station (approximately 1/2 mile from the APHIS building). APHIS security requires all visitors to sign in and provide a valid driver's license or other photo identification. Please allow 10 to 15 minutes for this process. Spanish translation of the transcript of the meeting will be available on request.

To Participate in the Webcast:
Stakeholders interested in participating in the Webcast must register in advance.  Information needed to participate will be sent to participants after they register for the Webcast.

If you have additional questions about this meeting, please contact Kim Wagner at (608-837-2727).