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JULY 12, 2000

The following is the summary for 50 CFR Part 22, known as Rule 22. Rule 22 allows members of federally recognized US tribes to transport eagle feathers and eagle items across international borders. A permit must be obatined from Fish and Wildlife.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 22

RIN 1018-AB81

Eagle Transportation Permits for American Indians and Public Institutions

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This final rule revises the general eagle permit restrictions applicable to American Indians and public institutions. This final regulation provides for the issuance of eagle permits for transportation of lawfully possessed eagle parts into or out of the United States only when the eagle parts have a religious purpose, or when a public institution transports eagle parts for scientific or exhibition purposes. In these cases, we will require that the eagle parts be returned to the country of origin. We make this revision to address concerns expressed by American Indians and public institutions who have sought our permission to allow international travel of lawfully possessed eagle parts or items containing eagle parts. We have carefully considered the needs of science and education, the religious protections guaranteed by the United States Constitution, and the recommendations made by those responding to the proposed rule providing for Eagle Transportation Permits for American Indians and Public Institutions published Thursday, June 16, 1994 (Federal Register (59 FR 30892)).

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective September 17, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Comments received are available for public inspection between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, in Room 500, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203-3247, (703) 358-1949.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin R. Adams, Chief, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, (703) 358-1949.

Related Stories:
Eagle subject of protest (The Talking Circle 7/12)
Man indicted for selling eagle feathers (Tribal Law 7/10)
Govt delays eagle decision (Enviro 7/6)
Hopi decision is sensitive (Enviro 7/5)
EDITORIAL: Unmasking Cultural Prejudice (The Talking Circle 12/99)

Relevant Links:
The Hopi Tribe of Arizona - www.hopi.nsn.us
From US Fish and Wildlife - President Clinton Announces Proposal to Remove Our National Symbol From Endangered Species List (US Fish and Wildlife July 1999)
US Fish and Wildlife - www.fws.gov
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 - laws.fws.gov/lawsdigest/baldegl.html