MBTA permits and the shutdown

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As the shutdown drags on, some of you may be concerned about the fact that your MBTA permits are expiring. You need not worry because 50 CFR 13.22 expressly authorizes continuation of the permitted activity but ONLY IF:

§ 13.22
    Renewal of permits.
    (a) Application for renewal. Applicants for renewal of a permit must submit a written application at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the permit. Applicants must certify in the form required by § 13.12(a)(5) that all statements and information in the original application remain current and correct, unless previously changed or corrected. If such information is no longer current or correct, the applicant must provide corrected information.
    (b) Renewal criteria. The Service shall issue a renewal of a permit if the applicant meets the criteria for issuance in § 13.21(b) and is not disqualified under § 13.21(c).
    (c) Continuation of permitted activity. Any person holding a valid, renewable permit may continue the activities authorized by the expired permit until the Service acts on the application for renewal if all of the following conditions are met:
    (1) The permit is currently in force and not suspended or revoked;
    (2) The person has complied with this section; and
    (3) The permit is not a CITES document that was issued under part 23 of this subchapter (because the CITES document is void upon expiration).

Therefore, if you wish to take advantage of this provision, go ahead and file your application to renew. No one will be there to process it (unless DOI accedes to the request made by the Ornithological Council to allow the MBTA permit staff to return to work) but you will have satisfied the requirements of this provision.

We encourage you to send the renewal application by FedEx so you will have proof of the date sent.

Note that if you fail to comply with these conditions, your renewal application could be denied.

If your animal use protocol is up for renewal, you may want to provide this information to your IACUC. The Ornithological Council will post the information on the IACUC Administrator's listserve.