The federal government has extended the public comment period for the review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program (FSMP) to March 30, 2026. This review will help determine how subsistence hunting and fishing are managed on federal public lands in Alaska and may affect long-standing protections for rural subsistence users.
The review was opened following a petition requesting significant changes to federal subsistence regulations. Among the proposed changes are removing public and Tribally-nominated seats on the Federal Subsistence Board and requiring federal management to defer to the State when setting harvest regulations. Under federal law, rural residents currently receive a subsistence priority on federal lands. The State of Alaska cannot legally guarantee this same rural preference. Because of this, potential changes could directly affect how regulations are developed and how rural communities access fish, game, and traditional foods.
For decades, Tribal leaders and rural residents have worked to improve Tribal consultation and participation in federal subsistence decision-making. Those efforts resulted in greater Alaska Native representation and a stronger role for communities in shaping harvest regulations. This review could influence whether those processes remain in place.
For Interior Alaska communities, subsistence is more than a harvest activity. It supports food security, cultural identity, health, and intergenerational knowledge. Sharing personal experiences and perspectives during this public comment period helps ensure federal decision-makers understand how these policies affect daily life in our villages and communities.
Tanana Chiefs Conference encourages Tribal members, rural residents, and partners to submit comments and make their voices part of the official record.
Submit a public comment:
If you have questions or would like assistance preparing your comment, please contact the Tribal Resource Stewardship Program at TRSP@tananachiefs.org. TCC has also developed a comment toolkit to help community members participate quickly and easily.
Every comment submitted helps demonstrate the importance of protecting subsistence for current and future generations.
Submit your comment here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/15/2025-22837/program-review-subsistence-management-for-public-lands-in-alaska#open-comment