[Nhcoll-l] USFWS closing migratory bird salvage permits

[Derieg, Katrina]

Hi all,
Apologies if this has already been discussed, I only recently got re-subscribed to this listserv.

I'm sure many of you got the email from USFWS stating that they've done away with the bird salvage permit, but that a scientific collecting permit is "required to salvage birds for research, including to collect samples from salvaged birds".

I'm wondering how other folks are handling this. We receive salvage birds from the public (who, based on the new regs, don't need a permit), but it seems incredibly onerous for us to apply for a collecting permit because it requires you to list all species since it is really geared towards targeted collecting (vouchers & non-lethal samples). It seems they've made it easier for random people to pick up birds but much harder for museums... Interested in people's thoughts on this.

Here is the email from USFWS for reference:

Dear Permittee,

We are writing to let you know that all Migratory Bird Salvage permits will be closed. We have revised our regulations and most salvage activities no longer require a permit (see “Who Needs a Permit to Salvage” below).

New Regulations: On December 31, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule titled: Regulatory Authorizations for Migratory Bird and Eagle Possession by the General Public, Educators, and Government Agencies. <https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-31/pdf/2024-31015.pdf> This rule includes a new regulatory authorization for most salvage activities, replacing the current permit requirement. As of December 31, 2024, the general public may salvage migratory birds found dead in accordance with the regulatory authorization located at 50 CFR 21.16<https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/section-21.16>. A migratory bird salvage permit is no longer required for these activities. Please review (50 CFR 21.16<https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/section-21.16>) to ensure you are familiar with the regulatory authorization conditions and record keeping requirements.

Who Needs a Permit to Salvage: A permit is still required to salvage birds for research purposes, utility purposes, or other purpose with a migratory bird permit. For research, including to collect samples from salvaged birds, please apply for a scientific collecting permit<https://fwsepermits.servicenowservices.com/fws?id=fws_kb_view&sys_id=95d5d2fa1ba210102de120eae54bcb1f>. For utilities, a special purpose utility permit<https://fwsepermits.servicenowservices.com/fws?id=fws_kb_view&sys_id=85c091791b1f50101f45dbdbe54bcb45> allows salvage of migratory birds found dead on or near utility property, infrastructure, or rights-of-way. If your activities still require a permit (e.g. research or utilities), you will need submit the appropriate permit application for that activity.

Annual Report: The last Annual Report that was required for this permit was for calendar year 2024 since the Rule went into effect on December 31, 2024. You do not need to submit an Annual Report for 2025.

Additional information about the new regulatory authorizations can be found here:
Authorized Activities - No Permit Required | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service<https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-bird-permits/authorized-activities-no-permit-required>

This email is your receipt of the notification of closure and no further action is required from you regarding your Migratory Bird Salvage permit.



KATRINA DERIEG (she/her)

Curator | Museum Collections and Outreach Coordinator

Phillip L. Wright Zoological Museum (UMZM)

Health Science 104  |   32 Campus Drive   |   406-243-4743

katrina.derieg at umontana.edu | umzm at mso.umt.edu

University of Montana

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