The USDA Forest Service is asking for public comment on a proposal to prohibit the hunting of feral hogs on the Mark Twain National Forest. As part of the comment period, an open house has been announced for the public to learn more about the feral hog problem in Missouri, the current interagency elimination strategy and how to comment on the Forest Service’s proposal.
The public meeting will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the Signature Event Center in Rolla. The address is 1701 Martin Springs Drive. Representatives from the Forest Service, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services, and Missouri Departments of Conservation and Agriculture (MDC and MDA) will share information and answer questions.
“The open houses are an opportunity to learn more about what public land managers in Missouri are experiencing as they continue to work together to eliminate feral hogs,” said Forest Supervisor Sherri Schwenke. “It is important for us to hear from the public to help us make an informed decision on how we can be most effective in our elimination efforts.”
For more information, and to view the proposed Forest Closure Order, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mtnf/feralswine. Although written comments will be accepted at the open houses, attending an open house is not necessary to submit official comments. The comment period began May 24, and comments must be received or postmarked no later than July 23, 2019 for consideration. Submit comments via email to SM.FS.MTFeralSwine@usda.gov or to the mailing address at: Forest Supervisor; ATTN: Feral Swine Comment; Mark Twain National Forest; 401 Fairgrounds Road; Rolla, Mo., 65401.