Document N2aqxwaonVDQewyYEKb1qoMjD

To: Mike Dubois[mike@kitbond.com] Cc: Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Jeffrey Bonner[Bonner@stlzoo.org]; Cynthia Holter[Holter@stlzoo.org]; Linda Bond[linda@kitbond.com]; Charisa Morris[charisa_morris@fws.gov]; James W. Kurth[jim_kurth@fws.gov]; Hoover, Craig[craig_hoover@fws.gov]; Tim Van Norman[tim_vannorman@fws.gov] From: Skipwith, Aurelia Sent: 2017-09-10T16:27:25-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Polar Bear update Received: 2017-09-10T16:27:53-04:00 Dear Mike, You may already be aware of this, but wanted to make sure...see summary below. If you have any follow up questions, please contact Craig Hoover and Tim Van Norman, both cc'ed here, to provide you guidance on your application. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. Thank you. Update on a permitting strategy for Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities currently holding polar bears to establish a "research population" within the United States: On March 8, 2017, the Service (International Affairs' Branch of Permits) met with a number of representatives of AZA facilities that currently hold polar bears. The meeting, held at AZA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, also included Mike Gosliner from the Marine Mammal Commission and several AZA staff. This meeting was followed by a meeting on August 7, 2017, at the Service 's headquarters, that was attended by most of the same representatives from the AZA facilities. The purpose of both meetings was to discuss a mechanism to consider all polar bears currently held at AZA facilities as part of a "research population." At the August meeting, the Service discussed the possibility of developing a "blanket authorization" under the MMPA issued to the AZA Polar Bear Species Survival Program (SSP) to authorize take under the MMPA for research purposes. The AZA SSP is interested in utilizing all of the polar bears currently in AZA facilities to carry out research that cannot be carried out on wild bears. Such research includes metabolic evaluations, physiological ecology studies (e.g., energetics, nutritional ecology), behavioral studies, management and human-bear conflict strategies, and community-based conservation. According to the zoo participants at the meetings, the Polar Bear SSP, working through a newly established Polar Bear Research Council, would develop a Polar Bear SSP Research Masterplan document that would identify specific research priorities that could be conducted at AZA facilities. The Research Council would identify advisors in each discipline area, as well as co-advisors, to review projects and ensure that all projects would meet all of the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act and the MMPA. In parallel with developing the research masterplan, the SSP would submit a permit application to the Service requesting the required authorization under the MMPA to conduct the research. It is expected that both the research masterplan and the application would be ready by the end of calendar year 2017. As currently proposed, the SSP Coordinator (Randi Meyerson) would apply as the Principal Investigator (PI), with Toledo Zoo, her home institution, holding the permit. The application would identify specific research projects and scientists active in relevant polar bear research as co-Principal Investigators. The SSP Coordinator would request any needed amendment if proposals from additional PIs are endorsed by the PB Research Council during the permitting period. They would also provide a list of AZA facilities to be considered as sub permittees. The proposed MMPA authorization would also include approval for international import and export of biological samples related to polar bear research activities covered under the permit, accompanied by an appropriate CITES permit. Live bears are not currently being considered under this process. When the Service asked about the need to import additional bears from Canada for this research population, it was the consensus of the August 7 AZA meeting participants that they did not see a current need for such imports. Aurelia Skipwith Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of Interior 1849 C Street, NW, Room 3148 Washington, DC 20240 (202) 208 5837 On Mon, Aug 14, 2017 at 11:01 AM, Mike Dubois <mike@kitbond.com> wrote: Dear Aurelia, We appreciate the continued progress being made on our efforts to bring/maintain a viable population of polar bears in zoos for research that will lead to better conservation, management and the improvement in the health and welfare of polar bears. As part of those efforts we launched a few months back with you, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums polar bear researchers met last week to draft a comprehensive polar bear scientific research strategy. As you suggested, they met with permit biologists from USFWS Division of Management Authority as well to ensure we are approaching this in the right way. Our next steps are: Develop and formalize a Polar Bear Research Council which will draft a Polar Bear Research Masterplan Continue to work with you and USFWS on strategy for an effective and efficient polar bear research permitting process Please let me know if you would like a more detailed update and or have additional guidance as we pursue this important effort. We appreciate your continued attention and support. Sincerely, Mike DuBois C. Michael DuBois Director, Policy & Business Development Kit Bond Strategies, LLP 7733 Forsyth Blvd. Suite 2200 St. Louis, MO 63105 (Phone) 314 725 4080 (Mobile) 202 441 2275 kitbondstrategies.com From: Mike Dubois Sent: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 9:57 AM To: 'Skipwith, Aurelia' <aurelia skipwith@ios.doi.gov> Cc: Virginia Johnson <virginia johnson@ios.doi.gov>; Maureen Foster <maureen foSer@ios.doi.gov>; Downey Magallanes <downey magallanes@ios.doi.gov> Subject: RE: St. Louis Zoo application Dear Aurelia, The pleasure was indeed all ours! We greatly appreciated the time you spent with us to learn more about the treasured institution we all love. Among all of the issues we discussed, I believe that the polar bears issue is where we will direct our focus so we are very encouraged by this news. Subsequent to our meeting, the Zoo began working on an information white paper and overview of the Zoo's research activities and capabilities as it relates to polar bears in order to continue moving the issue forward. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the application process in advance; I think that will be extremely helpful. I will discuss with the Zoo who will participate in this meeting (or phone call if that is preferred by FWS) and coordinate with you. Warm regards, Mike C. Michael DuBois Director, Policy & Business Development Kit Bond Strategies, LLP 7733 Forsyth Blvd. Suite 2200 St. Louis, MO 63105 (Phone) 314 725 4080 (Mobile) 202 441 2275 kitbondstrategies.com From: Skipwith, Aurelia [mailto:aurelia skipwith@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Saturday, July 1, 2017 4:32 PM To: Mike Dubois <mike@kitbond.com> Cc: Virginia Johnson <virginia johnson@iosdoi.gov>; Maureen Foster <maureen foSer@ios.doi.gov>; Downey Magallanes <downey magallanes@ios.doi.gov> Subject: St. Louis Zoo application Hello Mike, It was a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Bonner, Cynthia Holter, and Linda Bond. I love the St. Louis Zoo and it was interesting to hear about the research and all the work happening there. You mentioned the Zoo's interest in obtaining polar bears from Canada and I spoke internally to find out that FWS is willing to consider St. Louis Zoo as a final destination for the polar bears. However, an final application must be received and analyzed by the Department to make that decision. If you are willing to submit an application, FWS is open to talk with you beforehand so you are clear about all the considerations and standards that must be met. Please let me know if you want to proceed and I'll make arrangements for you to meet with the appropriate FWS personnel. Thank you. Aurelia Skipwith Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of Interior 1849 C Street, NW, Room 3148 Washington, DC 20240 (202) 208-5837 To: Mike Dubois[mike@kitbond.com] Cc: Maureen Foster[maureen_foster@ios.doi.gov]; Downey Magallanes[downey_magallanes@ios.doi.gov]; Jeffrey Bonner[Bonner@stlzoo.org]; Cynthia Holter[Holter@stlzoo.org]; Linda Bond[linda@kitbond.com]; Gregory Sheehan[greg_j_sheehan@fws.gov]; James W. Kurth[jim_kurth@fws.gov]; Charisa Morris[charisa_morris@fws.gov] From: Aurelia Skipwith Sent: 2017-08-14T20:29:04-04:00 Importance: Normal Subject: Re: Polar Bear update Received: 2017-08-14T20:29:07-04:00 Dear Mike, Thank you for the update and glad to hear that you and your team were able to work with FWS on your permitting strategy. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. Thank you. Aurelia Skipwith Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of Interior 1849 C Street NW, Room 3148 Washington, DC 20240 202-208-5837 On Aug 14, 2017, at 11:02 AM, Mike Dubois <mike@kitbond.com> wrote: Dear Aurelia, We appreciate the continued progress being made on our efforts to bring/maintain a viable population of polar bears in zoos for research that will lead to better conservation, management and the improvement in the health and welfare of polar bears. As part of those efforts we launched a few months back with you, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums polar bear researchers met last week to draft a comprehensive polar bear scientific research strategy. As you suggested, they met with permit biologists from USFWS Division of Management Authority as well to ensure we are approaching this in the right way. Our next steps are: Develop and formalize a Polar Bear Research Council which will draft a Polar Bear Research Masterplan Continue to work with you and USFWS on strategy for an effective and efficient polar bear research permitting process Please let me know if you would like a more detailed update and or have additional guidance as we pursue this important effort. We appreciate your continued attention and support. Sincerely, Mike DuBois C. Michael DuBois Director, Policy & Business Development Kit Bond Strategies, LLP 7733 Forsyth Blvd. Suite 2200 St. Louis, MO 63105 (Phone) 314 725 4080 (Mobile) 202 441 2275 kitbondstrategies.com From: Mike Dubois Sent: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 9:57 AM To: 'Skipwith, Aurelia' <aurelia skipwith@ios.doi.gov> Cc: Virginia Johnson <virginia johnson@ios.doi.gov>; Maureen Foster <maureen foster@ios.doi.gov>; Downey Magallanes <downey magallanes@ios.doi.gov> Subject: RE: St. Louis Zoo application Dear Aurelia, The pleasure was indeed all ours! We greatly appreciated the time you spent with us to learn more about the treasured institution we all love. Among all of the issues we discussed, I believe that the polar bears issue is where we will direct our focus so we are very encouraged by this news. Subsequent to our meeting, the Zoo began working on an information white paper and overview of the Zoo's research activities and capabilities as it relates to polar bears in order to continue moving the issue forward. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the application process in advance; I think that will be extremely helpful. I will discuss with the Zoo who will participate in this meeting (or phone call if that is preferred by FWS) and coordinate with you. Warm regards, Mike C. Michael DuBois Director, Policy & Business Development Kit Bond Strategies, LLP 7733 Forsyth Blvd. Suite 2200 St. Louis, MO 63105 (Phone) 314 725 4080 (Mobile) 202 441 2275 kitbondstrategies.com From: Skipwith, Aurelia [mailto:aurelia skipwith@ios.doi.gov] Sent: Saturday, July 1, 2017 4:32 PM To: Mike Dubois <mike@kitbond.com> Cc: Virginia Johnson <virginia johnson@ios.doi.gov>; Maureen Foster <maureen foster@ios.doi.gov>; Downey Magallanes <downey magallanes@ios.doi.gov> Subject: St. Louis Zoo application Hello Mike, It was a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Bonner, Cynthia Holter, and Linda Bond. I love the St. Louis Zoo and it was interesting to hear about the research and all the work happening there. You mentioned the Zoo's interest in obtaining polar bears from Canada and I spoke internally to find out that FWS is willing to consider St. Louis Zoo as a final destination for the polar bears. However, an final application must be received and analyzed by the Department to make that decision. If you are willing to submit an application, FWS is open to talk with you beforehand so you are clear about all the considerations and standards that must be met. Please let me know if you want to proceed and I'll make arrangements for you to meet with the appropriate FWS personnel. Thank you. Aurelia Skipwith Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of Interior 1849 C Street, NW, Room 3148 Washington, DC 20240 (202) 208 5837