http://abcnews.go.com/Politics...t-elephants-22465178

The United States is cracking down on the sale and purchase of ivory in hopes of curbing a surge in illicit poaching that's threatening to wipe out elephants and other species in Africa.

The ivory ban is a key component of a new, national strategy for combating wildlife trafficking, unveiled Tuesday by the White House, seven months after President Barack Obama issued a call to action during a visit to Tanzania. In addition, the U.S. will seek to strengthen global enforcement and international cooperation to fight an illicit trade estimated to total about $10 billion per year.

"We're seeing record-high demand for wildlife products," said Grant Harris, who heads Africa policy for the White House's National Security Council. "The result is an explosion of illicit trade and wildlife trafficking in recent years."

Wildlife advocates are concerned that without forceful global action, elephants and rhinos face extinction. Once numbering in the millions, Africa's elephant population has dwindled to 500,000 or less, said Dan Ashe, the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. About 35,000 — or nearly 10 percent of the remaining population — are being slaughtered each year.

The illicit industry also has significant national security implications. Because wildlife trafficking is often perpetrated by well-armed syndicates that thrive in regions with weak laws and porous borders, U.S. security officials say it poses a global security threat, just as the U.S. is seeking to combat growing extremism and violence in parts of Africa.

The crackdown relies on laws about conservation and endangered species that have been on the books for years, including decades-old prohibitions on importing ivory. But inconsistent implementation and lax enforcement have meant that once the ivory is in the U.S., domestic transactions have been essentially unregulated.

That means someone who placed an ivory chess set for sale on eBay, for example, faced little risk of running afoul of law enforcement — even if they lacked proof the item met one of the exceptions, such as being an antique.

"This legal trade has essentially provided a smoke-screen that makes it possible for this illicit trade and has made it more difficult for our enforcement officials to ferret out that crime and then prosecute that crime," Ashe said in an interview.

Under the new strategy, if someone is caught trying to sell ivory items, the government will confiscate them unless sellers can provide documentation that they are legal. Sales across state lines will be banned except for antiques — items more than 100 years old. Sales within states will also be prohibited unless sellers can show they were brought into the U.S. before laws barring their import were put into effect.

Exports will also be banned, with few exceptions.

"For consumers, the general message going forward is buyer beware," Ashe said.

Despite the exceptions, officials said they were confident that the crackdown would result in almost a complete ban on ivory sales. The idea is that by setting a strict example, the U.S. can spur other countries to take similar steps, driving down global demand for wildlife products and putting traffickers out of business.

Late last year, U.S. officials destroyed more than 6 tons of confiscated ivory tusks, carvings and jewelry. Last week, France followed suit by pulverizing more than 3 tons of illegal ivory, and other nations including Gabon and China have taken similar steps.
U.S. demand for wildlife products is surpassed only by China, where the market price for ivory is more than $1,000 a pound and has increased significantly, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

"The president and Congress have sent an unequivocal message to the rest of the world: The U.S. will no longer tolerate the massive and senseless slaughter of wildlife or the colossal criminal profits that it generates," said Carter Roberts, the group's president.

Still, the Fish and Wildlife Service won't seek to prosecute individuals, such as those who try to sell ivory trinkets they inherited from their parents, Ashe said. Instead, the agency will target its law enforcement efforts toward organized trafficking rings that profit from the illicit trade.

Last year, the government launched a sting dubbed "Operation Crash" that targeted an international smuggling ring trafficking in endangered black rhino horns.

While unveiling the strategy, the Obama administration also called on Congress to pass new laws to further crack down on the trafficking. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., said his panel would review Obama's strategy to ensure it is "robust, aggressive and effective." And Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said she planned to introduce legislation to allow prosecutors to apply statutes used for drug trafficking and money laundering cases to wildlife trafficking.

The Safari Club International Foundation, which represents trophy hunters, criticized Obama's strategy for overlooking engagement with African nations.

Joe Hosmer, the group's president, said government actions can undermine on-the-ground conservation projects, which he argued are already working well, adding:

"The people and the businesses that operate outside of the urban environment are the most critical to engage to ensure wildlife populations are sustainable."

———

Reach Josh Lederman at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP

I wonder what the impact of the illicit trade into the US is compared to the major market countries?

quote:

But inconsistent implementation and lax enforcement have meant that once the ivory is in the U.S., domestic transactions have been essentially unregulated. That means someone who placed an ivory chess set for sale on eBay, for example, faced little risk of running afoul of law enforcement — even if they lacked proof the item met one of the exceptions, such as being an antique.

This is the worrisome part-
This administration -
IF they can-
Has as its intention ban ALL domestic interstate sales of ivory products--

Pistol grips and knife scales-
Chess sets -etc-
Hopefully this will not come to pass-

In some of the blue states-
there are "proposals" for regulations to ban intrastate sale being promoted by the same crowd that is promoting this current "federal" executive action

Are you allowed to buy modern ivory products at the moment anyway??

Initial ban 1988 , modified 1992-

LOTS of Pre-Ban Ivory in th US -
The ultimate goal is to ban sale of ALL ivory-
Not just Post Ban ivory-

(Just look at the Gibson Guitar fiasco for the Overreach aspect)

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:
Are you allowed to buy modern ivory products at the moment anyway??

No, only preban stuff(as I understand).

quote:

Originally posted by Clan_Colla:

quote:

But inconsistent implementation and lax enforcement have meant that once the ivory is in the U.S., domestic transactions have been essentially unregulated. That means someone who placed an ivory chess set for sale on eBay, for example, faced little risk of running afoul of law enforcement — even if they lacked proof the item met one of the exceptions, such as being an antique.

This is the worrisome part-
This administration -
IF they can-
Has as its intention ban ALL domestic interstate sales of ivory products--

Pistol grips and knife scales-
Chess sets -etc-
Hopefully this will not come to pass-

In some of the blue states-
there are "proposals" for regulations to ban intrastate sale being promoted by the same crowd that is promoting this current "federal" executive action

The ivory trade should be stopped at the source, by fighting poaching.

Everything else makes everyone who has ANY ivory as a criminals!!

Yes Saeed-
But THAT (controlling poaching)
is the intelligent choice

How does it affect US hunters; if modern ivory hunting trophies are not allowed to be bought and sold as it is?

The ivory ban idea originated in Africa. It was adopted by the environmental community in another of its misguided attempts at conservation, and now by the current administration.

But I doubt it would be any different no matter who was president.

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:
Are you allowed to buy modern ivory products at the moment anyway??

Matt,
I have many "ivory" products -
All "old" (pre-88) -
However, as with my elephant belt -that I may not wear in Austrailia-

The INTENT of this "crowd" in Washington is that I may not safely carry my ivory products "Interstate" in the US-

Just as "your" crowd in Australia will not allow my "old" elephant belt to be worn there.

Neither set of regulations STOPS the poaching and of the elephants-

It only serves to criminalize my previously lawful behavior and ultimately serves to erode all of our future capacity to hunt--

It is truly the slippery slope concept

quote:

Originally posted by SteveGl:
The ivory ban idea originated in Africa. It was adopted by the environmental community in another of its misguided attempts at conservation, and now by the current administration.

But I doubt it would be any different no matter who was president.

I fervently disagree-

This President routinely chooses to meet with ( and encourage) the anti-hunting , anti -gun crowd-

quote:

Originally posted by Clan_Colla:

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:
Are you allowed to buy modern ivory products at the moment anyway??

Matt,
I have many "ivory" products -
All "old" (pre-88) -
However, as with my elephant belt -that I may not wear in Austrailia-

The INTENT of this "crowd" in Washington is that I may not safely carry my ivory products "Interstate" in the US-

Just as "your" crowd in Australia will not allow my "old" elephant belt to be worn there.

Neither set of regulations STOPS the poaching and of the elephants-

It only serves to criminalize my previously lawful behavior and ultimately serves to erode all of our future capacity to hunt--

It is truly the slippery slope concept

Ok - for sure I understand all that - I was really just wondering what is legal and what isnt.

You can import your pre-ban products to Australia though.

Our govt has actually acknowledged that (our special) bans are outdated and do nothing. Doesnt mean they will change them though. They arent really 'my crowd' either!!!

Apologize for the inference on crowds-
No slight intended-
However-
My communications with Australia's government "crowd"specifically informed me
NOT to bring my ivory handled knife or my elephant belt -
OR for that matter any elephant products with me-

Yeah well they were wrong. Pre-ban products are OK with a document. ... not that they inspect personally imported belt leather or knife grips anyway, or care about it.

After problems with Canadian officials over a hatband and feather years ago-
(significant problems) easily brought into the country-
but then refused to be let out-

I began to ask questions -prior to travel-

If Australia has relaxed the regs-

it seems such information it has not made it to the officials communicating with us "Yanks"

Anyway-
This ivory situation in the US is still at a point WE may perhaps be able to slow down full US internal implementation -

I would still like to have more of ivory and skin products made from accessible pre-ban elephant.

With the intent to soon stop interstate shipping- It may become impossible for craftsmen to legally receive pre-ban raw materials to complete projects from clients

quote:

Originally posted by Rockdoc:
I wonder what the impact of the illicit trade into the US is compared to the major market countries?

0.001% ? or otherwise negligible and to the point where this "law" is nonsensical if it concerns illicit trade in ivory.

"We're seeing record-high demand for wildlife products" ... does not necessarily mean ivory but more likely exotic bird species, reptiles and the odd animal. Someone in the Administration has therefore used a very broad brush in identifying the reality of the problem.

"Sales across state lines will be banned except for antiques — items more than 100 years old. Sales within states will also be prohibited unless sellers can show they were brought into the U.S. before laws barring their import were put into effect."

What's it to be - 100 years (antique) or pre-ban? Someone needs to get their priorities right.

quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:

quote:

Originally posted by Rockdoc:
I wonder what the impact of the illicit trade into the US is compared to the major market countries?

0.001% ? or otherwise negligible and to the point where this "law" is nonsensical if it concerns illicit trade in ivory.

"We're seeing record-high demand for wildlife products" ... does not necessarily mean ivory but more likely exotic bird species, reptiles and the odd animal. Someone in the Administration has therefore used a very broad brush in identifying the reality of the problem.

"Sales across state lines will be banned except for antiques — items more than 100 years old. Sales within states will also be prohibited unless sellers can show they were brought into the U.S. before laws barring their import were put into effect."

What's it to be - 100 years (antique) or pre-ban? Someone needs to get their priorities right.

USFW has stopped, quite a while ago, of being a useful agent for the protection of wildlife.

Instead, they have become a tool for the uneducated mass media, and like to pass new regulations that SOUND good.

But are utterly useless in the real world.

i always get a kick out of wandering by the USFWS booth at the major hunting conventions. they look like the bastards at a family reunion. as well they should. USFWS and their regulations are a great example of emotion trumping hard science, to the detriment of wildlife. piss flows downhill and for many years, those at the top in USFWS have been on diuretics.

I Think we might be forgetting that the international ban on ivory trade back in the early 1990's did a lot of good both for the elephants and us that enjoy hunting them.

good hunting
CF

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
i always get a kick out of wandering by the USFWS booth at the major hunting conventions. they look like the bastards at a family reunion. as well they should. USFWS and their regulations are a great example of emotion trumping hard science, to the detriment of wildlife. piss flows downhill and for many years, those at the top in USFWS have been on diuretics.

+1

Did anyone other than myself notice the part that said YOU have to prove your documents are real!!!!! that leaves some asshole at customs or usfws a shit load of room to completely screw you. guilty until proven innocent!!!!!!

http://www.doi.gov/news/pressr...life-trafficking.cfm


Also limits the number of sport hunted trophies that can be imported.



Press Release


Interior Announces Ban on Commercial Trade of Ivory as Part of Overall Effort to Combat Poaching, Wildlife Trafficking

Ban Addresses Serious and Urgent Conservation and Global Security Threat Posed by Illegal Trade in Wildlife, Including African Elephants and Rhinoceros

02/11/2014

Contact us

WASHINGTON, DC -- Following today’s release of the Obama Administration’s National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (The Service) will implement a U.S. ban on commercial trade of elephant ivory. This unprecedented action is in response to the escalating and highly organized wildlife trafficking crime that threatens the survival of the African elephant, rhinoceros and a host of other species around the world.

“We are seeing record high demand for wildlife products that is having a devastating impact, with species like elephants and rhinos facing the risk of significant decline or even extinction.” said Sally Jewell. “A commercial ban is a critical element in the President’s strategy to stop illegal wildlife trafficking and to shut down criminal markets that encourage poaching.”

It is estimated that poachers, working with criminal syndicates, systematically killed as many as 35,000 elephants in 2012. Globally, illegal ivory trade activity has more than doubled since 2007. With revenues totaling many billions of dollars, wildlife trafficking is estimated to be fourth largest transnational crime in the world.

“The U.S. market is contributing to the crisis now threatening the African elephant,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “The largely unregulated domestic trade in elephant ivory has served as a loophole that gives cover for illegal trade. Through a series of administrative actions, we can establish a commercial ivory ban and provide the urgently needed protections for elephants and rhinos that will help counteract the unparalleled threats facing two of the world’s most treasured species.”

The ban will impose new restrictions on the import, export, and commercial sale of elephant ivory within the United States, with some limited exceptions. The limited exceptions include a narrow class of antiques that are exempt from regulation under the Endangered Species Act; and items imported for commercial purposes before international commercial trade in these species was prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Anyone proposing to sell elephant ivory or rhino horn would be responsible to document that they are exempt. The Service expects this to be a small fraction of the current domestic trade. Anyone who currently owns legally obtained ivory may keep it.

The Service will:

Prohibit Commercial Import of African Elephant Ivory: All commercial imports of African elephant ivory, including antiques, will be prohibited.
Prohibit Commercial Export of Elephant Ivory: All commercial exports will be prohibited, except for bona fide antiques, certain noncommercial items, and in exceptional circumstances permitted under the Endangered Species Act.
Significantly Restrict Domestic Resale of Elephant Ivory: We will finalize a proposed rule that will reaffirm and clarify that sales across state lines are prohibited, except for bona fide antiques, and will prohibit sales within a state unless the seller can demonstrate an item was lawfully imported prior to 1990 for African elephants and 1975 for Asian elephants, or under an exemption document.
Clarify the Definition of “Antique”: To qualify as an antique, an item must be more than 100 years old and meet other requirements under the Endangered Species Act. The onus will now fall on the importer, exporter, or seller to demonstrate that an item meets these criteria.
Restore Endangered Species Act Protection for African Elephants: We will revoke a previous Fish and Wildlife Service special rule that had relaxed Endangered Species Act restrictions on African elephant ivory trade.
Support Limited Sport-hunting of African Elephants: We will limit the number of African elephant sport-hunted trophies that an individual can import to two per hunter per year.

More information on the threats facing elephants, rhinos and other species that are targeted for the illegal wildlife trade can be found here. To view the White House Fact Sheet, click here.

The National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking was developed by an interagency Presidential Task Force, representing agencies from across the federal government, and with significant input from an Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking that includes representation from the private sector, former government officials, non-governmental organizations and other experts on wildlife trade. The Task Force was formed following the President’s July 2013 Executive Order on Combating Wildlife Trafficking. The aim of the Executive Order and the Task Force is to enhance and coordinate U.S. efforts to address the significant impacts to wildlife caused by this growing threat.

# # #

quote:

Significantly Restrict Domestic Resale of Elephant Ivory: We will finalize a proposed rule that will reaffirm and clarify that sales across state lines are prohibited, except for bona fide antiques, and will prohibit sales within a state unless the seller can demonstrate an item was lawfully imported prior to 1990 for African elephants and 1975 for Asian elephants, or under an exemption document.Clarify the Definition of “Antique”: To qualify as an antique, an item must be more than 100 years old and meet other requirements under the Endangered Species Act. The onus will now fall on the importer, exporter, or seller to demonstrate that an item meets these criteria.

Extrapolate this to sending your Ivory to a knife craftsman or a pistol grip maker--

Easy to make this extrapolation since the ivory is now newly worked

How do you prove ownership and age-

Particularly with Ivory purchased years ago from hunters now long deceased or their estates-

Essentially the intent IS to stop all ivory trade in the US-

Not protect the current population of the worlds Elephants


We must stop this at the legislative level
as there is zero chance to effect the "executive" branch

The ban on ivory is the reason why the black market exist in the first place. The only way to stop poaching is to kill the black market. If there is a legal commercial trade it will eventually kill the black market which will kill the poaching.

Never in human history did a ban had the desired effect. If bans had the desired effect why is there still drugs that are killing people every day,( I am not saying unban drugs), my point is that bans does not work. It is time that we state thinking out of the box to find a solution to the problem. Catching the poachers does not help, they are replaced within a day. The problem is much bigger than what we think it is.

We were told in the SCI continuing legal education seminar last Friday that something was coming down from the Obama administration in a few days, but the USFWS rep would not say what it was, as he condescendingly talked to us with a big shit eating grin on his face. Now we know. As to limiting the import of sport hunted elephant trophies to 2 per year per hunter, this is just the first step in limiting it to one and then none. The USFWS is full of anti hunting leadership.

Totally the wrong chair wanting to "help" here. If he understand any simple business principal, he should know that it is the demand that lies at the centre of this fiasco, and the demand does NOT lie within the U.S. of A. The problem lies on the opposite side of the world. So what is the lad going to do to save our Ellie's, sanctions against China? Nah....I don't think so....

The next thing the USFWS will do is start cutting the import quotas from the countries that they currently allow import from, due to the increase in poaching and the fact that elephant population statistics are just extrapolation through the use of a formula in most cases.

There is supposedly an elephant count going on for all of southern Africa currently and I believe the numbers that came in from the Selous in TZ were way down.

Unless there are some pleasant surprises in the countries that still allow elephant hunting, the USFWS could get all the ammo they need to severely reduce the quotas for the import of sport hunted elephant trophies.

Have to remember the nature of the beast. These are the guys that used global warming to screw Canada with polar bear. They wouldn't hesitate to make a political statement with elephant. In the end they do not give a shit about the wildlife or the local people and how their decisions affect them.

http://www.fws.gov/internation...ons-and-answers.html


USFWS Moves to Ban Commercial Elephant Ivory and Rhino Horn Trade
Questions & Answers

General Q&As
How will these actions impact me? Additional information for:
Antique Dealers
Hunters
Ivory Carvers
Traders in Elephant Leathers
Owners of elephant ivory, rhino horn, and other items derived from these species
Musicians and musical instrument manufacturers
Zoos, circuses, and exhibitors
Museums and educational institutions
General Q&As
Given the unparalleled and escalating threats to both African elephants and rhinos, we believe that a nearly complete ban on commercial elephant ivory and rhino horn trade is the best way to ensure that U.S. domestic markets do not contribute to the decline of these species in the wild. To accomplish this, we will immediately pursue the following administrative actions:

Prohibit Commercial Import of Elephant Ivory: We will eliminate broad administrative exceptions to the 1989 African Elephant Conservation Act (AECA) moratorium that have allowed commercial import of antique ivory.
Clarify the Definition of “Antique”: We will incorporate the Endangered Species Act’s exemptions for commercial trade of 100-year-old antiques into regulations that re-affirm the criteria that must be met for an item to qualify as an antique.
Strengthen Endangered Species Act Protection for African Elephants: We will revoke the regulations that allow African elephant ivory to be traded in ways that would otherwise be prohibited by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Reinforce International Controls on Wildlife Trade Domestically: We will finalize a proposed rule that will re-affirm, clarify and improve public understanding of the “use- after-import” provisions in U.S. CITES regulations, so as to reduce sales, including intrastate sales (i.e. sale within a state), of wildlife that was imported for noncommercial purposes.
Support Limited Sport-hunting of African Elephants: Limit the number of elephant sport-hunted trophies that an individual can import to two per hunter per year.
What is the U.S. role in the illegal elephant ivory trade?


The United States is among the world’s largest consumers of wildlife, both legal and illegal. As with any black market trade, it is difficult to determine the exact market value or rank the U.S. role in comparison to other nations. However, we remain a significant ivory market, and we must continue to be vigilant in combating illegal ivory trade. By effectively controlling illegal ivory trade at home and assisting elephant range states and consumer countries around the world, we can have a significant impact on elephant conservation.

Our current laws and regulations focus on controlling import and export, while allowing some ivory trade within the United States. Ivory sold in the United States typically involves worked items such as carvings and components of larger finished products such as knife handles, billiard cues, and furniture. Ivory is sold in retail shops as well as through online sellers. Though much of this trade is in antiques and other legally acquired ivory imported prior to the 1989 AECA ivory import moratorium, we believe a substantial amount of elephant ivory is illegally imported and enters the domestic market. It is extremely difficult to differentiate legally acquired ivory from ivory derived from elephant poaching. Our criminal investigations and anti-smuggling efforts have clearly shown that legal ivory trade can serve as a cover for illegal trade. As just one example, Service and State officers seized more than $2-million–dollars-worth of illegal elephant ivory from two New York City retail stores in 2012.

What are the cumulative effects of these actions?
If these actions are finalized, the following activities will be prohibited:

Commercial import of African elephant ivory
Export of non-antique African and Asian elephant ivory (except in exceptional circumstances as permitted under the ESA)
Interstate commerce (sale across state lines) of non-antique African and Asian elephant ivory (except in exceptional circumstances as permitted under the ESA)
Sale, including intrastate sale (sale within a state), of African and Asian elephant ivory unless the seller can demonstrate that the ivory was lawfully imported prior to listing in CITES Appendix I (1990 for African elephant; 1975 for Asian elephant) or under a CITES pre-Convention certificate or other exemption document
If these actions are finalized, the following activities will be limited:

Imports of African elephant ivory will be limited to certain items and purposes where the ivory item will not be sold, including ivory for law enforcement and scientific purposes, specified worked ivory items such as musical instruments, items in museums and other exhibitions, and items that are part of a household move.
Import of African elephant sport-hunted trophies will be limited to two trophies per hunter per year.
When will these actions take effect?
The actions described above will involve different processes and timelines. We are already working on these actions, and initial steps will be taken within the next several weeks. However, some of these actions will be open to public comment, so completion of some actions will take substantially more time.

Prohibit Commercial Import of Elephant Ivory: As a first step, we will issue a Director’s Order that will provide guidance to Service officers on enforcement of the existing 1989 African Elephant Conservation Act moratorium. The Order will lay out all of the actions to be undertaken by the Service to address the current crisis with elephants and rhinoceroses. We anticipate issuance of this Order by mid-February, 2014. We will also publish a proposed or interim final rule with an opportunity for public comment to revise the 1989 AECA moratorium as well as create regulations under the AECA in our general wildlife import/export regulations (50 CFR Part 14). We anticipate publishing a proposed or interim final rule by the end of June.
Clarify the Definition of “Antique”: This action, like the action above, will require a two-step process. In the same Director’s Order described above, we will provide guidance to Service officers on the antique exemption under the ESA. We anticipate issuance of this Order by mid-February. We will publish a proposed or interim final rule with an opportunity for public comment to revise our endangered species regulations (50 CFR Part 17) to provide guidance on the statutory exemption for antiques. We anticipate publishing a proposed or interim final rule by the end of June.
Strengthen Endangered Species Act Protection for African Elephants: We will propose to revoke the ESA African elephant special rule (50 CFR 17.40(e)). This action will require publication of a proposed or interim final rule with an opportunity for public comment, followed by a final rule. We anticipate publishing a proposed or interim final rule by the end of April, 2014.
Reinforce International Controls on Wildlife Trade: We will finalize revisions to our U.S. CITES regulations (50 CFR Part 23), including the “use-after-import” provisions in 50 CFR 23.55. These revisions have already been published as a proposed rule with a public comment period. We anticipate publishing a final rule by the end of February, 2014. The revised regulations will be in effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Support Limited Sport-hunting of African Elephants: We will publish a proposed or interim final rule with an opportunity for public comment to revise the 1989 AECA moratorium and create regulations under the AECA in our general wildlife import/export regulations (50 CFR Part 14). We anticipate publishing a proposed or interim final rule by the end of June, 2014.
Why is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service taking these actions?
Last July, President Obama issued an Executive Order committing the United States to step up its efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. The Executive Order created an interagency taskforce, co-chaired by the Department of the Interior, and appointed a Federal Advisory Council to galvanize efforts to work across the government and the conservation community to strengthen and expand our response to the wildlife trafficking and poaching crisis. As stated in the President’s Executive Order, wildlife trafficking reduces the economic, social and environmental benefits of wildlife, while generating billions of dollars in illicit revenues each year, contributing to the illegal economy, fueling instability and undermining security. It is in the national interest of the United States to combat wildlife trafficking and ensure that we are not contributing to the growing global demand for elephant ivory and rhino horn.

Why not impose a complete ban on all import, export and domestic sale?
Under current laws, we are not able to impose a complete elephant ivory ban. With regard to both Asian and African elephants, the Endangered Species Act explicitly exempts antiques from ESA prohibitions and allows certain activities with the issuance of an ESA permit. Also, the African Elephant Conservation Act only applies to import and export and does not address Asian elephant ivory. In addition, there are certain activities that would be precluded by a complete ban that we believe would benefit the conservation of elephants or that do not contribute to poaching and illegal trade. Among these are the movement of ivory for law enforcement purposes and bona fide scientific purposes and the noncommercial movement of certain items, such as museum specimens and musical instruments containing pre-Act or antique ivory. Precluding such items would not benefit elephant conservation. However, we believe that the administrative actions available to us would result in a near complete ban and provide us with sufficient tools to ensure that the United States is not contributing to the poaching and illegal trade crisis.

Why do you allow the import of elephant sport-hunted trophies at all? What about other species?
The AECA, ESA and CITES allow the noncommercial import of sport-hunted trophies as long as certain conditions are met. We believe that well-regulated and managed sport hunting can contribute to conservation by putting much needed revenue back into protected area management, anti-poaching and other important conservation activities. We will propose to restrict elephant trophy imports to two elephants per hunter per year. In addition, we will continue to closely monitor sport-hunting of elephants and other species to ensure that it does not threaten wild populations; where necessary, we will increase restrictions or prohibit imports from at-risk populations altogether.

What is the U.S. role in the illegal rhino horn trade?


Approximately 2,800 rhinos have been poached in South Africa since 2008, a more than 7,000 percent increase compared to the previous 17 years. Most illegal rhino horn trade is destined for Vietnam and other Asian countries, where demand is driven by both traditional and non-traditional uses. However, the United States continues to play a role as both a consumer country and, increasingly, as a transit country for previously imported horns. The latter trend has been well documented in the Service’s Operation Crash, an ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit rhino horn trade in the United States that has already led to 15 arrests, nine convictions and the seizure of significant numbers of rhino horns.

What activities involving elephant ivory will still be allowed?

Possession of lawfully imported and acquired elephant ivory items;
Import and export of certain elephant ivory items that will not be sold;
Interstate commerce (sale across state lines) and export of bona fide antiques; and
Intrastate commerce (sale within a state) of bona fide antiques and ivory that the seller can demonstrate was lawfully imported prior to listing in CITES Appendix I (1990 for African elephant; 1975 for Asian elephant) or under a CITES pre-Convention certificate or other exemption document.
What other types of ivory are used, and how will they be affected by these actions?
These actions will not affect ivory derived from other species such as walrus, warthog, hippopotamus, mammoth and mastodon. Asian elephant ivory is already regulated under the ESA and CITES. Ivory derived from toothed whales is already regulated by the ESA, CITES and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Strict application of the ESA definition of antique may limit some Asian elephant and whale ivory trade. See the section about antiques for more information.

How does prohibiting commercial use of antiques and other old ivory help elephant populations in Africa?
Illegal ivory trade is driving a dramatic increase in African elephant poaching, threatening the very existence of this species. It is extremely difficult to differentiate legally acquired ivory, such as ivory imported in the 1970s, from ivory derived from elephant poaching. Our criminal investigations and anti-smuggling efforts have shown clearly that legal ivory trade can serve as a cover for illegal trade. By significantly restricting ivory trade in the United States, it will be more difficult to launder illegal ivory into the market and thus reduce the threat of poaching to imperiled elephant populations.

What other elephant products will be affected?
If the ESA special rule for the African elephant (50 CFR 17.40(e)) is revoked as we propose, commercial import, export and interstate sale of all non-antique African elephant specimens will be prohibited without an ESA permit. In addition to ivory, this prohibition would apply to skins, leather products, hair and hair products. See section on the leather trade for more information.

How are rhino horn, hawksbill sea turtle shell and specimens of other CITES Appendix-I species affected?
Our CITES regulations (50 CFR 23.55) place limits on how CITES Appendix-I and certain Appendix-II specimens may be used after import into the United States. The purpose is to prevent commercial use of specimens after import into the United States when only noncommercial trade is allowed under CITES. These provisions apply not only to elephant ivory, but also to rhino horn, hawksbill sea turtle shell and other specimens of Appendix-I species. We are in the process of finalizing a proposed rule updating our CITES regulations, including amendments to the “use-after-import” provisions. Use after import of Appendix-I specimens is limited to noncommercial purposes except when a person can demonstrate that the specimens were imported before the species was listed in Appendix I, or they were imported under a pre-Convention certificate or other CITES exemption document. We expect to publish the final rule by the end of February and will use this opportunity to improve public understanding of the “use-after-import” provisions. The revised regulations will be in effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. See the section on antiques for more information. Activities involving specimens of Appendix-I species that are listed under the ESA must also meet ESA requirements.

How is pre-Act (pre-ESA) defined under the ESA?
Specimens (e.g. elephant ivory, hair or leather) defined as pre-Act may be exempt from standard prohibitions on import or export. To qualify as pre-Act, a specimen must:

Have been held in captivity or in a controlled environment prior to December 28, 1973, or prior to the date of first listing under the ESA; and
Such holding or use and any subsequent holding or use was not in the course of a commercial activity.
For what purposes can an ESA permit be issued and what is the process?
For species listed as endangered, such as the Asian elephant, permits can be issued for scientific purposes, enhancement of propagation or survival, incidental taking or economic hardship. For species listed as threatened, permits can be issued for scientific purposes, enhancement of propagation or survival, economic hardship, zoological exhibition, educational purposes, incidental taking or other special purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act. For more information about permit application processes and requirements, visit our Permits page.


Antique Dealers
How is “antique” defined under the ESA?
Specimens (e.g., elephant ivory, hair or leather) defined as “antique” may be exempt from standard prohibitions on import, export and interstate sale. To qualify for the “antique” exemption, the importer, exporter or seller must prove that the specimen:



Is 100 years or older;
Is composed in whole or in part of an ESA-listed species;
Has not been repaired or modified with any such species on or after December 28, 1973; and
Is being or was imported through an endangered species antique port.
How will trade in antiques be impacted?
Eliminating the broad exceptions to the 1989 AECA moratorium will prohibit the commercial import of antiques made of African elephant ivory. Import of antiques will only be allowed for certain items not destined for sale, including household effects, musical instruments, museum specimens and other noncommercial items traveling on a CITES musical instrument certificate or traveling exhibition certificate.

Commercial and noncommercial import of antiques made out of other endangered species, such as Asian elephant or rhinoceros, will continue to be allowed provided the importer can prove the identification of the wildlife species at the time of import and the specimen meets the definition of an antique under the ESA.

Antiques made out of endangered species that are already here in the United States may continue to be sold in interstate commerce without an ESA permit provided the seller can prove that the specimen meets the definition of an antique under the ESA.

Where can antiques made of ESA-listed species be imported?
These antiques can only be imported at the following ports: Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Miami, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Orleans, Louisiana; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Anchorage, Alaska, Honolulu, Hawaii; and Chicago, Illinois.


Hunters
How will movement of sport-hunted trophies be affected?
These administrative actions will not significantly impact the import into the United States of African elephant sport-hunted trophies. The AECA specifically allows such imports. We will limit imports to two African elephant trophies per hunter per year. This limitation will affect very few importers.

african-elephant-walking-down-path
Credit: Richard Ruggiero/USFWS

The special rule allows import of sport-hunted African elephant trophies from CITES Appendix-I populations without an ESA permit when certain conditions are met, including a Service determination that killing the animal will enhance survival of the species. Although these trophies will require ESA permits after removal of the special rule, the Service issues such permits based on the same information used for issuing the CITES import permit. We anticipate that the agency will be able to include the necessary ESA authorization on that document.

Therefore, we do not expect revocation of the special rule to impact import of sport-hunted trophies from CITES Appendix-I populations.
ESA permits will still not be required for import of sport-hunted trophies from Appendix-II African elephant populations when certain conditions are met. All imports of African elephant hunting trophies will still need to comply with relevant provisions in 50 CFR Parts 13 (general permitting) and 23 (CITES).


Ivory Carvers
How will the carving and commercial use of raw and worked ivory in the United States be affected?
After the ESA special rule for the African elephant is revoked, commercial export and interstate commerce of all non-antique African elephant ivory will be prohibited without an ESA permit. The commercial import of non-antique African elephant ivory and raw ivory is already prohibited under the 1989 AECA moratorium. The ESA also already prohibits commercial import, export and sale in interstate commerce of Asian elephant ivory without an ESA permit.
With finalization of the use-after-import provisions in our CITES regulations, African and Asian elephant ivory can only be sold within a state (intrastate commerce) when the seller can prove that the specimen was imported prior to listing of the species in CITES Appendix I or Appendix II with an annotation restricting trade in some specimens to noncommercial purposes.

Under these actions, there are no changes in requirements with respect to use and sale of other ivories, such as mammoth, walrus, hippopotamus, sperm whale or warthog.


Traders in Elephant Leather
How will the commercial use of elephant leather and other non-ivory products be affected?
The special rule allows the import and export of non-ivory African elephant products, provided the permit requirements in 50 CFR Parts 13 and 23 have been met and does not restrict interstate commerce in African elephant specimens. Commercial import, export and interstate commerce will be prohibited for non-antique items without an ESA permit when the special rule is removed. This prohibition will apply to trade in all elephant parts and products, including products made from elephant leather. Issuance of ESA permits for threatened species must be for “scientific purposes, the enhancement of propagation or survival, economic hardship, zoological exhibition, educational purposes, incidental taking, or special purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act.”


Current owners of elephant ivory, rhino horn, and other items derived from these species
How will ownership and use of personally owned item be affected?
Personal possession of elephant ivory and other materials made from endangered or threatened species that were legally acquired will remain legal.



Worked African elephant ivory imported for personal use as part of a household move or as an inheritance and worked African elephant ivory imported as part of a musical instrument will continue to be allowed provided the worked ivory has not subsequently been transferred from one person to another person in pursuit of financial gain or profit and the item is accompanied by a valid CITES document. The import of raw African elephant ivory, other than sport-hunted trophies, is prohibited.

Import and export of other ESA-listed species, such as Asian elephant or rhinoceros, for noncommercial purposes either with an ESA permit or if the specimen qualifies as pre-ESA or as an antique under the ESA may continue.

Commercial export and interstate commerce of all non-antique African elephant ivory will be prohibited without an ESA permit. The export and sale in interstate commerce of non-antique specimens of other ESA-listed species continues to be prohibited without an ESA permit.
With finalization of the amended “use-after-import” provisions in our CITES regulations, species listed in CITES Appendix I or in Appendix II with an annotation for noncommercial purposes (such as African and Asian elephant or one of the species of rhinoceros) may only be used for noncommercial purposes unless it can be proved that the specimen was imported prior to the restrictive listing.


Musicians and musical instrument manufacturers
How will the commercial and noncommercial use of musical instruments containing elephant ivory be affected?

Commercial import of musical instruments containing African elephant ivory will be prohibited.
Commercial export and sale in interstate commerce will be prohibited without an ESA permit.

Orchestras, professional musicians and similar entities will be allowed to import certain musical instruments containing African elephant ivory if the instruments qualify as pre-Convention and are not destined to be sold. Worked African elephant ivory imported as part of a musical instrument will continue to be allowed provided the worked ivory was legally acquired prior to February 26, 1976; the worked elephant ivory has not subsequently been transferred from one person to another person in pursuit of financial gain or profit; and the item is accompanied by a valid CITES musical instrument passport or CITES traveling exhibition certificate.

The import, export and sale in interstate commerce of non-antique specimens of other ESA-listed species continue to be prohibited without an ESA permit. Antique musical instruments made of endangered species that are already here in the United States may continue to be sold in interstate commerce without an ESA permit provided the seller can prove the specimen meets the definition of an antique under the ESA.

With finalization of the ”use-after-import” provisions in our CITES regulations, species listed in CITES Appendix I or in Appendix II with an annotation for noncommercial purposes (such as African and Asian elephant or sea turtle) may only be used for noncommercial purposes unless it can be proved that the specimen was imported prior to the restrictive listing.

Can ivory be imported to manufacture new musical instruments?
Our CITES regulations (50 CFR 23.55) place limits on how CITES Appendix-I and certain Appendix-II specimens may be used after import into the United States. The purpose is to prevent commercial use of specimens after import into the United States when only noncommercial trade is allowed under CITES. We are in the process of finalizing a proposed rule updating our CITES regulations, including amendments to the “use-after-import” provisions. Use after import of Appendix-I specimens is limited to noncommercial purposes except when a person can demonstrate that the specimens were imported before the species was listed in Appendix I, or they were imported under a pre-Convention certificate or other CITES exemption document. For further information, see our answers on antiques, personally owned items and musical instruments.


Zoos, circuses, and exhibitors
How will the movement of live African elephants be affected?



The special rule allows the import or export of live African elephants provided all CITES requirements are met. Interstate or foreign commerce of live African elephants is also allowed and no ESA permit is required. Revocation of the special rule would mean that all of the prohibitions and permitting requirements for threatened species will apply to live elephants. ESA authorization would be required to conduct interstate or foreign commerce, import, export or take (within the United States) of live African elephants. Issuance of ESA permits for threatened species must be for “scientific purposes, the enhancement of propagation or survival, economic hardship, zoological exhibition or educational purposes, or incidental taking or special purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act.”


Museums and educational institutions
How will the movement of museum, educational and scientific specimens be affected?
The special rule allows the import or export of museum, educational or scientific specimens from African elephants provided all CITES requirements are met. Interstate and foreign commerce of elephant specimens is also allowed and no ESA permit is required. Revocation of the special rule would mean that all of the prohibitions and permitting requirements for threatened species would apply to these specimens. ESA authorization would be required to conduct interstate or foreign commerce, import or export of such specimens. Issuance of ESA permits for threatened species must be for “scientific purposes the enhancement of propagation or survival economic hardship zoological exhibition, or educational purposes, or incidental taking, or special purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act.” Specimens moved across state lines for non-commercial purposes do not require ESA authorization. Specimens that qualify as pre-ESA or as antiques under the ESA also would not require ESA authorization for interstate or foreign non-commercial movements. Non-commercial loans within the United States as part of research, educational programs, or museum exhibitions would not require ESA authorization. For more information, see the information above on antiques.

Proposed changes to the AECA moratorium would allow for the continued import of worked African elephant ivory imported as part of a traveling exhibition, provided the worked ivory was legally acquired prior to February 26, 1976; the worked elephant ivory has not subsequently been transferred from one person to another person in pursuit of financial gain or profit; and the item is accompanied by a valid CITES traveling exhibition certificate.

quote:

Originally posted by ddrhook:
Did anyone other than myself notice the part that said YOU have to prove your documents are real!!!!! that leaves some asshole at customs or usfws a shit load of room to completely screw you. guilty until proven innocent!!!!!!

Exactly

Yet another example of the fact that Mr. Obama, and the people he represents, understand absolutely nothing of economics.

I always wonder who are these people that work for USFWS?

I wonder when the culture shifted to full on bunny hugging?

I have said many times before that the USFWS is the sworn enemy of the US citizen hunter.

Jeff

Member Alert

February 13, 2014

Important Notice to SCI members Regarding Future Policy Changes By U.S. Government For Sport-Hunted Trophy Importation
SCI Members:
On February 11, 2014, the Presidential Task Force on Illegal Wildlife Trafficking issued a strategy to combat wildlife poaching throughout the world. The primary focus of this strategy is to curtail illicit ivory and rhino horn trade. While SCI Foundation and SCI strongly support the FWS’s efforts to prevent poaching and the trade of illegally taken wildlife, we have been frustrated with the Administration’s decision to exclude the hunting community and the range countries from such efforts.
When the Task Force was created in October 2013, SCI Foundation worked with the wildlife management authorities of various South and East African nations and submitted a letter to the Task Force in an effort to get their voices heard.. The wildlife that is the focus of the anti-trafficking efforts is their wildlife, yet they were not provided a seat at the table. SCI Foundation also delivered a letter to the Task Force on behalf of the Operators and Professional Hunters’ Associations of Southern Africa because the members of the PH associations are literally the frontline against poachers. In addition, SCI circulated and submitted a letter to the Task Force on behalf of 30 national hunting organizations in the U.S., asking for the hunters’ voice to be heard.
SCI Foundation and SCI continue to advocate on behalf of the hunting and outfitting communities to make certain that the Administration’s wildlife trafficking efforts take advantage of the expertise of these communities and that the Task Force’s strategies do not unnecessarily harm or restrict legal hunting activities. Although it leaves many unanswered questions about the FWS’s future actions, the February 11th Strategy document shows that our efforts have achieved some success. In accordance with the changes recommended by the Strategy -
· U.S. hunters will still be able to import sport-hunted elephant and rhino trophies, even though the strategy proposes to limit hunters to two elephant trophies per year.
· The U.S. Government will support community-based wildlife conservation with a focus on using local communities as the first line of defense against poaching. The economic benefits for local communities generated by hunting will be a valuable resource.
· The U.S. Government will promote joint efforts between governments and nongovernmental organizations, like SCI and SCI Foundation, to develop and sustain anti-poaching efforts.

What Does the Task Force’s Strategy Mean for the U.S. Hunter Today? What Will SCI and SCI Foundation Do to Protect the U.S. Hunter from Harm?

1) The Strategy Does Not Immediately Change the Law. Hunters can continue to import elephant and rhino trophies from approved populations in Africa. Most changes recommended in the Strategy cannot be implemented until the FWS adopts new formal rules. Until new regulations are finalized there can be NO change to current importation practices. As of now, we do not know the specifics of some of the proposed changes, nor do we know how quickly these new rules will go into effect. If the FWS issues rules on an emergency basis, the changes will occur more quickly. If they go through a formal rulemaking period, the process can take several weeks, if not months. Whatever rulemaking is involved, SCI will comment to protect its members hunting and importation opportunities.
2) The Strategy Recognizes that Poachers are the Problem and Hunters Are Part of the Solution. The Strategy demonstrates that the U.S. Government acknowledges that regulated hunters and hunting represent a positive influence for wildlife conservation throughout the world. We, as hunters, should be proud of this fact.
3) The Strategy Demonstrates that the Hunting Community Can Play a Significant Role in Future Strategic Planning. SCI Foundation and SCI will continue to request a position on the Advisory Council to the Task Force and continue the fight for sustainable conservation principles.
4) The Strategy Opens Many New Opportunities for SCI Foundation and SCI to Weigh in on Proposed Changes to the Existing Trophy Import System. Many of the Strategy’s recommended changes will require new regulations and rules. SCI’s Litigation Team will prepare comments on all the proposed regulations that must be enacted before these recommendations are adopted and will use this opportunity to recommend improvements in the FWS’s current approach to trophy importation.
5) The Strategy Presents a Platform for Potential Legislative Improvements. SCI’s lobbyists will work with members of Congress to educate them on the positive benefits that sustainable use delivers for conservation funding, anti-poaching and for community-based economic development.
The Strategy does demonstrate that some regulatory changes will inevitably affect SCI members. Our goal is to ensure that sustainable use is maintained and that it is continually recognized as part of the solution to create conservation funding, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and empower rural communities economically. SCI Foundation and SCI are the voices of Africa’s conservation and hunting community. We are a resource for you and your business. We are lobbying on this issue, and we will be working every legal avenue to make sure your interests are protected as conservationists and hunters.
* * * *

Safari Club International - First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI's approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI's proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.SafariClub.org, or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.

Washington, District of Columbia • Ottawa, Canada • Tucson, Arizona
www.SafariClub.org

If someone can simply this for me I would appreciate it.

Can the tusks from the elephant I took in Namibia in 2011 be imported to the US now?

Thanks,
Paul

quote:

Originally posted by CCMDoc:
If someone can simply this for me I would appreciate it.

Can the tusks from the elephant I took in Namibia in 2011 be imported to the US now?

Thanks,
Paul

IF they were approved then (2011)-
And the paperwork was/is done correctly-
AND has been in process-
In theory-You should be able to bring them in-

quote:

Originally posted by Clan_Colla:

quote:

Originally posted by CCMDoc:
If someone can simply this for me I would appreciate it.

Can the tusks from the elephant I took in Namibia in 2011 be imported to the US now?

Thanks,
Paul

IF they were approved then (2011)-
And the paperwork was/is done correctly-
AND has been in process-
In theory-You should be able to bring them in-

All the paperwork before, during and after is correct on this end - for whatever that's worth.

Thanks

this guy has to be the dumbest prick on earth. There must be twins because one alone couldn't possibly be that stupid

FYI-
For those of you that may have thought the executive order might have been insignificant-

This week, two very well known custom hand gun builders have contacted me-
They are shipping all the ivory grips that were to be on ordered handguns to us now-

Even though delivery of the final product is months or years in the future-

They will not be shipping any ivory after May-
or sooner-

Sooo-
If you are thinking of grips , knife scales etc--
Better get to it-

Not sure why I'm telling the rest of you-
It only drives the cost up for me-
(half-kidding)

How do you PROVE ivory is 100 years old--

Next could be selling taxidermy, hides, exotic wood statues- etc-

Sounds far fetched right-
So did selling ivory you legally owned and could sell-

That is until a few days back---

Again, we need to get this thing stopped-
Via the legislature, courts -etc-

And here come the INTRAstate bans-

1 Section 1. The environmental conservation law is amended by adding a
2 new section 11-0535-a to read as follows:
3 S 11-0535-A. ILLEGAL IVORY ARTICLES.
4 1. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION
5 11-0535 OF THIS TITLE, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE DEPARTMENT TO ISSUE CERTAIN
6 LICENSES OR PERMITS, NO PERSON SHALL SELL, OFFER FOR SALE, PURCHASE,
7 TRADE, BARTER, OR DISTRIBUTE OTHER THAN TO A LEGAL BENEFICIARY, AN IVORY
8 ARTICLE.
9 A. "IVORY ARTICLE" MEANS ANY ITEM CONTAINING:
10 (I) WORKED OR RAW IVORY FROM ANY SPECIES OF ELEPHANT OR MAMMOTH; OR
11 (II) ANY ANIMAL PART CONTAINING IVORY INCLUDED BY THE COMMISSIONER
12 PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION.
13 B. "WORKED IVORY" MEANS ANY ELEPHANT OR MAMMOTH TUSK, AND ANY PIECE
14 THEREOF, WHICH IS NOT RAW IVORY.
15 C. "RAW IVORY" MEANS ANY ELEPHANT OR MAMMOTH TUSK, AND ANY PIECE
16 THEREOF, THE SURFACE OF WHICH, POLISHED, OR UNPOLISHED, IS UNALTERED OR
17 MINIMALLY CARVED.
18 2. THE COMMISSIONER MAY ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS EXPANDING THE
19 DEFINITION OF "IVORY ARTICLE" TO INCLUDE ANY OTHER ANIMAL PARTS CONTAIN-
20 ING IVORY PROVIDED THAT SUCH PARTS ARE FROM ANIMALS CLASSIFIED AS ENDAN-
21 GERED OR THREATENED AND PROVIDED THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAS HELD AT LEAST
22 ONE PUBLIC HEARING PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS.

http://assembly.state.ny.us/le...l&bn=A8824&term=2013