Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
Public Hearing

January 2001 Commission Meeting

Committee and Public Hearing Synopsis Reports

---

REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 24, 2001

ITEM 1: BRIEFING – Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: ACTION – Exotic Species Rules

Presenter: Joedy Gray

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item could be eligible for consent agenda.

The purpose of the Action requested by the Commission is to approve publication of the proposed amendments concerning Harmful or Potentially Harmful Exotic Fish, Shellfish and Aquatic Plants rules in the Texas Register for public comment.

These amendments will:

• Add the Channeled Apple Snail Pomacea canaliculata to the list of prohibited shellfish
• Allow continued possession of black carp by permitted fish farmers provided fish are certified as triploids
• Incorporate the term Aquaculture License throughout our rules to be consistent with the Texas Department of Agriculture
• Correct an inadvertent deletion of triploid grass carp in the exception section of the rules

ITEM 3: ACTION – Legislative Regulations Review

Presenter: Suzy Whittenton, Walt Dabney, Robert Sweeney

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item could be eligible for consent agenda.

This item seeks adoption of proposed rulemaking required by House Bill 1, 75^th Legislature, which requires the department to review all regulations and either repeal, amend, or readopt them. The item addresses the suite of regulations including:

• Chapter 53 – Finance with amendments
• Chapter 59 – Parks with amendments
• Chapter 69 – Resource Protection with amendments

ITEM 4: ACTION – 2001-2002 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation

Presenters: Paul Hammerschmidt, Phil Durocher, Gary Graham

ACTION: Committee consideration for submission to Texas Register for public comment. CONSENT: This item is not eligible for consent agenda.

This item proposes the 2001-2002 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation and requests permission to publish the proposal in the Texas Register for public comment. Proposed changes include:

WILDLIFE

White-tailed deer:

• Expand the statewide youth-only weekend for modern arms to potentially include all weekends in October and the three weekends following the second Sunday in January. The proposed season would not affect Level 2 and Level 3 MLD properties or preclude hunting by archery.
• Provide the opportunity for hunters to take more than one buck in the current one buck limit compartment

• In Angelina, Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Polk, and Tyler counties, allow the harvest of antlerless deer without antlerless permits during the muzzleloader-only season on U.S. Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, Trinity River Authority and Sabine River Authority lands

• Expand the LAMPS program to include Fannin, Hunt, and Rains counties

• Increase the bag limit in Brown, Coke, Coleman, Concho, Glasscock, Howard, Irion, Mills, Mitchell, Nolan, Reagan, Runnels, Sterling, and Tom Green counties, from four deer (no more than two bucks) to five deer (no more than two bucks)

• Increase the bag limit in Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Calhoun, Cameron, Hidalgo, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, and Willacy counties, from four deer (no more than two bucks) to five deer (no more than three bucks)

• In Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Dimmit, Duval, Frio, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kinney (south of U. S. Hwy. 90), Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Medina (south of U. S. Hwy. 90), Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde (south of U. S. Hwy. 90), Webb, Willacy, Zapata, and Zavala counties, open the season on the first Saturday in November rather than the second Saturday in November

• Allow the use of Antlerless and Spike-buck Deer Control Permits statewide from the Saturday nearest September 30 through the last day of any open season in a given county

Eastern Wild Turkey:

• Expand the Spring season for Eastern wild turkey into Houston, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, and Wood counties

Javelina:

• Open a javelina season in Archer County

Quail:

• Propose opening day for quail season to be the Saturday immediately preceeding the opening day of the general season for white-tailed deer.

INLAND FISHERIES

Regulation Simplification:

• On Lakes Belton (Bell County), Cisco (Eastland County), Greenbelt (Donley County), Oak Creek (Coke County), Stillhouse Hollow (Bell County), White River (Crosby County), and Whitney (Bosque and Hill Counties), implement a 14-inch minimum length limit and a 5-fish daily bag limit for smallmouth bass.

Improve/Maintain Fishing Quality:

• On Lake Sweetwater (Nolan County), implement a 14-18-inch slot limit with a 5-fish daily bag limit for largemouth bass

• On O. H. Ivie Reservoir (Coleman, Concho, Runnels Counties), alter largemouth bass regulations to remove the 18-inch minimum length and allow no more than two largemouth bass of less than 18 inches per person per day

• On Pinkston Reservoir (Shelby County), alter largemouth bass regulations to implement a 14-21 inch slot length limit and 5 fish daily bag of which only one fish 21 inches or greater may be harvested per day

Regulations standardization:

• On Lakes Coffee Mill and Davy Crockett (Fannin County), prohibit the use of trotlines, jug lines, and throwlines

COASTAL FISHERIES

• Increase the daily bag and possession limits for Spanish Mackerel

• Standardize required float color for crab traps

ITEM 5: ACTION – Amendments to the Public Lands Proclamation and Proposed Hunting Activities on State Parks

Presenter: Herb Kothmann

ACTION: Committee consideration for submission to Texas Register for public comment. CONSENT: This item is not eligible for consent agenda.

This item proposes amendments to the Public Lands Proclamation and apprises the Committee of candidate state parks for public hunting opportunity. The proposed changes to the Public Lands Proclamation include:

• Provisions for the Department to conduct hunts totally or in part by Regular Permit
• Standardization of permit requirements for supervising adults participating in youth-only hunts
• Authorization for the Department to retain application fees submitted with an invalid application for a Special Permit
• Clarification of procedures for reinstating preference points in drawings for Special Permits
• Minimum age requirement for participants in Special-Permit hunts

ITEM 6: BRIEFING – Seventy-seventh Legislative Overview

Presenter: Joey Park

ACTION: Committee review and discussion

Staff will brief the Commission on legislative procedures for the 77^th legislature, which convenes on January 9, 2001.

• Internal processes for tracking and analyzing legislation
• Process by which Commissioners will be informed on a timely manner on legislative topics that affect the department
• Significant issues that are likely to be addressed during the session.
• Sunset process
• Budget issues

ITEM 7: ACTION – Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Native Plant Regulations

Presenter: John Herron

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item could be eligible for consent agenda.

This item seeks adoption of proposed modifications to the Department’s list of endangered, threatened, and protected native plants. The proposed amendments would:

• Add the Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus) to the list of threatened plants. Its decline is due to loss of wetland habitat.
• Remove the McKittrick pennyroyal (Hedeoma apiculatum) from the list of threatened plants. Its removal is recommended due to newly discovered populations in the Guadalupe Mountains, and documented evidence showing an increase in the known populations.
• Add the Zapata bladderpod (Lesquerella thamnophila) to the state list of endangered plants. Found only in Zapata and Starr Counties its decline is due to its restricted range and threat of loss of habitat.
• Remove the Lloyd’s hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus lloydii) from the list of endangered plants. This species was delisted in 1999 due to evidence indicating it is not a distinct species but rather a hybrid or cross.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 24, 2001

ITEM 1: BRIEFING – Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: BRIEFING – Financial Review

Presenter: Suzy Whittenton

ACTION: Committee review and discussion.

In this briefing item, staff will:

• Present a financial review for the year to date FY2001, including an update on Account 9, Game, Fish and Water Safety and account 64, State Parks
• Focus on the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, boat registration and titling fees, and state park fees
• Provide updated budget and expenditure information

ITEM 3: ACTION – Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program Rules

Presenter: Debra Pendley

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item could be eligible for consent agenda.

Senate Bill 178, 76th Legislature, codified the HUB program under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2161 mandating General Services Commission to develop and adopt new HUB rules under the TAC. Section 2161.003 of Texas Government Code requires state agencies to adopt GSC HUB rules as their own:

• The proposed new §51.171, concerning the HUB program will comply with this requirement. The new section will function by adopting by reference the rules of the GSC contained in 1 TAC § 111.11-111.28
• The proposed rule adoption was published with no comment in the 12/1/00 issue of the Texas Register
• Current procedures adhere to GSC HUB rules, therefore adoption of the proposed rules will not change practices currently followed by the department

ITEM 4: ACTION – Local Park Funding and Indoor Recreation Grants

Presenter: Tim Hogsett

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item could be eligible for consent agenda.

The purpose of the Action by the Commission is to approve support of local parks and indoor recreation grants:

Local Park Funding

• Make grants from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of outdoor recreation sites
• Discuss the development of a small communities/small projects grant assistance pilot program.
• As of July 31, 2000 TPW received 45 applications requesting $16,822,833 in matching fund assistance
• Staff is recommending support of 12 projects in the amount of $5,511,794

Indoor Recreation Grants

• Make grants from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of local indoor recreation facilities
• As of July 31, 2000 TPW received 14 indoor recreation applications requesting $7,085,288 in matching fund assistance
• Staff is recommending support of 6 projects in the amount of $3,325,000

ITEM 5: BRIEFING – Audit Status Report

Presenter: Dennis O’Neal

ACTION: Committee review and discussion

Staff will brief the Commission on the status of audits affecting the Department:

• State Auditor’s Office (SAO) completed the Commercial Fisheries audit and issued a report. SAO concluded that TPW did not recover about $9.3 million in costs for administering these programs in FY99, TPW needs to improve our cost allocation methods, and our oyster bed lease agreements needed improvement.
• Representative Junell requested an SAO audit of the accuracy of FY00 ending fund balances at 12 state agencies, including TPW. The audit has been completed and a report will be released in late January.
• The SAO audit of Administrative Resources is partially completed with a report expected in April or May. The audit’s focus is on our revenue estimating process, controls over receipts, reporting of financial information, and the efficiency of processes within the division.
• The SAO audit of our Sportfish and Wildlife Restoration federal funds is nearly complete with a report expected in April.
• Internal Audit is currently conducting audits at state parks. We are also in the process of completing an audit of the security of our automated systems.

ITEM 6: ACTION – Memorandum of Understanding – Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Economic Development, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Texas Historical Commission

Presenter: Lydia Saldaña

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item could be eligible for consent agenda.

The purpose of the Action by the Commission is to approve the adoption of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):

• The MOU is between the Department, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Economic Development Department, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Texas Historical Commission

• The MOU is required by Government Code, 481.028, which mandates that the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Economic Development Department and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department cooperate in marketing and promoting Texas as a travel destination and providing services to travelers

ITEM 7: ACTION – Amendment to Artwork Approval

Presenter: Frances Stiles

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item could be eligible for consent agenda.

The purpose of this Action by the Commission is to approve a substitution to Nongame artwork previously approved by the Commission:

• Four prints were approved during the November Commission meeting
• Due to an unexpected offer and purchase of the Nongame print by a Canadian publishing company, the use of the Long Billed Curlew artwork by Thomas Quinn has encountered a conflict with copyright privileges
• In order to resolve this conflict, the artist has offered and provided a substitute print to Collectors Covey

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 24, 2001

ITEM 1: BRIEFING – Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: ACTION – Nomination for Oil and Gas Lease – Sheldon Lake SP

Presenter: Kathy Boydston

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item could be eligible for consent agenda.

This Action item is:

• A nomination for oil and gas operations on Lake Sheldon State Park.
• There is a no surface occupancy stipulation for this lease, so the well site would be located on private surface.

ITEM 3: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Uvalde County (Garner SP)

Presenter: Karen Leslie

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item is not eligible for consent agenda.

Acquisition of 35.05 acres from a landowner adjacent to Garner State Park is recommended for additional river frontage.

This item will:

• Acquire prime Frio River frontage directly across the river from a primary park activity area
• Protect one of the highest performing parks in the system from the intrusion of an undesirable land use (home development)
• Not require additional operating funds, since the property can be managed with existing staff

ITEM 4: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Brewster County (Big Bend Ranch SP)

Presenter: Karen Leslie

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item is not eligible for consent agenda.

The purpose of this item is to seek approval to acquire a 640-acre inholding as an addition to Big Bend Ranch State Park.

This item will:

• Acquire logical inholding at Big Bend Ranch State Park
• Protect Solitario and southeastern side of park from illegal access
• Not require additional staffing or expenses
• Cost an estimated $18,592, which represents a bargain sale

ITEM 5: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Nacogdoches County (Alazan Bayou WMA)

Presenter: Jack Bauer

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item is not eligible for consent agenda.

Land acquisition of 101.6 acres at Alazan Bayou WMA is receommended. Benefits to the Department include:

This item will:

• Replace habitat replacement for the habitat lost with the sale of right-of-way to Nacogdoches County for widening FM 2782
• Add excellent quality bottomland habitat
• Cost is below appraised value
• Recommend funding from the land sale for the ROW and revenues from the Wetland Reserve Program

ITEM 6: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Anderson County (Big Lake Bottom WMA)

Presenter: Jack Bauer

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item is not eligible for consent agenda.

Land acquisition of an approximate 100-acre access and inholding tract at Big Lake Bottom WMA

This item will:

• Provide access to a county road and ties two non-contiguous components of the facility together
• Recommend funding for this acquisition with use of turkey stamp revenues
• Not require additional operating funds, since the property can be managed with existing staff

ITEM 7: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Brewster County (Black Gap WMA)

Presenter: Jack Bauer

ACTION: Committee consideration for presentation to full Commission in Public Hearing. This item is also located in the Public Hearing Synopsis report. CONSENT: This item is not eligible for consent agenda.

Land acquisition of a 40-acre inholding tract in the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area is recommended to facilitate public use and access as part of a long-term facility improvement strategy.

This item will:

• Recommend funding for this acquisition through FY01 Land Conservation Program capital budget funds authorized to acquire inholdings at the Black Gap in FY00
• Clarify ownership within a portion of the facility where an ownership dispute with an adjacent landowner has created facility management concerns
• Not require additional operating funds since the property can be managed with existing staff

AD HOC INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 24, 2001

ITEM 1: BRIEFING – Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: BRIEFING – Bond and Capital Program Update

Presenter: Scott Boruff

ACTION: Committee review and discussion.

This item will brief the Commission on the status of the Bond and Capital Program. The report will reflect:

• Project status of each bond issue
• Current status of capital dollars expended, and
• Projected expenditure goals

AD HOC OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 24, 2001

ITEM 1: BRIEFING – Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: BRIEFING – Sheldon Lake Master Plan

Presenter: Laura David

ACTION: Committee review and discussion.

Sheldon Lake State Park has been selected to be the model and prototype for TPW’s outdoor outreach education center utilizing the site’s unique and interesting resources. Sheldon will serve the urban population of Houston, specifically school children with little exposure to the natural environment.

The staff will brief the Commission on the status of:

• The feasibility study
• The marketing prospectus
• The master plan.

PUBLIC HEARING
SYNOPSIS REPORTS
Thursday, January 25, 2001

ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS

RETIREMENT CERTIFICATES AND SERVICE AWARDS

PRESENTATION – Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agenices Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer Award

Staff: Jim Robertson

APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Chairman Bass

ITEM 1: ACTION - Consent Agenda Items

ITEM 2: ACTION – Local Park Funding

Presenter: Tim Hogsett

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

LOCAL PARK FUNDING

• Make grants from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of outdoor recreation sites
• Discuss the development of a small communities / small projects grant assistance pilot program.
• As of July 31, 2000 TPW received 45 applications requesting $16,822,833 in matching fund assistance
• Staff is recommending support of 12 projects in the amount of $5,511,794

ITEM 3: ACTION – Indoor Recreation Grants

Presenter: Tim Hogsett

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

INDOOR RECREATION GRANTS

• Make grants from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of local indoor recreation facilities
• As of July 31, 2000 TPW received 14 indoor recreation applications requesting $7,085,288 in matching fund assistance
• Staff is recommending support of 6 projects in the amount of $3,325,000

ITEM 4: BRIEFING – Big Time Texas Hunts/Fish Texas Program and Fee Resolution

Presenters: Gary Graham/Larry McKinney

ACTION: Committee review and discussion.

Big Time Texas Hunts has developed into a successful vehicle to generate funds for wildlife research, while also promoting participation in hunting. A similar opportunity may exist for fishing. Staff from Aquatic Resources (Inland and Coastal Fisheries, Resource Protection, and the Education /Outreach Program) and Conservation Communication jointly has developed a pilot program to evaluate the efficacy of such a promotion.

The pilot program would be launched this spring between March and June to include national fishing week (the first weekend in June is free fishing weekend). The drawing for winners would follow in mid-June so that these winners would be highlighted in the fall Hook and Bullet newsletter, helping to promote entries in Big Time Texas Hunts.

The pilot will test direct mail strategies that have been successful for Big Time Texas Hunts, but with the focus on fishing where that can be determined. Supercombo holders, Combo holders with saltwater stamps, Resident fishing license holders with saltwater stamps, registered boat owners with appropriate boat types, etc.

No name has been adopted for the program, but it is anticipated that four unique fishing opportunities will be offered at $10 per application. One trip will offer a combination of Small and Largemouth Bass fishing on Lake Fork and Texoma. Another will offer a combination of inshore and offshore fishing along the Texas coast. A third trip wile have a family orientation and a fourth will provide a fly-fishing opportunity.

Our goal for the pilot would be to test several marketing concepts and generate sufficient applications to recover the $85,000 budgeted for this project. The goal of a successful program would be to generate funds to promote fishing in Texas. All funds from any ongoing program that might evolve from the pilot would be totally dedicated to that effort.

ITEM 5: ACTION – Legislative Rule Review

Presenters: Suzy Whittenton, Walt Dabney, Robert Sweeney

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

This item seeks adoption of proposed rulemaking required by House Bill 1, 75^th Legislature, which requires the department to review all regulations and either repeal, amend, or readopt them. The item addresses the suite of regulations including:

• Chapter 53 – Finance with amendments
• Chapter 59 – Parks with amendments
• Chapter 69 – Resource Protection with amendments

ITEM 6: BRIEFING – Big Horn Sheep Transplant Project

Presenters: Jerry Cooke and Clay Brewer

ACTION: Commission review and discussion.

This item will brief the Commission on the recent successful transfer of 45 desert bighorn sheep from Elephant Mountain WMA to Black Gap WMA. This report will reflect:

• Those factors that lead to a successful restoration effort
• The current status of bighorn sheep in Texas
• A short video of the transplant operation narrated by Elephant Mountain WMA Area Manager

ITEM 7: ACTION – Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Rules

Presenter: Debra Pendley

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

Senate Bill 178, 76th Legislature, codified the HUB program under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2161 mandating General Services Commission to develop and adopt new HUB rules under the TAC. Section 2161.003 of Texas Government Code requires state agencies to adopt GSC HUB rules as their own:

• The proposed new §51.171, concerning the HUB program will comply with this requirement. The new section will function by adopting by reference the rules of the GSC contained in 1 TAC § 111.11-111.28
• The proposed rule adoption was published with no comment in the 12/1/00 issue of the Texas Register
• Current procedures adhere to GSC HUB rules, therefore adoption of the proposed rules will not change practices currently followed by the department

ITEM 8: ACTION – Exotic Species Rules

Presenter: Joedy Gray

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

The purpose of the Action requested by the Commission is to approve publication of the proposed amendments concerning Harmful or Potentially Harmful Exotic Fish, Shellfish and Aquatic Plants rules in the Texas Register for public comment.

These amendments will:

• Add the Channeled Apple Snail Pomacea canaliculata to the list of prohibited shellfish
• Allow continued possession of black carp by permitted fish farmers provided fish are certified as triploids
• Incorporate the term Aquaculture License throughout our rules to be consistent with the Texas Department of Agriculture
• Correct an inadvertent deletion of triploid grass carp in the exception section of the rules

ITEM 9: ACTION – Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Native Plant Regulations

Presenter: John Herron

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

This item seeks adoption of proposed modifications to the Department’s list of endangered, threatened, and protected native plants. The proposed amendments would:

• Add the Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus) to the list of threatened plants. Its decline is due to loss of wetland habitat.
• Remove the McKittrick pennyroyal (Hedeoma apiculatum) from the list of threatened plants. Its removal is recommended due to newly discovered populations in the Guadalupe Mountains, and documented evidence showing an increase in the known populations.
• Add the Zapata bladderpod (Lesquerella thamnophila) to the state list of endangered plants. Found only in Zapata and Starr Counties its decline is due to its restricted range and threat of loss of habitat.
• Remove the Lloyd’s hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus lloydii) from the list of endangered plants. This species was delisted in 1999 due to evidence indicating it is not a distinct species but rather a hybrid or cross.

ITEM 10: ACTION - Memorandum of Understanding – Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Economic Development, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Texas Historical Commission

Presenter: Lydia Saldaña

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

The purpose of the Action by the Commission is to approve the adoption of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):

• The MOU is between the Department, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Economic Development Department, the Texas Commission of the Arts, and the Texas Historical Commission

• The MOU is required by Government Code, 481.028, which mandates that the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Economic Development Department and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department cooperate in marketing and promoting Texas as a travel destination and providing services to travelers

ITEM 11: BRIEFING – Shrimp Resource Study

Presenter: Hal Osburn

ACTION: Committee review and discussion.

This item briefs the Regulations Committee on the status of the Shrimp Regulations Assessment Study the Commission directed the Coastal Fisheries Division to conduct. Division staff have been mobilized to address the various components of the study.

These components include:

1. License Buyback
2. Law Enforcement Compliance Rates
3. Status of the Habitat
4. Status of the Resource
5. Bio-diversity issues
6. Social and Economic Assessments

ITEM 12: ACTION – Amendment to Artwork Approval

Presenter: Frances Stiles

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

The purpose of this Action by the Commission is to approve a substitution to Nongame artwork previously approved by the Commission:

• Four prints were approved during the November Commission meeting
• Due to an unexpected offer and purchase of the Nongame print by a Canadian publishing company, the use of the Long Billed Curlew artwork by Thomas Quinn has encountered a conflict with copyright privileges
• In order to resolve this conflict, the artist has offered and provided a substitute print to Collectors Covey

ITEM 13: ACTION – Nomination for Oil and Gas Lease – Sheldon Lake SP

Presenter: Kathy Boydston

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

This Action item is:

• A nomination for oil and gas operations on Lake Sheldon State Park.
• There is a no surface occupancy stipulation for this lease, so the well site would be located on private surface

ITEM 14: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Uvalde County (Garner SP)

Presenter: Karen Leslie

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

Acquisition of 35.05 acres from a landowner adjacent to Garner State Park is recommended for additional river frontage.

This item will:

• Acquire prime Frio River frontage directly across the river from a primary park activity area
• Protect one of the highest performing parks in the system from the intrusion of an undesirable land use (home development)
• Not require additional operating funds, since the property can be managed with existing staff

ITEM 15: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Brewster County (Big Bend Ranch SP)

Presenter: Karen Leslie

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

The purpose of this item is to seek approval to acquire a 640-acre inholding as an addition to Big Bend Ranch State Park.

This item will:

• Acquire logical inholding at Big Bend Ranch State Park
• Protect Solitario and southeastern side of park from illegal access
• Not require additional staffing or expenses
• Cost an estimated $18,592, which represents a bargain sale

ITEM 16: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Nacogdoches County Alazan Bayou WMA

Presenter: Jack Bauer

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

Land acquisition of 101.6 acres at Alazan Bayou WMA is receommended. Benefits to the Department include:

This item will:

• Replace habitat replacement for the habitat lost with the sale of right-of-way to Nacogdoches County for widening FM 2782
• Add excellent quality bottomland habitat
• Cost is below appraised value
• Recommend funding from the land sale for the ROW and revenues from the Wetland Reserve Program

ITEM 17: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Anderson County (Big Lake Bottom WMA)

Presenter: Jack Bauer

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

Land acquisition of an approximate 100-acre access and inholding tract at Big Lake Bottom WMA

This item will:

• Provide access to a county road and ties two non-contiguous components of the facility together
• Recommend funding for this acquisition with use of turkey stamp revenues
• Not require additional operating funds since the property can be managed with existing staff

ITEM 18: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Brewster County (Black Gap WMA)

Presenter: Jack Bauer

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

Land acquisition of a 40-acre inholding tract in the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area is recommended to facilitate public use and access as part of a long-term facility improvement strategy.

This item will:

• Recommend funding for this acquisition through FY01 Land Conservation Program capital budget funds authorized to acquire inholdings at the Black Gap in FY00
• Clarify ownership within a portion of the facility where an ownership dispute with an adjacent landowner has created facility management concerns
• Not require additional operating funds since the property can be managed with existing staff

Top of Page