Nov. 7-8, 2001 Commission Meeting Agenda
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
Public Hearing

November 2001 Commission Meeting

Committee and Public Hearing Synopsis Reports

REGULATIONS COMMITTEE

November 7, 2001

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: 2001-2002 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation; “Closed Season” for Crab Traps in Texas Coastal Waters

Presenter: Hal Osburn

This item reviews proposed changes to the Definitions section and the Crab and Ghost Shrimp section of the 2001-2002 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation as published in the October 5, 2001 issue of the Texas Register, and requests permission to forward proposed changes to the full Commission for adoption. Proposed changes include:

ITEM 3: Floating Cabins

Presenter: Dennis Johnston

The purpose of this action is to request approval by the Commission of the Floating Cabin Proclamation.

This item will:

ITEM 4: Potential Changes to the Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation 2002-2003

Presenter: Phil Durocher, Robin Riechers, Gary Graham

This item briefs the Regulations Committee on potential changes to the 2002-2003 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation. The potential changes include:

ITEM 5: Chapter 58 Rules Review and Statewide Shrimp Fishery Proclamation Review

Presenter: Robin Riechers

This item proposes a Rule Review for 31 TAC Chapter 58, Subchapter A (Statewide Oyster Fishery) as well as amendments to those sections of the subchapter regarding oyster lease rules. Proposed amendments are initiated at the direction of Senate Bill 305, 77th Legislature, Regular Session. Amendments include edit items for clarification and proposed amendments to provide consistency with Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 76 as modified in Senate Bill 305.

The proposed amendments include:

ITEM 6: Chapter 58 Rule Review and Statewide Oyster Fishery Proclamation Amendments

Presenter: Robin Riechers

This item proposes a Rule Review for 31 TAC Chapter 58, Subchapter A (Statewide Oyster Fishery) as well as amendments to those sections of the subchapter regarding oyster lease rules. Proposed amendments are initiated at the direction of Senate Bill 305, 77th Legislature, Regular Session.

These amendments will include procedures for:

ITEM 7: Equine Anemia Regulations

Presenter: Jerry Cooke

This item amends the Public Lands Proclamation and State Park Operational Rules to require every equine entering a state park or unit of public hunting land to be accompanied by evidence of a recent, negative test result for Equine Infectious Anemia.

ITEM 8: Texas Cervid Disease Issues

Presenter: Jerry Cooke

This item will brief the Regulations Committee on:

A very brief history of Chronic Washing Disease (CWD), Tuberculosis (TB), etc. in the U. S. will be presented, along with the primary vehicles of expansion of them, and the actions being taken by other states and other Texas agencies will be discussed. The high visibility of CWD, TB, etc. in the news media has led to an increasing public awareness of their potential threat to the wild deer resources in Texas. While these types of diseases are primarily discussed in the context of wildlife, the potential impact of CWD, TB etc. on the domestic livestock industry in Texas is enormous.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
November 7, 2001

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: Financial Review and Update

Presenter: Suzy Whittenton

Staff will brief the Finance Committee with:

ITEM 3: License System Update

Presenter: Suzy Whittenton, Terry Lewis

Staff will update the Finance Committee on the status of the implementation of the license system:

ITEM 4: Boat Fees/Park Fees

Presenter: Suzy Whittenton, Walt Dabney, Dennis Johnston

Staff will present information regarding current boat registration and titling fees and park fees ranges, along with proposed changes.

ITEM 5: Artwork Approval

Presenter: Frances Stiles

This item provides the Committee the opportunity to review and approve the artwork utilized for the annual stamp and print program for Waterfowl, Saltwater, Turkey, and Nongame.

ITEM 6: Nonprofit Partners, Employee Fundraising, and Youth-Appropriate Advertising

Presenter: Gene McCarty

Staff will brief the Finance Committee on proposed regulations required by SB 305 (Sunset) to be published in the Texas Register. The proposed rules will outline the:

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
November 7, 2001

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: Update Riverbed Use

Presenter: Larry McKinney

At the August 2001 Commission meeting, the Commission heard a briefing from Dr. Larry McKinney about motor vehicle use in the bed of the Nueces and other Texas rivers. Dr. McKinney will brief the Conservation Committee about information staff has learned since the August 2001 meeting. The Commission may discuss further actions to be taken by staff on this issue.

ITEM 3: Land Acquisition – Brazoria County

Presenter: Jack Bauer

In 1998 TPW acquired the Nannie M. Stringfellow Wildlife Management Area to function as the Coastal Bottomlands Mitigation Bank TXDOT. The 3,552-acre facility is represented as one of the few remaining large, mature, and contiguous tracts of bottomland hardwood forest habitat in the middle coast area. 90-acres have been offered as habitat additions to the facility.

This item will:

ITEM 4: Land Exchange – Uvalde County

Presenter: Jack Bauer

A land exchange agreement has been reached that would trade-away an unused portion of Garner State Park to acquire view shed protection on a 482-acre adjacent property. The purpose of this Item is to provide this agreement to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission for consideration.

This item will:

ITEM 5: Land Exchange – Travis County

Presenter: Jack Bauer

Del Valle Independent School District (DVISD) has acquired approximately 40 acres extending between the TPW Headquarters Complex and McKinney Falls Parkway for the purpose of constructing a new junior high school campus. An opportunity exists for TPW to participate in the construction of the DVISD campus road system that would provide new road access to the Department Headquarters from McKinney Falls Parkway at great cost savings and mutual benefit to both. A land exchange transaction with DVISD would be required to provide the real property arrangement that would allow the shared opportunity.

ITEM 6: Land Acquisition – Brazoria County

Presenter: Jeff Francell

On November 6, Texas voters approved Proposition 8, which authorized Parks and Wildlife to issue $100 million in General Obligation Bonds for various development and improvement projects at facilities across the state. More than $4 million of these funds are directed for planning, restoration and interpretation of the Levi Jordan Plantation site in Brazoria County. This item approves the acquisition of the site with funding from the Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas.

This item will:

ITEM 7: Land Acquisition – Hidalgo County

Presenter: Jeff Francell

The Weslaco World Birding Center site is located adjacent to a significant natural body of water, known locally as Llano Grande Lake. Most of the Llano Grande frontage adjacent to the Park is owned privately by one landowner. This landowner has offered to sell and lease approximately 34 acres that are critical in-holdings at the World Birding Center site.

This item will:

ITEM 8: Land Exchange – Nueces County

Presenter: Jeff Francell

The purpose of this Item is for the Commission to consider the exchange of property with the City of Corpus Christi. The City of Corpus Christi is responsible for providing services to part of the Island and has approached Parks and Wildlife about locating a fire station on a corner of the Park. In exchange for the land, the City has offered two acres adjacent to the south side of the park.

This item will:

AD HOC INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
November 7, 2001

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: Capital Projects Update

Presenter: Scott Boruff

Briefing given on projects. The presentation will provide visual highlights on several current projects.

OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
November 7, 2001

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: Outdoor Kids Adventure and Outdoor Kids Challenge

Presenter: Steve Hall

This briefing provides the Committee with an overview of two new initiatives that were implemented at Wildlife Expo in October within the overall scope of the Outdoor Kids program. Included are recommendations to improve these activities at future Expos.

ITEM 3: Texas Parks and Wildlife Outreach – Status Report

Presenter: Dr. Larry McKinney

ITEM 4: Hunter Education

Presenter: Steve Hall

This briefing provides the Committee with the status and success of the mandatory hunter education program – where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are headed. Texas is a leading state in the number of certifications with over 33,000 per year. Texas also has lead North America in an effort to use alternative delivery methods including home study and the Internet.

PUBLIC HEARING SYNOPSIS REPORTS
PUBLIC HEARING
November 8, 2001

ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS

RETIREMENT CERTIFICATES AND SERVICE AWARDS

PRESENTATION – Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award

Staff: Roy Lawrence

PRESENTATION – Michael Pauling Family

Staff: Roy Lawrence/Chairman Idsal

PRESENTATION – DOW Sponsorship of Public TV Broadcast

Staff: Lydia Saldaña

ITEM 1: ACTION – APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Chairman Idsal

ITEM 2: BRIEFING – Tenth Anniversary Texas Wildlife Expo Wrap-Up

Presenter: Ernie Gammage

Summary of Tenth Anniversary Texas Wildlife Expo including Visitor Survey information, infrastructure analysis and outcome of outreach efforts.

ITEM 3: ACTION – 2001-2002 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation; “Closed Season” for Crab Traps in Texas Coastal Waters Waters

Presenter: Hal Osburn

This item reviews proposed changes to the Definitions section and the Crab and Ghost Shrimp section of the 2001-2002 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation as published in the October 5, 2001 issue of the Texas Register, and requests permission to forward proposed changes to the full Commission for adoption. Proposed changes include:

ITEM 4: ACTION – Chapter 58 Rule Review and Statewide Shrimp Fishery Proclamation Review

Presenter: Hal Osburn

This item proposes a Rule Review for 31 TAC Chapter 58, Subchapter A (Statewide Oyster Fishery) as well as amendments to those sections of the subchapter regarding oyster lease rules. Proposed amendments are initiated at the direction of Senate Bill 305, 77th Legislature, Regular Session. Amendments include edit items for clarification and proposed amendments to provide consistency with Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 76 as modified in Senate Bill 305.

The proposed amendments include:

ITEM 5: BRIEFING – Update on State Park System

Presenter: Walt Dabney

Briefing to provide information on new park openings, status of exceptional item request, Lone Star Legacy, improved rental facilities, CRC status, State Parks Annual Meeting, marketing and customer service. Update on the establishment of State Parks, Historic Sites and Local Parks Advisory Boards.

ITEM 6: BRIEFING –Status of Texas State Bison Herd

Presenter: Danny A. Swepston

The Texas State Bison Herd (TSBH ) represents the last known population of bison native to Texas and possibility the last representatives of the Great Southern Herd, which roamed over Texas and several adjacent states.

Goals of the project are to:

ITEM 7: ACTION – Floating Cabins

Presenter: Dennis Johnston

The purpose of this action is to request approval by the Commission of the Floating Cabin Proclamation.

This item will:

ITEM 8: ACTION – Artwork Approval

Presenter: Frances Stiles

This item provides the Commission the opportunity to review and approve the artwork utilized for the annual stamp and print program for Waterfowl, Saltwater, Turkey, and Nongame.

ITEM 9: BRIEFING – Black Bear in Texas

Presenter: Gary Graham

Black bear activity in Texas has been on the rise for the last 15 years. This increase in activity is heavily influenced by expanding bear populations in Mexico and New Mexico that spillover into western Texas, and expanding populations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma that have spread to eastern Texas. As bear activity continues to increase in the Trans-Pecos and Pineywoods, TPW will face management and conservation challenges more frequently. It may be time for a comprehensive black bear management planning effort in Texas so that we can fulfill our conservation mission while dealing with statewide bear issues in the future.

ITEM 10: ACTION - Land Acquisition – Brazoria County

Presenter: Jack Bauer

In 1998 TPW acquired the Nannie M. Stringfellow Wildlife Management Area to function as the Coastal Bottomlands Mitigation Bank TXDOT. The 3,552-acre facility is represented as one of the few remaining large, mature, and contiguous tracts of bottomland hardwood forest habitat in the middle coast area. 90-acres have been offered as habitat additions to the facility.

This item will:

ITEM 11: ACTION – Land Exchange – Uvalde County

Presenter: Jack Bauer

A land exchange agreement has been reached that would trade-away an unused portion of Garner State Park to acquire view shed protection on a 482-acre adjacent property. The purpose of this Item is to provide this agreement to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission for consideration.

This item will:

ITEM 12: ACTION – Land Exchange – Travis County

Presenter: Jack Bauer

Del Valle Independent School District (DVISD) has acquired approximately 40 acres extending between the TPW Headquarters Complex and McKinney Falls Parkway for the purpose of constructing a new junior high school campus. An opportunity exists for TPW to participate in the construction of the DVISD campus road system that would provide new road access to the Department Headquarters from McKinney Falls Parkway at great cost savings and mutual benefit to both. A land exchange transaction with DVISD would be required to provide the real property arrangement that would allow the shared opportunity.

ITEM 13: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Brazoria County

Presenter: Jeff Francell

On November 6, Texas voters approved Proposition 8, which authorized Parks and Wildlife to issue $100 million in General Obligation Bonds for various development and improvement projects at facilities across the state. More than $4 million of these funds are directed for planning, restoration and interpretation of the Levi Jordan Plantation site in Brazoria County. This item approves the acquisition of the site with funding from the Parks and Wildlife Foundation of Texas.

This item will:

ITEM 14: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Hidalgo County

Presenter: Jeff Francell

The Weslaco World Birding Center site is located adjacent to a significant natural body of water, known locally as Llano Grande Lake. Most of the Llano Grande frontage adjacent to the Park is owned privately by one landowner. This landowner has offered to sell and lease approximately 34 acres that are critical in-holdings at the World Birding Center site.

This item will:

ITEM 15: ACTION – Land Exchange – Nueces County

Presenter: Jeff Francell

The purpose of this Item is for the Commission to consider the exchange of property with the City of Corpus Christi. The City of Corpus Christi is responsible for providing services to part of the Island and has approached Parks and Wildlife about locating a fire station on a corner of the Park. In exchange for the land, the City has offered two acres adjacent to the south side of the park.

This item will:


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