Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
Public Hearing

May 2003 Commission Meeting

Committee and Public Hearing Synopsis Reports


REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
May 28 , 2003

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: Proposed 2003-2004 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation Fishing Guide License – Required Document Presenter: Paul Hammerschmidt

This item proposes submitting changes to 31 TAC §65.76 Fishing Guide License - Required Documentation (Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation) to the Full Commission for adoption. These proposed changes add a new section to the Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation which require any person seeking a fishing guide license for use in coastal waters to possess a valid, appropriate U.S. Coast Guard Operator’s License. The rule is necessary to clarify that persons who guide in saltwater are required to show proof of possession of a Coast Guard operator’s license in order to obtain a fishing guide license for use in saltwater, and that they are subject to a higher license fee. Proposed changes were submitted to the Texas Register for the 30-day public comment period. To date staff has received no comments regarding the proposed changes.

ITEM 3: Mule Deer – MLDP Staff: Scott Boruff/Clay Brewer

This item seeks adoption of proposed rules to include mule deer in the Managed Lands Deer (MLD) program. The proposed changes would:

ITEM 4: Oyster Dredge Regulations Presenter: Larry Young/Robin Riechers

This item proposes submitting changes to 31 TAC §58.22 (a) Gear Restrictions (Oyster Fishery Proclamation) to the Committee for consideration to publish in the Texas Register. These proposed changes add two new subsections to the Statewide Oyster Fishery Proclamation, which states how an additional dredge and/or lifting device must be stored on an oyster boat. The rule is necessary to eliminate the opportunity for the rigging of a second dredge and to provide for law enforcement to enforce the current one dredge rule.

ITEM 5: History of Grass Carp in Texas Presenter: Phil Durocher

Staff will brief the Commission on the history of Grass Carp in Texas. The briefing will include discussions on Grass Carp arrival in the U. S., the Lake Conroe controversy and the events that led to the current status and policy on the use of triploid Grass Carp in controlling and managing invasive plants in the State.

ITEM 6: Surplus Deer Presenter: Scott Boruff

This item briefs the committee on the background of the surplus deer problems and possible approaches to amelioration.

ITEM 7: CITES: Otter Tags/Trapping Regulations Presenter: Scott Boruff/Doug Humphreys

This item briefs the committee on the proposal that would require all otters taken in the state (approximately 900 in 2002) to be tagged. In addition the proposal address housekeeping changes to streamline the regulatory structure of the proclamation to make it more user-friendly.


FINANCE COMMITTEE
May 28, 2003

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: Legislative Update Presenter: Bob Cook

Staff will provide an update on issues relating to the legislative session to include legislation and appropriation.

ITEM 3: Financial Review and Update Presenter: Mary Fields

Staff will present a financial review for the year to date FY2003, including an update on Account 9, Game, Fish and Water Safety and Account 64, State Parks. This presentation will focus on the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, boat registration and titling fees, and state park fees. Updated budget and expenditure information will also be presented.

ITEM 4: Fee Changes Presenter: Gene McCarty

This item proposes increases to fees for a suite of hunting and fishing licenses, duplicates, replacements, license transfers and related fees licenses in 31 TAC §§53.1 - 53.6, and 53.8, concerning License Fees and Boat and Motor Fees to the Full Commission for adoption. Proposed changes were submitted to the Texas Register for the 30-day public comment period. As of this writing, a total number of comments were not available. Additionally, public input is also being sought through a series of public meetings scheduled across the state. Staff will present a summary of all public comments received at the time of the Commission meeting.

ITEM 5: Boat Registration Revised Decal Presenter: Frances Stiles

This decal provides for the legal use of boats and jet skis coastline and other public waters of Texas. This design is a result of many recommended options, discussions and compromises between TPW Law Enforcement, the Financial Branch, and our County Tax offices. Changing to this new design results in three positive aspects for the agency:


CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
May 28, 2003

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: Land Sale – Wise County Presenter: Jack Bauer

By use of Texas Parks and WIldlife Code 13.008. Solicitation, Receipt, and Transfer of Land, TPWD proposes to transfer the underutilized property to Wise County for public use.

The department has leased the property to Wise County for the same purpose since acquired in 1991..

ITEM 3: Land Acquisition - Houston County Presenter: Jack Bauer

Land acquisition of approximately 291-acres is recommended as a habitat addition at the Mission Tejas State Historic Park.


AD HOC INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
May 28, 2003

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: Capital Program Update Presenter: Steve Whiston

The Commission will be given an update on the Capital Construction Program. The briefing will include project status on each bond issue and current budget, funding, and expenditure information.


OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
May 28, 2003

ITEM 1: Chairman’s Charges

ITEM 2: TPWD Education Interpretation and Outreach Strategicn Plan Presenter: Lydia Saldana

Briefing on the highlights of the completed Strategic Plan for TPWD Education, Interpretation and Outreach Activities and Programs to be implemented in FY04. The plan was reviewed by the Education and Outreach Advisory Committee and includes key messages, goals, objectives and implementation strategies.


PUBLIC HEARING SYNOPSIS REPORTS
PUBLIC HEARING
May 29, 2003

ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS

RETIREMENT CERTIFICATES AND SERVICE AWARDS

PRESENTATION – Pacific Combat Zone Staff: Walt Dabney

PRESENTATION – TEXAS: The State of Water Effort Staff: Lydia Saldaña

ITEM 1: ACTION – Approval of Agenda

ITEM 2: ACTION – Hunting and Fishing License Fee Changes Presenter: Gene McCarty

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

Staff will brief the Commission on the results of analysis for potential changes in hunting and fishing license fees.

ITEM 3: ACTION – Boat Registration Fee Changes Presenters: Gene McCarty

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

Staff will brief the Commission on the results of analysis for potential changes in boat registration fees.

ITEM 4: UPDATE - Migratory Game Bird Proclamation – Early Seaso Presenter: Vernon Bevill

ACTION: Commission review and discussion.

This item apprises the committee of anticipated developments in the federal regulatory process.

ITEM 5: BRIEFING – The Future of Hunting Presenter: Mike Berger/John Kelsey

ACTION: Commission review and discussion.

This item will brief the Commission on the future of hunting. Staff will focus on the strategies and goals to ensure a future for hunting to include creating more hunting opportunities, creating public awareness of the importance of hunting and organizing for success and strategies for achieving each goal.

ITEM 6: BRIEFING - High Plains Partnership Initiative Presenters: Ruben Cantu and Dale Hall-USFWS

ACTION: Commission review and discussion.

This item briefs the committee on an initiative being conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to manage and conserve habitat on the High Plains through cooperative efforts with private landowners and other cooperators.

ITEM 7: ACTION – Proposed 2003-2004 Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation Fishing Guide License – Required Documen Presenter: Paul Hammerschmidt

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

This item proposes submitting changes to 31 TAC §65.76 Fishing Guide License - Required Documentation (Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation) to the Full Commission for adoption. These proposed changes add a new section to the Statewide Hunting and Fishing Proclamation which require any person seeking a fishing guide license for use in coastal waters to possess a valid, appropriate U.S. Coast Guard Operator’s License. The rule is necessary to clarify that persons who guide in saltwater are required to show proof of possession of a Coast Guard operator’s license in order to obtain a fishing guide license for use in saltwater, and that they are subject to a higher license fee. Proposed changes were submitted to the Texas Register for the 30-day public comment period. To date staff has received no comments regarding the proposed changes.

ITEM 8: ACTION – Mule Deer - MLDP Presenter: Scott Boruff/Clay Brewer

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

This item seeks adoption of proposed rules to include mule deer in the Managed Lands Deer (MLD) program. The proposed changes would:

ITEM 9: ACTION - Land Transfer – Wise County Presenter: Jack Bauer

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

By use of Texas Parks and Wildlife Code §13.008. Solicitation, Receipt, and Transfer of Land, TPWD proposes to transfer the underutilized property to Wise County for public use.

The department has leased the property to Wise County for the same purpose since acquired in 1991.

ITEM 10: ACTION – Land Acquisition – Houston County Presenter: Jack Bauer

ACTION: Commission consideration for adoption.

Land acquisition of approximately 291-acres is recommended as a habitat addition at the Mission Tejas State Historic Park.


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