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Home : Commission Meetings : February Meeting Agenda : |
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Meeting AgendaTime: 8:30 a.m.Dates: February 1-2, 2006 Place: Hilton University of Florida Conference Center 1714 SW 34 Street Gainesville, FL 32607 (352)371-3600 THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC All persons who so desire, shall be given an opportunity to speak at a Commission workshop or meeting within the guidelines established by the Commission. In order to ensure the public’s opportunity to be heard and the orderly conduct of the meeting, the Chairman reserves the right to establish a time for adjournment of the workshop or meeting, to limit the time for speakers, and to limit the time allotted for specific agenda items. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the agency at least five calendar days before the meeting by contacting Cindy Hoffman at (850)488-6411. If hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency by calling (850)488-9542. Agenda Items listed under headings other than “Rules” may be moved by the Chairman to different days of the meeting to accommodate scheduling problems. If any person decides to challenge any decision with respect to any matter considered at the above meeting, he will need a record of the proceedings. For this purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes testimony and evidence upon which the challenge is to be based. For information on lodging and restaurants within the area you may call the Gainesville Area Chamber at 352/334-7100, visit their website at www.gainesvillechamber.com or visit www.VisitFlorida.com. ***Documents are in PDF format, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 7 to see them. You can get Adobe Acrobat FREE by following this link. Viewers can convert the pdf document to html through Adobe..*** Please continue to check Agenda as some background attachments may be updated.
1. Meeting Opening A. Call to Order B. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag C. Special Presentations and Recognitions (1) Recognition of Commissioner Herky Huffman for his leadership in 2005. (2) Mr. Jack Beal of Shikar-Safari International will present the club’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to Officer Grant Burton. (3) Introduction of local Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff. 2. Adoption of Agenda A. Review and Approval of Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2005 Commission Meeting Minutes B. Approval of Consent Agenda (Attached) C. Approval of Agenda 3. Executive Director’s Report 4. Items Requiring Action A. Rules [The following rules will be presented in Groups]--Group 1-- (1) 68A-1.004 Definitions— Proposed changes would revise the definition for all-terrain vehicles allowed on wildlife management areas such that the maximum wheelbase would be increased from less than 60 inches to less than 70 inches; establish a definition for a crossbow season as the calendar period during which certain game may be taken only by the use of a bow or crossbow; revise the definition of muzzleloading gun season to also allow use of a bow or crossbow during this season when authorized by Commission rules; and, establish a definition for total length pertaining to freshwater fish as the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side. (Background Report 12/27/05)(2) 68A-12.002 General Methods of Taking Game; Prohibitions—The proposed rule change would prohibit the use of firearms during the crossbow season. (Background Report 12/27/05)(3) 68A-13.004 Open Season for Taking and Bag Limits for Non-migratory Game and Issuance of Antlerless Deer Permits to Private Landowners—The proposed rule changes would establish new crossbow seasons on private lands where use of bows and crossbows would be allowed with deer harvest restricted to antlered deer only, establish a 5-day crossbow season in the South and Central zones opening the day following the close of archery season; establish a seven-day crossbow season in the Northwest Zone opening the Monday following Thanksgiving Day; establish the bag limit for deer taken during the proposed crossbow season at two antlered deer; clarify that take of antlerless deer during crossbow season is allowed only by an antlerless deer permit and that the aggregate daily bag of antlerless and antlered deer shall not exceed two; and allow crossbows to be used during the 11-day archery/muzzleloading gun season that follows general gun season in the Northwest Zone. The proposed rule changes also would simplify and update the process by which antlerless deer permits are obtained, and delete record-keeping requirements. (Background Report 12/27/05) -------------------------------------Group 2-------------------------------------- (4) 68A-12.009 Taking Destructive Birds and Mammals—The proposed rule change would replace the current permit requirement for nuisance wildlife trappers with a registration requirement and allow airport personnel to take wild turkey from airport property when aircraft safety is threatened. (Background Report 12/27/05) (5) 68A-27.005 Designation of Species of Special Concern; Prohibitions; Permits – The proposed rule change would clarify the current prohibition against take of a gopher tortoise burrow by providing characteristics that define and support the identification of the burrow. FWC staff will recommend that this proposed rule be deferred in order to conduct a special rulemaking workshop. (Background Report 12/27/05) -------------------------------------Group 3-------------------------------------- (6) 68A-13.003 Hunting Regulations for Ducks, Geese, and Coots—The proposed rule changes would allow snow geese to be taken statewide and move the 30-day canvasback and pintail season from the first 30 days to the last 30 days of the waterfowl hunting season. (Background Report 12/27/05) (7) 68A-13.007 Hunting Regulations on Public Small-Game Hunting Areas (PSGAs)—The proposed rule change would allow the possession of dogs under physical restraint on PSGAs. (Background Report 12/27/05) (8) 68A-5.005 Quota Hunt Permits and Special-Opportunity Permits-Application; Selection; Issuance—The proposed rule changes would modify the quota hunt permit process to more effectively utilize the total licensing system for issuance of permits; remove references to application forms and dates; and, extend a preference drawing opportunity to additional quota hunt programs. (Background Report 12/27/05) (9) 68A-15.005 Quota Permits; Antlerless Deer Permits; Special-Opportunity Permits— The proposed rule changes would allow one person younger than 16 years of age to accompany an adult quota permit holder and participate in the hunt on WMAs or WEAs where no exemptions are allowed, provided the bag limit of game is shared, and specify that permits issued to individuals in a specific category (exempt, underage, disabled, senior citizen) may be transferred only to individuals in the same category. In addition, proposals would make minor rule changes, technical corrections or clarifications. (Background Report 12/27/05)(10) 68A-9.007 Special-use Permits; Short-term Use Permits; Fees; Special-Opportunity Hunting and Fishing—The proposed rule change would exempt the spouse and dependent children of a WMA permit holder from daily-use fees on FWC managed WMAs where such fees apply. (Background Report 12/27/05) -------------------------------------Group 4-------------------------------------- (11) 68A-15.004 General Regulations Relating to Wildlife Management Areas—The proposed rule change would allow persons with a valid Concealed Weapon or Firearm License to possess a concealed handgun throughout the year, pursuant to the provisions of Section 790.06, Florida Statutes, unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal law. The proposed rule changes would codify the change from Wildlife Management Area Stamp to WMA Permit; exempt the spouse and dependent children of a WMA permit holder from daily use fees, when participating in recreational activities other than hunting, on Babcock/Webb, Yucca Pens Unit and Corbett WMAs; and clarify that dogs may be possessed under physical restraint on WMAs unless prohibited by specific area rule. (Background Report 12/27/05)(12) 68A-17.004 General Regulations Relating to Wildlife and Environmental Areas—The proposed rule changes would allow persons with a valid Concealed Weapon or Firearm License to possess a concealed handgun throughout the year, pursuant to the provisions of Section 790.06, Florida Statutes, unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal law. (Background Report 12/27/05) (13) 68A-14.001 Establishment Orders—The proposed rule changes would remove the game status of wild hogs on Walk-in-the-Water, Croom, Kicco, Citrus, Cypress Creek, Devils Hammock, Mallory Swamp, Aucilla, Moore’s Pasture, Jumper Creek, and Richloam Baird Unit WMAs; add the game status of wild hogs to Spirit of the Wild and Dinner Island Ranch WMAs and Dupuis WEA; and, clarify that public small game hunting areas may be established for special hog hunts. (Background Report 12/27/05) (14) 68A-15.006(2) Regulations Relating to Miscellaneous Areas—The proposed rule changes would revise specific area regulations on Kissimmee River Public Use Area by allowing the take of wild hogs with no size or bag limit during small game season and prohibiting modern firearms in the posted archery/muzzleloading gun area during all established seasons. (Background Report 12/27/05) --------------------------------Group 5------------------------- (15) 68A-15.061 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas-Southwest Region—The proposed rules would make technical corrections and clarifications and make other changes to specific area regulations on the following WMAs: (Background Report 12/27/05) (a) Green Swamp WMA: allow vehicle access during periods open for camping, scouting, and fishing and frogging; require hunters to remove hunting equipment on the last day of each hunting season; and, clarify that spring turkey quota permits are issued through the Total Licensing System for the first weekend and at the check station after the first weekend. (b) Green Swamp West WMA: list hog as legal to take with no size or bag limit; and list furbearers, other than bobcat and otter, as legal to take; and, clarify that quota permits are issued each day at the check station during small-game season. (c) Babcock/Webb WMA: allow hunting equipment to be taken on to the area one week prior to archery season. (d) Upper Hillsborough WMA: correct the listing of hogs as legal to take with no size or bag limit and clarify that quota permits are issued each day at the check station during small-game and spring turkey seasons. (e) Arbuckle WMA: clarify that quota permits will be issued each day at the check station during the weekday archery and muzzleloading gun hunts and the spring turkey season. (f) KICCO WMA: : correct the listing of hogs as legal to take with no size or bag limit and allow vehicles to be parked with 25 feet of a named or numbered road in addition to designated parking areas.(g) Hickory Hammock WMA: allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit during all quota hunts; convert an existing muzzleloading gun hunt to a new archery hunt (quota of five); establish the bag limit for the new archery hunt as one antlered and one antlerless deer per quota permit; add one additional day to each of five quota hunts; and, establish as legal to take all legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers. (h) Walk-in-the-Water WMA: allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit during small game season.(i) Hilochee WMA: increase the quota permits (from 20 to 30) for the general gun hog season for each of two hunts and clarify that quota permits are issued each day at the check station during small-game season. (j) Lake Marion Creek WMA: add a general gun hog season with hogs only as legal to take, no size or bag limit, and clarify that quota permits are issued each day at the check station during small-game season. (k) Croom WMA: expand duck and coot season to statewide season and allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit during small game season. (l) Chassahowitzka WMA: expand duck and coot season to statewide season. ----------------------------------Group 6----------------------------------------- (16) 68A-15.062 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas-North Central Region—The proposed rules would make minor technical corrections and clarifications on several WMAs and significant changes to specific area regulations on the following WMAs: (Background Report 12/27/05) (a) Camp Blanding WMA: eliminate the requirement for a special quota permit during the first archery hunt. (b) Cypress Creek WMA: allow camping at any time with a permit from the landowner. (c) Gulf Hammock WMA: increase general gun season from 58 to 72 days; increase muzzleloading gun season from 3 to 9 days; allow hogs to be taken during the entire general gun season (currently first 23 days only); and, establish a still hunt only area where the possession or use of dogs, other than waterfowl retrievers or bird dogs is prohibited, except as provided by 68A-15.004 F.A.C. (d) Lochloosa WMA: add a third quota hunt (50 permits) to the general gun season and prohibit tracked vehicles, ATVs and unlicensed vehicles on the area. (e) Osceola WMA: require that in the area south of I-10, vehicles be restricted to numbered roads throughout the year and increase the number of roads open for public use to conform with a change in U.S. Forest Service access regulations. (f) Tide Swamp Unit of the Big Bend WMA: open additional roads for a new driving tour. (g) Hickory Mound Unit of the Big Bend WMA: allow only the taking of migratory game birds, within the Hickory Mound Impoundment, on days that waterfowl and coot hunting is allowed. (h) Raiford WMA: allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit. (i) Andrews WMA: increase the small game season from two 3-day hunts to three 3-day hunts; establish two 2-day Family Hunts for hogs only (quota of 20 per hunt); and, allow only the take of deer and hogs during the youth hunt.(j) Twin Rivers WMA: eliminate the requirement for a quota hunt permit and zone tag during the small game season. (k) Holton Creek WMA: allow camping at any time with a permit from the landowner. (l) Goethe WMA: increase the length of the archery season from 16 to 23 days; increase the length of the general gun still season from 4 to 6 days and split the quota hunt into two 3-day hunts (increase quota permits from 250 to 300 per hunt); increase the length of the general gun dog season from five to seven days and split the quota hunt into a 3-day and a 4-day hunt (increase quota permits from 105 to 125 per hunt); increase the length of the small game season from 16 to 23 days and move the season from late November to mid January; increase the length of the spring turkey season from nine to 16 days and add a second quota hunt (increase quota permits from 100 to 130 per hunt); allow camping with a permit from the landowner; create a dove only hunting area in which only shotguns would be allowed; and, prohibit public access from 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise. (m) San Pedro Bay WMA: increase the length of the muzzleloading gun season from three to nine days and allow hogs to be taken during the entire general gun season (currently first 30 days only). (n) Citrus WMA: establish three new 3-day spring turkey hunts (quota of 25 per hunt) and allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit during small game season. (o) Flying Eagle WMA: allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit during small game season. (p) Potts WMA: add all furbearers, except bobcat and otter, as legal to take. (q) Devil’s Hammock WMA: establish two 2-day Family Hunts for hogs only (quota of 20 per hunt) and increase the length of the small game season from 16 to 30 days. (r) Mallory Swamp WMA: allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit during small game season and increase the still hunt area by adding approximately 3,000 acres, which are currently closed to hunting, and allow hunting in this new area except during general gun season. (s) Little River WMA: allow camping at any time with a permit from the landowner. (t) Troy Springs WMA: allow camping at any time with a permit from the landowner. (u) Grove Park WMA: increase the length of the muzzleloading gun season from three to nine days and clarify that persons without a Recreational Use Permit may access the recreational trails, shown on the WMA Brochure map, for horseback riding, bicycling and hiking. (v) Nassau WMA: increase the length of the muzzleloading gun season from three to nine days. (w) Ralph E. Simmons WMA: establish a bag limit for deer of one antlered and one antlerless deer per person, per season, during the archery and mobility-impaired seasons; and a bag limit of one antlered deer per person, per season, during the muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons. ---------------------------------Group 7------------------------------------------ (17) 68A-15.063 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas-Northwest Region—The proposed rules would make minor technical corrections and clarifications on several WMAs and significant changes to specific area regulations on the following WMAs: (Background Report 12/27/05) (a) Blackwater WMA: allow the use of dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less during the small game season except in the field trial area. (b) Blackwater WMA-Carr Unit: extend the special-opportunity released quail hunts from four to seven days and no longer allow quail to be released the day before the first day of the hunt. (c) Joe Budd WMA: define antlerless deer as any deer (except spotted fawns) without antlers or any deer with antlers less than one inch in length visible above the hairline and revise legal to take as deer with at least one antler having three or more points of at least one inch in length. (d) Talquin WMA: eliminate the one-day antlerless deer quota hunt and establish a 24-day small game season (January 5 through March 4 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only). (e) Aucilla WMA: allow archery hunting for deer in the small game area, located south of Highway 98, during the archery and general gun season; allow fishing year-round throughout the area; allow the use of dogs to take hogs with no size or bag limit during the general gun season; remove requirement for hunters to possess a daily hunt permit for the Western Sloughs portion of the area; and, allow vehicles to be operated only on named or numbered roads. (f) Flint Rock WMA: extend the muzzleloading gun season from three to nine days; extend the general gun season from 58 to 72 days; and, require all persons to enter and exit the area through a designated entrance only. (g) Escambia River WMA: prohibit the taking of fish and wildlife from Keyser Landing Road and Webb Landing Road. (h) Yellow River WMA: prohibit alcohol in the Grassy Point area. (i) Econfina Creek WMA: allow fishing on the Fitzhugh/Carter area with daily quotas (one angler per 10 acres of open water); prohibit the taking of wildlife from Cat Creek Road and Enfinger Road; and, require all persons to enter and exit the Fitzhugh/Carter area through a designated entrance only. (j) Lafayette Creek WMA: Proposed rules establish regulations for a new WMA including open seasons for archery, muzzleloading gun, family hunts, general gun, small game, spring turkey, fishing and other recreational uses. (k) Wakulla WMA: Proposed rules establish regulations for a new WMA on the Wakulla State Forest including open seasons for archery, archery/muzzleloading gun, small game, spring turkey, fishing and frogging. ----------------------------------Group 8----------------------------------------- (18) 68A-15.064 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas-South Region—The proposed rules would make technical corrections and clarifications and make other changes to specific area regulations on the following WMAs: (Background Report 12/27/05) (a) J. W. Corbett WMA: establish the ending date of the general gun season as either New Year’s Day or the Sunday after for those years where New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday; add an additional five weekdays (Wednesdays only) to spring turkey season (currently Saturday and Sunday only); restrict vehicle access during small game season to named or numbered roads or trails; allow vehicle access during spring turkey season along all named or numbered roads or trails; allow vehicle access one day prior to the opening of archery season; allow vehicle access during open periods (other than designated hunting seasons and dog training season) to all main grades, Trail 6, the Tomato Field grade east of the Big Gopher canal, Trail 3 between its junction with Tomato Field Grade and its junction with Trail 5, and Trail 5 between its junction with Trail 3 and the L-8 levee; and, allow vehicle access to the area one day prior to the openings of muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons. (b) Holey Land WMA: allow waterfowl hunters to access the WMA with airboats (for the purpose of duck and coot hunting) during the archery, muzzleloading, general gun-walk, and general gun-vehicle seasons; allow vehicle access from the end of the duck and coot season through April 30; prohibit all-terrain vehicles with steering mechanisms that would allow the all-terrain vehicle to be operated from elevated platforms; and, require all ATVs to display an orange flag at least six feet above the top of the seat. (c) Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA: clarify that rifles or pistols are prohibited after the end of general gun-walk season between the Old Miami Canal and the New Miami Canal in Conservation Area 3A; clarify that rifles or pistols are prohibited after the general gun-vehicle season in Conservation Area 2, Area 3B, and the rest of Area 3A; prohibit all-terrain vehicles with steering mechanisms that would allow the all-terrain vehicle to be operated from elevated platforms; require all ATVs to display an orange flag at least six feet above the top of the seat; and, allow waterfowl hunters to access Conservation Area 2, 3A South, and 3B with airboats when the duck and coot season overlaps the general gun-vehicle season. (d) Rotenberger WMA: require a general gun permit during the general gun-vehicle season for any person to operate a vehicle; allow vehicle access from the end of the duck and coot season through April 30; prohibit all-terrain vehicles with steering mechanisms that would allow the all-terrain vehicle to be operated from elevated platforms; clarify that during the archery, muzzleloading gun, and general gun-walk seasons, vehicles (other than ATVs) may be operated only on levees and that airboats are prohibited; and, require all ATVs to display an orange flag at least six feet above the top of the seat. (e) Okaloacoochee Slough WMA: allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit. (f) Fisheating Creek WMA: establish bag limit for deer at one per quota permit. (g) Picayune Strand WMA: clarify that there is only one archery hunt offered. (h) Dinner Island WMA: establish two new family hunts for wild hog only (quota of 30 each hunt) with a bag limit of one per person per quota permit. The proposed rule would increase the number of quota hunt permits issued for Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area from 30 to 45 for the archery, muzzleloading gun, and general gun hunts and from 15 to 20 for the spring turkey hunts and establish the number of quota permits for the family hunts as 30 per hunt. ---------------------------------Group 9------------------------------------------ (19) 68A-15.065 Specific Regulations for Wildlife Management Areas-Northeast Region—The proposed rules would make minor technical corrections and clarifications and significant changes to specific area regulations on the following WMAs: (Background Report 12/27/05) (a) Fort McCoy WMA: extend the muzzleloading gun season from three to nine days and allow Recreational Use Permit holders to access the area from two weeks prior to archery season through the end of spring turkey season. (b) Richloam WMA–Baird Unit: allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit during small game season and allow bicycles only on named or numbered roads and designated trails. (c) Three Lakes WMA: restrict vehicles to named and numbered roads or trails throughout the year. (d) Tiger Bay WMA: allow the use of dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less for taking small game. (e) Relay WMA: extend the muzzleloading gun season from three to nine days; allow camping at the designated campsite during periods open to hunting; and allow Recreational Use Permit holders to access the area from two weeks prior to archery season through the end of spring turkey season. (f) Tosohatchee WMA: Add coyote as legal to take and allow take of one antlered and one antlerless deer per permit, per person, per hunt. (g) Seminole Ranch WMA: extend the small game season by one weekend. (h) Jumper Creek WMA: expand duck and coot season to match the statewide season and allow the take of hogs with no size or bag limit during small game season. (i) Rock Springs Run WMA: establish as legal to take antlered deer with at least one antler with three or more points on a side; establish a bag limit during archery season of one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per quota hunt permit, per person, per hunt; and, establish a bag limit during muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons of one antlered deer per quota hunt permit, per person, per hunt and one antlerless deer per antlerless deer permit, per person, per hunt. (j) Caravelle Ranch WMA: eliminate the requirement that special-opportunity dove hunters must hunt from assigned stations at the dove field and allow vehicular access from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset one day prior to each season (except small game) and during periods open to hunting. (k) Lake George WMA: eliminate the reference to special use vehicle permits on specified portions of the area and defer to 68A-15.004 (2)(e) for permitting activities during periods closed to hunting. (l) Lake George WMA–Dexter Mary Farms Unit: specify that take of one deer per permit, per person, per hunt is allowed; allow vehicular access from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset one day prior to each season (except small game and special-opportunity dove) and during periods open to hunting; eliminate the requirement that special-opportunity dove hunters must hunt from assigned stations at the dove field; and, allow bicycles to be operated throughout the area. (m) Seminole Forest WMA: allow camping during periods closed to hunting; and, increase the number of small-game daily quota permits from 50 to 75. (n) Triple N Ranch WMA: allow public access from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset during periods open to hunting. (o) Etoniah Creek WMA: allow vehicular access from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset one day prior to each season (except small game) and during periods open to hunting. (p) Lake Panasoffkee WMA: add hogs, fish, frog, and furbearers (except bobcat and otter) as legal to take on the area. (q) Ocklawaha River WMA–Gores Landing Unit: allow vehicular access from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset one day prior to each season and during periods open to hunting. (r) Twelve Mile Swamp WMA: extend the muzzleloading gun season from three to nine days. (s) Dunns Creek WMA: allow tent camping only. (t) Salt Lake WMA: increase the number of quota permits for archery, muzzleloading gun, and general gun seasons from 30 to 40 (each hunt); and increase the number of quota permits for the general gun hog season from 15 to 20 (each hunt). (u) Matanzas WMA: allow vehicular access to all persons during periods open to hunting.--------------------------------Group 10------------------------------------------- (20) 68A-17.005 Specific Regulations for Wildlife and Environmental Areas—The proposed rule would revise or establish specific area regulations on WEAs as follows: (Background Report 12/27/05) (a) Santa Fe Swamp WEA: technical correction to allow fish to be taken. (b) Apalachicola River WEA: allow wild hogs to be taken with no size or bag limit. (c) Southern Glades WEA: establish the start of frogging season one day following the close of the general gun season and allow airboats into the area the day following the close of the general gun season through March 1. (d) John G. and Susan H. Dupuis, Jr. WEA: include Martin County in the description of where Dupuis is located; clarify that a minor can accompany an adult quota permit holder and an adult can accompany a minor permit holder without having a second quota hunt permit. (e) CREW WEA: allow quota permit holders to access the area one day prior to the start of each hunting season for scouting. (f) John C. and Mariana Jones/Hungryland WEA: correct spelling of the area name and include the full WEA area name; reconfigure the existing hunts to provide a total of four 4-day archery hunts and three 3-day general gun hunts (all beginning on Saturdays) and shift the start of small game season one week later. --------------------------------Group 11------------------------------------------- (21) 68A-25.003 Taking and Disposal of Nuisance-Alligators Statewide—The proposed rule changes would significantly streamline the rule by deleting numerous provisions such as those related to qualifications and liability of trappers, selection and review of trappers, conditions governing operations of trappers, and limitations on number of agents. These requirements will instead be specified in contract and permit provisions. An application form is specified and penalties for non-compliance are included. (Background Report 12/27/05) (22) 68A-25.031 Regulations Governing Alligator Egg and Hatchling Collections on Lands Not Included in Alligator Management Programs on Private Lands—The proposed rule changes would eliminate specific references regarding where forms are obtained and submitted; eliminate the limitation on the percentage of nests that may be opened during egg collections; eliminate the provisions for Type B egg collections; eliminate the provisions regarding expending monies on alligator marketing and education; and, remove references to private lands in the rule title. (Background Report 12/27/05) (23) 68A-25.032 Regulations Governing the Establishment of Alligator Management Programs on Private Lands—The proposed rule changes would eliminate specific references regarding where forms are obtained and submitted; provide for inclusion of public lands other than sovereign submerged lands; eliminate acreage or population limitations as a requisite for eligibility; eliminate the limitation on the percentage of the population that can be harvested; eliminate the provisions regarding expending monies on alligator marketing and education; and, remove references to private lands in the rule title. (Background Report 12/27/05) (24) 68A-25.042 Regulations Governing Statewide Alligator Trapping, Permitting, Taking, and Sale—The proposed rule changes would eliminate specific references regarding where forms are obtained and submitted; eliminate the limitation on the percentage of the population that can be harvested; eliminate provisions that limit the number of permits that can be issued per person and tags issued per permit; allow for sales of additional harvest tags ($30 per tag) with additional permits to participants possessing an alligator trapping license valid through the harvest season; increase the harvest period that alligators may be taken from 5 weeks to 10 weeks (mid-August through October); tie deadlines for submission of forms and tags to the expiration date of the harvest permit; and eliminate refunds of unused alligator harvest/CITES tags. (Background Report 12/27/05) (25) 68A-25.001 Feeding or Enticement of Alligators or Crocodiles Unlawful—The proposed rule changes would broaden the prohibition to all crocodilians and eliminate provisions allowing county or municipal animal control personnel to use bait when relocating alligators or crocodiles. (Background Report 12/27/05) (26) 68A-25.002 General Provisions for Taking, Possession and Sale of Reptiles—The proposed rule changes would eliminate outdated specific references regarding where forms must be submitted. (Background Report 12/27/05) (27) 68A-25.004 Regulations Governing the Operation of Alligator Farms—The proposed rule changes would eliminate outdated provisions and specific references regarding where forms must be submitted. (Background Report 12/27/05) (28) 68A-25.052 Regulations Governing the Processing of Alligators and the Sale of Alligator Meat and Parts—The proposed rule changes would eliminate outdated provisions and specific references regarding where forms are obtained and submitted. (Background Report 12/27/05) (29) 68A-24.003 License and Tagging and 68A-24.004 Fur and Hide Dealers— The proposed rule changes would delete inaccurate statutory references regarding licensing requirements for taking furbearers and purchasing furbearer skins. (Background Report 12/27/05) (Background Report 12/27/05)--------------------------------Group 12------------------------------------------- (30) 68A-20.005(1)(e)(1) Specific Fish Management Area Regulations—The proposed rule would change the largemouth bass regulation on Karick Lake in Okaloosa County from catch and release to a 12-inch minimum length limit (general state regulation). (Background Report 12/27/05) (31) 68A-23.002 General Methods for Taking Freshwater Fish—The proposed rule would authorize use of cast nets of any mesh size to take non-game fish in Indian River County and would clarify when cast nets with a minimum stretched mesh of one-inch or less may be used to take minnows of nongame fish except catfish. (Background Report 12/27/05) (32) 68A-23.005 Bag Limits, Open Season: Freshwater Fish—The proposed rule would change the 14-inch minimum length limit, 5-fish bag limit (general state regulation) on largemouth bass in Lake Kerr in Marion County to a 15- to 24-inch slot-length limit and three fish bag limit of which only one may be 24 inches or greater in total length. The proposed rule also would prohibit the killing or possession of any black bass in that portion of the St. Johns River Water Management Area (Farm 13, including the Stick Marsh) that lies within Brevard County. (Background Report 12/27/05) (33) 68A-23.0131(3)(b) Special Regulations for Lake Seminole and the St. Mary’s River—The proposed rule would extend bag limits applicable to the St. Mary’s River to include St. Mary’s River tributaries and change the bag limit for white bass and striped bass-white bass hybrids from 15 to two and impose a minimum length limit on white bass and striped bass-white bass hybrids of 22 inches or greater in total length. (Background Report 12/27/05)(34) 68A-23.015 Regulations Governing the Taking and Possession of Alligator Gar, Eels and Freshwater Mussels—The proposed rule would establish a permit requirement for taking eels commercially and prohibit the take of alligator gar for any purpose without a permit. (Background Report 12/27/05) B. Issues (1) Review and discussion of proposed specific area regulations for Camp Blanding WMA for 2006-07. (Background Report 1/06/06) (2) Review and discussion of a proposed draft rule regarding the FWC’s due process procedures and rule making standards. (Background Report 1/12/06) (3) Review and discussion of proposed 2006-07 work plan for the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. (Background Report 1/06/06) (4) Review and discussion of proposed 2006-07 work plan for the Division of Hunting and Game Management. (Background Report 1/06/06) (5) Review and discussion of proposed 2006-07 work plan for the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. (Background Report 1/05/06)
5. Staff Reports (Public comment on Staff Reports will be heard under “Presentations by the Public.”) A. Preliminary report on registration of lands used for deer dog hunting (Background Report Update No.1 1/24/06)(Background Report 12/27/05)B. Legislative Report (Background Report Update 1/27/06)(Background Report Update 1/27/06)(Background Report 12/30/05)C. Role of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA Brochure Nov/05) 6. Presentations by the Public 7. Commission Exchange 8. Recess Wednesday Portion of Meeting >8:30 a.m., Thursday, February 2, 2006 Reconvene9. Items Requiring Action A. Rules (1) 68D-24.020 Suwannee and Santa Fe River Boating Restricted Areas—The proposed changes would allow for the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers to be regulated at Idle Speed No Wake when specific Suwannee River Water Management gauges determine the river to be at flood stage. (Background Report -Update No.1 - 1/11/06) (Background Report 12/27/05) (2) 68B-44.008 Protected Species: Sawfishes, Basking Shark, Whale Shark, White Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Bigeye Snad Tiger Shark, Spiny Dogfish, Manta Ray, and Spotted Eagle Ray; Prohibition of Harvest, Landing, and Sale—The proposed rule would change the rule title from “Protected Species” to “Prohibited Species” and add 13 species of sharks to the list, including the Atlantic angel shark, bigeye sixgill shark, bigeye thresher shark, bignose shark, Caribbean reef shark, dusky shark, Galapagos shark , longfin mako shark, narrowtooth shark, night shark, sevengill shark, sixgill shark, and smalltail shark. The proposed rule would also prohibit any person from harvesting, possessing, landing, purchasing, selling or exchanging any shark species on the “Prohibited Species” list. (Background Report 12/23/05) (Rule - sharks 12/23/05)B. Issues (1) Final review and discussion of the Special Regulations for the Dry Tortugas National Park.(Background Report 1/17/06) (2) Review and discussion of proposed changes to the regulations for uniform waterway markers in Florida waters. (Background Report - Update No 1 - 1/11/06) (Background Report 12/27/05) (3) Review and discussion of proposed 2006-07 work plan for the Division of Marine Fisheries Management. (Background Report 12/23/05)
(4) Review and discussion of proposed 2006-07 work plan for the Division
of Law Enforcement. (5) Federal Issues 10. Commissioners’ Areas of Emphasis A. Review and discussion of Commissioners’ Areas of Emphasis for 2006 B. Penalties (Background Report Update 1/27/06) (Background Report Update 1/27/06) (Background Report Update 1/28/06) (Background Report 12/30/05)C. Exotics 11. Presentations by the Public 12. Commission Exchange 13. Commission Administrative Matters A special Commission meeting, to address the agency financial business plan, will be held on February 8, 2006, in the auditorium of the Farris Bryant Building, Tallahassee, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The next regular Commission meeting will be held April 5-6, 2006 in Tallahassee at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center, commencing at 8:30 a.m. each day. 14. Adjournment
CONSENT AGENDA February 1-2, 2006 (1) WMA 06-01, Lafayette Creek WMA—The proposed order establishes the Lafayette Creek WMA in Walton County comprising approximately 3160 acres. (Background Map 12/21/05) (2) WMA 06-02, Wakulla WMA—The proposed order establishes the Wakulla WMA in Wakulla County comprising approximately 4,045 acres. (Background Map 12/21/05)
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