05-29-2008, 11:10 AM
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet at the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach June 11-12.
<br>The June 11 (Wednesday) agenda includes presentation of draft rules to establish a procedure and standards for people wishing to adopt nonnative animals at FWC-authorized pet amnesty day events. The rules' purpose is to prevent illegal release of nonnative fish and wildlife.<br>
<br>Draft rules prohibiting waterfowl hunting from or within 30 yards of any permanent duck blind on lakes Miccosukee, Iamonia, Carr and Jackson also are on the agenda.<br>
<br>Commissioners also will consider proposed rule changes concerning taking, possession and sale of freshwater turtles. These proposals would help protect freshwater turtle populations while the FWC develops a comprehensive management strategy for wildlife species that are not regulated under current rules.<br>
<br>Other issues on Wednesday's agenda include review of the FWC's imperiled species listing system and consideration of the peregrine falcon's imperiled species listing status. The Commission will determine the appropriate listing category and give direction to staff regarding the development of a management plan for the falcon.<br>
<br>Commissioners will hear an overview of the Wildlife 2060 report developed by the FWC. In addition, Commissioners will consider final action on delegation of authority to the FWC's executive director to approve acquisition agreements exceeding $250,000 between the FWC's June and September meetings.<br>
<br>On Thursday, the Commission will hold a final public hearing on a proposed rule to allow commercial fishermen to harvest striped mullet on weekends. Another final public hearing will take place on a proposed rule to extend the Stone Crab Advisory Board to July 1, 2011 and allow the use of galvanized 16-gauge or thinner degradable staples to construct the degradable panel on wire stone crab traps.<br>
<br>In other marine fisheries action, the FWC will review and discuss the use of fishing nets and net-related issues, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council gag and red grouper regulatory actions and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council vermilion snapper and gag grouper management alternatives. The Commission will also consider other federal fishery management issues.
The meeting will convene at 8:30 a.m. both days.<br>
<br>FWC meetings are open to the public, and anyone requiring special accommodations to participate in the meeting should advise the FWC at least five days prior to June 11 by contacting the FWC's Office of Human Resources at 850-488-6411. If you are hearing- or speech-impaired, contact the FWC using the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).<br>
<br>The full agenda is available online at MyFWC.com/commission/2008/Jun08/index.htm.
<br>The June 11 (Wednesday) agenda includes presentation of draft rules to establish a procedure and standards for people wishing to adopt nonnative animals at FWC-authorized pet amnesty day events. The rules' purpose is to prevent illegal release of nonnative fish and wildlife.<br>
<br>Draft rules prohibiting waterfowl hunting from or within 30 yards of any permanent duck blind on lakes Miccosukee, Iamonia, Carr and Jackson also are on the agenda.<br>
<br>Commissioners also will consider proposed rule changes concerning taking, possession and sale of freshwater turtles. These proposals would help protect freshwater turtle populations while the FWC develops a comprehensive management strategy for wildlife species that are not regulated under current rules.<br>
<br>Other issues on Wednesday's agenda include review of the FWC's imperiled species listing system and consideration of the peregrine falcon's imperiled species listing status. The Commission will determine the appropriate listing category and give direction to staff regarding the development of a management plan for the falcon.<br>
<br>Commissioners will hear an overview of the Wildlife 2060 report developed by the FWC. In addition, Commissioners will consider final action on delegation of authority to the FWC's executive director to approve acquisition agreements exceeding $250,000 between the FWC's June and September meetings.<br>
<br>On Thursday, the Commission will hold a final public hearing on a proposed rule to allow commercial fishermen to harvest striped mullet on weekends. Another final public hearing will take place on a proposed rule to extend the Stone Crab Advisory Board to July 1, 2011 and allow the use of galvanized 16-gauge or thinner degradable staples to construct the degradable panel on wire stone crab traps.<br>
<br>In other marine fisheries action, the FWC will review and discuss the use of fishing nets and net-related issues, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council gag and red grouper regulatory actions and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council vermilion snapper and gag grouper management alternatives. The Commission will also consider other federal fishery management issues.
The meeting will convene at 8:30 a.m. both days.<br>
<br>FWC meetings are open to the public, and anyone requiring special accommodations to participate in the meeting should advise the FWC at least five days prior to June 11 by contacting the FWC's Office of Human Resources at 850-488-6411. If you are hearing- or speech-impaired, contact the FWC using the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).<br>
<br>The full agenda is available online at MyFWC.com/commission/2008/Jun08/index.htm.