NEW HAMPSHIRE FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 COMMISSION MEETING Meeting Location: Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, 387 Perch Pond Road, Holderness, NH 03245 Commissioners Present: T. Tichy, R. Phillipson, J. McGonagle, T. Baldwin, J. Ryan, B. Carr, V. Greco T. Hubert, D. Patch, F. Clews and W. Morse. Commissioners absent/excused: Executive Director Normandeau Present Chairman Tichy called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m., and asked the audience to join in the pledge of allegiance. He informed the audience that the public is entitled to attend all Commission meetings and when recognized by the chairman, the public may speak on any item on the agenda. The Chair reserves the right to limit comment to the extent necessary for the orderly conduct of the meeting. On behalf of the Commission, Chairman Tichy thanked Owl Brook Staff for hosting the Meeting. ACTION ITEMS: 1.) Commissioner Greco moved to approve the August 10, 2016 Commission Minutes as written and Commissioner Ryan seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. 2.) Consent Agenda - The following items were grouped together and were noticed as consent agenda items to expedite action on routine matters, which may not require public discussion. The Commission voted to approve these matters as presented. Commission members may remove certain items if further public input or discussion is deemed necessary. Commissioner Hubert moved to approve consent agenda items 2a & 2c as presented below, and Commissioner Patch seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. 2a.) The Commission accepted the donation of $50.00 to the Let s Go Fishing program from David Penoyer & Family, in memory of Lawrence Mayer, Let s Go Fishing Instructor. 2b.) The Commission accepted the donation of $125.00 to the Trapper Education Program from the Geisel Family Reunion, in memory of Arthur Whipple, Volunteer Trapping Instructor. The Commission accepted the donation of $100.00 to the Hunter Education Program from Darci Trask, Milford, NH, in memory of Craig Woodstock, Cambridge, NY, who was an avid hunter & fisherman.
2c.) The Commission accepted the donation of $100.00 from Michael Carrafiello, Hudson, NH, to be utilized for game management. INFORMATION ITEMS: 1.) Kathy LaBonte, Chief, Business Division, reviewed the monthly financial statement dated August 31, 2016 with the Commission. Kathy thanked Director Normandeau for the morning budget process overview. Information Item #3 was heard at this time. 3.) Paul Sanderson, Legal Coordinator, came before the Commission and provided an overview of status of legislation & rulemaking. Paul reported that the general start date for LSR s is November 14, 2016, and those that will become bills will be known by January 6, 2017. He stated, As soon as LSR s are released, we will begin to track the proposed legislation and report on issues of concern. He reported on the following Legislative Study Committees: SB-442, to study the taxability of lease interests in public property. This is a committee to study whether or not municipalities should be able to collect a property tax from private interests that use the public property. SB-38, a commission to develop a long term state land conservation plan. This Commission is set to expire on December of 2016. The task is to determine the proper role for the state in supporting efforts to conserve land. They are obtaining information from municipalities, land trusts, and various state departments, including Fish & Game. HB-1396, OHRV Review Commission. A Commission to review how to allocate and pay for law enforcement resources used in enforcement of the OHRV laws. Paul reported on the following Rulemaking Proceedings: Fis 1509.01 Adopting the dates for the Tri-State Reciprocity weekend for snowmobile use. This rule was approved by JLCAR on September 15, 2016. Fis 503.02, 601.05, 601.06, 601.07, 602.10, 603.18, and 610.01 Adopts the principle that no fishing tournament permit is required for interscholastic tournaments or for tournaments conducted in the saltwater marine areas. This rule also readopts without change several marine division definitions in Fis 600, which expired after 8 years in force. These were approved by JLCAR on September 15, 2016. Fis 900 This chapter contains the rules for allowable activities on department lands, the
process to obtain a special use permit, rules for operation of Owl Brook, rules for special restrictions at WMA s and a new section on erection of memorials on department lands. A public hearing will be held on October 18, 2016, at 1:00 pm, at F&G HQ, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. Fis 1000 This chapter is the Threatened & Endangered Species rule, which was to expire on September 30, 2016. The department has filed a new proposal and the current rule stays in force during the process. The new rule adds and removes species from the lists, and improves the process to obtain a scientific permit for the take of these species. A new section on bats restricts the time of taking to reflect their status as threatened. Changes are made to the WCO (Wildlife Control Operator) rules and inland fishing rules to reflect the addition of species to the list. This is set for public hearing on November 3, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., at Fish & Game HQ, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. Fis 306.01 This relates to a partial closure of Willand Pond to hunting. This is an 86 acre great pond in Dover and Somersworth. The City Council in both cities have requested a full closure of the area to hunting. This was in the wildlife rules package this spring, but was removed at the request of JLCAR. It is now a separate proceeding so that we can take full testimony from all members of the public on the issue. This is controversial, because of local requests for full closure, as opposed to the general policy to keep great ponds open. It is complicated by the fact that the department operates a boat access ramp on the pond in Dover, which was improved and built with federal funds. At the time, the City of Dover gave assurances that public access would not be restricted. The public hearing is set for October 19, 2016, 1:00 p.m., at Fish & Game HQ. Information Item #2 was heard at this time. 2.) Major Wimsatt came before the Commission to recognize Gail Hanson, retired Executive Director, NH Snowmobile Association. He stated, It was my distinct privilege and pleasure to have worked with Gail all these years. In honor of NEW HAMPSHIRE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GAIL L. HANSON for her fourteen years of service and support to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. WHEREAS, GAIL L. HANSON has worked cooperatively with the State of New Hampshire and the Fish and Game Department for a distinguished fourteen years as the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association serving tirelessly as the main contact for all snowmobile enthusiasts who ride and recreate in the State of New Hampshire; and WHEREAS, GAIL L. HANSON has earned the respect of New Hampshire snowmobilers, conservation officers, Bureau of Trails staff, and countless landowners by virtue of her knowledge, ethics, responsible riding and common sense approach to safety; and
WHEREAS, GAIL L. HANSON has represented the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association on a local, state, national and international levels to promote responsible and safe riding to riders of all ages throughout her career; and WHEREAS, GAIL L. HANSON has played a key leadership role helping the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association raise over 3 million dollars for the Easter Seals Camp Snomo located in Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire. These invaluable funds have helped dozens of children and young adults with life-challenging disabilities attend an extraordinary summer camp so they can enjoy the great outdoors in an exceptional manner; and WHEREAS, GAIL L. HANSON has assisted over 100 snowmobile clubs of the state with the procurement and management of significant funding for trail maintenance, grooming and equipment and working tirelessly with the Department of Resource and Economic Development, Bureau of Trails; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department expresses sincere gratitude to GAIL L. HANSON for her outstanding leadership, responsible management, landowner relations diplomacy, support to safety education and support to the great sport of snowmobiling. Theodore A. Tichy, Chairman N.H. Fish and Game Commission Glenn Normandeau Executive Director Gail thanked the Commission and Department for the resolution. She stated, Working with Fish & Game has been unbelievable! The conservation officers and staff are always there and willing to assist and work together to get the job done. LATE ITEM: Discussion took place relative to the potential for upcoming legislation to change the make-up of the Fish & Game Commission. Commissioner Baldwin inquired as to whether the Director thought the department would like to see a change of the Commission. Director Normandeau responded, The department would like to have better communication with the Commission. Commissioner Carr stated, Director Normandeau, I m astounded by your silence relative to the bobcat proposal. Would you publicly oppose the potential changes to the Commission? Director Normandeau responded, Yes, I would oppose it.
Commissioner Phillipson moved that the Commission formally request that the department, including staff, state its official policy on pending legislation or upcoming legislation as it relates to the reorganization, make up and duties of the Commission. Commissioner McGonagle stated, I feel this is premature at this point, until we see something in writing. I have been here for 7 years and find employees supportive and cooperative. The idea that some want a broader Commission, I think things work very well as is. Director Normandeau stated, Staff do not want to be in the middle and shouldn t be put in that position. He further reported that the bobcat proposal feedback was all over the place, for and against, as it was for Commissioners, as well. Commissioner Greco stated, It s not that easy to change legislation. Once it is opened up there will be a million opinions. It would need to go through a number of committees in order to change the make-up of the Commission. Much discussion ensued. Commissioner McGonagle stated, It s out of line. You can t ask employees to give their personal opinions on this. Chairman Tichy agreed and stated, We do not have the right to ask employees of their personal feelings. Commissioner Patch stated, I understand why he asked for this motion, however, we do not know the language yet. I don t think we should have a motion or involve anyone else until we get more information. Commissioner Carr seconded the motion. Commissioner Morse inquired how the Commission could work better with the public and other user groups. Director Normandeau recommended, Have back & forth discussion with the user groups. We have relationships with The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, Forest Society, etc. They feel they are treated as anti-hunters. Commissioner Carr stated, Communication is key. I d like to see other groups reach out to the Commission, not just on hot button issues.
Commissioner Baldwin stated, A high majority of license holder s money goes into nongame species. Director Normandeau responded that zero percent of license holder s money goes into the nongame program. Doug Whitefield, Wildlife Steward & audience member, stated, You need to get information out to the public to keep them better informed. People don t know who the Commissioners are. Julia Sinclair, audience member, stated, But you won t have anyone on your Commission that doesn t have a hunting & fishing license. Commissioner Carr moved the question. The vote carried with 7 in favor, 2 opposed (T. Hubert & J. McGonagle) Chairman Tichy asked the Policy Committee to meet the morning of the October 12, 2016, Commission Meeting to have further discussion on the motion. STANDING COMMITTEES: POLICY COMMITTEE: Commissioners; Commissioners McGonagle & Clews. Commissioner McGonagle reported that the committee would be meeting at 10:00 a.m., on October 12, 2016, in the West conference room. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE: Commissioner Morse, Chair; Commissioners Hubert, Greco, Patch, and Baldwin. Commissioner Morse reported that the committee would be meeting in conjunction with the Policy Committee on October 12, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. RIVERS COMMITTEE: Commissioner Ryan reported that the committee would be meeting on October 4, 2016. LAKES COMMITTEE: Commissioner Clews reported the Committee would be meeting on October 4, 2016. HANDBOOK & ORIENTATION COMMITTEE: Commissioner Patch, Chair; Commissioner Carr. Commissioner Patch reported that the committee did not meet. He reported that the committee hopes to have new pages to be inserted into the handbook at the next meeting. STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE: Commissioner Greco, Chair; Commissioners McGonagle, Tichy and Phillipson. Commissioner Greco reported that the committee was sunset at this point. WILDLIFE HERITAGE FOUNDATION: Commissioner Greco reported that it was the 10 th Anniversary of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation. The celebration theme is, 10, 10 & 10, standing for 10 year anniversary, 10 prizes and $10 per raffle ticket. Raffle tickets will be on
sale until December 30, 2016. The drawing will be conducted at the January 11, 2017, Commission Meeting. Other locations to purchase raffle tickets are: L.L. Cote Sports Center 25 Main Street, Errol, NH Suds & Soda Sports Outlet 365 Portsmouth Avenue, Greenland, NH Morse Sporting Goods 85 Contoocook Falls Road, Hillsboro, NH Bass Pro Shop - 2 Commerce Drive, Hooksett, NH AWARDS COMMITTEE: Commissioners Hubert and Baldwin. Commissioner Hubert reported that there was no meeting, however, encouraged everyone to bring forward nominees for next years awards. Deadline for submissions is December 31, 2016. NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner McGonagle moved to change the November 9, 2016, Commission Meeting to the third Wednesday, November 16, 2016, and Commissioner Phillipson seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. OLD BUSINESS: Director Normandeau distributed a copy of the Attorney General s opinion relative to the dedicated habitat accounts to all Commissioners. DIRECTOR S REPORT: Director Normandeau reported that he department s budget was submitted today and would be available to the public on October 1, 2016. He reported that the attended a meeting of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, where they elected him to be Chair of the Executive Committee. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS: COMMISSIONER BALDWIN: Commissioner Baldwin had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER CARR: Commissioner Carr reported that the club he belongs to does listen to people who are not hunters, as well as hunters & fishermen. COMMISSIONER GRECO: Commissioner Greco reported that he provides an update on Commission business at his Town meetings, as well. COMMISSIONER PHILLIPSON: Commissioner Phillipson had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER MORSE: Commissioner Morse had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER RYAN: Commissioner Ryan had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER PATCH: Commissioner Patch reported that he takes the opportunity at the end of his Planning Board Meetings to provide a brief update on Commission news/activities. COMMISSIONER MCGONAGLE: Commissioner McGonagle had nothing to report at this time.
COMMISSIONER CLEWS: Commissioner Clews had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER HUBERT: Commissioner Hubert had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER TICHY: Commissioner Tichy had nothing to report at this time. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: At this time, 3:01 p.m., Commissioner Greco moved to adjourn and Commissioner Carr seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, Approved: Ted Tichy, Chairman James Ryan, Secretary