Post by: Ray on May 01, 2007, 04:24:33 PM
http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/land_line/land_use_wac_3-30-07.pdf
WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/
May 1, 2007
Contact: Mark Quinn, 360-902-2402
WDFW seeking comment on proposed rules for public conduct on wildlife lands
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking comment through May 23 on proposed rules for public conduct on department-managed lands.
The proposals, available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/land_line/ or at WDFW regional offices, include rules affecting camping, the use of aircraft, dumping, firearms and target practice, commercial uses, road closures, livestock, pets and vehicle use on more than 900,000 acres of wildlife areas and water access sites across the state.
Once adopted, the proposals will become part of the Washington Administrative Code.
"We want to ensure that activities occurring on WDFW lands are consistent with fish and wildlife management goals, and that regulations support habitat and species conservation while allowing a variety of users to enjoy fish- and wildlife-related recreational opportunities," said Mark Quinn, WDFW lands program manager.
Comments should be mailed by May 23 to: Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091 or submitted by e-mail to wildthing@dfw.wa.gov .
The public also will have an opportunity to comment during the June 1-2 meeting of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in Spokane, where the proposals will be discussed. Adoption of the proposed rules will be considered by the commission during its Aug. 3-4 meeting in Anacortes. See http://wdfw.wa.gov/com/meetings.htm for meeting agendas and locations.
Post by: boneaddict on May 01, 2007, 04:50:37 PM
"It is unlawful for any person to allow livestock to be unattended or to graze or utilize department owned or controlled public lands, waters or access area without a permit from the director."
Wouldn't that mean you would need a permit to ride your horse on state land.
I'd also be a little concerned with the new pets section for all of those that like their dogs on their duck hunt. "The department may prohibit or regulate pets, except for bonafide service dogs for persons with disabilities, on department owned or controlled public lands, waters, or access area."
The rest of the pet one seems very reasonable about pets running free on state land harassing wildlife.
Post by: boneaddict on May 01, 2007, 04:55:35 PM
oh yeah and IT IS UNLAWFUL TO COLLECT SHED ANTLERS ON DEPARTMENT OWNED OR CONTROLLED PUBLIC LANDS<FROM FEB 15 to APRIL 30
Post by: boneaddict on May 01, 2007, 04:59:44 PM
Post by: Ray on May 01, 2007, 05:22:32 PM
Post by: boneaddict on May 01, 2007, 05:32:03 PM
To whom it may concern;
Although my opinion is just one of many, I was saddened or alarmed by a couple of the proposed rules changes. Specifically the proposed shed antler season being closed until April 30th. I think you have all done well by having specific closed areas around the elk feeding stations until the April 30th, but I believe the universal closure is a poor response to a problem that will occur anyway. I believe that harassment laws should be enforced and that just to close an area to shedding is ridiculous. Just this weekend I was out and watched two people park next to a closed area and jump the fence right in front of a closure sign. Also, I called in a report of a person who went behind a closed gate with a jeep tearing up the hillside in doing it. I reported him from his license number and I have yet to hear back from the game department on that. My point is that those that will break the law will now reap the benefits that law abiding citizens will be at home instead of enjoying the hills. Do you propose to shut the woods down to photography, snowmobilers, nature lovers etc, or are you just targetting one group or following the pack because another state may have taken that route. If someone is harassing the wildlife, prosecute them, don’t infringe on our other freedoms. Poachers and other law breakers will have the run of the woods while law abiding citizens will be locked at home. My other concern was the rock gathering. Are you proposing that if out hiking with my daughters as I was this weekend where the other idiot broke the law, where I was teaching them about the outdoors instead of playing Nintendo, or being involved in gangs etc, that when we found a piece of petrified wood, I am not allowed to bring it home. Are you kidding me? Again, this is only one opinion from a guy who rarely writes letters as he believes it does nothing, but believes strong enough in the outdoors to know that we are beginning to be regulated out of many of our natural rights. What good is public land if you can’t enjoy it. Many of us do just that without infringing on others rights or by destroying it.
Thanks for listening to this one man’s opinion,
Douglas Kikendall
Post by: Ray on May 01, 2007, 05:37:35 PM
Post by: boneaddict on May 01, 2007, 05:54:03 PM
Post by: Ray on May 01, 2007, 05:58:45 PM
Quote
we need to be more aware of what is happening in our government
Agreed ;)
Post by: billythekidrock on May 01, 2007, 06:53:16 PM
Post by: Ray on May 01, 2007, 06:55:18 PM
Most of those are resonable in my mind, but what and how are they thinking? We need to stay on top of this.
Now please correct me if I am wrong here but this basically says you cannot pick a mushroom or flower and take it with you. Unless of course you get a note from the director. I am sure it would not be an easy matter to get that note from big brother.
Quote
Except for down dead wood collected for camping on department lands, it is unlawful to remove timber, wood, soils, minerals, fossils, plants, plant seeds or other property or artifacts from department-owned or controlled public lands, waters, or access areas without a permit from the director.
Post by: billythekidrock on May 02, 2007, 06:24:55 AM
WAC 232-13-180 (and parts of a couple others) is of concern to me as it can be viewed in a very broad sense. I think this WAC in particular needs reworking, and as it stands, is very dangerous to anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Most of the WACs (Camping, Aircraft, Fireworks..etc) , as I read them, seem fine. Again, that is the way I read them.
What I am wondering is how do they (F&G) read or interpert them?
I agree....you will have a hard time getting a permit for anything.....join this list, apply here,....we will send it, email, post, call.....we all know about that..
Make no mistake I am concerned and I have posted this on a couple other NW and National hunting forums. Today I will be contacting a woodturning group that is in the Oly area (they are currently fighting a nasty bill right now) as well as contacting a few mushroom clubs around the state.
Post by: Dman on May 02, 2007, 01:59:59 PM
Post by: Ray on May 02, 2007, 02:45:59 PM
My experience is that we should not trust the current official's interpretation to be the same as the next official who comes in. The courts will most likely interpret it completely different than what you describe even though it may have a good natured intent from Quinn or anyone else behind the proposal.
Post by: jackelope on May 02, 2007, 04:14:21 PM
Quote
My experience is that we should not trust the current official's interpretation to be the same as the next official who comes in
or 1 game warden from the next for that matter.
no offense to any LEO's out there at all, my stepfather is retired LEO, but it seems that everyone has a different take on everything.
Post by: Ray on May 02, 2007, 04:48:51 PM
I remember the Fee Demo for NW Trail Park passes that was supposed to be a temporary phase. Now to park your car they mandate those passes. I found out a while back that they were also using some of that revenue for example to buy new movie projector systems in the Mt St Helens park for visitors to watch. I'd say that isn't exactly putting the money back into the users' interests. Keep in mind that was not the WDFW.. but it was big goverment no less.
Post by: Dman on May 03, 2007, 04:14:56 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on May 03, 2007, 04:43:07 PM
My concern is that we already have rules/laws pertaining to most of these issues, but there seems to be no enforcement. I know for a fact that if you find trash (with names/addresses/etc) it will not result in a ticket or fine. I know for a fact that if you catch someone in the act of dumping and they pick up the trash while enforcement is in route they will not recieve a ticket.
We already have a wood permit system as well as rules for harvesting mushrooms or similar materials. Do we really need to get permission from a director/commissioner? Let's enforce the current rules before we change anything.
Post by: brush hunter on May 03, 2007, 05:55:05 PM
Post by: bobcat on May 03, 2007, 06:05:19 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on May 03, 2007, 06:35:11 PM
Maybe I am over reacting?
Post by: bobcat on May 03, 2007, 06:42:23 PM
Post by: Dman on May 03, 2007, 09:21:50 PM
Post by: bobcat on May 03, 2007, 10:04:59 PM
Post by: Ray on May 03, 2007, 10:22:50 PM
Post by: Ray on May 03, 2007, 10:46:27 PM
Post by: bobcat on May 03, 2007, 11:16:44 PM
Post by: Ray on May 03, 2007, 11:19:30 PM
Post by: bobcat on May 04, 2007, 08:15:25 AM
Post by: boneaddict on May 04, 2007, 08:33:45 AM
Post by: bobcat on May 04, 2007, 08:36:52 AM
Post by: boneaddict on May 04, 2007, 08:44:39 AM
Post by: Ray on May 04, 2007, 07:49:14 PM
Post by: boneaddict on May 05, 2007, 06:35:38 AM
Post by: Dman on May 08, 2007, 09:34:43 AM
Post by: bobcat on May 08, 2007, 10:26:18 AM
Post by: Ray on May 08, 2007, 12:23:35 PM
I could go on about the dog restrictions but I'll leave it for now.
Post by: boneaddict on May 08, 2007, 12:35:03 PM
Post by: Ray on May 08, 2007, 12:36:21 PM
Post by: boneaddict on May 08, 2007, 12:52:20 PM
Post by: Dman on May 09, 2007, 09:08:18 AM
-D
Post by: Machias on May 10, 2007, 10:01:55 AM
Post by: jackelope on May 10, 2007, 10:09:04 AM
Post by: Ray on May 10, 2007, 11:44:33 AM
Post by: Dman on May 10, 2007, 03:16:55 PM
Post by: Machias on May 10, 2007, 04:07:42 PM
Post by: bobcat on May 17, 2007, 11:14:22 AM
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NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
May 17, 2007
Contact: Susan Yeager, (360) 902-2267
Commission to consider land rules and
transactions at June 1- 2 meeting in Spokane
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will discuss proposed changes in rules for public conduct on state wildlife areas, and will consider approval of several land transactions during a public meeting June 1 and 2 in Spokane Valley.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., June 1, at the Mirabeau Park Hotel and Conference Center, 1100 N. Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley. The meeting will continue at 8:30 a.m., June 2. Public comments on any topic will be taken at the beginning and end of each meeting day.
The nine-member commission, which sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), is scheduled to take action on the acquisition of three properties in Okanogan County and one easement grant in Clallam County.
The commission will hear WDFW staff briefings and take public input on:
Proposed public conduct rules to protect fish and wildlife resources and ensure public safety on WDFW-managed wildlife areas and water access sites
North Potholes Game Reserve access restrictions
Fir Island Farm Game Reserve rules
Waterfowl hunting rules on use of decoys and calls
Game tagging requirements
The commission also is scheduled to hear briefings on:
Public safety cougar removals
Special trapping permits
Deer and elk damage claims
A complete agenda for the June 1-2 meeting is available on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/com/meetings.htm.
Post by: Dman on May 17, 2007, 01:47:47 PM
"WDFW controlled lands means lands we have under long-term management
agreement with other landowners like USFWS, BLM, DNR, etc. These land
are primarily inholdings or continguous parcels to existing WDFW owned
lands (Wildlife Areas)"
-It could also be they are not taking any input on the regulatory issues on other "controlled lands" portion, only the wildlife areas portion, as that's the biggest change. The controlled lands -USFS/ BLM already have similar existing regulations not in the State code, but covered under Federal regs.
Post by: bobcat on May 17, 2007, 02:17:45 PM
Post by: littletoes on June 03, 2007, 10:00:40 AM
If the ruling is about hunting/hunting lands or monies then require a hunting license. That way the PETA folks, or any other anti-hunter types would have to contribute to the cause, and not be able to cause harm as prevelant as they seem to be.
Most information would come from ture hunters that way.
Post by: Ray on June 04, 2007, 03:51:13 PM
Post by: Ray on June 04, 2007, 07:05:40 PM
Commission approves land transactions;
more review for wildlife area conduct rules
SPOKANE VALLEY–Proposed rules for public conduct on state wildlife areas and water-access sites will be revised and circulated for additional public comment, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission decided at a meeting here Saturday.
The nine-member citizen commission was briefed on the proposed rules by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff and heard public input during the meeting. The Commission is scheduled to review the revised proposals during its Aug. 3-4 public meeting in Anacortes, and will consider approval of the rules at an Oct. 12-13 meeting in Olympia.
The proposed rules, which address the type and amount of use on wildlife properties, are aimed at protecting fish and wildlife resources and ensuring public safety. The rules address use of aircraft, camping, commercial activity, dumping and sanitation, structures, firearms and target shooting, fireworks, land and road closures, livestock, parking, pets, resource removal, vehicle use and other issues.
The proposals have been under development for several years, with involvement by WDFW’s statewide Land Management Advisory Council and citizen advisory groups for individual wildlife areas.
[bgcolor=#ffff00]Revised rule proposals will be posted shortly on WDFW’s website[/bgcolor] at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/land_line/
In other business during its two-day meeting, the commission approved acquisition of three properties in Okanogan County, as well as two easements.
The Okanogan County land purchases, to be made with federal and state grant funds, are:
More than 19 acres of land adjacent to the Methow Wildlife Area south of Winthrop, including 1,500 feet of Methow River frontage, which will provide critical fish and wildlife habitat and recreational access.
Another 264 acres of property adjacent to the Methow Wildlife Area east of Twisp, including shrub-steppe habitat for species ranging from butterflies to mule deer.
More than 3,335 acres of land east of Oroville, including shrub-steppe habitat for wildlife and Nine-Mile Creek, used by endangered Upper Columbia steelhead.
The easements will allow a National Park Service (NPS) pipeline to cross WDFW’s Elwha fish rearing pond in Clallam County as part of the federal plan to remove two Elwha River dams to restore salmon habitat. The easement, which compensates WDFW $42,170, also includes a permit to temporarily divert water while NPS constructs a new, more fish-friendly water intake structure for the city of Port Angeles.
The other approved easement is an exchange of access between the Oak Creek Wildlife Area and an adjacent landowner in Yakima County.