Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners Meeting

NBWC Meeting

Elko

June 22, and 23, 2012

Final Minutes - Approved Aug. 10, 2012

Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners’ Meeting

June 21, 22 and 23, 2012

Nannini County Building

540 Court St., #102

Elko, NV 89801

Final AGENDA

Minutes of the meeting will be produced in summary format. Please provide the Commission with electronic or written copies of testimony and visual presentations to include complete versions as exhibits with the minutes.

Items may be taken out of order; items may be combined for consideration by the public body; and Items may be pulled or removed from the agenda at any time. Individuals with a disability who are in need of special services should contact the Department at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at 775-688-1599. Individuals with hearing impairment may contact the Department via telecommunication device (TDD) (775) 688-1550.

TIME LIMITS: Public Comment will be taken on every action item after discussion but before action on each item, and is limited to three minutes per person. Persons may not allocate unused time to other speakers. Persons are invited to submit written comments on items or attend and make comment during the meeting and are asked complete a speaker card and present it to the Recording Secretary. To ensure the public has notice of all matters the Committee will consider, Committee members may choose not respond to public comments in order to avoid deliberation on topics not listed for action on the agenda.

Forum restrictions and Orderly Business: The viewpoint of a speaker will not be restricted, but reasonable restrictions may be imposed upon the time, place and manner of speech. Irrelevant and unduly repetitious statements and personal attacks which antagonize or incite others are examples of public comment that may be reasonably limited.

Note: Public comment allowed on each action item and regulation workshop items and at the end of the meeting for items not on the agenda

Thursday, June 21, 2012 – 10 a.m.

Commission Tour – Informational

The Commission will meet and tour to view the area in Elko County that is being proposed as a wild horse sanctuary. Short informational presentations will be made at several sites but no action will be taken by the Commission. The public is invited to participate but will be required to provide their own transportation. The tour is planned to conclude in Elko. The group will depart from America’s Best Value Gold Country Inn and Casino, 2050 Idaho Street, Elko, Nevada 89801.

Friday, June 22, 2012 – 8:30 a.m.

1Call to Order, Roll Call of Commission and County Advisory Board Members to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) – Chairman McBeath

2Approval of Agenda – Chairman McBeath - For Possible Action

The Commission will review the agenda and may take action to approve the agenda. The Commission may remove items from the agenda, combine items for consideration or take items out of order.

3Member Items/Announcements and Correspondence – Chairman McBeath - Informational

Commissioners may present emergent items. No action may be taken by the Commission. Any item requiring Commission action may be scheduled on a future Commission agenda. The Commission will review and may discuss correspondence sent or received by the Commission since the last regular meeting and may provide copies for the exhibit file (Commissioners may provide hard copies of their correspondence for the written record). Correspondence sent or received by Secretary Mayer will also be discussed.

4County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) Member Items – Informational

CABMW members may present emergent items. No action may be taken by the Commission. Any item requiring Commission action will be scheduled on a future Commission agenda.

5Duck Stamp Request – Chief of Habitat Elmer Bull – For Possible Action

The Commission will review and be asked to approve 16 projects submitted

for funding from duck stamp funds. The total cost of the projects is $78,274.

6Upland Game Stamp Request – Chief of Habitat Elmer Bull – For Possible Action

The Commission will review and be asked to approve 13 projects submitted for funding from upland game stamp funds. The total cost of the projects is $240,050.

7 Finance Committee – Gil Yanuck, Committee Chair and Deputy Director Patrick Cates

AFinance Committee Report – Committee Chair Gil Yanuck – Informational

The Commission will hear a report from the Finance Committee chairman.

BFY 2013 County Advisory Board Budget Requests – Deputy Director Patrick Cates – For Possible Action

The Commission may approve budgets for County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife for FY 2013.

8Wildlife Heritage Committee – Commissioner Wallace and Deputy Director Cates

A Heritage Committee Report – Commissioner Wallace Committee Chair – Informational

The Commission will hear a report from the Wildlife Heritage Committee chairman.

BCommission Policy #11, Heritage Grant Manual – Deputy Director Patrick Cates – For Possible Action

The Commission will hear the first reading of a new proposed Commission Policy #11, Heritage Grant Manual, as recommended by the Wildlife Heritage Committee.

9Trapping Regulation Committee Report –Commissioner McNinch – For Possible Action

The Commission will hear a report from the Trapping Regulation Committee chairman and may take action on any recommendations.

10Wild Horse Update – Chief of Habitat Elmer Bull – Informational

In accordance with the Commission’s request, Chief of Habitat Elmer Bull will provide an

update on the status of wild horse issues pending in Nevada.

11Regulation Workshop – Informational – Public Comment Allowed

ACommission General Regulation 406, Trapping Regulations for Congested and Residential Areas, LCB File No. R062 - 12 – Chief Game Warden Buonamici – Informational

The Commission may adopt a regulation relating to trapping; prohibiting a person from trapping a furbearing mammal, other than with a box or cage trap, within a certain distance of a residence located within a congested area of certain counties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

BCommission General Regulation 407, Wildlife Heritage Trust Account, LCB File No. R022 – 12 – Deputy Director Patrick Cates – Informational

The Commission may adopt a regulation relating to the Wildlife Heritage Trust Account; requiring a person who is responsible for managing or supervising a conservation project that is approved by the Board of Wildlife Commissioners to enter into an agreement for the receipt of a grant of money from the Account; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

CCommission General Regulation 408, Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Regulations, LCB File No. R048-12 –Chief Rob Buonamici and Fisheries Staff Biologist Karen Vargas – Informational

The Commission may adopt a regulation relating to aquatic species; providing requirements for decontamination of certain vessels and conveyances; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

DCommission General Regulation 409, LCB File No. R049 - 12, Aquatic Invasive Species Fees Relating to Vessels - Chief Rob Buonamici and Fisheries Staff Biologist Karen Vargas - Informational

The Commission may adopt a regulation relating to aquatic species; establishing the amount of the aquatic invasive species fee required for certain vessels; specifying the manner in which an aquatic invasive species decal must be displayed on certain inflatable vessels; setting forth the required lettering, size and color of each aquatic invasive species decal; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

12Public Comment Period

Saturday, June 23, 2012 – 8:30 a.m.

13Call to Order, Roll Call of Commission and County Advisory Board Members to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) – Chairman McBeath

14Member Items/Announcements and Correspondence - Chairman McBeath - Informational

15County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife (CABMW) Member Items - Informational

CABMW members may present emergent items. No action may be taken by the Commission. Any item requiring Commission action will be scheduled on a future Commission agenda.

16Regulations – Adoption – For Possible Action – Public Comment Allowed

ACommission Regulation 12 - 03, 2013 Wildlife Heritage Amendment #1, Wildlife Heritage, Silver State, Partnership in Wildlife and Heritage Tag Vendors - Commissioner Wallace - For Possible Action

The Heritage Committee chairman will provide the committee’s vendor

recommendations to the Commission for possible action for the

2013 tags.

BCommission Regulation 12 - 06 Seasons, Bag Limits and Special Regulations for Upland Game Birds, Rabbits, Wild Turkey, Furbearers, American Crow, Mourning and White-Winged Dove, and Falconry Seasons for Upland Game Birds and Rabbits for the 2012 and 2013 and 2013 and 2014 Seasons - Wildlife Staff Specialists Shawn Espinosa and Russell Woolstenhulme - For Possible Action

The Commission will establish regulations for seasons, bag limits, and special regulations for upland game birds, rabbits, wild turkey, furbearers, American crow, mourning and white-winged dove, and falconry seasons for upland game birds and rabbits for the 2012 and 2013 and 2013 and 2014 seasons.

CCommission General Regulation 406, Trapping Regulations for Congested and Residential Areas, LCB File No. R062-12 – Chief Game Warden Buonamici – For Possible Action

DCommission General Regulation 407, Wildlife Heritage Trust Account, LCB File No. R022 – 12 – Deputy Director Patrick Cates – For Possible Action

ECommission General Regulation 408, Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Regulations, LCB File No. R048-12 –Chief Rob Buonamici and Fisheries Staff Biologist Karen Vargas – For Possible Action

FCommission General Regulation 409, Aquatic Invasive Species Fees Relating to Vessels, LCB File No. R049 – 12 - Chief Rob Buonamici and Fisheries Staff Biologist Karen Vargas - For Possible Action

17Wildlife Heritage Committee – Commissioner Wallace and Deputy Director Cates – For Possible Action

A Commission Policy #11, Heritage Grant Manual, Final Reading – For Possible Action

The Commission may take action to adopt the new proposed Commission policy #11 – Heritage Grant Manual.

BFY 2012 and FY 2011 Heritage Project Extensions - For Possible Action

Pursuant to NAC 501.340, the Commission may approve requests for extension of 2012 Heritage projects.

CFY 2012 and FY 2011 Heritage Funding Reallocation - For Possible Action

Pursuant to NAC 501.300, the Commission may approve reallocation of unused Heritage funds from a previously approved 2012 project to any other previously considered 2012 project application.

DFY 2013 Heritage Project Proposals – For Possible Action

The Commission will hear the recommendations from the Heritage Committee and approve project applications for 2013.

18Reports – Informational

ALegislative Update – Secretary Ken Mayer

Staff will provide an overview of tracked state and/or federal legislation and provide deadlines and information regarding the 2013 Legislative Session.

BSage-Grouse Update –Secretary Ken Mayer

In accordance with the Commission’s request, Director Mayer will provide an update on the status of sage-grouse which is pending listing under the Endangered Species Act.

CSunset Committee Update Report – Chairman McBeath

Chairman McBeath will report on the June 5, 2012, Sunset Committee meeting.

DTrapping Regulation Review Update – Chief Game Warden Buonamici

Chief Game Warden Buonamici will present the Department’s proposed trapping regulation revisions (technical changes).

EOff-Highway Vehicle Commission Report – Chief Game Warden Buonamici

FLitigation Report – Deputy Attorney General Nhu Nguyen

19 Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioner’s Committee Assignments – Chairman McBeath – For Possible Action

The Chairman will designate and adjust committee assignments, including the creation of new committees, the consolidation of existing committees, and/or the elimination of existing committees, as necessary. The Commission will take action to approve the revised committees and committee assignments as proposed by the chairman.

20Future Commission Meeting – Director Ken Mayer - For Possible Action

The next Commission meeting is currently scheduled for August 10 and 11, 2012, in Winnemucca. The Commission may change the time and meeting location at this time. The Commission will review and discuss potential agenda items for that meeting.

21Public Comment Period

Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners present for two day meeting:

Chairman Michael McBeathVice Chairman Jack RobbCommissioner Jeremy Drew*

Commissioner Charles HowellCommissioner David McNinchCommissioner Pete Mori

Commissioner Scott RaineCommissioner Hal ShrumCommissioner Grant Wallace

*Excused Absence June 23, 2012

Secretary/Director Kenneth E. MayerNhu Nguyen, Deputy Attorney General

Suzanne Scourby, Recording Secretary

Nevada Department of Wildlife personnel present:

Deputy Director Rich HaskinsDeputy Director Patrick Cates

Chief of Game Larry GilbertsonChief Game Warden Rob Buonamici

Chief of Operations Bob HaughianEastern Region Supervising Game Biologist Ken Gray

Caleb McAdoo, Eastern Region BiologistJoe Doucette, Conservation Educator 4

Chief of Habitat Elmer Bull

Others in Attendance/Two Day Meeting:

Paul R. Dixon, Clark CABMW*Rex Flowers, Washoe CABMW

Gil Yanuck, Carson CABMWDon Sefton, Systems Consultants Inc.

Jim Evans, Eureka CABMWMonty Martin, Systems Consultants Inc.

Joe Crim, Pershing CABMWJudi Caron, Safari Club International - Northern Nevada

Don Molde, selfChris Nicolai, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Joe Bennett, USDA Wildlife ServicesJoel Blakeslee, Coalition and NV Trappers Association

Nathan Fowler, USDA Wildlife ServicesHarvey Logan, Western Exterminators

George Corner, Nevada Outfitters and GuidesPeter Shepherd, Nevada Trapper’s Association

Tom Barnes, Elko CABMW Jim Jenne, Lyon CABMW

Bill Meyer, Lyon CABMWPat Laughlin, Nevada Alliance 4 Wildlife

Mike Laughlin, selfDane Bradfield, Lincoln CABMW

Randall Stoeberl, Nevada Trapper’s Association Richard Sandoz, self

Jason A. James, selfQuentin James, self

Trish Swain, Trail Safe Nevada Caron Tayloe, self

Henry Krenka, Nevada Outfitters and Guides Lance Stitzel, Nevada Trapper’s Association

Jim Evans, Eureka CABMWDarin Elmore, self

Dianna Belding, selfLarry Johnson, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited-Reno

Michael John Jurad, Humboldt CABMW

*County Advisory Board Member to Manage Wildlife

Friday, June 22, 2012 – 8:30 a.m.

1Chairman McBeath called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. – all nine Commissioners present.

CABMW Roll Call – Joe Crim, Pershing; Paul Dixon, Clark, Gil Yanuck, Carson, Rex Flowers; Dane Bradfield, Lincoln; Jim Jenne, Lyon; Bill Meyer, Lyon; Tom Barnes, Elko;and Steve Gustafson, Mineral.

2Approval of Agenda –

Commissioner McNinch moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner Wallace seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

3Member Items/Announcements and Correspondence - Chairman McBeath - Informational

Commissioner Raine correspondence: Letter from ClivenD. Bundysent to Commission and asked if received (copy in May meeting exhibit file); he commented that the doe seasons not a good idea and doe seasons approved exclusively almost affect Elko County and would of liked to hear from Elko residents and to have had that on the agenda.

Commissioner Shrum read anemail from Don Molde, and letters from Gerald A. Lent and Mike Laughlin, regarding Elko CABMW resignations.

Chairman McBeath said friend sent email two days before the draw and email traffic indicated that some folks were able to tell if they drew tags and Systems Consultants straightened out website so that no one could tell if drawn, and email was sent explaining the situation and was a quick fix to that situation.

4CABMW Member Items – Informational

Gil Yanuck, Carson CABMW, said Carson County code enforcement officer attended their meeting who provided information on trash management and feeding of wildlife, and in preparation for the meeting he met with NDOW game warden to discuss issues and Department’s efforts, and would be nice for statewide NRS to cover the attractant nuisance issue and if this goes forward will hold town hall meetings to let citizens know how this will be handled and goals. Also, project manager from the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Carson City office discussed revision to Resource Management Plan and the CABMW told the BLM that Carson CABMW wishes to be consulted on the issues – i.e. wild horses.

Paul Dixon, Clark CABMW, said NDOW Biologist Karen Vargas attended their meeting presenting the Department’s Aquatic Invasive Species program. CAMBW Member Pergola in communication with SNWA and they are ready to discuss with NDOW the pipeline hook-up for the treated water to be used by the hatchery to get it started again.

5Duck Stamp Request – Chief of Habitat Elmer Bull – For Possible Action

The Commission will review and be asked to approve 16 projects submitted for funding from duck stamp funds. The total cost of projects is $78,274.