January 6, 2014

Earlier start times slated for for upcoming Commission meeting

PRATT--The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Jan. 9, at Southwestern College in Winfield. However, rather than beginning the afternoon session at 1:30 p.m. as has been customary, the afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m. The evening session will begin at 6:30 p.m., rather than the traditional 7 p.m. restart.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics: Secretary’s remarks about agency and state fiscal status, the upcoming 2014 legislative session, a National Wild Turkey Federation presentation, Commissioner Big Game Permit update and drawing, Tourism Division briefing, Public Lands regulations, the Five-year Review of the Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species lists, and an update on the potential federal threatened listing of the lesser prairie chicken.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations: antelope, elk and deer.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the same location for a public hearing and commission action on the following regulations: KAR 115-4-15 – Restitution scoring system for white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and antelope; KAR 115-2-3 – Camping and utility fees; KAR 115-25-5 – Turkey, fall season, bag limit and permits.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., Jan. 10, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2014 at the Kansas Historical Museum in Topeka.

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