Wildlife and Parks: Looking ahead to Thursday’s commission meeting

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commission will hold its October meeting at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Coffey County Library, 410 S. Juniatta in Burlington.

BIGGEST PUBLIC IMPACT

Commissioners are scheduled to vote on a series of increases to most hunting and fishing fees. At past meetings the department has mentioned declining money in reserve, and that most fees and permits haven’t been increased in more than a dozen years. Robin Jennison, Wildlife, Parks and Tourism secretary, said more money is needed to insure some popular programs, such as walk-in hunting areas, can continue and expand. He has estimated about $6 million could be raised by the increases, which would begin in 2016.

Key increases in their request would be raising resident hunting and fishing licenses from $18 to $25 and their deer permits form $30 to $40. Non-resident fees could also see sizable increases, such as a raise from $315 to $415 for deer permits and from $70 to $95 for hunting licenses. You can check this link for more details on requested price increases.

The issue has drawn discussion at two previous meetings. So far, no commissioner has voiced serious opposition.

FROM PAST DEBATE

Kansas has four zones for duck hunting, each with its own season dates. Every five years the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows Kansas to petition to get boundaries changed. For about the past five years the southeast duck zone, which is basically from El Dorado to Kansas City and southward, has drawn debate as per when seasons should open. At most such discussions there was often talk of changing the zone boundaries so hunting could begin earlier in the northern and western parts of the zone. After a series of public meetings, online surveys, and discussion at commission meetings, Wildlife and Parks will suggest the boundaries simply remain the same when a vote is taken Thursday

KEEP ON THE RADAR

Deer and other big game regulations are scheduled for discussion, then a probable vote at the next commission meeting Jan. 7 in Manhattan. No major changes have been mentioned, but they could get added Thursday or at the Manhattan meeting.

The state also appears to be considering dredging John Redmond Reservoir, which is about half silted in. That’s never been done at a large reservoir in Kansas, though many could benefit from such operations in the future. Key challenges will be funding the project, and what to do with the silt that is removed.▪ 

NEW COMMISSIONER

A new commissioner, Emerick Cross, of Kansas City, will be attending his first meeting. He replaces Don Budd, also of Kansas City. Budd had applied for another four-year term, following his first, but was denied re-appointment. Cross is the first Native American appointed to the commission.

FOLLOW ALONG

Those who can’t make it to the meeting can watch it live at ksoutdoors.com. Comments and questions can not be made online or by telephone.

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 6:31 PM with the headline "Wildlife and Parks: Looking ahead to Thursday’s commission meeting."