NEW HAMPSHIRE FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT AUGUST 12, 2015 COMMISSION MEETING

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1 NEW HAMPSHIRE FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT AUGUST 12, 2015 COMMISSION MEETING Meeting Location: Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, 387 Perch Pond Road, Holderness, NH Commissioners Present: F. Clews, D. Patch, R. Phillipson, T. Tichy, T. Hubert, T. Baldwin, B. Carr, V. Greco, and W. Morse. Commissioners absent/excused: J. McGonagle & J. Ryan Executive Director Normandeau Present Chairman Tichy called the meeting to order at 1:02 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. ACTION ITEMS: 1.) Commissioner Greco moved to approve the July 15, 2015 Commission Minutes as written and Commissioner Patch 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-2e as presented below, and Commissioner Clews seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. 2a.) Commission accepted a donation in the amount of $1,000 from George Tombarello, to be utilized by the Wildlife Division s Game Programs. 2b.) Commission accepted a donation in the amount of $ from Kathryn Whittemore for assistance she received with an injury on the Champney Falls Trail, Albany, NH, to be deposited into the Search & Rescue Account for future search & rescue needs. 2c.) Commission accepted a donation in the amount of $ from Crotched Mountain Foundation for assistance received by the Department s Law Enforcement Division with a patient, to be deposited into the Search & Rescue Account for future search & rescue needs. 2d.) Commission accepted a donation in the amount of $ from the Lakeview Neurorehabilitation Center, Effingham, NH, for assistance received in locating a patient, to be deposited into the Search & Rescue Account for future search & rescue needs.

2 3.) Director Normandeau reviewed the proposed license fee increases with the Commission. He stated that there was some concern in raising the fee for fishing licenses, however, reiterated that there would be plenty of time to fine tune things after the public hearings, to be held in September. He reported that he planned to give a slide show presentation to better inform the public as to the reasoning for the fee increases. For example, to raise a fish today is more costly than it was 10 years ago. In addition, Director Normandeau reported that when someone purchases a hunting or fishing license, they may not know that they are also getting the hike safe privileges, meaning the department will not charge you for rescue services if you should require them. Commissioner Carr stated I think if we market this more we could increase sales. Good marketing tool to include rescue privileges with a license. Commissioner Baldwin stated, I think the proposed guide s fee increase is way out of line! They bring license holders into the State, as well as lodging, meals, etc. They are an asset and not a liability to our State. Guides earn their pay! Commissioner Tichy stated, Guides do have other benefits above normal sportsmen as they benefit from the public resource. They get more tags, bait sites, etc. I think a $59.00 increase is very low. Dave Pool, Guides Association, stated, My feeling is that $ is a fair comparison to states we compete with. I feel the proposed fee increase is reasonable and will have much less resistance. Commissioner Hubert moved to go forward with rulemaking pertaining to license fee increases and Commissioner Morse seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Commissioner Morse withdrew his second to the above motion. Commissioner Hubert withdrew his original motion above. Commissioner Hubert moved to go forward with rulemaking pertaining to fee increases as discussed, including the over 68 licenses & $5.00 fee for additional tags, Commissioner Morse seconded. Much discussion ensued. was. Commissioner Tichy stated that he would like to see the saltwater license go back to what it Commissioner Clews stated, I ve received numerous calls inquiring as to the possibility of reducing the saltwater license since the resources have been reduced and people aren t buying as many licenses. Commissioner Phillipson reported that he didn t mind seeing this proposed fee structure go to public hearing, as the department will receive a great deal of input that could potentially change the final product.

3 Commissioner Patch reported that charter/party boat fees haven t gone up. Director Normandeau responded that it was due to the fact that fishermen aren t able to fish for cod & stripe bass; therefore nobody is going out on the boats. A vote was taken on the above pending motion pertaining to going forward with rulemaking relative to the proposed license fee increases. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. 4.) At this time, Commissioner Phillipson reported that the Nominating Committee conducted a search for the slate of Commission Officers amongst the full Commission. He reported that the slate of Commission Officers being brought forward is as follows: Commissioner Tichy, Chairman Commissioner Patch, Vice Chairman Commissioner Ryan, Secretary/Treasurer Commissioner Phillipson moved to elect the above slate of Commissioner Officers as presented and Commissioner Morse seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. 5.) Chairman Tichy announced that the November Commission Meeting falls on November 11, 2015, a holiday & opening day of firearm season, therefore, that needs to be addressed. Commissioner Patch moved to change the November Commission Meeting from November 11, 2015, to the following Wednesday, November 18, 2015, Commissioner Phillipson seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. INFORMATION ITEMS: 1.) Kathy LaBonte, Chief, Business Division, provide the monthly financial statement dated June 30, 2015, the year-end statement. 2.) Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist, came before the Commission and provided an overview relative to a future request to expend $100,000 from the Fisheries Habitat Account to pay for five stream crossing enhancements associated with the Beebe River Watershed Project. Ben thanked everyone for attending the tour of the Beebe River the morning of the Commission Meeting. He reported that this project was a rare and unique opportunity for central New Hampshire. He reported that the project goal was to restore aquatic habitat connectivity on five tributary streams to the Beebe River in both Campton and Sandwich by replacing undersized and perched crossings with prefabricated bridges. In addition, Ben reported that although the brook trout occupy the Beebe River during most times of the year within this property, monitoring indicates water temperatures in the river to exceed tolerable levels for brook trout during parts of the summer. Adjacent tributaries remain cool and have the ability to offer trout suitable habitat during times of extreme temperatures in the mainstem. These tributaries also provide habitat for spawning and juvenile development. The main road through the property is in close proximity to the Beebe River and crosses over five of these tributaries.

4 Further, Ben reported that the Conservation Fund has established a broad level of partnership to address several ongoing and planned terrestrial and aquatic habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement activities on the Beebe River Tract. Partners on this particular project include: US Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), US Forest Service, NH Fish & Game, Trout Unlimited-National, and the Pemigewasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited. In closing, Ben reported that the partnership was working on a full proposal to USDA-NCRS to request $250,000 toward the installation of the 5 bridges ($50,000 per bridge). There is a need for additional cash resources; and we are requesting that the Fish & Game Commission approve the allocation of $100,000 from the Fish Habitat Account to match NRCS funds in order to move forward with the project and break ground in Much discussion ensued. The Commission discussed their concerns relative to this project, as there is no guarantee that the property will be accessible to the public in the future. Chairman Tichy stated, Connectivity is something we want to do. Commissioner Baldwin stated, We are charged with spending that money in a habitat way, and it is used in many ways, however, it does not have to be for designated bridges. I suggest asking alternative sources for monies for the bridges, as there is plenty of opportunity to line item stream restoration etc., Commissioner Patch stated, I have heard all good reasons to be part of this project, however, every time we vote to spend money on a project it is our duty to make sure everyone has access to it. Chairman Tichy stated, We can t spend sportsmen s money to put in a type of infrastructure on private land. Director Normandeau stated, I have spent many years hunting and fishing this property and never contemplated the road being closed. It has the potential of being a giant piece of property that nobody can access. Chairman Tichy stated, We appreciate your time and what the Conservation Fund is doing. We are just looking out for the interest of these funds that are specific for habitat issues. Nancy Bell, Conservation Fund Director, thanked the Commission for their time and partnership. 3.) Evan Mulholland, Legislative Coordinator, provided an overview of the re-adoption of the 800 rules. STANDING COMMITTEES: POLICY COMMITTEE: Commissioners; Commissioners McGonagle & Clews. Commissioner Clews reported that the committee did not meet. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE: Commissioner Morse, Chair; Commissioners Hubert, Greco, Patch, and Baldwin. Commissioner Morse reported that the committee did not meet.

5 RIVERS COMMITTEE: Commissioner Ryan: Commissioner Ryan was absent, therefore, no report. LAKES COMMITTEE: Commissioner Clews: Commissioner Clews reported that the Rivers Committee took a field trip to Ossipee Lake on July 25, He reported that it was an interesting meeting. AWARDS COMMITTEE: Commissioners Ryan and Morse. Commissioner Ryan was absent, therefore, no report. HANDBOOK & ORIENTATION COMMITTEE: Commissioner Patch, Chair; Commissioner Patch reported that the committee did not meet. STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE: Commissioner Greco, Chair; Commissioners McGonagle, Tichy and Phillipson. Commissioner Greco reported that the committee met and finalized their report, which was given to Director Normandeau for review. WILDLIFE HERITAGE FOUNDATION: Commissioner Greco. Commissioner Greco reported that the next meeting would take place on September 9, 2015, which also the annual meeting of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation. He reported that the Hunting & Fishing Expo would take place on September 19, 2015, from 10am 3pm, at Bass Pro Shop in Hooksett, NH. NEW BUSINESS: N/A OLD BUSINESS:_ Commissioner Baldwin thanked Kathy LaBonte for sending him the year- end financial statement. Commissioner Baldwin moved that all Commissioners receive copies of the fiscal year- end financial statement, including all income and expenses, and to follow up with copies of the completed financial statement quarterly, Commissioner Morse seconded. The vote carried with 7 in favor 1 opposed (V. Greco) COMMISSIONERS REPORTS: COMMISSIONER BALDWIN: Commissioner Baldwin had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER CARR: Commissioner Carr had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER GRECO: Commissioner Greco had nothing to report at this time. 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 was absent. COMMISSIONER PATCH: Commissioner Patch had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER MCGONAGLE: Commissioner McGonagle was absent.

6 COMMISSIONER CLEWS: Commissioner Clews thanked Director Normandeau and the Law Enforcement Division for handling the untimely death of a fishermen on the coast and allowing fellow lobstermen to pull the traps and give the money to the widow. COMMISSIONER HUBERT: Commissioner Hubert had nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER TICHY: Commissioner Tichy reported that he received a thank you note to the full Commission from Representative Gene Chandler for selecting him to receive the Ellis Hatch Award of Excellence and for having Ellis present the award. DIRECTOR S REPORT: Director Normandeau reported that he has been working on the license fee increase structure. He reported that there were a few legislative work sessions the week of August 17, 2015, relative to sound suppressors and baiting for disabled folks. In closing, he reported that he received the strategic plan from the Commission and would be making some additional changes and then would bring it back before the Commission for review. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: Bill Carney, audience member, inquired as to the status of Wild Goose, the proposed boat access site on Lake Sunapee. Rick Fink, Chief, Facilities & Lands Bureau, reported that the department received a letter from the Department of Environmental Services notifying us that the NH Natural Heritage Bureau identified 2 species of concern, those being the american water awlwort and the wood turtle. The letter stated that this study is required prior to the department being re-issued the shoreland permit for the Wild Goose boat access site. The Commission did not take this news well and felt it was another stall tactic by the Lake owners to prolong access to the lake. Bill stated, It s going on 25 years I ve been waiting for access to Lake Sunapee. Director Normandeau reported that he would call the Department of Environmental Services regarding the study. Chairman Tichy asked that the Commission receive an update on the Wild Goose Boat Access site on Lake Sunapee at the September 9, 2015 Commission Meeting. At this time, 4:02p.m., Commissioner Greco moved to adjourn and Commissioner Morse seconded. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, Approved: Ted Tichy, Chairman James Ryan, Secretary