*This agenda is revised to add Item D(III) to Executive Session; add details to Item 12(A) concerning Executive Director’s report; revise Item 22(C) to clarify the action related to the March 5, 2020 Wildlife Resources Committee meeting; and delete Item 17 concerning experimental fishing permits phase I, as no comments within the scope of the 15-day notice were received.
Notes:
See important meeting deadlines and procedures at the end of the agenda. Unless
otherwise indicated, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is identified as
Department. For 2020 when Commission meetings span two days, marine items
will be heard on the first day and wildlife and inland fisheries items will be heard
on the second day; administrative items will be divided as time permits.
Invitation:
The The Commission invites members of the public to join commissioners and
staff for a falconry demonstration sponsored by the California Hawking Club on
Thursday, February 20 at 3:00 p.m. The demonstration will be held at Conaway
Ranch, 45332 County Road 25 in Woodland; refreshments will be available
starting at 2:30 p.m. Members of the public are welcome and must provide their
own transportation.
FEBRUARY 21, 2020, 8:00AM
Call to order/roll call to establish quorum
1. Consider approving agenda and order of items
2. Election of Commission president and vice president
The commissioners annually elect one of their number as president and one as vice president, by a concurrent vote of at least three commissioners. (Pursuant to Section 102, Fish and Game Code)
Motion on Item 2
The Commission forms three committees from its membership, consisting of at least one commissioner: Marine Resources Committee, Tribal Committee and Wildlife Resources Committee. (Pursuant to sections 105, 106 and 106.5, Fish and Game Code)
Motion on Item 3
4. General public comment for items not on agenda
Receive public comment regarding topics within the Commission’s authority that are not included on the agenda. Note: The Commission may not discuss or take action on any matter raised during this item, except to decide whether to place the matter on the agenda of a future meeting (sections 11125 and 11125.7(a), Government Code).
5. Pacific leatherback sea turtle
(A) Receive petition to list the Pacific leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) as an endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Pursuant to Section 2074.6, Fish and Game Code)
(B) Consider approving the Department’s request for a 30-day extension to review the petition. (Pursuant to Section 2073.5, Fish and Game Code)
Receive Department’s five-year status review for riparian brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius), which is listed as an endangered species under CESA. (Pursuant to Section 2077, Fish and Game Code)
Receive Department’s 90-day evaluation report for the petition to list mountain lion (Puma concolor) as a threatened or endangered species under CESA. (Pursuant to Section 2073.5, Fish and Game Code)
Motion on Item 7
Receive Department’s 90-day evaluation report for the petition to list Shasta snowwreath (Neviusia cliftonii) as a threatened or endangered species under CESA. (Pursuant to Section 2073.5, Fish and Game Code)
9. Foothill yellow-legged frog
Consider ratifying findings for the listing decisions for foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) under CESA. (Pursuant to Section 2075.5, Fish and Game Code)
(A) Decision to list the Southwest/South Coast, West/Central Coast, and East/Southern Sierra clades as endangered
(B) Decision to list the Northeast/Northern Sierra and Feather River clades as threatened
(C) Decision not to list the Northwest/North Coast clade
Consider adopting a second 90-day extension of the upper Klamath-Trinity spring Chinook salmon emergency regulations. (Re-adopt subsection 7.50(b)(91.2), Title 14, CCR)
11. Commission Designated Wild Trout Waters Policy
Receive Department’s recommendation and consider adopting proposed amendments to the Commission Designated Wild Trout Waters policy. (Pursuant to Section 1727, Fish and Game Code)
Motion on Consent Items
12. Executive director’s report
Receive an update from the executive director on staffing, legislation, and other information.
13. Department informational items
The Department will highlight items of note since the last Commission meeting.
I. Update on automatic conformance of recreational ocean salmon and Pacific halibut regulations to federal regulations, and outcomes of International Pacific Halibut Commission and Pacific Fishery Management Council activities
II. Update on Marine Life Management Act (MLMA) master plan implementation and completion of a draft prioritization list of invertebrate fisheries for more focused management
(B) Marine Region
(C) Wildlife and Fisheries Division, and Ecosystem Conservation Division
(D) Law Enforcement Division
14. Commission’s annual tribal planning meeting
Discuss and potentially approve March 18, 2020 annual tribal planning meeting agenda.
Motion on Item 14
15. Tribal Committee
Discuss updates and recommendations from the January 17, 2020 committee meeting. Consider approving new topics to address at a future committee meeting.
(A) Receive January 17, 2020 meeting summary and consider adopting recommendations
(B) Work plan development
I. Update on work plan and draft timeline
II. Discuss and consider approving new topics
Motion on Item 15
16. Marine Resources Committee
Discuss and consider approving draft agenda topics for the next committee meeting. Consider approving new topics to address at a future committee meeting.
(A) Work plan development
I. Update on work plan and draft timeline
II. Discuss and consider approving new topics
(B) Discuss and consider approving agenda topics for the March 17, 2020 meeting
Motion on Item 16
17. Recreational purple sea urchin emergency
Discuss and consider adopting emergency regulations concerning recreational take of purple sea urchin at Caspar Cove, Mendocino County, to support recovery of kelp and species that depend on kelp. (Amend Section 29.06, Title 14, CCR)
Motion on Item 17
18. Recreational Dungeness crab marine life protection measures
Receive Department update on stakeholder outreach and provide direction regarding the Department’s draft options for regulation change intended to provide additional whale and turtle protections in the recreational Dungeness crab fishery.
Motion on Item 18
Discuss and provide direction on potential revisions to the mission, vision and core values, receive and potentially adopt draft goals, and provide direction on a draft plan.
20. Petitions for regulation change
Consider requests submitted by members of the public to adopt, amend, or repeal a regulation. (Pursuant to Section 662, Title 14, CCR)
(A) Action on current petitions
I. Petition #2019-022: Increase shoreside possession limits to more than one daily recreational bag limit for multi-day fishing trips
II. Petition #2019-023 AM 1: Authorize hunting of ravens
III. Petition #2019-024 AM 1: Authorize hunting of blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, crows, and magpies
IV. Petition #2019-025: Consider non-lethal beaver deterrence and listed species impacts prior to issuing depredation permits
V. Petition #2019-026: Reduce recreational trout bag limit for Caples Creek
(B) Action on pending regulation petitions referred to staff or Department for review
I. Petition #2019-012: Prohibit hand operated water pumps for take of gaper and other clams
II. Petition #2019-014: Increase restrictions on recreational take of California grunion
Motion on Item 20
21. Non-regulatory requests from previous meetings
Consider non-regulatory requests submitted by members of the public at previous meetings.
(A) Action on non-regulatory requests
(B) Action on pending non-regulatory requests referred to staff or the Department for review
Motion on Item 21
22. Wildlife Resources Committee
Discuss updates and recommendations from the January 16, 2020 committee meeting. Consider approving new topics to address at a future committee meeting. Discuss and consider approving draft agenda topics for the next committee meeting.
(A) Receive January 16, 2020 meeting summary and consider adopting recommendations
(B) Work plan development
I. Update on work plan and draft timeline
II. Discuss and consider approving new topics
(C) Discuss and confirm current agenda topic for the March 5, 2020 meeting
Motion on Item 22
23. Draft Delta Fisheries Management Policy and Striped Bass Policy
Receive update on stakeholder discussions; discuss and consider adopting a Commission Delta Fisheries Management Policy and an amended Striped Bass Policy.
Motion on Item 23
24. Mammal hunting
Discuss proposed changes to mammal hunting tag quotas and seasons regulations. (Amend sections 360, 361, 362, 364, and 364.1, Title 14, CCR)
25. Waterfowl hunting (annual)
Discuss proposed changes to waterfowl hunting regulations. (Amend sections 502 and 507, Title 14, CCR)
26. Public use of Department lands
Discuss proposed changes to wildlife areas and ecological reserves regulations. (Amend sections 550, 550.5, 551, 552, 630, and 702, Title 14, CCR)
27. Central Valley sport fishing
Discuss proposed changes to Central Valley sport fishing regulations. (Amend sections 2.35 and 7.00, and amend subsections 7.50(b)(5), (68), (124), and (156.5), Title 14, CCR)
28. Klamath River Basin sport fishing
Discuss proposed changes to Klamath River Basin sport fishing regulations. (Amend subsections 5.87(f) and 7.50(b)(91.1), Title 14, CCR)
29. Upper Klamath-Trinity spring Chinook salmon sport fishing (certification of compliance)
Discuss proposed implementation of a certificate of compliance for the upper KlamathTrinity spring Chinook salmon emergency regulations. (Add subsection 7.50(b)(91.2), Title 14, CCR)
30. Baker’s larkspur
Receive overview of the Department’s five-year status review of Baker’s larkspur (Delphinium bakeri), which is listed as an endangered species under CESA. (Pursuant to Section 2077, Fish and Game Code)
Consider and potentially act on the Department’s five-year status review of Clara Hunt’s milkvetch (Astragalus claranus), and consider recommendation and comments received to determine whether a change to the listing status from threatened to endangered under CESA may be warranted. (Pursuant to sections 2074 and 2077, Fish and Game Code)
Motion on Item 31
32. Commission administrative items
(A) Next meeting – April 15-16, 2020 in Sacramento
Motion on Item 32A
(B) Rulemaking timetable updates
Motion on Item 32B
Adjourn
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Not Open to Public)
At a convenient time during the regular agenda of the meeting listed above, the Commission will recess from the public portion of the agenda and conduct a closed session on the agenda items below. The Commission is authorized to discuss these matters in a closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 11126, subdivisions (a)(1), (c)(3), and (e)(1), and Fish and Game Code Section 309. After closed session, the Commission will reconvene in public session, which may include announcements about actions taken during closed session.
(A) Pending litigation to which the Commission is a Party
I. Dennis Sturgell v. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Fish and Game Commission (revocation of Dungeness crab vessel permit No. CT0544-T1)
II. Public Interest Coalition v. California Fish and Game Commission (CEQA compliance during adoption of dog collar regulation)
III. Aaron Lance Newman v. California Fish and Game Commission (revocation of hunting and sport fishing privileges)
IV. Almond Alliance of California et al. v. California Fish and Game Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (bumble bees California Endangered Species Act determination)
(B) Possible litigation involving the Commission
(C) Staffing
(D) Deliberation and action on license and permit items
I. Consider the Proposed Decision in Agency Case No. 18ALJ04-FGC, the accusation filed against Keith Langman regarding revocation of a commercial fishing license, commercial trap permit, lobster operator permit, and southern rock crab trap permit.
II. Consider the appeal filed by Michael Anderson in Agency Case No. 19ALJ14- FGC regarding his request to renew his salmon vessel permit.
III. Consider the appeal filed by Douglas Dirkse in Agency Case No. 19ALJ16-FGC regarding his request to renew his salmon vessel permit.
California Fish and Game Commission 2020 Meeting Schedule
Note: As meeting dates and locations can change, please visit www.fgc.ca.gov for the most current list of meeting dates and locations.
OTHER 2020 MEETINGS OF INTEREST
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
- March 8-13 Omaha, NE
- September 13-16, Sacramento, CA
Pacific Fishery Management Council
- March 3-9 Rohnert Park, CA
- April 3-10 Vancouver, WA
- June 11-18 San Diego, CA
- September 10-17 Spokane, WA
- November 13-20 Garden Grove, CA
Pacific Flyway Council
- March 10 Omaha, NE
- August 28 (location TBD)
Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
- January 9-12 Monterey, CA
- July 9-14 Park City, UT
Wildlife Conservation Board
- February 26, Sacramento, CA
- May 20, Sacramento, CA
- August 26, Sacramento, CA
- November 18, Sacramento, CA
IMPORTANT COMMISSION MEETING PROCEDURES INFORMATION
WELCOME TO A MEETING OF THE CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION
This year marks the beginning of the 150th year of operation of the Commission in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Our goal is the preservation of our heritage and conservation of our natural resources through informed decision making; Commission meetings are vital in achieving that goal. In that spirit, we provide the following information to be as effective and efficient toward that end. Welcome and please let us know if you have any questions.
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Persons with disabilities needing reasonable accommodation to participate in public meetings or other Commission activities are invited to contact the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator at (916) 651-1214. Requests for facility and/or meeting accessibility should be received at least 10 working days prior to the meeting to ensure the request can be accommodated.
STAY INFORMED
To receive meeting agendas and regulatory notices about those subjects of interest to you, please visit the Commission’s website, www.fgc.ca.gov , to sign up on our electronic mailing lists.
SUBMITTING WRITTEN COMMENTS
The public is encouraged to comment on any agenda item. Submit written comments by one of the following methods: E-mail to [email protected]; mail to California Fish and Game Commission, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090; deliver to California Fish and Game Commission, 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1320, Sacramento, CA 95814; or hand-deliver to a Commission meeting. Materials provided to the Commission may be made available to the general public.
COMMENT DEADLINES
The Written Comment Deadline for this meeting is 5:00 p.m. on February 9, 2020. Written comments received at the Commission office by this deadline will be made available to Commissioners prior to the meeting.
The Supplimental Comment Deadline for this meeting has
been extended to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2020. Comments received by this
deadline will be made available to Commissioners at the meeting.
After these deadlines, written comments may be delivered in person to the meeting – Please bring ten (10) copies of written comments to the meeting.
NON-REGULATORY REQUESTS
All non-regulatory requests will follow a two-meeting cycle to ensure proper review and thorough consideration of each item. All requests submitted by the Supplemental Comment Deadline (or heard during general public comment at the meeting) will be scheduled for receipt at this meeting, and scheduled for consideration at the next business meeting.
PETITIONS FOR REGULATION CHANGE
Any person requesting that the Commission adopt, amend, or repeal a regulation must complete and submit form FGC 1, titled, “Petition to the California Fish and Game Commission for Regulation Change” (as required by Section 662, Title 14, CCR). The form is available at https://fgc.ca.gov/Regulations/Petition-for-Regulation-Change . To be received by the Commission at this meeting, petition forms must have been delivered by the Supplemental Comment Deadline (or delivered during public comment at the meeting). Petitions received at this meeting will be scheduled for consideration at the next business meeting, unless the petition is rejected under staff review pursuant to subsection 662(b), Title 14, CCR.
VISUAL PRESENTATIONS/MATERIALS
All electronic presentations must be submitted by the Late Comment Deadline and approved by the Commission executive director before the meeting.
1. Electronic presentations must be provided by email to [email protected] .
2. All electronic formats must be Windows PC compatible.
3. It is recommended that a print copy of any electronic presentation be submitted in case of technical difficulties.
4. A data projector, laptop and presentation mouse will be available for use at the meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A summary of all items will be available for review at the meeting. Items on the consent calendar are generally non-controversial items for which no opposition has been received and will be voted upon under single action without discussion. Any item may be removed from the consent calendar by the Commission upon request of a Commissioner, the Department, or member of the public who wishes to speak to that item, to allow for discussion and separate action.
LASER POINTERS may only be used by a speaker during a presentation; use at any other time may result in arrest.
SPEAKING AT THE MEETING
To speak on an agenda item, please complete a “Speaker Card” and give it to the designated staff member before the agenda item is announced. Cards will be available near the entrance of the meeting room. Only one speaker card is necessary for speaking to multiple items.
1. Speakers will be called in groups; please line up when your name is called.
2. When addressing the Commission, give your name and the name of any organization you represent, and provide your comments on the item under consideration.
3. If there are several speakers with the same concerns, please appoint a spokesperson and avoid repetitive testimony.
4. The presiding commissioner will allot between one and three minutes per speaker per agenda item, subject to the following exceptions:
a. The presiding commissioner may allow up to five minutes to an individual speaker if a minimum of three individuals who are present when the agenda item is called have ceded their time to the designated spokesperson, and the individuals ceding time forfeit their right to speak to the agenda item.
b. Individuals may receive advance approval for additional time to speak if requests for additional time to speak are received by email or delivery to the Commission office by the Late Comment Deadline. The president or designee will approve or deny the request no later than 5:00 p.m. two days prior to the meeting.
c. An individual requiring an interpreter is entitled to at least twice the allotted time pursuant to Government Code Section 11125.7(c).
d. An individual may receive additional time to speak to an agenda item at the request of any commissioner.
5. If you are presenting handouts/written material to the Commission at the meeting, please provide ten (10) copies to the designated staff member just prior to speaking.