Comments Sought on Rules for Use of F&G Lands

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking public comments on proposed changes to rules governing public use of lands owned or controlled by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. These rules would help keep public use on Fish and Game lands consistent with wildlife habitat needs, public safety, and other management constraints. These rules were last updated in 1993. On July 22-24, the commission will consider changes to these rules, including:

• Allowing the Fish and Game director to delegate more authority to regional employees.
• Clarifying several rules and definitions to make them more concise and easier to understand, such as better definitions of motorized vehicle and snowmobiles.
• Defining designated roads and trails where motorized travel is allowed. They must be posted open or on a Fish and Game travel plan map.
• Defining commercial use.
• Without a permit, the new rules would prohibit: - Landing or launching aircraft. - Discharging paintball guns. - Placing of geocaches. - Leaving portable manufactured blinds unattended for more than half an hour. Similar to existing decoy rule.
• Group events of over 15 people.
• Use of non-certified weed-seed-free forage.

Public involvement is a critical component of rule making. Public comments help Fish and Game determine final proposed changes to be considered by the commissioners. The proposed changes are available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/public/. Written comments may be mailed to: Fish and Game Lands Comments, c/o Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707. Please submit comments by July 17. Rules adopted by the commission during the July meeting would undergo review by the 2010 Legislature, and if approved, become effective in 2010. The rules are 1 in the Idaho Administrative Code (http://adm.idaho.gov/adminrules/agyindex.htm) and included in a regulation brochure available on the web and at Fish and Game offices.