Fish and Game Commission to Meet in Boise

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet January 27, 28 and 29, at Idaho Fish and Game headquarters and with lawmakers in Boise. A public hearing will start at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, in the Trophy Room at headquarters, at 600 South Walnut. Proceedings begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday, January 28. Topics for discussion during the commission's annual meeting include an update on the legislative budget hearing, and season setting for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Also on the agenda are presentations on zero-based budgeting, nongame funding and a report from the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Commissioners also will hear updates on legislative issues and wolf management After lunch, commissioners will meet with the Senate Resources and Environment Committee in the Old Ada County Courthouse, 514 W. Jefferson, Boise. At 8 a.m. Thursday, January 29, the commission will hear a presentation on wildlife crime scene investigations by Fish and Game's wildlife laboratory biologist Karen Rudolph. Commissioners are expected to take action on recommended moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat permit allocations rules for 2009-2010. They will hear an update on Chinook salmon forecasts for the spring and summer returns to Idaho, and prospects for salmon fisheries this year. Commissioners also are expected to take action on a proposal to release a draft Pelican Management Plan for a 30-day public review and comment period. An executive session is planned before lunch. After lunch Thursday, commissioners will meet with the House Resources and Conservation Committee in the Old Ada County Courthouse. They will reconvene to discuss proposed legislation before adjourning the three-day meeting. Note: Times on the agenda are approximate and subject to change.