Wildlife Management Area management plans and future fishing opportunities in the Magic Valley Region are just a few of the things that will be discussed at an Idaho Department of Fish and Game meeting in Hagerman.
The meeting will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 28 at the Hagerman Senior Community Center at 140 Lake Street.
"These meetings are a great chance for us to get some feedback from sportsman on how they would like to see the WMA's managed," said Mark Fleming, regional habitat manager.
Top priorities on the management plans for the Billingsley Creek, Big Cottonwood, Carey Lake, Camas Prairie-Centennial Marsh, Hagerman, and Niagara Springs WMAs include:
- Public access management.
- Recreational use management.
- Waterfowl hunting on the Hagerman WMA.
- Pheasant release-and-harvest program.
- Dog-trials and other organized events.
The current management plans for each of the WMAs and the on-line surveys are available at:
https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/portal/form/2012-wildlife-managemen….
The fisheries staff are seeking feedback from anglers about specific fishing opportunities they would like to see that would require rule changes for the 2013-2014 fishing rules as well as ideas for overall management goals.
"The Statewide Fisheries Management Plan is a five year plan that sets broad management goals and sideboards for fish management statewide," said Doug Megargle, regional fisheries manager. "The existing plan expires this year and the Department wants to hear from folks about any changes they'd like to see incorporated into the new plan.
"We need to hear from folks on these issues - both the fisheries plan and the regulations affect how you use Idaho's fishing resources and what type of experience anglers can expect."
For more information on the meetings or anyone unable to attend but who would like to provide feedback, call 208-324-4359.
Anyone interested may comment on fisheries changes at
MVFishery@idfg.idaho.gov. The current Fish Management Plan can be found at
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/planFisheries.pdf.
Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting the Jerome Regional Office at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly at 208-324-4359 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-2529 (TDD).
