Input Sought for Five-year Fishery Management Plan

Fish and Game's Draft 2001-2005 Fisheries Management Plan is now available for public comment. A series of open houses planned in Southwest Idaho will give the public their chance to shape the direction of fish management for the coming five years. "Public input is an important part of the management plan process," Fish and Game regional fisheries manager Dale Allen noted. "I'd encourage every person who enjoys fishing in Idaho to read through the plan and provide us with their comments." The draft plan will soon be available on the Department's web site at www2.state.id.us/fishgame/fishmng.htm The draft plan sets forth major fisheries goals and objectives for the upcoming five-year period, and provides details regarding both statewide and drainage-specific management programs. Following the incorporation of public comments, a revised, final plan will be presented to the Fish and Game Commission for approval in early 2001. Public open houses regarding the draft fisheries plan will be held at these times and locations:

Nampa, December 4, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Fish and Game Office, 3101 S. Powerline Road Garden City, December 5, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Hunter Ed. Bldg, Rm #2109 W. 44th Street McCall, December 7, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Fish and Game Office, 555 Deinhard Lane McCall, December 15, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Fish and Game Office, 555 Deinhard Lane Mt. Home, December 19, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Mt. Home Bingo Parlor, 3285 Airbase Road Weiser, December 20, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., High School Library, 690 Indianhead Road

Written comments regarding the draft plan may be submitted to Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 3101 S. Powerline Road, Nampa, ID 83686; or by email to fishmccall@idfg.state.id.us. For more information regarding the Fisheries Five-year Management Plan, contact Dale Allen at the Nampa Fish and Game office, 465-8465 or Kim Apperson at the McCall Fish and Game office, 634-8137.