Fee’s in Lieu Program (FILO)



KENTUCKYSTATE REPORTMay 25, 2012Benjy Kinman, Deputy CommissionerKentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources1 Sportsman’s LaneFrankfort, KY 40601FISHERIESUrban Fisheries Program (FINS)First implemented in 2006, the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) is now comprised of 35 lakes (located in 22 counties) that collectively provide over 188 acres of quality recreational fishing opportunities in close proximity to urban environments. The majority of FINs lakes are owned by city/county governments. In order to enroll in the program, the pond owners sign a memorandum of agreement which requires them to provide up to 25% of the fish stocking cost and authorizes the Department to manage the fishery. Harvestable size channel catfish and rainbow trout are stocked (100-200 fish/acre) during March, April, May, and August. Rainbow trout are stocked at variable rates in fall and spring. Anglers typically travel less than 30 minutes to fish, and individual less than 15 years of age represent over 50% of all anglers. Nearly 20% of FINs anglers had not purchased a fishing license the previous year, and 6% had never purchased a fishing license. Fish Habitat ProjectsMultipurpose flood control reservoirs provide for a significant recreational fishery in Kentucky. Unfortunately, most reservoirs are operated primarily for flood control and power generation. These practices create dramatic annual water level fluctuations that accelerate reservoirs’ aging processes including the degradation of complex habitat for sport fish species. During the winter of 2011/2012, the Fisheries Division implemented large scale habitat enhancement projects at Green River Lake and Nolin River Lake to help offset for this loss of critical habitat. In cooperation with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, staff deployed 950 wooden pallets and 388 cedar trees at Nolin River Lake (5,800 acres) in an effort to increase habitat which will vary from 8-20 feet deep and be ideal for black bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. At Green River Lake (8,000 acre reservoir), 291 cedar trees and 146 wooden pallets were deployed and will vary from 10-20 feet deep at summer pool. A majority of materials at both habitat projects were donated by local businesses. Stream Restoration - Fee’s in Lieu Program (FILO)The Department operates an in-lieu fee stream and wetland mitigation program (FILO) that accepts mitigation payments used to restore, enhance, and preserve aquatic habitat. Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (404 Program), projects selected for restoration target impaired streams within watersheds near public lands or in priority areas identified by the Department’s State Wildlife Grant program. Other projects target acquisition of large tracts of land to meet the Department’s strategic goals for public access and increased opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation. The program has identified a total of 59 projects of which 32 are under construction and located in 33 counties and have accounted for over 100 miles of streams and added over 4,000 acres of land to the Department’s wildlife management areas. These lands have streams that are either in need of restoration or that warrant permanent protection because of exceptionally high quality aquatic habitat. Collectively, these projects have helped the Department meet strategic goals of restoring habitat, recovering and protecting federally endangered species, and increasing public access for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.Alligator Gar RestorationAlligator gars are the largest of the living gars and capable of reaching lengths in excess of 9 feet and weights over 300 lbs. Though abundant in the southern U.S., the gar were last identified in Kentucky in 1977 and is listed as endangered by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission and is listed as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” by the Department. Since 2009, in partnership with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service – Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery, the Department has stocked over 15,000 alligator gar back into their native range along embayments and tributaries of the lower Ohio River and Mississippi River. This Department contracted Murray State University to conduct a study that evaluates movement and habitat use of stocked alligator gar. Completion of this project is anticipated for July 2012. Boat Ramp Construction and MaintenanceThe Department coordinates an aggressive boating access development and maintenance program. Cooperatively, the Engineering and Fisheries Division’s maintain 23 dams and approximately 150 public boat ramps throughout the state. Each boat ramp site is inspected on an annual basis and maintenance activities performed as necessary.Record rainfall and immense flooding during the spring of 2011 resulted in engineering division staff rebuilding five boat ramps along the Ohio River and one boat ramp at the confluence of the Cumberland and Laurel Rivers. Two additional boat ramps were also constructed on the Salt River below Taylorsville Lake. These ramps will also serve the canoe/kayak enthusiasts. Additionally, three existing boat ramp parking areas were asphalted. Sport Fish Production and StockingThe Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources owns and operates two warm-water fish hatcheries. Minor Clark Fish Hatchery has over 122 acres of production water and raises a variety of sport fish species including largemouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, and smallmouth bass. Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery operates 43 acres of production water and raises channel catfish, blue catfish, sauger, and largemouth bass. Both hatcheries also have the ability to rear specialty fish species including lake sturgeon and alligator gar. During 2010 and 2011, both hatcheries (in conjunction with Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, as well as contracted private fish hatcheries) reared and stocked over 30 million fish to sustain and enhance recreational fisheries throughout Kentucky. Stocked species included alligator gar, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, brown trout, brook trout, hybrid striped bass, lake sturgeon, largemouth bass, muskellunge, rainbow trout, redear sunfish, sauger, smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, white bass, and white crappie. Voluntary Public Access – Habitat Incentive ProgramThe Department was awarded a federal grant to implement a “Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program” (VPA-HIP). The goal of the program is to provide cash incentives to landowners to open up access for hunting and fishing. The program provides for improvements on the existing Dove Access Program, creates a new Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Hunter Access Program, and implements a new Landowner Fishing Access Program. The Landowner Fishing Access Program procures public access to private stream banks, boat ramps, and ponds. During 2011, 17.8 miles of streams, 5 boat ramps, and 18 ponds (64 acres) were enrolled in the Fisheries portion of the program. Evaluation of a Musky 36-inch Minimum Size Limit on Kentucky’s ReservoirsMusky are an ecologically and economically important sport fish throughout their native range and is native to many Kentucky River drainages. Anthropogenic activity has severely limited or eliminated natural reproduction; however, stocking efforts have successfully resuscitated musky numbers in three reservoirs and several rivers. In an effort to enhance the quality of Kentucky’s reservoir musky fisheries, the Department increased its statewide reservoir minimum size limit from 30 to 36 inches. This project will assess effects of the regulation and examine stocking numbers in an effort to improve the quality of Kentucky musky fishing. Lake Sturgeon RestorationLake sturgeons in Kentucky were common in the upper Ohio River drainage prior to 1915, but severely declined by 1950. Today, the species is considered a “species of greatest conservation need” and is listed as endangered by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. In 2007, Kentucky partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to conduct a 20-year stocking/restoration effort in sections of the upper Cumberland and Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Each year, 16,407 lake sturgeon have been uniquely marked (utilizing a series of scute removal patterns) and stocked. In 2007, a telemetry study was initiated with 30 lake sturgeon to determine the stocked fishes’ range and habitat use. Results of this study will help evaluate restoration efforts in the upper Cumberland River system. Information and EducationKentucky Afield TelevisionThis is a weekly television show produced by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. The show is shot, edited, produced and broadcast in high definition. Department staff has been very successful increasing the number of stations airing the show. Kentucky Afield can be watched on17 separate venues and wymtnews live streaming on WYMT Thurs. at 7PM. Recently the show was honored to be awarded a 6th regional Emmy Award. Kentucky Afield MagazineThe Department’s quarterly magazine has been in production for more than 50 years. Revenue from the magazine covers all production costs including personnel.Archery in the SchoolsTwo thousand nine hundred and ninety three students competed in Kentucky’s state archery tournament this year. Approximately, 1033 Kentucky schools participate in Kentucky’s National Archery in the Schools program in 2011. Conservation EducationDepartment of Fish & Wildlife educators presented 5 different conservation programs in Kentucky classrooms to approximately 64,000 students in 2011.Law EnforcementEmergency Response TeamRecently the Law Enforcement Division Emergency Response Team responded to the catastrophic tornados in Eastern Kentucky. Officers performed general law enforcement work where requested. Over 25 officers responded to the area for assistance.New HiresDuring the past year the Law Enforcement Division has hired 15 new officers, 4 of which have currently entered the field training program. The remainders are still currently in the academy process. The KDFWR recently advertised for the position of Law Enforcement Director and is waiting to fill the position. Training StipendThe Governors budget this year will allow for the Conservation Officers to receive a $3100 training stipend. This stipend is available to all approved Kentucky Law Enforcement Council certified officers throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This is the first time that the Conservation Officers have been included in the funding.Boater Education and Safety CampaignThis past year the Law Enforcement Division hired a civilian employee to oversee the Boater Education and Safety campaigns. Public AffairsThe core constituency base for hunting, angling and boating is declining and becoming more fractured across Kentucky, and as a consequence a large percentage of the population has become distanced from conservation issues. As participation in hunting, fishing, shooting sports and boating activities continues to decline, state fish and wildlife agencies are uniquely positioned and have a responsibility to engage a variety of both user and potential user groups, in conservation and outdoor recreation.Created a “Marketing” DivisionIn 2011 we moved from the “Public Affairs” makeover stage to a full blown Marketing division. The first comprehensive marketing plan for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife was launched. This plan enhanced traditional media platforms of print, radio and TV and included for the first time sponsorship and digital marketing. We entered 2011 with 18,642 Facebook fans and now boast over 30,000 fans. We also had over 5 million views of our KDFWR You Tube channel in 2011.Marketing InitiativesCampaign promoted, hunting, fishing and boating license and registration sales via radio, T.V., print, digital, social and new media with emphasis upon “Take Someone Fishing” and “Take Someone Hunting” programs. These programs were created specifically to promote recruitment and retention efforts. Campaign was also supported by educating and placing posters in retail stores throughout the commonwealth. WildlifeLegislation - House Bill 344On April 12, 2012, Governor Steve Beshear signed into law House Bill 344 that significantly increases penalties for any person convicted of possessing or releasing wild swine in the Commonwealth. Specifically, penalties for this infraction now include a mandatory Class A misdemeanor and the loss of hunting, fishing, trapping, and guiding privileges for a period of 10 years. The KDFWR and legislators viewed this bill as necessity as the illegal release of wild pigs for hunting opportunities has contributed to their spread in Kentucky.Use of Hounds in the Black Bear SeasonIn March 2012, the KDFWR Commission unanimously approved a proposal to allow the use of hounds to take bears during a limited 5-day dog-only season in late December. In addition, the Commission established an August chase-only season for bears. These measures were approved with considerable support from Kentucky houndsmen that travel to other Southern Appalachian states for the purpose of training or hunting bears with hounds. These proposed regulation changes are currently awaiting approval from the General Assembly. Kentucky’s bear population continues to grow in size and range and decade of research indicates that liberalization of bear hunting season will have no detrimental impacts to population growth.Wild Pig ProgramIn Kentucky, five core areas have been identified where wild pigs are established, breeding, and causing significant damage to agriculture and native wildlife habitats. Over the last 14 months, specifically orchestrated removal efforts by the KDFWR and USDA have removed over 400 pigs from the highest density population in Hickman County in far western Kentucky. Currently, pig presence and associated damage are almost nonexistent in that population. The KDFWR now hopes to concentrate these cooperative removal efforts that focus on aerial gunning and trapping to another high-density area containing wild pigs. The Wild Pig Program also proved instrumental in passage of Kentucky House Bill 344 discussed above.Recruitment Efforts for Fur TrappingSince 2005, the KDFWR Furbearer Program has focused considerable efforts towards recruitment measures aimed at fur trapping. Those efforts have included increase public outreach to internet and television media and free annual fur trapping workshops across the state. From 2005-2012, the sale of trapping licenses in Kentucky has increased by 129% (n = 2,168) in light of a relatively static, if not decreasing, overall market for fur.Kentucky's Focus on QuailBobwhite restoration efforts continue to progress with another KY success story.? The Peabody WMA focus area has demonstrated an 85% increase in bobwhite numbers over the last 3 years.? The first round of graduate theses is soon to be completed and research continues on the site.? Shaker Village, a 3,000 acre non-profit landholding and KY’s first success story, continued to build on their bobwhite population.? The 1998 population of 6-10 coveys has climbed to nearly 50 coveys with more habitat being developed this spring.? Fund raising via hunting continued in 2011 netting a total of $25,000.? Clay WMA is quickly becoming the next up and coming public area with increased upland gamebird populations.? Habitat enhancements are yielding more gamebirds, and management is being expanded to the forested cover types.? ? Elk RestorationThe 11th modern hunting season for elk included a bull-only archery season for the 1st time.? Once again 800 permits were issued via lottery for a chance to harvest one of the more than 10,000 elk that occupy the 16-county restoration zone in southeastern Kentucky.? Overall, 550 elk (215 bulls, 335 cows) were harvested, including special and youth-only tags and the late season depredation hunt.? At the December 2011 meeting, the KY Fish and Wildlife Commission agreed to allow up to 50 elk to be trapped and shipped to Missouri and Virginia for restoration of elk.? After a 90-day quarantine period ends in early May, up to 35 elk will go to the Peck Ranch in Carter Co. MO and 15 to Buchanan Co. VA.? New Migratory Bird SeasonIn 2011, Kentucky implemented a three-year experimental season for sandhill cranes. This was the first hunting season for sandhill cranes in a state east of the Mississippi River since the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Kentucky’s hunt plan followed hunt protocol established in the Management Plan for the Eastern Population of Sandhill Cranes approved by the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways in July 2010. A 30-day season was established to begin on the Saturday closest to December 15 during the three-year experimental period. The number of hunters was limited to 400 permits allocated by a preseason random draw. Successful applicants were required to pass a bird identification test prior to a permit being issued. Hunters taking a crane(s) were required to tag and telecheck their bird(s) the day it was harvested. Total state harvest was limited to a maximum of 400 birds and the season would close if that total was reached prior to the season ending date. A total of 332 hunters qualified to receive permits of which 80% received permits after successfully passing the identification test. Almost two-thirds of those receiving permits reported hunting during the inaugural season. Hunters spent an average of 4.25 days afield and harvested a total of 50 cranes during this first season. Comments received from a post season survey indicate hunters were pleased with results from this first season with many indicating they would apply to hunt again next year. ................
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