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NEW HAMPSHIRE FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENTMARCH 11, 2020 COMMISSION MEETINGMeeting Location: NH Fish & Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH, 03301. Commissioners Present: R. Phillipson, E. Stohl, M. Lachance, P. DeBow, D. Patch, R. Green, C. Hodgdon, P. McInnis & B. missioners absent/excused: C. Luppi & F. Bird Executive Director Normandeau – PresentChairman Phillipson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m., and asked the audience to join in the pledge of allegiance. He informed the audience that the public is entitled to attend all Commission meetings and when recognized by the chairman, the public may speak on any item on the agenda. The Chair reserves the right to limit comment to the extent necessary for the orderly conduct of the meeting.ACTION ITEMS: Commissioner Stohl moved to approve the February 12, 2020 Commission Minutes, as written, and Commissioner Patch seconded. The motion carried with 7 in favor and 1 abstention (P. DeBow).1a.)On behalf of the Fish & Game Commission, Chairman Phillipson presented 2 Resolutions honoring former Strafford County Commissioner, Barry Carr, and former Grafton County Commissioner, Todd Baldwin. The resolutions read as follows:Honoring Barry CarrWhereas, Barry Carr served the citizens of New Hampshire and Strafford County on the Fish and Game Commission from 2014 to 2019, with great passion, dignity and dedication; and,Whereas, he served many years as Secretary/Treasurer of the Commission, Chairman of the Policy Committee, and was a member of the Handbook & Orientation Committee; and,Whereas, he was active in his county and statewide attending sporting club meetings, conservation partner activities, and Department events and functions; and,Whereas, he assisted with numerous projects at Barry Conservation Camp, donating his time to the cause, so that young people would have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor experiences and learn about conservation in New Hampshire; and,Be it Further Resolved, that the Fish and Game Department and Commission hereby expresses its sincere gratitude to Barry Carr for his many contributions to fish and wildlife conservation and offer good wishes for many years of enjoyment in New Hampshire’s great outdoors.Unanimously adopted by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission this Eleventh day of March, Two Thousand and Twenty. ________________________ ________________________________ Robert Phillipson, Chairman Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director NH Fish & Game Commission NH Fish & Game Department Honoring Todd BaldwinWhereas, Todd Baldwin served the citizens of New Hampshire and Grafton County on the Fish and Game Commission from 2014 to 2019, with great passion, dignity and dedication; and,Whereas, he actively served as the Chairman of the Awards Committee, graciously donating his mileage reimbursements to assist in purchasing the numerous awards presented to deserving individuals; and,Whereas he served on the Legislative Committee, dedicating many hours at the State House advocating for legislative actions that served the best interest of the resources and people of the Granite State; and, Whereas, he was active in his county and statewide attending sporting club meetings, conservation partner activities, and Department events and functions; and,Be It Further Resolved, that the Fish and Game Department and Commission hereby expresses its sincere gratitude to Todd Baldwin for his many contributions to fish and wildlife conservation and offer good wishes for many years of enjoyment in New Hampshire’s great outdoors.Unanimously adopted by the Fish and Game Commission this Eleventh day of March, Two Thousand and Twenty. _____________________ ____________________________ Robert Phillipson, Chairman Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director NH Fish & Game Commission NH Fish & Game Department 2.)Consent Agenda - The following items were grouped together and were noticed as consent agenda items to expedite action on routine matters, which may not require public discussion. The Commission voted to approve these matters as presented. Commission members may remove certain items if further public input or discussion is deemed missioner Green moved to approve consent agenda items 2a. – 2f., as presented , and Commissioner Temple seconded. The motion carried with 7 in favor and 1 abstention (P. DeBow).2a.)The Commission accepted a donation in the amount of $25.00 from Ronald & Phyllis Clark, Lempster, NH, in memory of Billy Alrich, Orford, NH, to be utilized by the Hunter Education Program.2b.)The Commission accepted a donation in the amount of $2,500 from The Meredith Rotary Club, to be utilized for Inland Fisheries Management, specifically the Large Lakes Program.2c.)The Commission accepted a donation in the amount of $2,000 from Carolyn Marshall, Hudson, NH, to be utilized as follows:$1,000 -Fish & Game Fund$1,000 -Search & Rescue Fund2d.)The Commission accepted a grant donation in the amount of $50.00 on behalf of J. Frederick Copeland Charity Foundation at Schwab Charitable, San Francisco, CA, to be deposited into the Small Gifts & Donations Account, to be utilized where needed most.2e.)The Commission accepted the following donations totaling $500.00 in memory of Steven R. Westcott, Rye, NH, to be utilized as follows:David & Iris Westcott – (Specialized Search & Rescue Team)$300.00Tom & Susan Darrin, Greenland, NH – (Small Gifts Account)$ 25.00Collen & Gerald Baker, Strafford, NH – (Small Gifts Account)$ 25.00William & Sofia Haffenreffer, N. Hampton, NH –(Small Gifts Account)$100.00Ann Charette, Rye, NH – (Small Gifts Account)$ 50.00 Total: $500.00 2f.)The Commission accepted the donation of 50 Nightstick USB Flashlights, valued at $1,850.00 from New Hampshire Operation Game Thief, to aid Conservation Officers in their law enforcement RMATION ITEMS:1.)Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee Presentation – Rep. Suzanne Smith & Committee members.Representative Suzanne Smith, Chair, Committee on Resources, Recreation and Development, came before the Commission and introduced herself and members of the Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee, including Michele Tremblay, President, Board of Directors, New Hampshire Rivers Council, and Amy Smagula, Limnologist/Exotic Species Program Coordinator, NH Department of Environmental Services.Amy reported that the Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee was established in 2004, made up of legislators, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and public members. The committee is charged with studying the spread and control of AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species), studying the best management practices used in other states, and recommending a program to NH Fish & Game for aquatic invasive animals.Amy reported that funding for NHDES Aquatic Invasive Species Program comes primarily from dedicated boat registration fees. This funding covers prevention and control grants, research, salaries, administration, and supplies & materials. She further reported that the NHDES Exotic Species Program has only 1 full time employee and 1 seasonal intern. Michele defined invasive species as a species that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Studies indicate that there are 89 infested waterbodies throughout the State, with 7 contributing aquatic invasive species. Those species are:*Variable milfoil*Fanwort*Eurasian milfoil*European/brittle nalad*Curly leaf pondweed*Asian clam*Water chestnutMichele further reported that exotic aquatic plant fragments can easily become attached to aquatic recreational equipment, such as boats, motors and trailers, and can spread from waterbody to waterbody through transient boating activities. Infestations can have detrimental effects on the ecological, recreational, aesthetic and economic values of the state’s surface waters, limiting use of the waterbodies and potentially decreasing shorefront property values by as much as 10% to 20% according to a UNH study.Prevention measures were discussed, such as the “Clean, Drain & Dry” procedure. Lake Hosts are present at many public access sites and spend time educating boaters and performing critical courtesy boat inspections to check for invasive species tagalongs, however, boaters are encouraged to do their own routine checks as well. Specifically, NHDES (New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services), strongly encourages boaters to practice the “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocol, to ensure that their gear is free and clear of any potential invasive species or other contaminants:CLEAN off any plants, animals and algae found during your inspection and dispose of it away from a waterbody.DRAIN your boat, bait buckets, bilges and other equipment away from the waterbody, leaving your boat’s drain in the open position during transport.DRY anything that comes into contact with the water.In closing, Amy reported some of the recent program activities, to include: Prevention of new infestations through education and outreach;Monitoring for early detection of new infestations;Control of new and established infestations;Research towards new control methods;Regional/national cooperation with exotic species programs.She further reported that NHDES has worked on a regional level to standardize the key legislation and education initiatives between the New England states. She stated, “If a standardized list of exotic plants can be prohibited in New England and neighboring states, the likelihood of success in preventing the spread of these species to new waterbodies is increased.”In looking ahead, NHDES would like to promote programs that meet the challenge of preventing new exotic infestations, controlling new ones, and researching new techniques for control and even eradication of exotic aquatic species.The Commission thanked Representative Smith & committee members for the informative presentation. STANDING COMMITTEES: POLICY COMMITTEE: Commissioner Luppi, Chair; Commissioners Temple, Lachance & Bird. Commissioner Luppi was absent, however, Commissioner Temple reported that the committee did not meet.?LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE: Commissioner Stohl, Chair; Commissioners Green, Hodgdon, Patch & DeBow. Commissioner Stohl reported that the committee did not meet. He referred to Paul Sanderson, Legal Coordinator. Paul reviewed the following legislation with the Commission:HB-1606, relative to cruelty to a wild animal, fish, or wild missioner Stohl moved to allow Paul Sanderson, Legal Coordinator, to express the Commission’s concerns on this bill and Commissioner Patch seconded. The motion carried with 7 in favor, 1 abstention (P. DeBow).RIVERS COMMITTEE: Commissioner Hodgdon reported that the next meeting would take place on April 3, 2020, and would be a joint meeting with the Lakes Committee.LAKES COMMITTEE: Commissioner Temple echoed Commissioner Hodgdon’s Rivers Committee report, in that the Lakes Committee would be meeting jointly with the Rivers Committee on April 3, 2020, and he would report back after that meeting.HANDBOOK & ORIENTATION COMMITTEE: Commissioner Patch, Chair; Commissioner Green. Commissioner Patch reported that there was an informal meet & greet with Heidi Holman, Nongame & Endangered Species Biologist, who will be assisting the committee in updating the Commission Handbook.STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE: Commissioner Hodgdon, Chair: Commissioners Temple, Stohl & DeBow. Commissioner Hodgdon had no report.WILDLIFE HERITAGE FOUNDATION: Commissioner Hodgdon reported that the Foundation granted funding for the following projects:2020 Wild Times for Kids Nature Backpack Loan ProgramSchoolyard Wildlife Action GrantsWildlife Education School Youth ProgramsVideo Stream RestorationDiscovery Room ImprovementsAWARDS COMMITTEE: Commissioner Luppi, Chair; Commissioners Bird & Lachance. Commissioner Luppi was absent, therefore, Commissioner Lachance reported that the committee did not meet. Tanya reported that the awards have been ordered, however, there was some discussion amongst the Awards Committee to distribute them differently this year. This decision will have to be made in the very near future, in order to get letters out to award winners and nominees indicating a presentation date and the pertinent details.SEARCH COMMITTEE: Commissioner Stohl; Chairman, Commissioners Phillipson, McInnis, Green and Patch. Commissioner Stohl reported that the Search Committee completed their charge. He reported that the Search Committee reviewed 18 applications, interviewed 3 people, and submitted a name to the Governor, which he did not accept. Commissioner Stohl stated, “At this point, I am seeking guidance from the Commission on how to proceed from here.”Chairman Phillipson responded, “I recommended that the Search Committee revisit the applications received and seek additional applicants.” He directed the committee to conduct another search to obtain additional names, until they receive 3 applicants to missioner Stohl, Chairman of the Search Committee, reported that he would call a meeting in the near future. OLD BUSINESS: N/ANEW BUSINESS: Chairman Phillipson discussed the potential to hold the May 13, 2020 Commission Meeting at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Facility, in Holderness, missioner Temple moved to hold the May 13, 2020 Commission Meeting at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, Holderness, NH, and Commissioner Patch seconded. The motion carried with 7 in favor, 1 abstention (P. DeBow). COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:COMMISSIONER BIRD:Absent from MISSIONER DEBOW: Nothing to report at this MISSIONER TEMPLE: Nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER PHILLIPSON: Nothing to report at this MISSIONER GREEN: Nothing to report at this MISSIONER LACHANCE: Nothing to report at this MISSIONER HODGDON: Nothing to report at this time. COMMISSIONER LUPPI: Absent from MISSIONER PATCH: Nothing to report at this MISSIONER MCINNIS: Nothing to report at this MISSIONER STOHL: Nothing to report at the time. DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Director Normandeau reported that Governor Sununu has extended his term until April 5, 2020, and could further extend the term until a new Executive Director is appointed.He reported that he has had conference calls with all State Agency Heads and Governor Sununu relative to the coronavirus. He reported that Discover Wild NH Day was still on at this point, however, that could change.He further reported that he, along with department staff, and Governor Sununu, made a site visit to the den of the well-known, Hanover, NH, sow. He said it was an enjoyable visit and all went well.In addition, he reported that the security system at HQ was working very well.In closing, he announced that Cheri Patterson was selected to fill the Chief of the Marine Division position and Allison Keating was selected to fill the Turkey Project Leader position.CALL TO THE PUBLIC:Lionel “Buck” Mercier, Hooksett, NH, reiterated his concerns about losing his moose lottery points due to being hospitalized. He further reported that nobody has got in touch with him regarding his displeasure with the Unit A baiting applications, as it relates to the distance between sites.At this time, 8:31 p.m., Commissioner Patch moved to adjourn and Commissioner Green seconded. The motion carried with 7 in favor, 1 abstention (P. DeBow).Respectfully submitted, Ray Green, Secretary Approved: _________________________ Robert Phillipson, Chairman ................
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