The banquet recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to Arizona’s wildlife resources and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and presentation of the commission awards.

Individual tickets are $55 (tickets for award winners, spouses and immediate family are complimentary.) Tables of 10 are $500 – a discount of $50.

Organizations can purchase “award table sponsorships” for $550. These sponsorships include a table in the organization’s name, logo advertisement in the event program, recognition in the introductory PowerPoint presentation and event press release, and five banquet tickets for the organization. Other sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information or to obtain a reservation or sponsorship form, visit www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/commission_awards.shtml or contact Marty Fabritz at (623) 236-7281 or mfabritz@azgfd.gov.

2009 Commission Award recipients who will be formally recognized are:

• Award of Excellence – Phoenix Herpetological Society and Arizona Wildlife Federation
• Youth Environmentalist of the Year – Shelby Miller
• Outdoor Writer of the Year – Stephanie Rainey
• Media of the Year – Outdoor Wires
• Conservation Organization of the Year – Liberty Wildlife
• Conservationist of the Year – Jim Unmacht
• Natural Resource Professional of the Year – Heidi Blasius
• Volunteer of the Year – Steve Clark
• Educator of the Year – Dave Brown
• Mentor of the Year – Scott Bonar
• Advocate of the Year – Sandy Bahr
• License Dealer of the Year – Sprague’s Sports
• Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award – Jim O’Haco

Various land and wildlife management agencies close the breeding areas for part of the year, beginning in December, to protect the state’s 50 breeding pairs of bald eagles. Some of the closure areas are located near popular recreation sites.

“Even though the bald eagle is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, they still require the public’s help to reproduce successfully and flourish in the state,” says Kenneth Jacobson, head of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Bald Eagle Management Program. “Human activity near active bald eagle nests can cause a breeding pair to leave its eggs uncovered, leading to a failed breeding attempt. It can take only 30 minutes for a breeding attempt to fail.”

The bald eagle was federally listed as an endangered species in 1978. Nationally, the birds recovered enough to be removed from the list in August 2007, but they remain listed as an endangered species in Arizona.

In December, Arizona bald eagles begin rebuilding nests in preparation for laying eggs. During this time, land and wildlife management agencies enact the seasonal breeding area closures. Bald eagles nest, forage and roost at the rivers and lakes that have become some of Arizona’s most popular recreation spots, and this time of year can be challenging for the birds.

However, Jacobson says, “With the public’s help and cooperation, we can all take responsibility for ensuring that Arizona bald eagles breed successfully.”

AIRSPACE ADVISORY

Statewide

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a 2,000-foot above ground level (AGL) advisory along the Salt and Verde river drainages. When traveling in these drainages or near riparian habitat statewide, aircraft should maintain a minimum of 2,000-foot AGL to ensure compliance with state and federal law.

SEASONAL CLOSURES

Alamo Lake

• A portion of upper Alamo Lake may be closed to boats from Jan. 1 to June 30. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region IV, Yuma, (928) 342-0091.

Lake Pleasant

• No vehicle, watercraft or foot entry is allowed into the Lower Agua Fria Arm from Dec. 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, (928) 501-1710.

Verde River

• Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Floating through is allowed. Contact Coconino National Forest, Sedona Ranger District, (928) 282-4119.
• Verde River near Chasm Creek is closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Floating through is allowed. Contact Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District, (928) 567-4121.
• Verde River upstream of the East Verde confluence is closed to vehicle and foot entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is permitted. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.
• Verde River near Mule Shoe Bend, allows watercraft to float through, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.
• Verde River below Horseshoe Dam may be closed to vehicle or foot entry on the southwest side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on the southwest side of the river is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.
• Verde River below Bartlett Dam is closed to foot or vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.
• Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation area is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on the east side of the river is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.

Tonto Creek

• Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76 Ranch is closed to vehicle, foot entry, and floating through from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District, (928) 467-3200.
• Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land, and to watercraft within 300 feet on water, from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District, (928) 467-3200.

Salt River

• Salt River from Horseshoe Bend to Redmond Flat allows watercraft to float through, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Globe Ranger District, (928) 402-6200.
• Salt River near Meddler Point is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land, and to watercraft within 300 feet on water, from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District, (928) 467-3200.
• Salt River below Stewart Mountain Dam is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the south side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, (480) 610-3300.

Becker Lake

• A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from Feb. 1 through June 30. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region I, Pinetop, (928) 367-4281.

Luna Lake

• Luna Lake is closed to vehicle and foot traffic on the north side from Jan. 1 to June 30. Contact Apache National Forest, Alpine Ranger District, (928) 339-4384.

Lynx Lake

• There is no vehicle or foot traffic allowed on the east side of the lake and a portion of the shoreline is closed to watercraft from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000.

Lower Lake Mary

• There is no vehicle or foot traffic allowed on a portion of the north side of the lake from Jan. 1 to Aug. 30. Contact the Coconino National Forest, Mormon Lake Ranger District, (928) 774-1147.

Greer Lakes

• A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through July 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville Ranger District, (928) 333-4372.

Woods Canyon Lake

• A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from April 1 through August 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Black Mesa Ranger District, (928) 535-7300.

TIPS FOR VISITING EAGLE AREAS

If you are visiting bald eagle country, an advance call to the local land management agency (USDA Forest Service district, etc.) or the Arizona Game and Fish Department may help you plan your trip to avoid disturbing bald eagles. By following these simple guidelines, we can all help ensure that our living wildlife legacy will last for generations to come:

• Enjoy bald eagles from outside the closures, especially during critical nesting times (December to June). These areas are posted with signs and/or buoys, and most have daily nestwatch monitors. Anyone approached by a nestwatcher and asked to cease an activity or leave a closed area should comply. A few good places to see bald eagles without disturbing them (during December and January) are at Lake Mary and Mormon Lake near Flagstaff or on the Verde River Canyon Train in Clarkdale.
• Bald eagles protecting an active nest will let you know if you are too close. If a bald eagle is vocalizing and circling the area frantically, you are too close and need to leave the area quickly. Bald eagles incubating eggs or brooding small young should never be off the nest for more than 15 minutes.
• Pilots should maintain the FAA-recommended 2,000-foot AGL advisory when flying over bald eagle habitat. These areas are designated on the Phoenix Sectional Aeronautical Map. Special brochures for pilots regarding this advisory can be obtained by calling the Arizona Department of Transportation or the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s nongame branch, (623) 236-7506.
• Help from anglers is especially needed. Monofilament and tackle has killed two nestlings and has been found in two-thirds of all bald eagle nests in the state. Every year we remove this potentially lethal material from nests and/or entangled nestlings. Ospreys, shorebirds, waterfowl and songbirds also succumb to this litter. Do not discard any type of monofilament along rivers and lakes, but recycle it at fishing stores. Keep your monofilament fresh; do not use old brittle line. Make sure to use the correct test line for the fish you are trying to catch. Also, do not cut the line when an undesirable fish is caught and return it to the water with the hook and line attached.

You can help bald eagle research and recovery efforts by reporting any harassment or shooting of bald eagles. Call the Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement at (480) 967-7900.

The public can view the meeting any of three ways: (1) attending the meeting in person in Phoenix; (2) viewing it via video stream at the Game and Fish regional offices; or, (3) viewing it over the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam. Those wishing to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment during the meeting must do so either at the Phoenix meeting or at the regional Game and Fish offices.

The Friday, Sept. 11 portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. Items on Friday’s agenda include:

• Updates on legislative issues, information/education/watchable wildlife activities, and state and federal lands issues.

• Request for commission approval of the road permit agreement with eight private landowners for the purpose of providing legal access to private property through Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area.

• Request for commission approval of the commercial lease with the State Land Department for a 10-year lease of the lands occupied by the AZGFD Kingman regional office.

• Request for commission approval of the agreement for permit with Tucson Electric Power Company for the purpose of continuing service for construction, operation, and maintenance of electric poles and lines through the AZGFD Tucson regional office.

• A briefing to the commission on the department’s e-commerce activities. The update will include information about online watercraft registration renewals, license sales and big game applications.

• Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife (time certain at 2 p.m.).

• Request for commission approval to enter into intergovernmental agreements to fund watercraft law enforcement efforts by seven county and one municipal watercraft law enforcement agencies.

• Consideration of the 2009 nominees for Commission Awards.

The Saturday, Sept. 12 portion of the meeting begins at 9 a.m. Agenda items include:

• Presentation of the proposed hunt guidelines for the fall 2010 through spring 2013 seasons. The commission will consider and may vote to approve or direct the department to consider changes and/or new opportunities in the hunting and/or trapping guidelines. The guidelines will be available for public review on the Web or at department offices in advance of the commission meeting.

• Request for the commission to take a position on the proposed S.409 Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009.

• An update on the department’s shooting sports activities.

The commission may vote to take action or provide the department with direction on these agenda items. For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.

Bahti, a 30-year veteran, has more than 20 years experience as a field-training officer impacting a generation of new wildlife managers in Arizona. He draws from his vast experience in weapons identification, animal tracking, animal trapping, livestock brand identification, interview and interrogation, and his intimate knowledge of the region.

By blending his vast knowledge of proven techniques passed on by game rangers before him with the modern-day methods of wildlife management, Bahti has become one of the most respected and successful field officers in the department. As a leader, he is passionate, hard working, and has a genuine love for the state’s wildlife resources.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this award alongside so many other well respected officers,” said Bahti.

When asked to what he attributes his success, Bahti replied, “You can’t treat this as just a job; it’s a way of life.”

Bahti’s “way-of-life” attitude has garnered him many awards during his tenure, including the Cliff Sorrells FOP Officer of the Year Award, the Coronado National Forest Resource Conservation and Development Special Recognition Award, the FOP Lodge 32 Officer of the Year, and many Arizona Game and Fish Department commendations for excellence.

Awards aside, one thing that stands out is his commitment to his fellow employees. Bahti is well known for never asking his people to do something he is not willing to do himself – another sign of a great leader and officer.

Here are just a few examples of his accomplishments:

• Since 1994, cases in which he has been involved have netted over $50,000 in fine monies and civil assessments, and 125 years of license revocation.
• Made some of the department’s most important wildlife cases, including a case involving multiple violations of the state’s trapping laws. The results shaped how the department issues trapping licenses and changed, for the better, the way field officers worked with trappers.
• Employed inventive interrogation techniques on a poaching case of a 402-inch trophy bull elk that resulted in criminal fines of $14,000, an $11,000 civil assessment, and a total of 10 years of license revocation for the two subjects.
• In the absence of a regional investigator, Bahti carried out the investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of several repeat offenders and the seizure of multiple weapons and illegally taken game meat.

The Shikar-Safari Club International was founded in 1952 for the purpose of advancing knowledge concerning wildlife of the world. Each year, the group honors one officer from each of the 50 states for service during the previous year that demonstrated outstanding performance and achievement among the state agency’s sworn law enforcement personnel.

The award was presented to Bahti during the April 18 Arizona Game and Fish Commission meeting by Joe Melden of the Shikar-Safari Club International and Donna “Didi” Foss of the Joe Foss Institute.

The meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public session. The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Phoenix headquarters or view the meeting via a videoconference feed at any of the department’s regional offices in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson and Mesa. For a list of office addresses, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

Items on the agenda include:

• Request for Commission approval on the Northern Arizona Regional Shooting Facility objectives, timeline and budget commitment.
• Request for commission approval for the department to acquire BLM patents for the Usery Mountain Shooting Range in Maricopa County, the Sierra Vista Shooting Range in Cochise County, and the Region IV administrative office in Yuma.
• An update on the status of the department’s e-commerce activities. The update will include information for online watercraft registration renewals, license sales and big game applications.
• Presentation to the commission of a final list of award categories for the 2009 Commission Awards (for awards to be presented in January, 2010).
• Updates on legislative, lands, nongame, shooting sports, and information/education/watchable wildlife activities.
• Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.

The commission may vote to take action or provide the department with direction on the agenda items. For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

The Arizona State Senateon April 16confirmed the appointment of Jack Husted as the newest member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Husted was appointed in early April by Governor Jan Brewer. He replaces Bill McLean, whose term on the commission expired this year.

Husted, from Springerville, has a broad background in both the public and private sectors. He has experience in local government and law enforcement, having served as a deputy county sheriff in Pima County, as a reserve game ranger for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and as a town councilman for the Town of Eagar. Beyond his public service, he is a successful small business owner.

Husted has a long history of being active in his community. He has served on several boards, including the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, the Arizona State Transportation Board, and the Springerville-Eagar Chamber. He also offers his time as a deacon/elder of the Community Presbyterian Church in Springerville.

A third-generation Arizonan and lifelong hunter and sportsman, Husted is affiliated with several wildlife organizations. His family also has long-standing ties to ranching in the State of Arizona. He resides in Springerville with his wife and has two grown children.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission makes rules and regulations for managing, conserving, and protecting wildlife and fisheries resources, and safe and regulated watercraft and off-highway vehicle operations for the benefit of the citizens of Arizona.

The commission is composed of five members appointed by the governor pursuant to ARS 38-211. The commission appoints the director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the director serves as secretary to the commission. No more than one commissioner may be from any one county. No more than three may be from the same political party. Each commissioner serves a five-year term, staggered. For more information on the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

The meeting will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17).

The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Phoenix headquarters or view the meeting via a videoconference feed at any of the department’s regional offices. The department successfully initiated a pilot videoconference program in February and has improved and expanded the system so that the videoconference feed will go to all six regional office locations in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson and Mesa.

For a list of office addresses, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

Those viewing the meeting at the regional offices will be able to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment on the “call for comment” portions of the agenda, just as if they were attending the meeting in person.

The Friday, April 17 portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. Items on Friday’s agenda include:

The Saturday, April 18 portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. Items on Saturday’s agenda include:

• Consideration and approval of commission orders 2 (deer), 5-10 (turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear and mountain lion), and 26 (population management), establishing seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, permit numbers, and open areas for the 2009-10 hunting season.
• Approval of the hunt permit-tag application schedule for fall 2009 hunts.
• Approval of the 12A Habitat Stamp Fund budget for calendar year 2009.
• An informational presentation from the Hopi Tribe on the future relationship between the tribe and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This presentation is for informational purposes only; no action will be taken by the commission at this time.
• Updates on shooting sports activities.

The commission may vote to take action or provide the department with direction on the agenda items. For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.

Friday’s portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. Items on Friday’s agenda include:

• A briefing on the current status of FY 2009 budget and FY 2010 projected revenue and expenditures for various department funding sources.
  
  
• Request for the commission to approve the acquisition of Phase IV of Coal Mine Canyon in Santa Cruz County to further secure the watershed.
  
  
• Request for commission approval of the program narrative for U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Funds (Federal FY 2009 / State FY 2010).
  
  
• Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.
  
  
• Selection of new members of the Heritage Public Advisory Committee.
  
  
• An update on implementation of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan land acquisition program and multi-species conservation planning efforts by Pima County.

Saturday’s portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. Items on Saturday’s agenda include:

• A presentation on the Northern Arizona Regional Shooting Facility, including the current issues, planning efforts, and pending decisions on the proposed Willard Spring land exchange.
  
  
• A briefing on the Hunter Questionnaire Improvement Report prepared by the department.
  
  
• A briefing on the Mountain Lion and Bear Conservation Strategies Report prepared by the department. This presentation is for information purposes only.
  
  
• A presentation on possible approaches that will allow commissioners to engage with the public at additional venues and by additional means other than commission meetings (this item is a follow-up on the commission’s desire to keep constituents across the state engaged in the aftermath of the decision to hold 2009 meetings in Phoenix to save costs during the current budget situation).

The commission may vote to take action or provide the department with direction on the agenda items. For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.

Starting Feb. 6-7, the Game and Fish Department is initiating a pilot program to provide video feeds of the commission meetings to all of its regional offices (except Mesa), allowing it to reduce costs while increasing the opportunity for public involvement at the same time.

The regional offices are located in Tucson, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma and Pinetop. The Mesa Regional office will not be included, mostly because the conferencing system only allows six feeds at one time, but also because those living in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area can readily attend the meeting without having to travel extreme distances. For a list of office addresses, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

This pilot program will not only give constituents and news media from different parts of the state an opportunity to view the meetings via video-conference at the regional offices, but also to submit “blue slips” to present oral comment on the call for comment portions of the agenda, just as if they were attending the meeting in person.

The commission announced in December that it will hold its 2009 meetings at the Phoenix headquarters complex to reduce travel and other costs associated with holding such meetings in different regions of the state as it has in the past.

But the commission also wanted to keep constituents from various parts of the state engaged in the public meeting process.  “This pilot program is one way of doing that,” said Harry Seck, assistant director for special services. “Our constituents can save money by not having to travel long distances to participate in the process, and we can save much-needed revenues by not having to conduct meetings around the state.”

The department already has the technology and equipment on hand, so there are no additional fiscal outlays. It will require having personnel available to open up the regional offices for the Saturday portions of the meetings.

A test on the video system was conducted this week. “With these advanced technologies, there will likely be unanticipated technical issues to iron out, but it looks very promising so far,” Seck said.

However, he said, viewers at the regional offices may have a more limited view of the proceedings than they would in person. “We’ll work on those issues as they arise,” Seck said.

To view a copy of the agenda for this week, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

Friday’s portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. Items on Friday’s agenda include:

• Request for commission approval for the department to relinquish the lease at its former Deer Valley South complex in exchange for the City of Phoenix’s payment of the department’s hanger lease annual rental at Deer Valley Airport through 2022.
• Request for the commission to approve acquisition of the Gary Gable property located north of and contiguous to the Arlington Wildlife Area in Maricopa County.
• Request for the commission to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Quartzsite designating hunting areas within the town limits.
• A briefing to the commission on Department of Defense activities at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.
• A presentation to the commission on draft recommendations for the 2009 Director’s Goals and Objectives.
• Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.

Saturday’s portion of the meeting begins at 9 a.m. Items on Saturday’s agenda include:

• Consideration of moving the permitted archery deer hunts into the same draw cycle as elk and antelope permits.
• A presentation to the commission on the Commission Awards process, including a review of the award categories.

For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.

The meeting will be held at the department’s headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix. The chairman’s welcome and commissioner introductions start at 1:30 p.m., followed by a presentation of the “Year in Review” video and then a question-and-answer session.

“Every year, we hold this event to give our customers a chance to get to know the Arizona Game and Fish commissioners who make the decisions that affect them,” says department Ombudsman Marty Fabritz. “Each commissioner will make a statement, and then, the public can ask questions and give comments about what’s important to them.”

On Friday, Jan. 16, the commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at the department headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix. The meeting starts at 8 a.m. with an executive session, followed by the public session. Items on the agenda include:

* A presentation to the commission on the status and recent activities associated with the department’s “Areas of Conservation Priority” and future geographic information system (GIS) mapping efforts.
* A presentation to the commission on potential future mechanisms for incorporating wildlife habitat protection measures into local and state land use planning processes.
* A presentation to the commission on the process required to legally name the hills on the Ben Avery Shooting Facility as a topographical feature.
* Hearings on license revocations for violation of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.
* A vote to elect a commission chair, vice-chair, and chairs of various standing committees for 2009.

For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.

The meeting will be held at the department’s headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix. The chairman’s welcome and commissioner introductions start at 1:30 p.m., followed by a presentation of the “Year in Review” video and then a question-and-answer session.

“Every year, we hold this event to give our customers a chance to get to know the Arizona Game and Fish commissioners who make the decisions that affect them,” says department Ombudsman Marty Fabritz. “Each commissioner will make a statement, and then, the public can ask questions and give comments about what’s important to them.”

Later that evening, the Commission Awards Banquet will be held Saturday evening at the Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix North, 10220 N. Metro Parkway East in Phoenix. Reservation and ticket price information is included in the Commission Award Banquet article in this issue.

On Friday, Jan. 16, the commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at the department headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix. The meeting starts at 8 a.m. with an executive session, followed by the public session. Items on the agenda include:

• A presentation to the commission on the status and recent activities associated with the department’s “Areas of Conservation Priority” and future geographic information system (GIS) mapping efforts.
• A presentation to the commission on potential future mechanisms for incorporating wildlife habitat protection measures into local and state land use planning processes.
• A presentation to the commission on the process required to legally name the hills on the Ben Avery Shooting Facility as a topographical feature.
• Hearings on license revocations for violation of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.
• A vote to elect a commission chair, vice-chair, and chairs of various standing committees for 2009.

For a complete agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the commission agenda link.

The decision, made at the Dec. 6 commission meeting in Casa Grande, comes in the midst of a state budget deficit that has the commission and department taking a variety of measures to reduce costs. Game and Fish officials estimate the cost savings of this measure will be approximately $30,000 in site rental, travel and related costs.

The commission emphasized its commitment to being accessible and providing good customer service to the substantial wildlife constituent bases in other parts of the state, including Tucson, Yuma, Kingman, Flagstaff, Payson, the White Mountains and other areas.

“During these tough economic times, we are doing everything we can to reduce costs in order to continue to meet programmatic needs,” said Commission Chair Bill McLean. “However, this commission is committed to its constituents and their participation in our open meetings. We are looking into a number of options that will still allow folks to participate in these meetings – regardless of the meeting location.”

The commission currently rotates its monthly meetings (no meeting is held in July or November) among various locations throughout the state. For 2009, meetings previously scheduled for Pinetop, Flagstaff, Prescott, Casa Grande, Tucson and Yuma will now take place at the Phoenix headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway.

“We fully understand that all of Arizona’s citizens have an interest in wildlife conservation, not just residents in the Metro Phoenix area, and we want people from all parts of the state to be engaged,” McLean said. “But given the budget situation we’re facing and the availability of a large meeting facility at the department headquarters, we felt this action was necessary for 2009.”

For more information on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and a schedule of commission meetings, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission under “schedule.”

Each year, the evening brings together hundreds of people who share a strong and personal interest in wildlife. It provides an opportunity to meet the Game and Fish Commission and honor the recipients of this year’s commission awards for their contributions toward Arizona’s wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Individual tickets are $50. Tables of 10 are $470 – a discount of $30. Organization sponsorships are available for $550 and include a table in the organization’s name, recognition in the event media presentation and post-event press release, and five banquet tickets for the organization. Another five tickets will be donated, in that organization’s name, to award recipients and guests.

For more information (including a list of award winners) or to obtain a reservation form, visit www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/commission_awards.shtml or contact Marty Fabritz at (623) 236-7281.

The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission is this Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Francisco Grande Hotel, 26000 W. Gila Bend Highway in Casa Grande.

Friday’s portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. Items on Friday’s agenda include:

• Request for the commission to approve a Notice of Docket Opening and Notice of Proposed Rulemakings to amend Article 3 rules (and additional affected rules in other articles), addressing the taking and handling of wildlife.
• Request for the commission to approve a Notice of Final Rulemaking and Economic Impact Statement establishing a new Article 10 addressing off-highway vehicles, in response to legislative amendments contained in Senate Bill 1167.
• Request for the commission to approve a draft Notice of Exempt Rulemaking to amend rules in Article 8 addressing wildlife areas and department property.
• Request for commission approval for the department to acquire Buck Springs Ranch in Coconino County, Arizona, for recovery of the threatened Little Colorado spinedace.
• Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.

Saturday’s portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. Items on Saturday’s agenda include:

• Request for the commission to approve Commission Orders 3 (pronghorn antelope), 4 (elk), and 26 (population management) establishing seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, permit numbers or authorized limits, and open areas for the respective 2009 fall hunting season.
• Request for the commission to approve the hunt permit-tag application schedule for 2009 antelope and elk hunts.
• A department briefing to the commission on public access history and issues in southeastern Arizona.
• A department update to the commission on the Tucson Rod and Gun Club’s efforts to build a nonprofit public shooting range in the Tucson area.

The commission may vote to take action on, or provide the department direction on, the above items and other items on the agenda.

For a complete meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

The Game and Fish Department gathered public input on the proposals by conducting a series of public meetings across the state, meeting with anglers, and gathering input via mail and e-mail. Department staff is in the process of evaluating all those comments and recommendations before making a final recommendation to the commission.

A detailed explanation of the proposed regulation proposals, as they are currently drafted, is available online at www.azgfd.gov. The following is a synopsis of the proposed regulations changes for 2009-10:

• Reduce the bag and possession limit for trout from six to four (from three to two for unlicensed anglers) at Woodland Lake.
• Remove bag limits for bass and catfish at Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Chevelon Lake, CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge Reservoir), Knoll Lake, and Long Tom Lake.
• Extend the fishing closures on the Apache trout recovery waters that include Bear Wallow Creek, Snake Creek, Fish Creek (including tributaries Double Cienega and Corduroy creeks but excluding Ackre Lake), upper East Fork Little Colorado River, Hayground Creek, Conklin Creek, South Fork Little Colorado River, and Stinky Creek to fishing. The closures would remain in effect until population criteria are met for recovering native Apache trout.
• Establish a one-of-a-kind, catch-and-release only, artificial fly and lure-only fishing season for native roundtail chub on the recently renovated and re-established free-flowing Fossil Creek in the Verde Valley.
• Allow take of one bass in the slot at Roosevelt Lake. The limit would be changed to six bass, of which no more than one bass between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit) in length may be in possession.
• Allow harvest of striped bass at Lake Pleasant by means of spear fishing.
• Implement restrictions (reduced bag limit, slot limit or minimum size limit) on harvest of bass at Saguaro, Canyon and/or Apache lakes to aid in the recovery of these lakes from golden alga impacts.

The two-day commission meeting will cover other items as well. Items on the Friday, Oct. 10 portion of the meeting are:

• An update on progress toward the director’s goals and objectives for 2008.
• Request for the commission to approve a Notice of Docket Opening and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend Article 6 rules, addressing rules of practice before the commission.
• A department briefing to the commission on the department’s involvement in Mexican wolf reintroduction in Arizona and New Mexico and related Mexican wolf recovery and conservation issues.
• Request for the commission to approve the Article 1 Five-Year Rule Review Report on definitions and general provisions for filing with the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council.
• Hearings on license revocations for violation of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.

Items on the Saturday, Oct. 11 agenda (in addition to the fish orders) are:

• Request for the commission to adopt the department’s proposal for commission orders 25 (raptors), 41 (amphibians), 42 (crustaceans and mollusks), and 43 (reptiles), establishing open areas, season dates, and bag and possession limits for 2009 and 2010.
• A department briefing to the commission on the cost estimates to move the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center to the Deer Valley South property and the costs for individual animal enclosures.

The commission may vote to take action on, or provide the department direction on, the above items and other items on the agenda.

The public is invited to attend. For a complete meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix.

Friday’s portion of the meeting begins with an executive session at 8 a.m., followed by the public meeting. Items on Friday’s agenda include:

• An update on progress toward the director’s goals and objectives for 2008.
• Request for the commission to approve a Notice of Docket Opening and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend Article 6 rules, addressing rules of practice before the commission.
• A department briefing to the commission on the department’s involvement in Mexican wolf reintroduction in Arizona and New Mexico and related Mexican wolf recovery and conservation issues.
• Request for the commission to approve the Article 1 Five-Year Rule Review Report on definitions and general provisions for filing with the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council.
• Hearings on license revocations for violation of Game and Fish codes and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife.

Saturday’s portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. Items on Saturday’s agenda include:

• Request for the commission to adopt the department’s proposal for commission order 40 (the fish orders), establishing open seasons, open areas, and bag and possession limits for calendar year 2009 and 2010.
• Request for the commission to adopt the department’s proposal for commission orders 25 (raptors), 41 (amphibians), 42 (crustaceans and mollusks), and 43 (reptiles), establishing open areas, season dates, and bag and possession limits for 2009 and 2010.
• A department briefing to the commission on the cost estimates to move the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center to the Deer Valley South property and the costs for individual animal enclosures.

The commission may vote to take action on, or provide the department direction on, the above items and other items on the agenda.

For a complete meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

Graham County Supervisor Drew John, who worked for several years to facilitate collaboration on the bill, Hank Rogers the force behind the annual Outlaw ATV Jamboree, and other members of the Apache County ATV Roughriders were all recognized as consistent advocates for responsible OHV recreation across Arizona. John and Rogers were presented plaques during the Outlaw ATV Jamboree in Eagar, Ariz.

“The challenging but rewarding effort to pass this legislation was made possible by the diligent efforts of a broad coalition of supporters,” said Joe Sacco, Game and Fish OHV law enforcement program manager.

The passage in June of Arizona Senate Bill 1167 will provide much-needed resources to better manage the explosive growth in off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation, helping protect wildlife habitat and access to OHV recreational opportunities. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2009.

The new law establishes a “user play, user pay” program that requires all recreational OHVs (ATVs, sand buggies, dirt bikes and UTVs) operated in the state to display an annual OHV user sticker purchased through the Motor Vehicle Division. The fee has yet to be determined but is expected to be nominal. Revenues from the user fee will be used to fund OHV management and maintain OHV recreational opportunities through enforcement, education, trail and facility maintenance, and development programs to help ensure sustainable access.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department Off-highway Vehicle Program thanks all of the supporters for their efforts toward the passage of this legislation.

Commission selects 2008 award recipients at September meeting
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission selected its 2008 Commission Award recipients at its monthly public meeting in Pinetop on Sept. 5-6. The award winners, who will be formally recognized at the annual Meet the Commission banquet in January, are:

• Award of Excellence – Senator Linda Gray, Clyde Halstead, John Wintersteen, Chandler Rod and Gun Club, Off-Highway Vehicle Legislative Work Group, United Arizona Anglers Foundation
• Youth Environmentalist of the Year – Arizona Envirothon State Champions (Clint Hales, Zach Hare, Natalie Lucas, Michelle Scmoker and Rachel Stringer, all at Sinagua High School)
• Outdoor Writer of the Year – J.C. Amberlyn
• Media of the Year – Arizona Boating and Watersports
• Conservation Organization of the Year – Phoenix Zoo
• Conservationist of the Year – Marty Underwood
• Environmentalist of the Year – Warner Glenn
• Volunteers of the Year – Steve Hopkins, Dave Hoyle
• Educator of the Year – Debi Molina-Walters
• License Dealer of the Year – Sportsman’s Warehouse
• Outdoor Woman of the Year – Betty Mason
• Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award – Peggy Ingham

The Commission Awards Banquet will be held the evening of January 17, 2009 at the Four Points Sheraton, 10220 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix. More information on the banquet and the award winners will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission (click on the “commission awards” link).

In other matters at its September meeting, the commission:

• Unanimously voted to oppose Proposition 105, a ballot initiative that would require any future ballot initiative that imposes additional taxes or state spending to be approved by a majority of all registered voters – not just a majority of those casting votes. See the article in this issue of Wildlife News for more information.
• Approved the department’s land exchange of the 3-acre Commission-owned Bow and Arrow Park property with the City of Flagstaff in exchange for a 20-year water commitment that would help maintain water sites in important wildlife watching areas.
• Approved the department’s acquisition of 122 acres near the headwaters of the San Pedro River from The Nature Conservancy.
• Heard an informational presentation from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the department on the current status of funding needs for future transportation projects that may affect wildlife.
• Directed the department to continue to work on plans to relocate the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, and specifically to explore the costs associated with doing either a temporary or permanent move to the department’s Deer Valley South property.

The next Arizona Game and Fish Commission meeting will be held on Oct. 10-11 in Phoenix. An agenda will be posted soon at www.azgfd.gov/commission.

You have an opportunity to help develop strategic direction for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The USDA Forest Service is hosting a series of open houses from Sept. 3-11 to gather input for the revised Apache-Sitgreaves forest plan. The Forest Service is seeking input regarding the social, economic and ecological attributes toward which management of the land and resources should be directed.

For more information, including the schedule of open houses and where to submit comment, visit the Apache-Sitgreaves Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/plan-revision/documents.shtml and click on the “document/flyer’” link under the August 2008 update.

The Prescott National Forest is proposing to increase fees at campgrounds and day use sites across the forest. The increases would affect 16 day-use sites and 15 campground/groups sites, beginning in 2009. For more information and the fee proposal, visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/projects/rec-fee-proposal/index.shtml.

Links to information on these and other federal land management activities can be found on the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/federal_land_management.shtml.