Commission to Set 2014-15 Sport Fish Regulations Among Business at Meeting to Be Held in Kingsport

Friday, October 11, 2013 | 03:44am

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission will establish the 2014-15 sport fish regulations among its business during its Oct. 17-18 meeting to be held in Kingsport at the Meadow View Conference Resort and Convention Center.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fisheries Division presented next year’s fishing proposals at its August meeting held in Knoxville. The TWRA recently closed a public comment period regarding the proposals. 

The Fisheries Division will also recognize its biologist and technician of the year during this month’s meeting.

By the time the TFWC holds its meeting, the first ever sandhill crane permit drawing will have taken place in the north Hamilton County community of Birchwood on Saturday, Oct. 12. An update on the permit allocation will be given to the commission. A total of 400 permits are available and each permit carries a limit of three birds.

The meeting is being held in TWRA Region IV and regional personnel will give current project updates. These will include regional and statewide efforts to collect and categorize all crayfish species and their ranges within the state. Other Region IV fisheries programs will be discussed. Law enforcement staff will discuss some of the program’s efforts in Region IV which highlights the diversity of East Tennessee. A presentation will also be made on Buffalo Springs Wildlife Management Area, which is one of the state’s oldest WMAs.

A presentation will be made on the new Bear Wise Education Program. With historical black bear populations increasing and expanding into new areas of the state, nuisance complaints are on the increase. Many of the issues are avoidable and the public in general is willing to implement practices to avoid conflicts with bears. The TWRA began developing a long-term and comprehensive black bear education program in 2012.

The TFWC will hear a report on Tennessee’s quail program. It will include past efforts and a preview of new management objectives.

The Tennessee 4-H Wildlife Judging Program won the 2013 National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) invitational. Dr. Craig Harper from the University of Tennessee will speak about the TWRA and UT’s long working relationship in the development of wildlife students.

The commission will be returning to Kingsport and the Meadow View for the first time since holding its August 2011 meeting at the location.

---TWRA---
 

Press Releases | Wildlife Resources