New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 18, 2008:
FISHING FLY LIMITS, GILA TROUT ANGLING OPPORTUNTIES ON COMMISSION AGENDA
SANTA FE -- The State Game Commission will consider limiting the number of flies anglers can use on a single line, increasing Gila trout fishing opportunities, and a proposal to expand recreational opportunities on state wildlife areas at its meeting Thursday in Santa Fe.
The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in Room 322 of the State Capitol, 419 Old Santa Fe Trail, in Santa Fe. The full agenda, detailed agenda-item briefings, and other information are available on the Department of Game and Fish website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us or by calling (505) 476-8008.
Agenda items include:
- A proposal to limit to two the number of flies anglers can use on a single line. Anglers have expressed concerns that fish on the San Juan River and other waters are being injured when lines with multiple flies break and wrap around fish. Broken lines with flies also are potential hazards to waterfowl and other wildlife.
- A proposal to open portions of Mogollon Creek in the Gila National Forest for Gila trout angling and to establish the season for Gila trout fishing on Mogollon and Black Canyon creeks for July 1 through Oct. 31. Fishing for Gila trout would be restricted to catch-and-release on artificial flies or lures with single barbless hooks.
- An update on efforts to expand wildlife-associated recreational opportunities on state Wildlife Management Areas, and a proposal to establish broad requirements and restrictions associated with the use of those lands. Proposed opportunities through the Gaining Access Into Nature program would be allowed in accordance with legal obligations to wildlife and habitat.
- Commission members will accept nominations and elect a chair and vice-chair for 2008, and consider subcommittee and other structural assignments.
- A proposal to open for public comment the first draft of the Department's biennial review of the status of all wildlife listed as threatened or endangered under the New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act. The review is conducted to determine if each species should retain its status, or be downlisted or uplisted.
- A presentation about effects energy development activities on federal and state lands have on fish and wildlife, and Department efforts to work with public-land agencies to ensure that energy development does not threaten wildlife.
The New Mexico Game Commission is composed of seven members who represent the state’s diverse interests in wildlife-associated recreation and conservation. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Current members are Chairman Alfredo Montoya, Alcalde; Vice-chairman Tom Arvas, Albuquerque; Leo Sims, Hobbs; Sandy Buffett, Santa Fe; M.H. “Dutch” Salmon, Silver City; Jim McClintic, Albuquerque; and Oscar Simpson, Albuquerque.
If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, please contact Shirley Baker, (505) 476-8030. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible forms.
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