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, AUG. 20, 2007:
TEXAS HORNSHELL RECOVERY, HUNT APPLICATION FEES ON GAME COMMISSION AGENDA
ALBUQUERQUE -- The New Mexico Game Commission will consider a recovery plan for the endangered Texas hornshell mussel, and proposed adjustments to the $6 online application fee for special hunts during its meeting Aug. 23 in Albuquerque .
The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at the State Bar of New Mexico building, 5121 Masthead NE , in Albuquerque . 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 request to approve a recovery plan for the Texas hornshell, a state-endangered
mussel native to the lower Rio Grande and Pecos River basins .
- An option to adjust the current $6 non-refundable application fee
for processing of online applications for special hunt drawings. The Department
will provide the Commission with more details of costs associated with processing
applications as part of ongoing assessments of whether adjustments are needed.
- A proposal to adopt rules for special wildlife enhancement hunting
authorizations approved by the 2007 Legislature and signed by Governor Bill
Richardson. The legislation allows the governor to make available up to 12
big-game special authorizations and 12 game-bird or trophy fish authorizations
each year. The authorizations will be auctioned at special events called by
the governor. The 2007 legislation also allows the creation of two Grand Slam
permits to be auctioned each year to the highest bidder. The Grand Slam packages
will allow hunters to take a combination of one elk, one oryx, one ibex, one
deer and one antelope. Funds collected will be used to enhance, conserve and
protect big-game habitat statewide.
- Discussion and possible action to continue or expand the current mountain
lion control program to protect state-endangered desert bighorn sheep.
- Proposed changes to state fishing rules that would restrict bag limits
for catfish at Grants Riverwalk Pond, Estancia Park Pond, and Corona Pond;
open Santa Cruz Lake for year-round fishing except for ice fishing; allowing
handicapped people and seniors to fish at Grants Riverwalk Pond, which currently
is restricted to children age 11 and under; and close Pinelodge Creek in the
Capitan Mountains to fishing to allow restoration of Rio Grande cutthroat
trout.
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 ; Terry Riley, Tijeras; and Jim McClintic, 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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