western Regional Advisory panel

November 2010 Summary

Western Regional Advisory Panel
November 23, 2010

Attendees

Present: Gary Cammack, Dennis Nash, Brian Dail, Terry Mayes, Jeff Sleep
Absent: Travis Bies, Scott Philips
Resigned, not yet replaced: Marty Vanderploegh

GFP staff present:
Mike Kintigh, Dennie Mann, Tim Bradeen

The meeting began at 10:00AM. A meeting Agenda and past meeting notes were available for each panel member.

As we were nearing the end of the time period we initially requested panel members to commit to when they were asked to join the panel, our fist discussion topic was centered on a review of the panel's purpose and had we achieved that. Secondly, do any of the members wish to step down and be replaced. Thirdly, in what direction should we strive to take the panel in the future.

All panel members present indicated an interest and desire to continue serving in their role.

The WRAP members expressed their desire for a state wide meeting, of all 4 panels, at which the Secretaries from Game, Fish & Parks, Agriculture and Tourism presented their vision of the role wildlife would play in the State into the future. The WRAP members also expressed a strong desire to be kept more informed as to GFP Commission meetings, proposals & issues being taken to the Commission and the season setting schedules. WRAP members also requested the Dept. work to increase their visibility and accessibility to the public by posting their names and contact information at various locations.

GF&P staff, Dennie Mann and Tim Bradeen, presented maps and habitat management ideas to the panel in regards to the recently acquired Hill Ranch in the southern Black Hills. The panel's thoughts and ideas were sought at the earliest stages of putting our habitat management plans together for this unique property. Their comments and ideas will be considered as a formal management document is drafted.

GF&P staff also presented maps and previous habitat management practices employed on 2 properties in the Northern Black Hills. The focus in this area has been timber management. Removal of pine has been effected for several years in order to promote hardwood growth, grass and forbs production, creation of fire breaks and prevention of pine beetle spread. The panel offered many comments and concerns related to pine beetles.

The next WRAP panel meeting was set for April 26th, 2011 with the location to be set yet.