1. Freshwater/saltwater split: Is there a simpler way to calculate the allocation of funds between marine and freshwater fisheries? During the last revision of 50 CFR 80 in 2010-11, a State fish and wildlife agency proposed a simpler way of calculating the allocation in its comments on the proposed rule. In our response to the comment, we committed to revisit this issue during the next rulemaking on 50 CFR 80. (80)
    The State of Georgia Fish and Game Agency proposed this comment in 2011 and we discussed it during the June 24, July 1, and July 8 introductory regulatory webinars.  Webinar participants suggested getting input from the Survey Branch about the validity of the new proposed method.  The survey branch responded that the altered sampling method would not be as valid, from their point of view, as the current method.  We will discuss this issue on Sept 2, but have discussed it with State and Regional partners at some length already.  
  2. Hunting on leased lands: Reexamine the TX parks and wildlife decision on the sale of permits to hunt on lands leased with WR funds.  If the decision is still appropriate, incorporate it into the regulations. See Joyce Johnson message from July, 2010.  Memorandum and background. (80)  
    This issue is complicated and somewhat tedious, but may come up again in the future and took up a lot of discussion time when it arose.  In order to retain the white paper and resulting memorandum, we propose adding this issue's resolution to regulations.  Please let us know if you have any suggestions.
  3. Access to boat ramps: Address the need for access to a boat ramp through by acquiring a right of way by easement or lease or in fee title.  See the Inspector General's management advisory of February 2012. (75)
    Please see the documents from the OIG office in the list of miscellaneous documents.  
  4. Field trial policy:  See the July 31, 2001 briefing for the Director. Review this briefing and decide whether it has any implications for regulation or the appendix. (80)

    A type of field trial
    not generally appropriate for lands acquired with Pittman-Robertson
    funds would be one that requires significant manipulation of
    terrain, landscape, or vegetation, or intensive site management. Intensive
    site management in this context would include regular
    mowing, permanent stables, dog kennels, equipment storage areas
    or other infrastructure onsite, which would degrade the value of
    the land as wildlife habitat. Additionally, field trials proposed to be
    conducted during nesting or breeding seasons of the wildlife species
    for which the land was acquired would not be appropriate.
    In contrast, field trials which require minimal manipulation of
    terrain, vegetation, or habitat would be appropriate if timed to
    avoid the breeding and nesting seasons of the species for which the
    land was acquired. Proposals for field trials which fall between
    these examples, or which would conflict with hunting seasons or
    other public uses, would require case-by-case evaluations and decisions


    -2000 Improvement Act Committee Report


  5. Contaminant survey: CERCLA, 42 U.S.C., 9601. Consult with Solicitor’s Office about the potential need for a contaminants survey if land is acquired under a cooperative agreement.  State that the recipient decides if a contaminants survey is needed for land acquired under a grant. (75)
  6. Catastrophic events/insurance: Can catastrophic events shorten the approved useful life? Review 2 CFR 200.447 on the allowability of insurance and indemnification. Determine if any clarifications are needed.  Consider discussing this item in the appendix as a potential cost to be included in a project budget if a structure is in a high-risk area for catastrophic damage and if the owner of the structure is not self-insured. (75)
  7. Law enforcement as an eligible activity: 50 CFR 80.54 designates law enforcement as an ineligible activity “except when necessary to carry out project purposes approved by the Regional Director.” Provide criteria for when law enforcement may be necessary or give examples in the appendix. (80)


Call-In Information for all of the Webinars is:

Start Time for All Webinars: 1;00 PM EDT (Please allot 1:30 hours for the call)

Date: September 2, 2015

Dial-in Conference Audio: 1-866-560-8092

Participant Code: 16426765

To join the meeting: http://wsfr.adobeconnect.com/policy/