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, OCT. 29, 2007:
GILA TROUT ANGLING, CUTTHROAT RESTORATION ON GAME COMMISSION AGENDA
RATON -- The New Mexico Game Commission will consider expanding angling opportunities for Gila trout, and will review progress of the ongoing Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Restoration Project at its meeting Nov. 1 in Raton.
The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Raton Convention Center , 901 S. Third Street , in Raton. 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 remove the prohibition on possession of Gila trout.
The action would allow the Department of Game and Fish to stock 2,000 to 3,000
of the formerly endangered trout in public waters other than those designated
as recovery streams. Fish hatcheries currently raise more Gila trout than
can be stocked in recovery areas. The recent downlisting from endangered to
threatened allows limited recreational angling for Gila trout in designated
waters. A second part of the proposal would place a daily bag limit of two
Gila trout and unlimited brown trout, with no gear restrictions, in Gilita,
Willow and Little Turkey creeks above the confluence of Gilita Creek and Snow
Creek.
- A presentation on the progress of the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Rio
Costilla Restoration Project. The first phase of the project to restore pure-strain
cutthroat trout to the watershed was completed this past summer in 20 miles
of streams. The Commission will hear an evaluation of the project status and
plans for future efforts to restore the native fish to about 150 miles of
streams and 25 lakes.
- A proposal by the Pueblo of Santa Ana to work with the Department
of Game and Fish to restore pronghorn antelope on Pueblo lands by trapping
and transplanting about 60 pronghorn from other areas of the state.
- Appointments of 21 citizen advisory committee members for the Habitat
Stamp Program. Five regional committees assist the commission in identifying
habitat improvement projects through program funding.
- A proposal to amend hunting rules to add the Caballo Mountains and
the Dry Cimarron area to the areas where year-round cougar hunting is allowed
to protect bighorn sheep populations.
- A proposal to make two hunting permits for Gould's turkeys available
each year by auction or lottery to raise money for Gould's turkey restoration
and habitat improvement.
- A report on Department evaluations of elk-wolf interactions in the Mexican wolf recovery area of southwestern New Mexico and the effects of the wolf restoration program on elk populations.
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.
###
 |
 |
 |
 |