Public Invited to Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission Meeting April 17

Upland bird regulations to be discussed due to recent threatened listing of the lesser prairie chicken

The public is invited to attend an upcoming Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting, April 17 at the Great PlainsNatureCenter, 6232 East 29th St. N., Wichita. The afternoon session will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m., and reconvene at 6:30 p.m. for the evening session, not 7 p.m. as printed in the initial meeting agenda that was sent out.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period. Topics covered in the general discussion include: Secretary’s remarks regarding agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2014 legislature, tourism division activities, current fishing and park regulations, late migratory bird seasons, and an update on the federal listing of the lesser prairie chicken.

Workshop topics for the afternoon session include items that were covered under general discussion during the March meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include upland bird regulations, public land regulations, the five-year review of the Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species List, webless migratory birds, and early migratory bird seasons.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the same location to discuss remaining workshop items and begin the public hearing. Workshop items open for discussion during the evening session include the Fort Riley deer seasons, the use of dogs to track dead or wounded deer, and hunting the same day a deer or turkey permit is purchased.

The public hearing will focus on antelope season, bag limit and permits.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on non-agenda items. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 21, to complete any unfinished business.

A commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for June 19, 2014 at Lamplighter Inn & Suites meeting room,4020 Parkview Dr., Pittsburg.