DNR rule change public hearings

[DaveM]

I just got this from Wildbulletin.



DNR Rule Change Public Hearings
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- Feb. 26, Furbearer Rule Package
- Feb. 29, Dog Training Ground/Miscellaneous Rule Package
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has scheduled two public hearings on proposed changes to wildlife-related administrative rules.
-- Furbearer Rule Package
A proposed Furbearer Rule Package public hearing will be Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m. (EST) at Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area near Edinburgh.
The proposed Furbearer Rule Package changes include clarification of possession dates for untanned hides and carcasses of furbearing mammals taken lawfully in season. Another proposed change removes the use of the term "trap-sized No. 3" for foot-hold traps and uses measurements instead.
A hunting season for skunks and extension of skunk trapping season to March 15 have been proposed. Changes to the nuisance wild animal control permit rule are also in the proposal.
This public hearing does not include proposed rule changes regarding possession and sale of coyotes taken outside hunting and trapping seasons. This meeting is not yet scheduled.
Furbearer Rule Package changes preliminarily adopted by the Natural Resources Commission can be seen at:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/about/rules.html
Click on "Furbearer Rule Package."
Atterbury FWA map: dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/publications/att.htm
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-- Dog Training Ground/Miscellaneous Rule Package
The DNR has also scheduled a hearing to take public comments on rule proposals dealing with the European wall lizard, mute swan, bald eagle, the Special Turtle Possession Permit, and the Dog Training Ground Permit. One proposed rule change would remove the bald eagle from the state’s endangered species list.
The Dog Training Ground/Miscellaneous Rule Package public hearing will be held Feb. 29, 2 p.m. (EST) in Indianapolis at Indiana Government Center South, Conference Center Room 1, 402 W. Washington Street.
The Dog Training Ground/Miscellaneous Rule Package changes preliminarily adopted by the Natural Resources Commission can be seen at:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/about/rules.html
Click on "Dog Training Ground/Miscellaneous Rule Package."
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Written comments on either of these rule packages can be e-mailed to [e-mail], or mailed to:
Hearing Officer
Natural Resources Commission
Indiana Government Center North, Room N501A
100 North Senate Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Written comments on the Furbearer Package must be received by the hearing officer no later than February 26. Written comments on Dog Training Ground/Miscellaneous Rule Package must be received by the hearing officer no later than Feb. 29.
A report will be posted at nrc.IN.gov before final consideration by the Natural Resources Commission. The report will include all public comments and a DNR response.
The NRC will likely consider these rule changes for final adoption at its March 18 meeting. If adopted by the NRC and approved by the attorney general and governor, the changes will become effective later this year.
Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in public meetings should call the DNR ADA coordinator at [phone].
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Media contact:
Linnea Petercheff,
[phone]
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