TWRC Conducts Final Meeting of 2011

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fisheries Division presented the plan to study the sustainability of a commercial paddlefish roe fisheries on waters not currently open to commercial fishing in the state. The presentation came at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission’s final meeting of 2011 which concluded Friday (Dec. 9) at the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building.

 

The TWRA presented the plan in response to a recent law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly. The law directed the agency to develop a plan to study sustainability, population conditions, and juvenile survival rates of paddlefish and other roe producing fish on waters not currently open to commercial fishing. Those waters include Cordell Hull, Norris, Watts Barr, and Melton Hill lakes and a currently restricted section of Old Hickory Lake.

 

The TWRC advised the agency to establish a 30 day period for public comment. Details of the comment period will be announced later this month.

 

In a pair of recommendations by the TWRA Wildlife Division, the commission voted to amend a pair of proclamations. The 2011 spring floods in West Tennessee caused the TWRA to revert to its previous spring turkey harvest strategy and reinstitute quota hunts for Chickasaw and Lower Hatchie National Refuge.

 

Last spring, in an effort to manage a small population of exotic red deer in Claiborne County, a two-week red deer season was established after the white-tailed deer season ends. Since the proclamation was passed, the area where the red deer are located has shifted. The amendment allows for an expanded hunting area in the county.

 

Tom Bennett, Vice President of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) informed the TWRC about the current status of the program. He presented TWRA with an achievement award for its work with NASP. After 12 pilot schools began in Tennessee in 2004, more than 200 schools now participate in the program.

 

The Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee presented a check to the TWRA to be used for Wounded Warrior events. With the check coming from portions of ticket sales, and donations, close to $10,000 was raised for the program. Many TWRA employees worked at the 2011 Parade of Homes held in neighboring Brentwood.

 

Some annual awards were presented during the meeting. Jim Maddox, representative of Shikar-Safari International, presented the organization’s Tennessee Wildlife Officer of the Year to Jeff Prater of Washington County. The second annual statewide fisheries technician and wildlife technician awards were awarded to Rick Hollifield of the Erwin State Fish Hatchery and Jerry Pugh of the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, respectively.

 

Special recognition was given to James Reynolds for his volunteer work at the Cheatham WMA in cleaning and repairing the gun range. His efforts have helped restore the range and increase the usage at the facility.

 

The TWRC will hold its next meeting, the first of 2012 in Chattanooga on Jan. 12-13. The meeting will be held at the Chattanoogan Hotel.

 

---TWRA---