The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission heard an extensive report from Mark Duda, executive director of Responsive Management, at its June meeting Friday at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Ray Bell Building.
Mr. Duda, who is an internationally known analyst who specializes in wildlife/natural resources, covered several topics relative to today’s and future wildlife issues. He spoke to the commission about public attitudes toward wildlife and conservation.
He addressed hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation participation. He also detailed demographic trends of those who participate in outdoors activities, and funding issues faced by state agencies, such as the TWRA.
Mr. Duda has conducted several public surveys for several states, including Tennessee. He is currently under contract to assist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service national survey which occurs every five years. The work of Responsive Management has reached all 50 states and 15 countries.
In other items at the meeting, TWRA Biodiversity Division Chief Bill Reeves brought forth an amendment to the rules and regulations of live wildlife. The commission approved the amendment to add non-native wildlife, the African clawed frog and the marbled or Marmorkreb crayfish, to the regulations because of their potential to be detrimental to native wildlife.
The TFWC approved the Agency’s recommendation to approve a budget expansion for an updated communications system.
There were also several presentations made during the meeting. Sen Lamar Alexander was presented a resolution for his efforts in helping secure the funding for the continued long-term operation of two federal fish hatcheries in Tennessee, Erwin and Dale Hollow. The resolution included the economic impact that the hatcheries bring Tennessee which is estimated at $45 million. Evann Freeman, field representative from Sen. Alexander’s staff was present at the meeting to accept the framed resolution on the senator’s behalf.
Mark Lorance, a Murfreesboro resident who has been a writer and television host for more than three decades, was recognized for his contributions with a framed certificate of appreciation. He has continued his outdoor activities, primarily fishing, after losing his sight in his early 20s.
Steve Patrick, the TWRA assistant director of Field Operations, was honored for a career that began in 1976 with the Agency. A former Region II manager, he is retiring at the end of the month.
Jim Hall, Fall Creek Falls State Park manager, was recognized for his work with helping establish a Wounded Soldiers hunt at the park. He was unable to attend the meeting and will be presented his framed resolution at a later date.
The TFWC’s next scheduled meeting is also a one day meeting on Friday, Aug. 21 in Morristown.
The June meeting can be viewed on the TWRA website at tnwildlife.org in the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission section.