ASRPA Alert

Public input sought on Game and Fish operational plan
Eight informational meetings to be held statewide in May

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comment on a draft plan that will guide how the agency manages wildlife, outdoor recreational opportunities and its own detailed operations for the next two years.

Eight public meetings will be held around the state the first two weeks in May to provide an overview of the plan and to accept comments.

The draft operational plan identifies the approaches the department will take to implement key management programs including game, nongame, sportfish, off-highway vehicle, watercraft and business administration as well as support functions such as public information and education, law enforcement, shooting sports, habitat, research, and watchable wildlife. The department develops a new operational plan every two years.

“Public input is important in helping us finalize the plan,” says Bob Brochied, the department’s assistant director for wildlife management. “Everyone has a stake in the continued health of our state’s wildlife populations and in future recreational opportunities. It’s important to make your viewpoint known.”
The operational plan is the middle tier in a three part planning process for the department, bridging the department’s six year visionary strategic plan, Wildlife 2012, with annual work unit implementation plans that include information on what work will be accomplished.

The public meetings will include a presentation on the planning process, an overview of the plan’s highlights and public comments will be accepted. The meetings will be held from 6-8 p.m. on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 1 – Yuma, Arizona Game and Fish Department Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St.
Wednesday, May 2 – Safford, General Services Assembly Room, 921 Thatcher Blvd.
Thursday, May 3- Tucson, Arizona Game and Fish Department Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
Monday, May 7 - Mesa, Arizona Game and Fish Department Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive.
Tuesday, May 8 - Kingman, Arizona Game and Fish Department Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
Wednesday, May 9 - Pinetop, Arizona Game and Fish Department Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
Thursday, May 10 - Flagstaff, Arizona Game and Fish Department Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
Wednesday, May 16 – Prescott, Prescott Resort & Conference Center, Clarkdale Room, 1500 Highway 69.

Written comment can also be submitted anytime through May 31, by e-mail to wildlifeplan@azgfd.gov, or by U.S. mail to Wildlife Plan, c/o Funds & Planning, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023-4399.