Meeting Information February 2014

AGENDA

February 25, 2014

Department of the Interior

Room 5160

1849 C Street, NW

Washington, D.C

MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 25, 2014

Location: Department of Interior, 1849 C Street, Washington, DC

Welcome and Introductions: Council chair Thom Dammrich and Designated Federal Officer Doug Hobbs called the meeting to order.

National Outdoor Recreation Policy- A panel discussion was led on the need for an overall federal agency policy on outdoor recreation. Derrick Crandall, President, American Recreation Coalition, led the discussion on the need and potential benefits of the Department of Interior and other Federal land management agencies developing a national policy. Council members have met with Interior officials on other occasions expressing the need for a comprehensive recreation policy.

Update on the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR)- Joe Meade, Chair of the FICOR Working Group, gave an update to the Council on FICOR’s activities. Council members were very interested in the presentation and expressed their interest in working more closely with FICOR on several topics, including looking for ways to leverage recreation fees on federal properties and environmental permitting.

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Update- Frank Peterson, President, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, gave an update on the activities and programs of RBFF. Mr. Peterson reported on RBFF’s progress with meeting the jointly agreed upon performance measures for RBFF, as well as updates on initiatives with direct mail marketing programs with state agencies, a new initiative with Walt Disney World, and the pilot efforts to promote angling and boating within the Hispanic communities.

Council Outreach and Communications Committee Update- Council vice chair Scott Kovarovics gave an update on the Council’s on-going assessment of the National Outreach and Communication Program/ Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. This is the 3rd assessment of the Program/RBFF completed by the Council. The Council committee expects the assessment to be completed in the late summer of 2014. In addition, the Council approved the nomination of representatives to the RBFF Board of Directors.

Update on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs- Tom Busiahn, Chief, Division of Policy and Programs, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, gave an update to the Council on various program activities, including the status of pending regulations for grant programs administered by the Program.

National Fish Habitat Action Partnership Update- Ron Regan, Executive Director, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, gave an update on the activities and efforts of the National Fish Habitat Action Partnership. The Council has a representative on this partnership and was instrumental in its development and authorization. The Partnership is currently planning on a joint meeting with a national estuaries group in November in the earl November.

Update on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program- David Hoskins, Assistant Director- Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, gave an update on several issues of key importance to the Council. Mr. Hoskins updated the Council on the status of the Service’s activities with the National Fish Hatchery System, development of a new strategic plan and transitioning of the Council’s designated Federal Officer role and responsibility to the Fish and Aquatic Conservation program.

Status of the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Vision Implementation- Marcia Pradines, Chief, Division of Visitor Services and Communications, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, gave an update to the Council on the status of the System’s implementation of their strategic vision. In particular, the update focused on how the System is including traditional users (anglers, boaters and hunters) within the planning processes for current and future uses of the refuge properties. The Council expressed support for the efforts of the Refuge System to date for being responsive to the concerns and positions of the Council in regards to these important traditional stakeholder groups. The Council expressed their interest and willingness to assist the Refuge system with their on-going implementation efforts.

Review of SFBPC Strategic Issues List- Designated Federal Officer Doug Hobbs led a discussion and review of the status of the Council with their list of strategic focus issues identified previously. The Council made significant progress with many of the strategic issues. A new list of priority focus areas will be developed with the new Council once it is rechartered and members are reappointed. The Council’s charter is set to expire in June. Member nominations were solicited previously and forwarded on for consideration.

Action Items:

1. The Council’s Outreach and Communications Team will continue on with its assessment of the National Outreach and Communications Program/ Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.
2. The Council offered to assist the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program with the development and outreach of its new strategic plan and plan development process. The Council will closely follow this issue and monitor the Program’s implementation of the Council’s recommendations from the Strategic Vision document. The Council also intends to closely monitor the Service’s actions with the national fish hatcheries system.
3. The Council will continue to offer its assistance to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System and their implantation of their strategic plan and associated implementation teams.

1. Designated Federal Officer will continue working with the Department of Interior to get the Council’s charter renewed and Council member appointments completed.
2. The Council plans to re-assess and evaluate new focus areas for the 2014-2016 time frame assuming the Council’s charter is reapproved and members are reappointed. A June meeting of the Council in Washington DC is planned.