Response: As proposed under the preferred alternative, FWP would stress habitat in 

 its acquisitions and consider access on a case by case basis. • iii.y^rtj 



ISSUE #4 

 Response to Agency Requests — 2 comments 



Summary 



Public comment directed at this issue favored a FWP response emphasizing habitat protection 

 over recreation and that recreational opportimity remains contingent upon maintaining habitat 

 quality. 



Samples of Comments 



• Respond to all requests from an ecological perspective giving high priority to wildlife 

 population stability, habitat security and individual hunter opportimity. 



• Giving habitat protection a higher priority than recreation in all management decisions 

 including road trail building and maintenance. 



Response: FWP 's preferred alternative would continue to consider benefits to 

 wildlife, habitats, and recreational opportunity in its responses. Additionally, it would 

 take the lead in promoting ethical use of recreational vehicles on public land. 



ISSUE #5 

 Private Land Closure 6 comments 



Summary 



Public comment expressed a primary concern that closure of large blocks of private land as a result of 

 leasing to outfitters is diminishing hunting opportimity for resident hunters. Another concern is that 

 such closures in some cases also limit public access to public land. 



Suggested proposals for FWP to go beyond the package of actions addressed among the five 

 alternatives. These included as a matter of policy, the Commission closing hunting seasons in 

 districts where the public is denied access to private land as a result of leasing to outfitters. Another 

 proposal would change the tax rate on land leased to outfitters from agricultural to commercial. 



Samples of Comments 



• Ranchers who lease their land to outfitters should be taxed at a recreational rate. 



• Since wildlife belongs to the public, monies for game damage should only be given to 

 landowners who allow free public access. On a broader note, the current nonresident 

 licensing system is significantly contributing to this problem. 



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