The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to revise regulations prohibiting the possession of guns on wildlife refuges. The effect of the proposed rule changes is to help the agency better manage fish and wildlife resources.

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68A-18.004: Regulations in Wildlife Refuges
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to revise regulations prohibiting the possession of guns on wildlife refuges. The effect of the proposed rule changes is to help the agency better manage fish and wildlife resources.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule changes would allow the possession of guns on wildlife refuges, as long as the guns are not used for taking wildlife.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: During the regular meeting of the Commission, February 6-7, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., each day
PLACE: Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 4200 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: The ADA Coordinator, at [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Nick Wiley, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

68A-18.004 Regulations in Wildlife Refuges.

No person shall take or possess any wildlife on any area established as a wildlife refuge; or take or possess any freshwater fish on any area closed to the taking of freshwater fish. In any wildlife refuge, no person shall be in possession of a gun, dog, or trap or other device for taking wildlife. In any refuge where taking freshwater fish is prohibited, no person shall be in possession of any device for taking freshwater fish.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2008.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.121 FS. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-21-82, 7-1-84, Formerly 39-18.04, 39-18.004, Amended 7-1-08.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Nick Wiley, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Mr. Kenneth D. Haddad, Executive Director
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 5, 2007
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 7, 2007