The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is a clarification to the daily-use permit exemption for through-hikers utilizing the Florida Trail on Three Lakes and J.W. Corbett WMAs; and an increase in the price of a daily use permit from $3 per ...

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68A-9.007: Special-use Permits; Short-term Use Permits; Fees; Special-Opportunity Hunting and Fishing
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is a clarification to the daily-use permit exemption for through-hikers utilizing the Florida Trail on Three Lakes and J.W. Corbett WMAs; and an increase in the price of a daily use permit from $3 per vehicle to $4 per person on Tosohatchee WMA to match fees charged by the previous landowner (Department of Environmental Protection). The effect of the proposed rule changes will limit the daily-use permit exemption to through-hikers only; casual trail users will continue to be required to obtain a daily-use permit; and daily use fees at Tosohatchee WMA will be consistent with what has been charged in the past.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule changes will clarify the daily-use permit exemption for persons hiking the Florida Trail and limit that exemption to through-hikers; casual users (day hikers) will be required to obtain the required daily-use permit at Three Lakes and J.W. Corbett WMAs and the price for a daily use permit will increase from $3 per vehicle to $4 per person at Tosohatchee WMA.
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-9.007 Special-use Permits; Short-term Use Permits; Fees; Special-Opportunity Hunting and Fishing.

Special-use permits, short-term use permits, and fees for such permits are hereby established as follows:

(1) through (3) No change.

(4) The Commission establishes short-term permits and fees as follows:

(a) No change.

(b) Andrews WMA, Three Lakes WMA, Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb WMA, Chassahowitzka WMA, J.W. Corbett WMA, and those portions of Hilochee WMA in Lake county.

1. through 4. No change.

5. A daily-use permit shall not be required for persons using the Florida Trail for through-hiking recreational hiking.

6. through 7. No change.

(c) Tosohatchee WMA.

1. A daily-use permit for all outdoor recreational activities (including camping) other than hunting is $4 per person $3 per vehicle.

2. through 4. No change.

5. A daily-use permit shall not be required for persons using the Florida Trail for through-hiking recreational hiking.

6. through 7. No change.

(d) No change.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2008.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.57 FS. History–New 9-15-96, Amended 1-9-97, 6-1-97, 4-12-98, 4-15-99, Formerly 39-9.007, Amended 7-1-00, 5-13-02, 7-1-06, 8-22-06, 7-1-07, 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