Public input sought on Game and Fish operational plans

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

The draft operational plans 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 new operational plans every two years.

“Public input is important in helping us develop and finalize these plans,” says Bob Broscheid, 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 plans are 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 draft documents are posted for review on the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov along with Wildlife 2012, the strategic plan that when into effect in January.

Written comment can 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.