Senate committee hears from gubernatorial appointee Mike Roach and reappointed commissioner Ron Davies

The Senate Resources & Environment Committee heard from Mike Roach, a gubernatorial appointee to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, and from Ron Davies, who was introduced for reappointment to the commission. The committee held the appearances for future consideration and did not take confirmation votes during the hearing.

Mike Roach introduced himself as a lifelong Idaho resident from Fairfield with a degree in wildlife fisheries from the University of Idaho and experience working summers for Fish and Game in the 1970s. "I'm really excited to work with my fellow commissioners," Roach said, noting he has attended two commission meetings since his appointment and described the commission as having "a very, varied background" among members.

Ron Davies, who said he lives in Clayton and served as the commission chairman for several months, described his background as a retired firefighter paramedic from Pocatello and said his "avid passion" for hunting and fishing is his primary asset to the commission.

Committee members questioned both men on management priorities. Senator Cook asked Roach what he considered the commission's biggest challenge; Roach answered: "manage[ment] — being able to manage the resources," citing elk and deer and noting that federal Endangered Species Act constraints play a role in some areas. On grizzly bear management, Commissioner Davies said federal litigation has limited Idaho's ability to fully implement state management options and that the department is "aware" of growing human-bear interactions in some regions.

The committee did not record a confirmation vote. Vice Chair Hart indicated the panel typically waits a few days and then takes up appointments to move them to the full Senate for approval or disapproval.