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RAC approves landowner-permit rule changes and asks board to examine point loss for permit holders
Summary
The Northeastern RAC approved rule amendments implementing new landowner-voucher criteria and separately passed an action item requesting the wildlife board to review whether permit holders should forfeit drawing points after redeeming vouchers or conservation permits.
The Northeastern RAC approved proposed amendments to the landowner-permit rule (authority language referenced in meeting) that tighten how DWR will evaluate bulk permit vouchers for landowners owning between 4,899 and 8,999 acres. The RAC’s motion to accept the rule as presented passed unanimously.
Separately, the RAC voted 5-3 to ask the wildlife board to evaluate whether an individual who obtains a permit via a voucher (for example, a CWMU voucher, private-land voucher or similar) should lose their accumulated drawing points for that species. The motion asked the board to place the issue on the action log for study and potential rule review; proponents said the change could address ‘‘point creep’’ and perceived double-dipping by permit holders who both draw and buy vouchers; opponents urged caution, noting many landowners and small operators rely on voucher programs and that removing points would disadvantage long-term point holders.
Motion and vote details: Jake Huber moved to accept the landowner permit rule amendments as presented; Eric Majors seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Later, Jake Huber moved that the board review whether permit holders who obtain permits via vouchers or conservation tags should forfeit points; the motion was seconded and passed 5-3. RAC members and staff discussed program mechanics, statutory limits and how the LOA (landowner access) and CWMU programs differ.
DWR staff reminded the RAC that certain programs and the drawing rules are governed by separate rule sections (drawing-procedure rules) and that a board-level review would be the appropriate place to clarify point treatment. The RAC’s request is advisory; any change to point accrual or forfeiture would require rulemaking and an explicit change to the drawing rules.
Clarifying detail: the landowner voucher change applies to a narrow acreage band (4,899–8,999 acres), and the RAC asked the board to study effects before any broader changes to drawing or point rules are adopted.
The RAC’s item will be forwarded to the wildlife board with the RAC’s twin recommendations: approve the landowner rule as written and review the point-forfeiture question at the board level.
