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Alpine County fishing commission secures extra funds, approves summer stockings and event spending
Summary
The Alpine County Fishing and Game Commission confirmed new county and HHS funding, approved spending for kids fishing days and fish stockings ahead of July 4, and voted to buy locks for a handicapped-access fishing gate. Commissioners also approved bylaws changes reducing membership and reverting meeting time to 5 p.m.
The Alpine County Fishing and Game Commission on June 10 approved several budget and scheduling actions to support summer fish stockings and community events.
Chair said the commission received an additional $12,500 from the Board of Supervisors to help cover fish stockings through the end of June and into the July 4 holiday, and the commission has been awarded a $12,000 HHS grant to support two kids' fishing events ($6,000 per event). “We did get an additional $12,500 from the Board of Supervisors to apply towards the rest of this fiscal year,” the Chair said, adding the HHS funds are committed though “it hasn't been transferred in or added actually to the budget” yet.
Why it matters: The funding and motions approved at the meeting aim to ensure fish are in local waters for Fourth of July recreation and to underwrite children’s fishing activities that bring families and economic activity to Alpine County’s recreation areas.
What the commission did: Members voted to:
- Approve regular meeting minutes from April 8 (voice vote).
- Reduce commission membership from seven to five and ratify that change for future board action (motion passed by voice vote).
- Revert regular meeting time to 5:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month (motion passed; one member signaled an abstention during the vote).
- Allocate up to $500 for the Lake Alpine kids fishing day to cover supplies and incidental expenses (motion passed).
- Allocate up to $500 for Caples Lake kids fishing-day supplies and incidental needs (motion passed).
- Approve a motion to stock up to a truckload of fish before the end of the fiscal year, contingent on flows and temperatures, to ensure fish are available for July 4 (motion passed).
- Purchase two master-style locks and a short chain (up to approximately $75) for the handicapped fishing access gate after receiving state permission (motion passed).
Public and staff notes: Public commenters praised the commission’s fundraising and offered help with marketing and outreach. A resident, Phil, urged better promotion of stocking activity to restore angler traffic and offered photos for promotional posters. Lieutenant Bob Perra of fish and wildlife law enforcement said enforcement staffing is short in the county but that patrols continue when possible.
Budget and process details: Chair said the $12,500 from the Board of Supervisors and the HHS $12,000 award are available to support this year’s stocking and event work, though some funds have not yet been posted to the county budget. Commissioners and staff noted that public donations must be appropriated through the Board of Supervisors before being permanently entered into county accounts, but that the commission can use available fiscal-year funds now and backfill with donations once appropriated.
What’s next: Staff and volunteers will proceed with event planning for the kids fishing days; the commission said it will continue to monitor flows and temperatures before finalizing stocking locations and timing. The bylaws changes will be taken to the Board of Supervisors for formal approval as required.
Closing: The commission adjourned after completing the agenda.
