SF 257 – Issuing permits for bass fishing events
SF 258 – Restrictions on hunting on private property in Canadian goose closed zones
SF 259 – Removing restriction on certain motorboats on Lake Macbride
SSB 1027 – DNR Code cleanup: Solid waste management systems program and beautification grants
COMMITTEE ACTION
SF 257 establishes a set of guidelines for conducting bass fishing tournaments and the approval of permits for those events by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The minimum number of vessels for an event is 6 on public waters other than the Mississippi River. For Mississippi River events, the minimum number of vessels is 20, and there must be at least 40 participants. The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) will adopt rules, including:
- Establishing requirements for obtaining a permit for the event, including the weigh-in, handling and release of live bass;
- Measuring and releasing bass from the vessel;
- Number of bass allowed to be kept and being kept alive during the tournament;
- Cleaning of vessels after the event to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
[2/14: short form]
SF 258 restricts the NRC from prohibiting hunting of Canada geese on private land within closed hunting zones. The closed hunting zones are established by the NRC at the recommendation of wildlife biologists to effectively sustain and manage Canada geese populations in Iowa. The zones are adjusted over time to provide refuge areas for geese. The closed zones include private property in proximity to established wildlife refuge areas.
[2/14: 9-4 (Dvorsky, Hart, Kinney, Lykam “no”)]
SF 259 removes the restriction on the operation of motorboats with a motor of more than 10 horsepower on Lake Macbride between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The existing prohibition on the operation of boats at more than no-wake speeds would remain in place. Lake Macbride is currently the only public lake in the state with this restriction on the size of motors. This restriction has been in place for a number of years and is supported as a way for preserve the lake as a place for sailing and other activities.
[2/14: 10-3 (Dvorsky, Kinney, Lykam “no”)]
SSB 1027 contains various updates to responsibilities of the DNR. The bill removes language regarding funding of beautification grants by DNR for a program that has since become housed within the Economic Development Authority. The bill also makes a number of changes regarding the solid waste environment management systems program, including eliminating the associated advisory council and updating terminology to reflect current operations.
[2/14: short form]