operate are somehow full of loopholes and there should be more restrictive state regulations.
Mr. Sidney Kent Carnie, North American Falconers Association, indicated his association
deals with the sport at the federal level. Falconers were instrumental in forming model state
regulations in order to alleviate any misunderstanding about the sport. When the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act was amended to give the federal government primary jurisdiction over hawks, the
state model regulations were used to develop the federal regulations. Mr. Carnie pointed out
that wildlife law enforcement is an essential tool to the proper functioning of the wildlife
management program. Unfortunately, some people without adequate wildlife background and
more enforcement background become more concerned with regulation than the resource and
lose sight of why the regulations were originally enacted. States became concerned that the
federal government was being too severe in the implementation of its regulation. Mr. Carnie said
the tendency over the past eight years has been to simplify the regulations.
Sen. Pete Suazo indicated when he first received his falconers license, the proclamation
was four pages. It has since increased to 17 pages. The state is spending much more than what
is being brought in to regulate the small number of falconers in the state. Other states have
adopted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife regulations without adding another layer of regulations.
Mr. Howard Brinkerhoff, Falcons Ledge, pointed out there is nothing in the federal
provisions governing falconers that provides for routine inspections. In other states regulations
on falconry are being reduced. He asserted it is critical that a new relationship between falconers
and the division be established. If the relationship cannot be improved, oversight of falconers
should be put under another agency.
Mr. Kimball stated he would obtain information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
regarding when the inspections were scheduled. He noted that recent meetings between the
division and falconers have been constructive. He said he would encourage the falconers to
attend the regional advisory council meetings. A copy of the meeting schedules will be sent to
committee members.
MOTION: Rep. Johnson moved to review the proclamation process with the division. The motion passed unanimously. Sen. Evans and Hull and Reps. Iverson, Olsen, Styler, and
Tuttle were absent. The chair noted a quorum was not present.
5. Environmental Issues - Dr. Dianne Nielson, Department of Environmental Quality, distributed information on the department's operations. She reviewed the department's goals,
values, and operating principles. Dr. Nielson indicated that since 1995, FTE levels and the
department's operating budget have essentially remained the same. She reviewed the different
divisions within the department and their corresponding responsibilities. Some of the key issues
for the department include: 1) partnerships with local health departments; 2) the Safe Drinking
Water Act; 3) voluntary cleanups; and 4) individual wastewater systems.
Dr. Nielson distributed a copy of an executive order concerning a proposed high level
nuclear waste facility and a copy of the governor's comments on the facility. The proposed
temporary facility is approximately 40 miles west of Salt Lake City on the Goshute tribe's
reservation. The concern with the proposal is not only an issue of safety, it is an issue of whether
the facility will become permanent. A determination was made nationally that the best way to
handle storage of the waste is to do deep geologic storage. Chances are excellent that the state
will be able to prevent the storage of nuclear waste on the reservation.
6. Other Business - Rep. Johnson asked if members had any comments or additions to the list of proposed study items.
Rep. Carlson stated she would like to see nonhunters involved with wildlife issues. Ms.
Steffen noted the Wildlife Heritage Act is scheduled to sunset. It refers to the nonconsumptive
wildlife program and would pertain to Rep. Carlson's request.
Rep. Johnson stated that a field trip to the Grand Staircase - Escalante National
Monument has been suggested. The committee discussed which portions of the monument they
should visit.
Rep. Hatch indicated he would be willing to put together a proposal for the trip and bring
it back to the committee at the next meeting. Rep. Iverson requested the committee visit the
water district in his area at the same time.
Sen. Evans said there is intent language that directs the Department of Corrections and
the Division of Facilities, Construction and Management to meet with the local entities working
on preserving open space along the Jordan River and to develop a plan to present to an interim
committee.
Rep. Johnson indicated the issue would be added to the list of study items.
MOTION: Rep. Carlson moved to request approval from the Legislative Management Committee for the field trip. The motion passed unanimously. Sen. Hull, and Reps. Anderson,
Styler, and Tuttle were absent during the vote.
MOTION: Sen. Evans moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:35 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.