CHICKADEE CHECKOFF SMALL GRANTS APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JUNE 15

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For 34 years wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts have benefited from this unique program

PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism has extended the deadline for accepting proposals for the Chickadee Checkoff Small Grants Program through June 15, 2014. Grant recipients carry out projects focused on wildlife diversity and native nongame wildlife species while addressing the issues and strategies within the Kansas Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan “A Future for Kansas Wildlife.”

By making small grants available, the department is able to utilize the talents and expertise of people outside of the department. The diverse projects completed as a result of this program have led to numerous publications in scientific journals, educational products, and new information on native nongame wildlife species and their habitats.

Interested parties have until June 15 to turn in a completed grant proposal. For program information on this program, including eligibility requirements and to view a list of priority projects for 2014, download the grant guidance document, or visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Services / Wildlife Diversity / Chickadee Checkoff.”

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GARDEN CITY LOCATION OF UPCOMING WILDIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING

Live, commercial-free video and audio streaming of meetings now available for first time

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, June 27, at the Lee Richardson Zoo, 312 Finnup

Dr., Garden City. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items. The general discussion period will cover the following topics: Secretary’s remarks about agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2013 legislative session, a briefing on tourism, Spring/Fall 2014 turkey regulations, and youth license and permit fees.

During the afternoon session, commissioners will workshop items that were covered under general discussion at the April meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include regulations pertaining to fishing, parks, late migratory bird seasons, prairie chickens, and an update on the lesser prairie chicken federal listing.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for the public hearing. The first portion of the public hearing will be devoted to bringing regulations related to agritourism into the KDWPT regulation system. Agritourism duties were transferred to KDWPT in 2011 when Gov. Brownback’s Executive Reorganization Order No. 36 moved the Division of Travel and Tourism into KDWPT. Other regulations that will be voted on include the KAR 115-5 series that deals with furbearers and coyotes. At the April meeting, commissioners heard comments on a recommendation that would prohibit coyote hunting with vehicles and two-way radios during the regular firearm deer season. After discussion, commissioners requested KDWPT staff to bring several options to the June public hearing. Regulations that cover the use of baiting, blinds and tree stands on public lands that required some clean-up will be heard and voted on. Deer season dates for Ft. Riley will be approved, and recommendations for early migratory bird seasons will be heard.

Time will be available in both afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., June 28, to complete unfinished business.

For the first time, a commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for August, 1, 2013 at the Woodson County Community Building in Yates Center.

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TOURISM TO JOIN WILDLIFE AND PARKS JULY 1

Merger adds new responsibility for agency

TOPEKA--On July 1, the Division of Travel and Tourism will officially transfer from the Department of Commerce to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The merger changes the agency’s name to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the name of the division to the Division of Tourism. The merger also:

• Establishes the new position of Assistant Secretary for Parks and Tourism; Linda Craghead was appointed to that new position.

• Abolishes the position of Assistant Secretary for Operations, held by Keith Sexson.

• Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Wildlife, Fisheries and Boating; Keith Sexson was appointed to the new position.

All Division of Travel and Tourism employees will transfer to KDWPT, along with the division’s funding. In early July, eight employees will move their offices to KDWPT’s Office of the Secretary at 1020 S Kansas. Six other employees work in the Goodland Tourist Information Center, located on eastbound I-70 west of Goodland.

The phone number for the Division of Tourism will remain the same, 785-296-2009.

The Kansas Agritourism program, managed by Becki Rhoades, will also officially transfer to the agency on July 1. Rhoades moved to the Office of the Secretary on Friday, June 24. Her phone number is also unchanged, 785-296-1847.

Robin Jennison, KDWPT Secretary, is looking forward to the agency’s added responsibilities. “This is a great opportunity for us to help make Kansas a real showpiece in the Midwest. I firmly believe the state has an enormous variety of opportunities for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, alike. This merger just makes sense,” he said.

Becky Blake, Director of the Division of Tourism, added, “Kansas has a wealth of unique and authentic experiences to share with the rest of the world. This merger will enhance our ability to develop and promote all of the state’s tourism opportunities and expand the economic impact of this important segment of the state’s economy.”

For information about traveling in Kansas, visit the Division of Tourism website at travelks.com and for more information about KDWPT, visit the agency website at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM MOVING TO WILDLIFE AND PARKS

Division of Travel and Tourism transfer to KDWP official; will be complete July 1
TOPEKA — On Jan. 26, Governor Sam Brownback submitted to the Kansas Legislature Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) 36 — which would transfer the Division of Travel and Tourism from the Department of Commerce to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). An ERO becomes effective July 1 following its transmittal to the Legislature, unless within 60 calendar days either the Kansas Senate or the House adopts a resolution disapproving the ERO. Monday, March 28, marked the end of those 60 calendar days without any disapproving action from either legislative body, ensuring the merger on July 1.

Robin Jennison, Acting Secretary of Wildlife and Parks, noted that tourism plays a vital part in the state’s economy, particularly as the state recovers from the recession.

“I am especially gratified that legislators recognized the valuable role of tourism in our state and allowed this action to move forward,” Jennison said. “We are looking forward to the opportunities that will be created by merging the Division of Travel and Tourism team with this agency.”

Becky Blake, Director of Travel and Tourism added, “More than 31 million visitors spend nearly $7.2 billion annually and support 125,000 jobs in our state. This reorganization will allow us to more closely align our tourism assets and grow the tourism economy in a more strategic manner.”

All 13 Travel and Tourism staff members will move to KDWP, which will be renamed the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. The order also creates an Assistant Secretary of Parks and Tourism position and renames the position of Assistant Secretary for Operations to Assistant Secretary for Wildlife, Fisheries and Boating.

Camping Places

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