RULES AND REGULATIONS
GAME COMMISSION
[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 147 ]
Special Permits
[39 Pa.B. 6767]
[Saturday, November 28, 2009]To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission) adopted the following rulemaking at its July 9, 2009, meeting:
Amend Chapter 147, by adding § 147.558a (relating to political subdivisions as applicants) to authorize political subdivisions to apply for an agricultural deer control permit for the limited purpose of managing the agricultural deer control activities occurring on a conglomeration of separate, but otherwise individually eligible properties located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the political subdivision.
The final-form rulemaking will have no adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for the final-form rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 39 Pa.B. 5163 (August 29, 2009).
1. Purpose and Authority
The Agricultural Deer Control Permit (commonly referred to as ''Red Tag'') is a very useful program that assists landowners in achieving their land use goals by managing deer densities on their respective properties through the use of licensed hunters. Traditionally, this program has required landowners to individually manage the application, reporting and deer control activities themselves. This higher level of individual responsibility has proven to be an impediment to participation for some landowners that are greatly interested in controlling deer densities on their properties, but are not capable of dedicating the necessary resources to manage the program on their property. In an effort to enhance public access to this program, the Commission amended Chapter 147, by adding § 147.558a to authorize political subdivisions to apply for an agricultural deer control permit for the limited purpose of managing the agricultural deer control activities occurring on a conglomeration of separate, but otherwise individually eligible properties located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the political subdivision. This structure will not only reduce the demands on each respective landowner, but it will enhance the effectiveness of a larger deer control plan promoted by the community by consolidating the management of the agricultural deer control activities into one centralized location.
Section 2901(b) of the code (relating to authority to issue permits) provides ''the commission may, as deemed necessary to properly manage the game or wildlife resources, promulgate regulations for the issuance of any permit and promulgate regulations to control the activities which may be performed under authority of any permit issued.'' The amendment to Chapter 147, by adding § 147.558a was adopted under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
The final-form rulemaking amended Chapter 147, by adding § 147.558a to authorize political subdivisions to apply for an agricultural deer control permit for the limited purpose of managing the agricultural deer control activities occurring on a conglomeration of separate, but otherwise individually eligible properties located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the political subdivision.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to engage in agricultural deer control activities within this Commonwealth may be affected by the final-form rulemaking.
4. Comment and Response Summary
There were no official comments received regarding the final-form rulemaking.
5. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The final-form rulemaking should not result in any additional cost or paperwork.
6. Effective Date
The final-form rulemaking will be effective upon final publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
7. Contact Person
For further information regarding the final-form rulemaking, contact Richard R. Palmer, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
Findings
The Commission finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt the administrative regulation adopted by this order has been given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201 and 1202) and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2 (relating to notice of proposed rulemaking required; and adoption of regulations).
(2) The adoption of this regulation of the Commission in the manner provided in this order is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of the authorizing statute.
Order
The Commission, acting under authorizing statute, orders that:
(a) The regulations of the Commission, 58 Pa. Code Chapter 147, are amended by adding § 147.558a to read as set forth at 39 Pa.B. 5163.
(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and 39 Pa.B. 5163 and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(c) This order shall become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
CARL G. ROE,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48-293 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulation.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 09-2179. Filed for public inspection November 25, 2009, 9:00 a.m.]
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