Resolve, Directing the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife To Conduct a Study To Identify All Publicly Owned Inland and Coastal Water Access Sites

Sec. 1. Contract for study. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, referred to in this resolve as "the commissioner," shall contract with outside experts to conduct a study of all publicly owned inland and coastal water access sites; and be it further

Sec. 2. Procedures to be used. Resolved: That a contract awarded pursuant to this resolve must be awarded in accordance with applicable state laws, rules and procedures relating to the purchase of services and awarding of contracts. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, referred to in this resolve as "the department," shall establish a panel to assist in developing the scope of work and evaluating and selecting a proposal. The panel must include appropriate department staff and up to 5 people representing statewide organizations with an interest in the management of fisheries and marketing of recreational fishing; and be it further

Sec. 3. Scope of work. Resolved: That the study must include, but not be limited to, identifying sites that provide both walk-in and watercraft launching access to coastal and inland waters, creating a map of all sites and describing the type of access at each site and the legal rights of the public at each site; and be it further

Sec. 4. Funding. Resolved: That the commissioner may accept grants and donations for the work required pursuant to this resolve and expend those funds as necessary to accomplish the purpose of this resolve. If adequate funds are not secured, the commissioner may at the commissioner's discretion terminate this work; and be it further

Sec. 5. Report required. Resolved: That the commissioner shall submit a report of work conducted in response to this resolve and any findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and wildlife matters by December 1, 2010. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and wildlife matters may submit a bill during the First Regular Session of the 125th Legislature on matters relating to the report.

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to contract with outside experts to conduct a study of all publicly owned inland and coastal water access sites, including walk-in and watercraft launching sites, to create a map of all sites and to identify the public's access opportunities and rights at each site.