Arizona Anglers Round Table
Meeting Notes & Highlights
AGFD Region VI Mesa Office
October 17, 2002
Participants included 15 anglers and 15 AGFD employees: Anglers – Alvin Grancell, Amy Grancell, John Rohmer, Ted Bounds, Cinda Howard, Ken Spalding, Karen Nelson, Jerry Nelson, Jack Brown, Ken Joachin, Walter Buse, Ken Levy, Jim Patterson, Greg Benham, Pete Bumbeizmick; AGFD employees – Brad Jacobson, Scott Reger, Mike Lopez, Don Mitchell, Scott Gurtin, Larry Riley, Rob Bettaso, Kirk Young, MariAnn Koloszar, Jim Warnecke, Scott Bryan, Marianne Meding, Terry Johnson, Fred Bloom, Roger Sorensen. Apologies for any misspellings -- the signup sheet was in rough shape.
Meeting began at 6:00 pm and ended at 9:00 pm.
1. Update and Review of Action Items from Past Meeting(s)
Larry Riley: (a) inappropriate kill and disposal methods used by AGFD employees in West Fork Black River brown trout removal. -- Larry has counseled the employees, and given verbal direction regarding relocation of any fish removed, or euthanasia. (b) USFS misinformation on Apache trout bag limit on Black River – it should be zero, not one; AGFD has contacted the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and correct information will be disseminated to USFS personnel. (c) Initiate discussions with Bill Luke Big Bass Days tournament managers to address angler concerns. -- Still in progress.
Jim Warnecke: (a) contacts in AGFD for lake levels – especially Roosevelt – give conflicting information. -- We could not locate any sources of conflicting information. Jim Warnecke is our conduit with SRP regarding Salt and Verde river lakes. He disseminates the information widely and consistently. (b) when will Canyon Creek re-open for fishing. -- Jim Warnecke will check on this information and clarify. (c) Identify funding needs and partnerships for measuring boards. In progress.
Terry Johnson: (a) update on Roosevelt Lake SRP Habitat Conservation Plan; -- public meetings were held, and AGFD is working with SRP and USBR to attain off-site mitigation. The HCP should be out soon.
2. Boat Ramp Blues (Fred Bloom and MariAnn Koloszar)
MariAnn provided an overview of the Boating Access Program, and a handout with more information, including current projects. Who builds them? – AGFD and Grant Participants. Who pays for them? AGFD and USFWS through the Sportfish Restoration Program (excise tax on fishing merchandise, boats and boating fuel). Who repairs them? The land management agency is usually responsible for maintenance and repairs. Which lakes need more, or bigger, ones, or maintenance for those already there? Input on needs at Saguaro. How are program priorities set within AGFD, and how do those relate to priorities of other agencies (e.g. USFS, Maricopa County). Projects are awarded through a competitive grant prioritization process that considers compatibility with AGFD goals and objectives, project feasibility, and benefit to conservation/management. What’s the budget and who manages it? The program is currently funded at about $500,000/year, and administered by MariAnn, who is supervised by Fred Bloom.
3. Commission Order 40 (Kirk Young)
Proposed changes for 2003 were discussed. [Note: The proposed changes were approved by the Commission on October 19th. Thanks for your input! Background information is available at www.azgfd.com.]
4. Overview of Sport Fish Program and Hatchery Operations
10-minute “highlights” presentations by each of the six regional Fisheries Program Managers and 15-minute presentation by State Hatchery Program Supervisor. Program highlights by region and the State Hatchery Program were discussed. Highlights include:
Region I Fire, drought, and Apache trout dominated the year in the Pinetop region. Bag and possession limit regulations were removed at 5 lakes (Tunnel, Concho, Crescent, Woodland and Scott’s). Extra fish stocked into fewer places meant great fishing at several lakes (Big, Crescent, Woods, Willow etc).
Region II Drought continued to hamper Williams area lakes. Cooperative project completed with anglers and USFS at J.D. and Perkins lakes.
Region III Middle Verde trout stocking to resume, Deadhorse State Park and Fain Lake, two of our most intensively stocked waters continue to thrive.
Region IV Lake Havasu fish habitat project is almost complete. It is the largest habitat project in the U.S. The approximate 875 acres of habitat is estimated to provide an economic value of over $30 million. Alamo Lake began summer at it lowest level in recent memory.
Region V Parker Canyon Lake filled this summer and has been stocked. Rose Canyon Lake was dredged (~13,000 cubic yards removed) as part of renovation to repair flood damage. The renovation was part of a unique partnership between US Marines, USFS, and AGFD.
Region VI Drought, and fire and impacts to central Arizona lakes were discussed. Rumor has it that CAP water delivery will be delayed until January, so Lake Pleasant could drop another ~ 20 or so feet and stay down until January. If true, the Lake would come up faster (over less time) through the Spring before drawdown begins (in May-June). [Note: this was just a rumor on October 17; see update at end of Summary.]
State Hatchery Program. Roger Sorensen gave an overview of the 6 state production facilities, and existing and future challenges. See Handout.
5. Walleye Research and Management (Mariann Meding)
Mariann summarized walleye stocking history, research study, and preliminary study results and observations. Fieldwork will be wrapped up this winter. See Handout.
6. Project Funding and Manpower (Larry Riley)
Larry summarized AGFD funding sources and issues. License sales are down ~ 18 percent so far this year. AGFD programs must live off the revenue that is raised. The Sport Fish Restoration Act, which provides 75 percent of our AGFD fish management budget, is up for reauthorization in 2003. Some interests wish to increase funding for the boating component of the legislation. Any increase in funds for boating would probably come at the cost of other program activities, such as fish management. See Handout.
7. National Sportfish Strategy (Larry Riley)
The national strategy developed with BASS was discussed. The strategy is intended to put the “fish” back into U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and will be available soon. See Handout.
8. Fire and Drought (Larry Riley, 10 minutes)
Drought has been severe and continuous. Roosevelt is at 11 percent of capacity. The Salt River Project system of reservoirs is at 26 percent. Carizo, Cibique, and Canyon creek watersheds severely impacted by fire. Healing will take time and attention and partnership. See Handout.
9. Arizona Smallmouth (Kirk Young)
No plans for smallmouth bass stockings. Last introduction was Saguaro Lake in the early 1990s. There have been reports of smallmouth in Lake Pleasant. Smallmouth were not stocked into Lake Pleasant, and they have not yet been confirmed/validated with a specimen. Anglers are encouraged to bring “smallmouth” specimens from Pleasant to AGFD for verification.
Questions to consider regarding smallmouth bass in Lake Pleasant (including possible stocking) include: impacts to ongoing AGFD Lake Pleasant study; consistency with management objectives; whether it is biologically possible to establish through stocking; whether the forage base is sufficient to support the species (another fish predator).
10. Wrap-up Items (Terry Johnson)
Other Business; Concluding Remarks; Date(s) and Location(s) for the Next Round Table(s); Adjournment
Invasive Species Brochures were distributed.
Next meeting scheduled for January 13 (6-9 pm) at the State Fairgrounds.
Follow Up on Items From Meeting
Canyon Creek Access
Jim Warnecke followed up with the following information: He spoke with Mark (District Ranger at Pleasant Valley) about roads in and about Canyon Creek. Mark said the FS 33 road to the Hatchery is open for public travel. None of the campgrounds within the creek area are open, however, except Canyon Point on top. People are allowed to hike down the creek, however, starting in the hatchery area going downstream for the full distance of the creek.
The FS 34 road is closed to the public and will stay closed until next Spring, due to road damage, safety issues (falling trees near pull outs and public parking), and the fragile soil. When the road and area is reassessed, and some of these concerns have been addressed after snowmelt, the road may be opened.
Lake Pleasant CAP Water Deliveries
Jim Warnecke asked Brian Henning (Hydrologist from CAP operations) about anticipated lake levels at Lake Pleasant for this Winter/Spring. The fill will be slower than normal, beginning November 4 at about 1000 cfs vs the 2000 cfs (normal) inflow, due to decreased CAP water volume. The fill rate will result in a lake-level rise of about 0.2’ per day (about 2.5”) through the end of March or so, when the anticipated maximum elevation will be reached -- 1685' vs the normal Spring maximum of 1690'. So, the news is not great, but for a horrible drought period it is not all that bad.
Document AZ Anglers Round Table Summary.20021017.doc
Meeting Notes & Highlights
AGFD Region VI Mesa Office
October 17, 2002
Participants included 15 anglers and 15 AGFD employees: Anglers – Alvin Grancell, Amy Grancell, John Rohmer, Ted Bounds, Cinda Howard, Ken Spalding, Karen Nelson, Jerry Nelson, Jack Brown, Ken Joachin, Walter Buse, Ken Levy, Jim Patterson, Greg Benham, Pete Bumbeizmick; AGFD employees – Brad Jacobson, Scott Reger, Mike Lopez, Don Mitchell, Scott Gurtin, Larry Riley, Rob Bettaso, Kirk Young, MariAnn Koloszar, Jim Warnecke, Scott Bryan, Marianne Meding, Terry Johnson, Fred Bloom, Roger Sorensen. Apologies for any misspellings -- the signup sheet was in rough shape.
Meeting began at 6:00 pm and ended at 9:00 pm.
1. Update and Review of Action Items from Past Meeting(s)
Larry Riley: (a) inappropriate kill and disposal methods used by AGFD employees in West Fork Black River brown trout removal. -- Larry has counseled the employees, and given verbal direction regarding relocation of any fish removed, or euthanasia. (b) USFS misinformation on Apache trout bag limit on Black River – it should be zero, not one; AGFD has contacted the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and correct information will be disseminated to USFS personnel. (c) Initiate discussions with Bill Luke Big Bass Days tournament managers to address angler concerns. -- Still in progress.
Jim Warnecke: (a) contacts in AGFD for lake levels – especially Roosevelt – give conflicting information. -- We could not locate any sources of conflicting information. Jim Warnecke is our conduit with SRP regarding Salt and Verde river lakes. He disseminates the information widely and consistently. (b) when will Canyon Creek re-open for fishing. -- Jim Warnecke will check on this information and clarify. (c) Identify funding needs and partnerships for measuring boards. In progress.
Terry Johnson: (a) update on Roosevelt Lake SRP Habitat Conservation Plan; -- public meetings were held, and AGFD is working with SRP and USBR to attain off-site mitigation. The HCP should be out soon.
2. Boat Ramp Blues (Fred Bloom and MariAnn Koloszar)
MariAnn provided an overview of the Boating Access Program, and a handout with more information, including current projects. Who builds them? – AGFD and Grant Participants. Who pays for them? AGFD and USFWS through the Sportfish Restoration Program (excise tax on fishing merchandise, boats and boating fuel). Who repairs them? The land management agency is usually responsible for maintenance and repairs. Which lakes need more, or bigger, ones, or maintenance for those already there? Input on needs at Saguaro. How are program priorities set within AGFD, and how do those relate to priorities of other agencies (e.g. USFS, Maricopa County). Projects are awarded through a competitive grant prioritization process that considers compatibility with AGFD goals and objectives, project feasibility, and benefit to conservation/management. What’s the budget and who manages it? The program is currently funded at about $500,000/year, and administered by MariAnn, who is supervised by Fred Bloom.
3. Commission Order 40 (Kirk Young)
Proposed changes for 2003 were discussed. [Note: The proposed changes were approved by the Commission on October 19th. Thanks for your input! Background information is available at www.azgfd.com.]
4. Overview of Sport Fish Program and Hatchery Operations
10-minute “highlights” presentations by each of the six regional Fisheries Program Managers and 15-minute presentation by State Hatchery Program Supervisor. Program highlights by region and the State Hatchery Program were discussed. Highlights include:
Region I Fire, drought, and Apache trout dominated the year in the Pinetop region. Bag and possession limit regulations were removed at 5 lakes (Tunnel, Concho, Crescent, Woodland and Scott’s). Extra fish stocked into fewer places meant great fishing at several lakes (Big, Crescent, Woods, Willow etc).
Region II Drought continued to hamper Williams area lakes. Cooperative project completed with anglers and USFS at J.D. and Perkins lakes.
Region III Middle Verde trout stocking to resume, Deadhorse State Park and Fain Lake, two of our most intensively stocked waters continue to thrive.
Region IV Lake Havasu fish habitat project is almost complete. It is the largest habitat project in the U.S. The approximate 875 acres of habitat is estimated to provide an economic value of over $30 million. Alamo Lake began summer at it lowest level in recent memory.
Region V Parker Canyon Lake filled this summer and has been stocked. Rose Canyon Lake was dredged (~13,000 cubic yards removed) as part of renovation to repair flood damage. The renovation was part of a unique partnership between US Marines, USFS, and AGFD.
Region VI Drought, and fire and impacts to central Arizona lakes were discussed. Rumor has it that CAP water delivery will be delayed until January, so Lake Pleasant could drop another ~ 20 or so feet and stay down until January. If true, the Lake would come up faster (over less time) through the Spring before drawdown begins (in May-June). [Note: this was just a rumor on October 17; see update at end of Summary.]
State Hatchery Program. Roger Sorensen gave an overview of the 6 state production facilities, and existing and future challenges. See Handout.
5. Walleye Research and Management (Mariann Meding)
Mariann summarized walleye stocking history, research study, and preliminary study results and observations. Fieldwork will be wrapped up this winter. See Handout.
6. Project Funding and Manpower (Larry Riley)
Larry summarized AGFD funding sources and issues. License sales are down ~ 18 percent so far this year. AGFD programs must live off the revenue that is raised. The Sport Fish Restoration Act, which provides 75 percent of our AGFD fish management budget, is up for reauthorization in 2003. Some interests wish to increase funding for the boating component of the legislation. Any increase in funds for boating would probably come at the cost of other program activities, such as fish management. See Handout.
7. National Sportfish Strategy (Larry Riley)
The national strategy developed with BASS was discussed. The strategy is intended to put the “fish” back into U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and will be available soon. See Handout.
8. Fire and Drought (Larry Riley, 10 minutes)
Drought has been severe and continuous. Roosevelt is at 11 percent of capacity. The Salt River Project system of reservoirs is at 26 percent. Carizo, Cibique, and Canyon creek watersheds severely impacted by fire. Healing will take time and attention and partnership. See Handout.
9. Arizona Smallmouth (Kirk Young)
No plans for smallmouth bass stockings. Last introduction was Saguaro Lake in the early 1990s. There have been reports of smallmouth in Lake Pleasant. Smallmouth were not stocked into Lake Pleasant, and they have not yet been confirmed/validated with a specimen. Anglers are encouraged to bring “smallmouth” specimens from Pleasant to AGFD for verification.
Questions to consider regarding smallmouth bass in Lake Pleasant (including possible stocking) include: impacts to ongoing AGFD Lake Pleasant study; consistency with management objectives; whether it is biologically possible to establish through stocking; whether the forage base is sufficient to support the species (another fish predator).
10. Wrap-up Items (Terry Johnson)
Other Business; Concluding Remarks; Date(s) and Location(s) for the Next Round Table(s); Adjournment
Invasive Species Brochures were distributed.
Next meeting scheduled for January 13 (6-9 pm) at the State Fairgrounds.
Follow Up on Items From Meeting
Canyon Creek Access
Jim Warnecke followed up with the following information: He spoke with Mark (District Ranger at Pleasant Valley) about roads in and about Canyon Creek. Mark said the FS 33 road to the Hatchery is open for public travel. None of the campgrounds within the creek area are open, however, except Canyon Point on top. People are allowed to hike down the creek, however, starting in the hatchery area going downstream for the full distance of the creek.
The FS 34 road is closed to the public and will stay closed until next Spring, due to road damage, safety issues (falling trees near pull outs and public parking), and the fragile soil. When the road and area is reassessed, and some of these concerns have been addressed after snowmelt, the road may be opened.
Lake Pleasant CAP Water Deliveries
Jim Warnecke asked Brian Henning (Hydrologist from CAP operations) about anticipated lake levels at Lake Pleasant for this Winter/Spring. The fill will be slower than normal, beginning November 4 at about 1000 cfs vs the 2000 cfs (normal) inflow, due to decreased CAP water volume. The fill rate will result in a lake-level rise of about 0.2’ per day (about 2.5”) through the end of March or so, when the anticipated maximum elevation will be reached -- 1685' vs the normal Spring maximum of 1690'. So, the news is not great, but for a horrible drought period it is not all that bad.
Document AZ Anglers Round Table Summary.20021017.doc
