Environment (Wildlife)

Amend KRS 150.170 to exempt a bona fide private landowner from any fishing restrictions imposed in KRS Chapter 150 or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder relating to creel, possession, size, or method of take; allow a private landowner to extend the same rights and privileges relating to fishing in lakes or ponds located on the landowner's property to any person in written or electronic form; allow the stocking of certain largemouth bass in private lakes and ponds without restriction; exempt a bona fide private landowner from any lake or pond stocking restrictions except with regard to prohibitions on the stocking of invasive fish.

This Senate resolution formally recognizes regulated trapping as an essential and humane part of wildlife management and conservation in Kentucky. It highlights how trapping helps control predator populations, protect endangered species, and manage overabundant wildlife while contributing economic value and reducing taxpayer costs. The resolution also encourages public education about trapping's role in sustainable resource use and directs officials to notify relevant state and federal agencies of its adoption.

Amend KRS 150.022 to disqualify a person who has been convicted of a violation of any state or federal hunting or fishing regulation from serving on the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission (commission); establish additional qualifications to serve on the commission; require that each appointee file an affidavit with the Secretary of State setting forth how the appointee meets the qualifications and requirements to serve on the commission; require that legislation confirming the appointment of a member of the commission be referred, reviewed, and reported by the standing committee of jurisdiction; require annual executive branch ethics training for each member of the commission; add definition for "sportswoman"; amend KRS 150.061 to provide additional qualifications for the commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; require that the commissioner be confirmed by the Senate; require for the commission to conduct national searches to fill vacancies for commissioner after the effective date of the Act; EMERGENCY.

Support the availability of termed and perpetual conservation easements as an important tool designed to promote conservation practices on private lands.