STA Update

[N. Cook]

As we learned at the STA recap meeting circumstances will prevent adding new cells at STA 2 and STA 5. However, there is a chance hunting on STA 1 W could be expanded. I spent most of today out with the FWC and SFWMD staffs looking at the various cells at STA 1 W that may be in "huntable" condition next season.

This is a bit of a guessing game as the cells can change drastically over the summer.....but Cells 5A and 1A have possibilities. We will be placing the plans on the SFWMD Gov. Board agenda and trying to maintain the flexibility needed until a better determination can be made during the August review.

I have asked for at least 40 permits versus the current 25. Things look reasonably good for an increase in opportunity.

[godvlman]

Newton,

I may have been misinformed but I was told there was formula that the FWC or SFWMD is using to determine the amount of permits that were going to be allowed in each STA?? If so what is the formula?? If not why only 40 permits?? The area that was hunted last year at STA 1 could hold 40 permits no problem with out the extra cells added????

Where any of our Southern Regional Directors with you and the other Staff members??

[N. Cook]

There is no real formula for the STAs as there are many factors involved. The FWC biologists, LEOS and the SFWMD STA managers (with Jerry Krenz the SFWMD CERP Recreation Manager the liason) all have input.

The first hurdle is getting the STA managers to consider a cell as available for hunting. Jerry helps us with that. That was the purpose of the visit to STA 1 W which is the only STA being looked at for new hunting cells. I was invited to help judge the cells' attraction for ducks and hunting.

The FWC biologists were needed to agree that there was room in the marsh and parking that matched the habitat requirements. Also, they do the parking signs and needed to know what new levees may need new signs placed on them and where they could be located.

We are a long way from knowing what the results of Jerry"s work will be. He must now go into the STA managers meeting (STA 1 W manager has a lot of say) and try to get the two cells at STA 1 W we looked at approved.

Although in previous years I usually made a couple of trips out with them, they do not have to "invite" anyone on these "missions".....and did not do so last year and got into a mess on STA 1 W....Perhaps that is why they asked me to ride with them this time.

The fact that the cells' make up can change drastically over the summer makes it interesting....what is clear open water and not good looking today can be full of hydrilla and ducks in Oct.....and what is now topped out hydrilla can be a cattail monoculture by fall...Over the years we have been able to be better in our predictions from experience.

Jerry will present the proposals (and responses) he will be making at the SFWMD WRAC Recreation Meetings for comments.

One thing being worked on is to get the SFWMD Gov. Board to give an open end approval for hunting on the STAs and not require a detailed cell by cell, quota number by quota number, approval every year....a long and tedious four month process that has to be done by July. That would make planning much easier.

[godvlman]

Thanks Jorge....

Newton,

My question is why and were did you come up with the #40???

STA 5 is 5100 acres w/ 40 permits being allowed to date!!!

STA 1 is over 6000 acres including the addition of the 2 proposed new cells being added 1A (745 acres) and cell 5A (562 acres)

That is over 1000 acres more than STA 5

AND YOU ONLY ASKED FOR 40 PERMITS???

[novaalex]

John, the staff originally mentioned 10 more permits "just as a number" Newton responded 40 almost in anger! FWC is very conservative as far as incrementing the number of allotted permits. You are never going to see them go from 25-50-75. Although this may seem a gradual increase in our opinion, it is seen as drastic by them. We "may" go from 25-40!

[godvlman]

Gotcha... thanks...

It just did not make sense to me!!! YEA I agree 10 permits is a joke!!!

[novaalex]

spoken like a true lawyer

[binellishtr]

did u ask them to open it for 24/7 access? Or have we concluded that will never happen?

[N. Cook]

Answered over on the Members forum.

[Randy Clark]

Unless u are one of the 10 guys that get the additional 10 permits.:toothy10:

this is a very true statement. thanks guys for the work you are doing.