HCS HB 205, 323 & 549 -- CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Relford)

This substitute allows the Missouri Conservation Commission to
establish a cost-share incentive program to promote sustainable
forestry practices on tracts of at least 40 acres.  The program
may reimburse landowners for up to 50% of the costs of forest
management activities that do not generate an immediate profit,
protect water quality, and ensure efficient use and continued
availability of forest resources.  No individual may receive
more than $5,000 per year from the program.  Lands designated as
forest croplands are not eligible.

The substitute also makes it a class A misdemeanor to knowingly
release swine to live in a wild state on public or unfenced
private land.  Free-roaming hogs not conspicuously identified by
ear tags may be killed without liability on public lands or on
private lands with the permission of the landowner.  State
wildlife regulations must be followed during the firearms deer
and turkey hunting seasons, and artificial lights may only be
used by landowners on their own land.

In addition to the existing class A misdemeanor charge, the
substitute also requires anyone convicted of illegally taking or
possessing an antlered deer to remit to the Conservation
Commission an amount ranging from $1,500 to $7,500, depending on
the deer's Boone & Crockett score.  Resident landowners on their
own property and individuals guilty of minor tagging or checking
violations are exempt.  The commission may allocate up to 25% of
the funds for grants that promote anti-poaching activities.

Further, the substitute requires courts to notify the commission
if anyone fails to appear at a hearing or pay a fine for taking
wildlife illegally.  The commission may consider this
information in permit suspension, revocation, or denial actions.

Finally, the substitute makes the Department of Conservation
financially responsible for verifiable damage to crops,
livestock, fencing, motor vehicles, and other private property
caused by elk reintroduced into the wild by the department.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Effect on Conservation Commission
Fund of a cost of Unknown to an income of $912,500 in FY 2002, a
cost of Unknown to an income of $1,095,000 in FY 2003, and of a
cost of Unknown to an income of $1,095,000 in FY 2004.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:42 am