The Senate Committee on Natural Resources was called to order by Chairman Dean A. Rhoads, at 3:10 p.m., on Wednesday, April 14, 1999, in Room 2144 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

Senator Lawrence E. Jacobsen, Vice Chairman

Senator Mike McGinness

Senator Mark A. James

Senator Raymond C. Shaffer

Senator Bob Coffin

Senator Maggie Carlton

GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:

Assemblyman John C. Carpenter, Elko County Assembly District No. 33

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

Fred Welden, Committee Policy Analyst

Scott Corbett, Committee Secretary

OTHERS PRESENT:

Chairman Rhoads opened the hearing on Assembly Concurrent Resolution (A.C.R.) 24.

Assemblyman John C. Carpenter, Elko County Assembly District No. 33, testified that A.C.R. 24 would allow the ranching and farming community to be recognized by the Nevada Division of Wildlife for their efforts in sustaining, enhancing and increasing the state’s wildlife population.

Senator Jacobsen asked Assemblyman Carpenter if there is any private land in the Elko area that the Division of Wildlife has helped with establishing a duck habitat. Assemblyman Carpenter replied that there is none to his knowledge, but he has had a few thousand ducks feeding on his property in Ruby Valley and welcomes the ducks and other wildlife as do other ranchers and farmers.

Bob McQuivey, Chief, Habitat Bureau, Division of Wildlife, State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, stated his division strongly supports A.C.R. 24, and submitted a copy of his previous testimony in the Assembly natural resources committee (Exhibit C).

Doug Busselman, Lobbyist, Nevada Farm Bureau, spoke in support of this resolution and commented that part of A.C.R 24 calls for the Division of Wildlife to work closely with private landowners to support wildlife.

Stephanie Licht, Lobbyist, Elko County Commissioners and Nevada Woolgrowers Association, stated she believes the Division of Wildlife has taken great strides to overcome the discrepancies between themselves and the private landowners in the past. Ms. Licht testified that the entities she represents are in support of A.C.R. 24.

Senator Jacobsen commented that he thinks farmers, ranchers and sportsmen should also pledge support with the Division of Wildlife, for a cooperative effort. Assemblyman Carpenter replied that he hopes the resolution responds to that, and commented that in Elko County there is a group that is comprised of ranchers, private citizens and people from the Division of Wildlife that work together to help wildlife on private property.

Joseph L. Johnson, Lobbyist, Sierra Club, spoke in support of A.C.R. 24.

Chairman Rhoads closed the hearing on A.C.R. 24 and opened the hearing on Assembly Bill (A.B.) 135.

Robert Gronowski, Chief, Bureau of Plant Industry, Division of Agriculture, Department of Business and Industry, spoke from prepared comments (Exhibit D), stating that A.B. 135 would bring Nevada law consistent with other state laws pertaining to regulation of nurseries and nursery stock.

Senator Jacobsen asked Mr. Gronowski what nursery laws contain. Mr. Gronowski replied that these laws regulate interstate shipping, pest controls, and pest certifications.

Chairman Rhoads closed the hearing on A.B. 135 and adjourned the meeting at 3:25 p.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

Scott Corbett,

Committee Secretary

APPROVED BY:

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

DATE: