Using GIS Tools to Enhance Permit Compliance

James Husband Fish & Wildlife Information Services/Permits Manager

OFWIM Conference September 29, 2014

Permits Organization

Restructured in 2010 Brought two work units together in one shop Issue 27 different permits Issued over 3000 permits in 2013 Staffing FT = 3 PT = 2 Provide services to Law Enforcement and other State & Federal regulatory Agencies

Regulatory Authorization

As described in §§29.1-412, 29.1-418, and 29.1-569 of the Code of Virginia, a “Permit” may be issued for specific purposes outlined below, including:

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600 Series1

Series2

Total # of Permit Per Year Permit Type 2013 2014 To Date Bird Banding 13 16 Collect Snapping Turtles and Hellgrammites for Sale 54 26 Commercial Nuisance 74 74 Dog Field Trial 313 252 Eel Pot (Commercial & Personal Use) 9 4 Exhibitor 166 30 Falconry 33 42 Fur Dealer – Non-Resident 16 10 Fur Dealer 31 27 Gill Net – VA Beach Only 22 20 Grass Carp for Aquatic Vegetation Control in Private Ponds 512 418 Haul Seine (Catch Minnows and Chubs for Sale) 4 2 Haul Seine (NG Fish for Sale) 5 2 Hold & Sell 184 31 Import and Possess Certain Non-Native (Exotic) Wildlife in Virginia 8 9 Import Tilapia and Clawed Frogs 16 30 Licensed Shooting Preserve – Law/Inspections 142 119 Nonresident Harvester’s Permit 3 2 Foxhound Training Preserves in Virginia – Law/Inspections 36 36 Possess, Propagate, Buy & Sell Fisheries 238 220 Raptor Propagation 5 2 Raccoon Hound Field Trial 194 118 Salvage 25 27 Scientific Collection 142 117 Taxidermy 391 265 Threatened & Endangered Species 53 51 Wildlife Rehabilitation – Law/Inspections 335 329

A Case for Fox Pen Compliance

Fox Pens are legal to operate in Virginia Most fox pens are relatively small, family-run operations, averaging 200 acres in

size. About half of these operations only allow small groups of hounds into the pen, exclusively for training. However, the other half hosts large competitions and field trials, which can involve hundreds of dogs on a single day. For a few of the largest operations, such competitions seem to be their primary business.

Fox Pens are highly controversial bringing animal rights activists from the large organizations to include: HSUS, PETA, Local & National SPCAs

There were 42 Fox Pens in 2010 There are 36 Fox Pens today GIS mapping was used to determine minimal compliance

Determine acreage (Minimum allowance is 100) Determine total acreage of all pens We cataloged all pens with aerial images for use with all inquiries

Timeline for Compliance • Summer 2010 Permit Team restructured • Fall 2010 DGIF meeting w/HSUS, informed that fox pens are targeted • Fall 2010 Meet w/Foxhound Training Preserve Owners Association • During renewal Summer 2011 begin Fox Pen Property Audit • Summer 2011 institute more restrictive permit conditions • Summer/Fall 2011 begin Fox Pen Inspections (several pens closed due to property audit) • Fall 2011 Meet w/Foxhound Training Preserve Owners Association to begin discussion concerning best practices for facilities

Timeline for Compliance

• Winter 2012 HSUS attempts to close all fox pens through General Assembly action (Fails) • Summer 2012 institute more restrictive permit conditions incorporating best operating practices • Summer/Fall 2012 resume Fox Pen Inspections (several more pens close) • Winter 2013 HSUS attempts to close all fox pens through General Assembly action (Fails) • Summer 2013 VDGIF moves fox pens under specific regulation

Timeline for Compliance • Summer 2013 all fox pens are cataloged to aerial imagery • Summer/Fall 2013 resume Fox Pen Inspections • Winter 2014 HSUS attempts to close all fox pens through General Assembly action (Strikes Deal/Moratorium and Sunset on fox pens) • Spring 2014 fox pen catalog is placed online for staff use • Summer 2014 VDGIF amends regulation to reflect legislative deal • Summer/Fall 2014 resume Fox Pen Inspections • Winter 2015 General Assembly (TBD)

Questions?

Contact Me: James Husband

Phone: 804-367-8391 E-mail: jim.husband@dgif.virginia.gov Website: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/