The Kentucky Senate easily approved legislation Friday to modify operations in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Bill Sponsor Democratic Senator Robin Webb said it gives the department more autonomy in operations while also increasing accountability. Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Rich Storm said the measure offers more clarity in some areas.
“Generally it gives us the authority, purchasing authority and some hiring authority that there’s been some ambiguity with laws that were written years ago. It also codifies our commission appointments so that their terms expire year-end,” said Storm.
In explaining the bill, Webb told her Senate colleagues operation of Fish and Wildlife Resources is funded, in part, by sportsmen and women through licensing. She said federal funding with specific guidelines also supports programming. Following the committee vote earlier this week, Webb said the emphasis needs to be on sportsmen and women.
“I want to get the focus back on fish and wildlife management and off individuals and individual agendas because it’s not productive. There’s enough people attacking our sporting culture without we doing it to each other,” said Webb.
Lawrenceburg GOP Senator Adrienne Southworth voted no. She expressed concern about the independent nature of the department which could hamper corrective steps if issues arise. The legislation also paves the way for the acquisition of conservation easements in Knox, Bell, and Leslie Counties.
