Deirdre Grimes

The Commission accepted multiple donations for the Search and Rescue account and various departmental programs. Presentations were delivered concerning the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, a statewide turkey banding initiative, and the implementation of a new online portal for fishing tournament applications. Legislative matters were reviewed, including a formal vote to support specific bills regarding wildlife record accuracy and landowner permissions. The Seacoast Report covered ASMFC winter meeting updates on striped bass definitions and American lobster management, alongside recent commercial seafood landings data. Additionally, the Public Engagement and Education committee recommended recipients for the 2025 Commission Award of Excellence, and a comprehensive update was provided on departmental activities across the Fisheries, Wildlife, Marine, and Law Enforcement divisions.

The 2025 Revision of the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan provides a blueprint for conserving the state's wildlife and habitats. This strategic document encompasses updated lists of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) for both wildlife and plants, defines key habitat types, and includes a comprehensive assessment of threats, along with proposed conservation actions. The revision process emphasizes robust partner and public engagement to guide ongoing efforts in wildlife and habitat protection and ensures continued eligibility for State Wildlife Grants.

This document provides a comprehensive assessment of white-tailed deer and deer management in New Hampshire. It offers background information on the natural history, current management strategies, and an in-depth analysis of past, present, and projected habitat conditions. The assessment also evaluates deer population dynamics, including historical perspectives and recent status, alongside an examination of hunter and non-consumptive use and demand. This assessment is intended to inform and assist in planning the state's future deer management efforts for the period 2026-2035.

The Commission meeting included several action items, notably the approval of rule changes for white perch (Fis 603.23) and taking oysters (Fis 605.01). The Commission accepted various donations to the Search & Rescue Account and the Wildlife Division. Information items covered the monthly reporting of Commission Expenses, updates on the readoption process for the trophy fish program rules (Fis 504.01 & 504.02), and modifications to the Voluntary Hike Safe Card to include domestic partners and their children. Committee reports indicated that the Legislative, Governance, Sustainability & Strategic Planning, Resources & Infrastructure, and Public Engagement & Education Committees had not met, although planning for future meetings was discussed. The Resources & Infrastructure Committee inquired about scheduling site visits to Glenn Cove Wildlife Management Area and the New Hampton Hatchery. A request was made for the Chairman to be notified of any Right-to-Know requests concerning the Commission. The Seacoast Report detailed updates on Striped Bass rebuilding efforts, noting public comment deadlines, and the American Lobster Stock Assessment workshop. New business included an inquiry about better advertising Commission Meetings and events, with direction given to the Public Engagement & Education Committee to explore options. The Director's Report provided detailed updates across all divisions, including facility upgrades, ongoing wildlife surveys, legislative reporting, response to OHRV incidents, and the launch of the Archery Education Program. A public comment noted concerns about the dissemination of meeting information via social media platforms.

Key discussions and actions included the approval of the October 2025 Commission Minutes. Dennis Walsh was recognized with the 2024 Volunteer Award of Excellence. The Commission accepted several monetary donations for the Search & Rescue Account, Wildlife Education Program, and Small Gifts & Donations Account. Approval was granted to accept a donation of Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning equipment from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for Great Bay monitoring stations. The Commission also approved designating the Great Bay Stewards as an "official non-profit partner," following a discussion on expanding revenue abilities. The body moved to approve the rulemaking process for Fis. 301.031 (Deer Tags for WMU L&M) and Fis. 301.06 (Bear Agent Fees). Information items covered the Financial Statement, an overview of the revised NH Wildlife Action Plan (third version), and a status update on transferring environmental reviews to the Department of Environmental Services (DES). Fis 800 (Importation of Wildlife) was moved to action and approved with only grammatical/formatting changes. Extensive discussion occurred regarding proposed amendments to Fis 900 (Department controlled lands), specifically concerning dog training restrictions and permitted activities. Committee reports detailed financial reviews showing anticipation of consuming $6 million from the F&G Fund over two fiscal years without general fund support. Chairman Green announced his immediate resignation following the December 16, 2025, meeting due to personal family matters and frustrations regarding commission protocols and support levels. The Director's Report covered personnel appointments, facility updates, fisheries assessment data, and progress on the 2025 moose hunting season statistics. The call to the public addressed concerns regarding adjustments to fish stocking numbers to accommodate children's derbies during hatchery modernization.