Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry

The strategic plan for the Division of Wildlife outlines five fundamental principles for Ohio conservation: stewardship, opportunities, connections, engagement, and excellence. Key goals include fostering healthy ecosystems, improving recreational opportunities, increasing public awareness and appreciation of wildlife, promoting participation in outdoor activities, and maintaining an effective and professional agency. The plan addresses challenges such as habitat loss, invasive species, and declining participation in traditional outdoor activities, while emphasizing the importance of partnerships, science-based management, and diverse funding sources to ensure the sustainable use and appreciation of Ohio's fish and wildlife resources.

The commission reviewed and approved minutes from a previous meeting. Discussion included the status of appeals scheduled for August 27, 2015, and the establishment of meeting dates for 2016. The commission also addressed the American Water Management Services matter (#889 & #890), involving a well operation suspension due to seismic events. A draft decision was reviewed and approved. The Frack Free Mahoning matter (#864) was considered, resulting in a decision to dismiss the appeal for lack of standing. The Ponderosa Consulting Services appeal (#897) was dismissed due to the appellant's failure to appear and the matter becoming moot. Several appeals were voluntarily dismissed. The Gary L. Teeter Trust appeal (#895) was continued to the next meeting. Finally, the commission was informed of pending motions in several appeals and will consider them at the next meeting.

The commission reviewed and approved minutes from a previous meeting and discussed dates for future meetings. Key decisions included appointing temporary members to the quorum for specific cases, accepting a withdrawal of appeal, granting a motion to intervene, granting a stay in the Dynamerican et al. appeal pending court decisions, and hearing oral arguments on a motion to dismiss in the Clewell Family Farm case. The commission decided the unitization order in the Clewell case was not moot and delayed action on a withdrawal of appeal in a related case.

The commission discussed Ohio's Open Meetings Law with the Assistant Attorney General, focusing on quorum requirements for teleconference participants and the potential use of hearing officers. Upcoming meeting and hearing dates were set, and the appointment of a new commission member was noted. Several appeals were addressed, including decisions on motions for summary affirmance, emergency stays, and recusal requests. A motion to intervene was granted in one case.

The commission reviewed and approved minutes from a previous meeting and discussed posting minutes online. A presentation on Ohio's Open Meetings Act and Public Records Law was given, leading to discussions about document management systems. The commission entered into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Court decisions related to appeals were reviewed, and the annual election of officers was conducted. Several voluntary withdrawals of appeals were approved. Quasi-judicial deliberations were held on several matters.