Notice of Intent to Amend Regulations and Notice of Public Hearing

The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, pursuant to Sections 4-168(a) and 22a-6 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, hereby gives notice of his intention to adopt a new section 26-48a-4, and amend sections 26-112-43, 26-112-44, 26-112-45, 26-112-46, and 26-112-48 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. These regulations will be adopted under authority of Sections 26-48a and 26-112 of the General Statutes.

The proposed amendments to the regulations will establish trout and Atlantic salmon stamps, and amend regulations concerning methods and gear types, fishing seasons for several waterbodies, harvest regulations for certain species (common carp, catfish and bullheads), Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, Atlantic Salmon “Broodstock Areas,” Trout Parks, and Trophy Carp Waters. Additionally special regulations for black bass at Trap Falls Reservoir will be removed and several technical changes are made.

These proposals are intended to provide an additional source of revenue for natural resource programs, provide additional recreational fishing opportunities, and enhance existing fishing opportunities. Below is a summary of the proposed changes:

Section 1. Establishes $5.00 trout stamp and $10 broodstock Atlantic salmon stamp ($12.00 for a combination stamp) to fish for trout and Atlantic Salmon.

Section 2. Establish definitions for “maximum length”, “Tenkara” fishing (and allow Tenkara fishing to be considered “flyfishing”) and “bubble floats”.

Section 3. Removes the closed season from Alexander Lake, shortens the closed season at Green Falls Reservoir and adds a closed season to Baldwins Pond.

Section 4. Establish statewide regulations for common carp (subsection (f)), removes catfish & bullhead from the list of panfish (subsection (j)) and establishes creel & length limits for catfish (new subsection (s)).

Section 5.

- Subsection (c). Establishes a short closed season on a small portion of the Farmington River Trout Management Area (TMA) located in the Riverton area and changes the Mill River TMA (Fairfield) from a seasonal TMA to year-round catch-and-release fishing.

- Subsection (g). Extends the Mill River Wild Trout Management Area downstream to the upper boundary of the Mill River TMA.

- Subsection (h). Updates period when the broodstock salmon gear restriction applies to fishing for all species in broodstock areas.

- Subsection (i). Adds Pasture Pond to the list of Trout Parks.

- New subsection (l). Establishes a new type of special management area, “Trophy Carp Waters” on several waterbodies, with regulations that differ from the statewide regulations established in Section 4.

Section 6. Eliminate special bass regulations for Trap Falls Reservoir as per request of Aquarion Water Company.

Additionally, there are several technical changes, most notably eliminating use of the term “charr” when referring to trout.

The proposed regulations, statement of purpose, a small business impact statement and a fiscal note indicating no additional expense to the state or municipal governments to implement these proposed regulations are posted and available for download (pdf) on the eRegulations system (https://eregulations.ct.gov).

Copies of the proposed regulations, statement of purpose, small business impact statement and fiscal note are also available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, 6th Floor, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT, 06106-5127. These documents can also be obtained by contacting Bill Foreman at the above address, by phone at (860) 424-3474, or by email (deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov).

One public hearing has been scheduled to obtain public comment to determine whether to adopt the proposed regulations or to adjust the measures. All interested persons are invited to express their views on the proposed regulations at the following public hearing:

Date: August 9, 2017
Time:6:30 pm
Location:Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Gina McCarthy Auditorium
79 Elm Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06106

Interested persons may also choose to present their views regarding the proposed regulations in writing during the public comment period. Written comments should be submitted no later than 4:30 PM on August 25, 2017. Based on public comment, the proposed regulations may be adjusted to meet the objective of the proposal. Comments may be submitted using one of the following methods:

- Online via the eRegulations system (https://eregulations.ct.gov) on the Secretary of State’s website. Go to “Open for Public comment”, select this regulation and follow instructions for submitting comments.

- By mail or delivery service to Bill Foreman at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Fisheries Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT, 06106-5127.

- By email to william.foreman@ct.gov.

- By fax to 860-424-4070 (attention: Bill Foreman).


The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or deep.accommodations@ct.gov if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any agency hearing, program or event.


________________________________

Susan Whalen

Deputy Commissioner



Published on the Connecticut eRegulations system on the Secretary of State's website on July 20, 2017