Links

Publications and Reports

Online Reporting System

Whitewater Forms

State Laws and Regulations

Commission Meeting Minutes

The quarterly meeting of the Whitewater Commission was held on Wednesday, June 18, 2003, at the National Park Service Office, Glen Jean, West Virginia. The following individuals were in attendance:

WHITEWATER COMMISSION MEMBERS
Ed Hamrick, Director, Division of Natural Resources (Presiding)
Cal Hite, National Park Service Ray Church, Division of Tourism Heather Johnson Randall Ballard Bud Hill Matt Knott Jerry Cookl

DIVISION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Pamela B. Mullins, Director’s Office (Recording Secretary)
Sgt. Larry Case, Law Enforcement Section
Jena Kay Webb, Law Enforcement Section

PUBLIC
Susan Hanger, Songer Whitewater Chuck Lord, Blue Ridge Mountains Council Rick Johnson, Extreme Expeditions Chris Dragan, Wildwater Expeditions Tom Wagner, North American River Runners Dr. Andy Whisman, Marshall University Brian Campbell, The Rivermen Eric Pories, WVPRO Sean Sullivan, North American River Runners Debbie Darden, National Park Service Jeff Proctor, Class VI River Runners

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Director Hamrick at approximately 1:07 p.m.  He introduced the newly appointed commissioners, Matthew Knott of River Riders, and Jerry Cook of Ace Whitewater. He also advised that Commissioner Bud Hill had been reappointed for another term.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Hill made a MOTION to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2002 meeting as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Johnson and was passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Tom Wagner of North American River Runners addressed the commission regarding the requirement of all guides to have a current CPR certification. He stated that CPR is not something that is often needed and that he feels the penalty is excessive for the violation. He related a recent situation with one of his guides whose CPR certification had expired and he had been ticketed for this violation at the expense of approximately $600. Mr. Wagner stated that he feels this penalty is much too high for the violation and asked the commission to consider changing this regulation. Jerry Cook, Ace Whitewater, discussed the proposed date change for “Bridge Day” so it will not conflict with the Gauley Season and asked if a letter from the commission would be appropriate to encourage this change. Discussion occurred. The Director stated that he would like to be sure that this date change would be consistent with the negotiations with WVPRO to approve an extra whitewater release day. The Director referred this issue to the Executive Director of WVPRO for handling and to be presented to DNR and the commission at a later time..

LAC SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Ballard advised that Dr. Whisman had acquired a contract renewal for 2003 with Marshall University and had completed a draft of the study for all rivers in West Virginia. A handout was provided by Dr. Whisman. He also discussed injury reporting. Dr. Whisman stated that it is important for outfitters to be consistent in their injury reporting industry wide and he suggested that the Commission send a letter to outfitters restating the procedures and asking them to contact DNR with questions and for clarification. 

BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
Mrs. Johnson provided commission members with a copy of the proposed budget for 2002/2003. After discussion, a MOTION was made by Commissioner Hill to approve the budget as presented for FY 2002/2003. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ballard and was passed. Discussion occurred regarding the proposed budget for FY 2003/2004 beginning July 1, 2003. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Hill to approve the FY 2003/2004 budget as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ballard and was passed. The Director appointed Commissioner Matthew Knott to serve on the Budget Sub-committee and to assume the responsibilities of chairman when the term of Mrs. Johnson expires on July 30, 2003.

TOURISM SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT
Director Hamrick introduced Deputy Commissioner of Tourism, Ray Church, who provided a report on behalf of Commissioner Betty Carver for the Division of Tourism. He proceeded to report on the ongoing activities within the Division of Tourism. The Director added that the Division of Natural Resources, as a part of its ongoing outreach efforts, will be participating in two new efforts this fall: Outdoor TV with Fox 11 and Channel 8, Woods and Waters; WV Media is doing one-half hour of outdoor programming with their affiliates from the Outdoor Life network.

NEXT MEETING DATE AND PLACE
The next quarterly meeting will be held in Summersville and will be scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 1:00 p.m.

A MOTION to adjourn was made by Mrs. Johnson and was seconded by Mr. Ballard. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 2:11 p.m.