Virginia.gov

Proposed Regulatory Amendments

May 1 - August 4, 2012 Public Comment Period on Proposed Regulation Amendments

Proposed Regulation Amendments

The Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, pursuant to §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, 29.1-502, and 29.1-701 of the Code of Virginia, proposed the below amendments to the Commonwealth's fisheries, wildlife diversity (nongame), boating, and ADA-related land access regulations.

A public comment period on the regulatory proposals opened May 1, 2012 and closes at 5:00 PM on August 4, 2012. The Board will consider the proposals for possible adoption as final regulation amendments at its August 14, 2012 meeting. Written comments on the proposed regulation amendments should be submitted online at www.dgif.virginia.gov, or may be emailed to regcomments@dgif.virginia.gov or postal mailed to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Attn. Policy Analyst and Regulatory Coordinator, 4016 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230, and received no later than August 4, 2012.

Regulation 4VAC15-20.
Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General.

4VAC15-20-50Definitions; "wild animal," "native animal," "naturalized animal," "nonnative (exotic) animal" and "domestic animal."
4VAC15-20-100Prohibited use of vehicles on department-owned lands.
4VAC15-20-130Endangered and threatened species; adoption of federal list; additional species enumerated.
4VAC15-20-210Definitions; nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species.

Regulation 4VAC15-30.
Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, Etc., of Animals.

4VAC15-30-40Importation requirements, possession and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

Regulation 4VAC15-320.
Fish: Fishing Generally.

4VAC15-320-25Creel and length limits.

Regulation 4VAC15-350.
Fish: Gigs, Grab Hooks, Trotlines, Snares, Etc.

4VAC15-350-70Taking common carp, northern snakehead, bowfin, catfish and gar with bow and arrow or crossbow.

Regulation 4VAC15-370.
Watercraft: In General.

4VAC15-370-40Vessels prohibited within certain areas below John H. Kerr Dam and Leesville Dam.

Regulation 4VAC15-390.
Watercraft: Safe and Reasonable Operation of Vessels.

4VAC15-390-50Right of way.

Regulation 4VAC15-400.
Watercraft: Accident and Casualty Reporting.

4VAC15-400-20Immediate notification of reportable accident.

Regulation 4VAC15-410.
Watercraft: Boating Safety Education.

4VAC15-410-20Definitions.
4VAC15-410-40Provisions for compliance and minimum standards for boating safety education course competency.
4VAC15-410-110Equivalency exam criteria.
4VAC15-410-120Requirements for motorboat rental and leasing businesses and the dockside safety checklist program.
4VAC15-410-140Optional Virginia Boater Education Card.
4VAC15-410-150Fees.

Regulation 4VAC15-430.
Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements.

4VAC15-430-30Personal flotation devices required.
4VAC15-430-40Personal flotation device exemptions.
4VAC15-430-110Visual distress signal stowage, serviceability, marking.