The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has the authority, granted by the Legislature, to create regulations called “rules” which although not state law, have the force of law. The complete set of rules under the jurisdiction of the Commission can be found here. From Proposal to Regulation describes the Commission's rule-making procedures. Below is a list of the rules the Commission is currently proposing to change, a description of each, and ways to submit your comments. We welcome your feedback.
Temporary rules are needed to maintain regulations over inland game fish. This rule was adopted by the Agency in April 2022 and was objected to. At this point, permanent rulemaking is contrary to public interest, as changes need to be in place for the upcoming 2022-2023 fishing seasons. To avoid confusing the regulated public and in order to maintain management over inland fish, the agency is adopting this rule under temporary procedures
Rule Text: 15A NCAC 10C .0300 - Game Fish in Inland Fishing Waters 15A NCAC 10C .0400 - Nongame Fish in Inland Fishing Waters 15A NCAC 10C .0701 - Inland Game Fishes Designated in Coastal Fishing Waters
Public Hearing Information: Date: June 27, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Online Webinar
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Public Comment Period Closing Date: July 11, 2022.
These rules are part of the 2017 periodic review. Rules listed below in this section were determined to be “necessary with substantive public interest” and need to be readopted. The public comment period for these rules will be open through July 15, 2022.
Rule Text: 15A NCAC 10B .0106 15A NCAC 10B .0107 15A NCAC 10B .0109 15A NCAC 10B .0117 15A NCAC 10B .0118 15A NCAC 10B .0120 15A NCAC 10B .0126 15A NCAC 10B .0127 15A NCAC 10B .0212 15A NCAC 10B .0216 15A NCAC 10B .0217 15A NCAC 10B .0223 15A NCAC 10B .0302 15A NCAC 10B .0304 15A NCAC 10B .0305 15A NCAC 10B .0401 15A NCAC 10B .0404 15A NCAC 10B .0405 15A NCAC 10B .0406 15A NCAC 10C .0203 15A NCAC 10C .0206 15A NCAC 10C .0214 15A NCAC 10C .0215 15A NCAC 10C .0216
Public Hearing Information: Date: June 7, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Online Webinar
Submit a Comment:
Public Comment Period Closing Date: July 15, 2022
A temporary rule is necessary to maintain hunting seasons and management of Jordan game land. This rule was adopted by the Agency in February 2022 and was objected to. At this point, permanent rulemaking is contrary to public interest, as changes need to be in place before August 1, 2022, when the public is notified of the upcoming 2022-2023 hunting seasons. To avoid confusing the regulated public and in order to maintain management over Jordan game land, the agency is adopting this rule under temporary procedures.
Rule Text:
15A NCAC 10D .0240
Public Hearing Information: Date: July 7, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Online Webinar
Public Comment Period Closing Date: July 11, 2022
Extends the no-wake zone shore to shore in Mill Creek, to include a small area of Pamlico Sound between Big Island and the mainland at Avon to mitigate hazards to boating and water recreation safety. The public comment period for these rules will be open through July 15, 2022
Rule Text: 15A NCAC 10F .0310
Public Hearing Information: Date: June 8, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Online Webinar
15A NCAC 10A .1502 - Part of the periodic review process due to substantive public interest. Proposes replacement costs of wildlife for various fish, mammal, and reptile species. Fiscal Note
15A NCAC 10C .0208 - Part of the periodic review process due to substantive public interest. Proposes to remove the fishing prohibitions on the Linville River and bypass channel around Lock and Dam No. 1 on the Cape Fear River and prohibit fishing from March 1 to May 31 in three restored floodplain sloughs connected to the French Broad River and Mud Creek in Henderson County. Fiscal Note
15A NCAC 10B .0101 - Discussions with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS) identified discrepancies between the WRC importation rule and the NCDACS rule on entry of avian species to North Carolina. The NCDACS defines poultry as any bird and WRC rules need to reflect appropriate importation requirements for these species.
The public comment period for these rules will be open through July 15, 2022.
Public Hearing Information: Date: June 28, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Online Webinar
Session Law 2021-160 established a Wildlife Control Technician Certification. This rule is necessary to set standards and requirements for this certification. This rule clarifies that a WCT may not issue depredation permits and may only place traps, perform euthanasia, bat evictions, and alligator removal under direct supervision of a licensed Wildlife Control Agent or certified Alligator Control Agent if applicable. The public comment period for these rules will be open through July 15, 2022.
Rule: 15A NCAC 10H .1510
Public Hearing Information: Date: June 14, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Online Webinar
The Town of Sunset Beach in Brunswick County has requested a temporary no wake zone in part of South Jinks Creek. Dredging is planned to begin in this area in November to remove a large drifting sandbar that causes part of the creek to be less than two feet deep at mean low tide. The channel near the peninsula at the eastern end of North Shore Drive is very narrow as well, creating a navigational hazard. Creating a temporary no wake zone until the dredging is completed will mitigate hazards to boater safety and navigation.
Rule Text: 15A NCAC 10F .0305
Public Hearing Information: Date: July 18, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: Online Webinar
Public Comment Period Closing Date: July 28, 2022
Written objections to proposed rules can be submitted to the Rules Review Commission. If the Rules Review Commission receives written and signed objections from 10 or more individuals clearly requesting review by the legislature and the Rules Review Commission approves the rule, the rule will become effective as provided in G.S.150B-21.3(b1). The Rules Review Commission will receive written objections until 5:00 p.m. on the day following the day the Rules Review Commission approves the rule. The Rules Review Commission will receive those objections by mail, delivery service, hand delivery, or facsimile transmission.