Barton Community College trustees met Thursday and approved a plan to allow commercial bow hunting for deer at the Camp Aldrich facility.
Two of the biggest hurdles have been crossed, with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the college’s insurance company both giving their approval, Dean Mark Dean told trustees.
Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman commented, "Quite a lot of attention and detail has been given to the concept." He noted Randall Henry, the college’s attorney, looked at the position statement that the board approved Thursday. The statement also paves the way for the college to expand educational uses of Camp Aldrich, located between Claflin and Cheyenne Bottoms.
"Time is short," Dean said. While the college will try to implement the plan before this year’s deer season ends, it may not be ready until next year. In previous discussions, trustees were told the facility will need some blinds installed. Marketing was also mentioned Thursday.
Trustee Mike Minton said he’s gotten calls from area people who are excited. "The word’s already out. We have a lot of local hunters from our seven-county service area that have for 30 or 40 years salivated over being able to hunt in this area."
Heilman said there are a number of steps to address, but added, "We can move forward."
Mike Johnson, chairman of the board of trustees, called the new direction for Camp Aldrich a bridge that will help the college build a relationship with Wildlife and Parks while generating revenue for the college. Heilman added it also strengthens the college’s relationship with Fort Hays State University and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.
Trustee Robert Feldt serves on the ad hoc committee exploring ways to better use and market Camp Aldrich. "Two committee members were very important," he said of the creation of the bow hunting plan. He named Brian Hanzlick, game warden, and Becky Blake with Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. "Both were very enthusiastic about this activity. We (also) want to partner with FHSU, and there are several areas where that kind of activity can fit into education."
Elaine Simmons, director of Barton’s Workforce Training and Community Education division, said new programming requires research, but she shared several possibilities, including a pre-wildlife science program, natural resource technician certificate or "boot camp" training in a number of areas, such as meeting and event management; hospitality; or technical training.
In other business Thursday, the board approved the following:
• The 100-page AQIP document that will go to the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits the college. Vice President Dr. Penny Quinn said the people working on this document still have some final tweaking to do before delivering it on Nov. 1. The board approved the final draft they received, with an assurance from Dr. Heilman that changes would not be to the substance of the report.
• The KanREN contract was renewed, for $50,660 as quoted. This doubles the college’s Internet bandwidth.
• The Consent Agenda was approved. It included Registered Nursing program changes and the creation of an AAS in Technical Studies degree, both discussed at the Oct. 6 board study session, and new personnel. On the Barton campus, new hires are Michael Belcher, security officer; and Dina Morales, a part-time assistant care provider. For the Fort Riley area, new employees are Shelly Smith, coordinator and academic adviser (Educational Opportunity Center); Brian Koch, part-time distance learning bookstore manager; and Laura Turner, part-time tutor.
** There was also a one-hour executive session, which included Attorney Randall Henry and Dr. Heilman. The meeting was closed to protect a matter of attorney-client privilege. The meeting adjourned after the executive session with no further action.
