The Western North Carolina Wildlife Advocates will meet from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 7 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.  

North Carolina Rep. Ray Rapp, D-Mars Hill, will present his ideas for increasing funding and manpower for wildlife law enforcement officers. The group will also discuss the N.C. Wildlife Federation’s “Responsible Sportsman Doctrine” as a tool for educating hunters and encouraging responsible behavior.

The WNC Wildlife Advocates want to form a coalition of concerned citizens, conservation organizations, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, law enforcement officers, wildlife experts, and elected officials to seek creative and proactive solutions to reduce human/wildlife conflicts and conserve mountain resources.

The meeting will convene at 12:45 p.m. after lunch, which will be available at the noon for $8.95 at the Terrace. Reservations required for lunch. Call 828.258.2667 for more information.