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Commercial Fishing �Unsustainable� Says New UN Report

The United Nations Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Synthesis Report released last week calls capture fisheries �unsustainable� and calls for the expansion in Marine Protected Areas with flexible no-take zones that contribute to the economy.

Ballast water discharge loophole closed

Applaud Court Decision

The U.S. District Court late last week handed down a decision that will protect the Great Lakes from aquatic nuisance species. The court order involved a lawsuit filed by Northwest Environmental Advocates, The Ocean Conservancy and other conservation groups against the USEPA for the federal regulation that exempts ballast water discharges from federal water pollution rules.  The court granted summary judgment to

The EPA exemption for ballast water violated the Clean Water Act and created a loophole that allowed invasive species to enter our Great Lakes waters.  That loophole is now closed.  The EPA has estimated that aquatic nuisance species cost the Great Lakes region $5 billion per year in damages.

Sportsmen Ask Judge to Dismiss Refuge Lawsuit
The U.S. Sportsmen�s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have filed a joint motion for a partial dismissal of a lawsuit brought to ban hunting on the National Wildlife Refuge System. 

Anti-hunting plaintiffs, including the Fund for Animals, claim that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) goals to increase wildlife dependent recreation, including hunting, on National Wildlife Refuge land require an Environmental Impact Statement. Defendants want the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to dismiss this baseless challenge.

�The Fish and Wildlife Service is required to set forth a strategic plan that outlines goals for the agency,� said Bill Horn, U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance Foundation Legal Counsel.  �These goals are not �final� agency actions and do not mandate an Environmental Impact Statement.�

The motion also explains that the law mandating the 

development of the strategic plan, by its terms, does not provide for a plaintiff�s legal action.

In March 2003, the Fund for Animals and twenty individual plaintiffs challenged the USFWS�s opening of hunting on 39 National Wildlife Refuges since 1997.  The SLDF joined the case to ensure that hunters� interests are directly represented before the court.

�In 1997, Congress passed the National Refuge System Improvement Act to ensure that the refuge system is managed for wildlife conservation and that hunting and fishing are priority public uses on refuge units,� said Horn.    �The U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance lobbied intensively for the passage of the landmark act and its SLDF will battle in court to protect the integrity of this act.�

Joining the U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance Foundation�s SLDF and the DOJ in the suit is Safari Club International.

Cultivating Hunting Traditions in 25 States

More States to Join NSSF Effort in Coming Months

NEWTOWN, Conn.�Twenty-Five states have launched programs to recruit new hunters, and more states will be following suit in coming months, with help from a special granting program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The trade association for the firearm industry recently approved another $500,000 for its 2005 Hunting Heritage Partnership grants, bringing its three-year total allocation to state conservation agencies to nearly $1.5 million.

Administered jointly with the Congressional Sportsmen�s Foundation, NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership funds projects to develop and enhance hunting opportunities and participation. Past grants helped develop print and radio campaigns, hands-on educational workshops, hunting opportunities for disabled residents, Web-based hunter access mapping systems, and more.

The 2005 grants will be awarded to state agencies following a formal review process conducted by NSSF. The deadline for new grant proposals is April 27.

�Knowing that each state faces its own unique challenges, the Hunting Heritage Partnership is designed to help agencies focus directly on issues relating to their states,� said Jodi Valenta, NSSF�s director of recruitment and retention. �From establishing youth hunting programs to confronting access issues, these grants are helping states increase hunting opportunities across the country.�

Detailed state-by-state news releases as well as a general roundup of projects are available by visiting www.nssf.org and clicking on the photo of President Theodore Roosevelt. One of America's most famous hunters, Roosevelt was also an ardent conservationist. His story, posted at the Web site, will help visitors understand hunters' vital role in conservation, historically, presently and in the future.

Here's a condensed roundup of state projects funded through NSSF's Hunting Heritage Partnership in the Great Lakes 

Region:

Indiana
Indiana used its grant to fund two youth pheasant hunts and workshops in northern and southern Indiana in 2004. At the events, young hunter education graduates were paired with a mentor who guided them on their first pheasant hunt.

Michigan
Thomas Oliver, hired recently as the agency�s first hunting heritage program coordinator, is overseeing three separate efforts designed to strengthen Michigan�s hunting traditions. These efforts include revitalizing a hunter access program, evaluating Michigan�s youth hunt programs and spearheading an effort to develop a new strategic plan to protect the state�s hunting heritage over the long term.
Minnesota
A public service announcement radio campaign is being aimed at increasing hunter participation. The campaign has not only been aimed at retaining hunters whose licenses may lapse, but it also focuses on inviting newcomers to take part in the state�s fall deer season.

Ohio
A direct-mail marketing campaign is targeting hunters with inconsistent license buying patterns. About 30,000 �Ohio Hunting Guide� brochures were mailed to hunters around the state. The brochures focused on deer hunting opportunities in Ohio, highlighting public lands and how to get permission to use private lands.

Pennsylvania
A mapping program is helping hunters overcome access issues. The Pennsylvania Game Commission invested in the latest computerized mapping software to create detailed maps showing public hunting access points in all 67 counties.

Wisconsin
Wisconsin used its grant to fund leased public hunting access and special youth pheasant hunting programs. Through the access program, willing landowners were paid to open private grounds for public hunting access. In all, 44,000 acres were opened statewide.

Arsenal of Democracy Pays Tribute to Veterans

National Firearms Museum Exhibit Opens May 18

 (Fairfax, VA--) NRA�s connection with the military can be traced back to its founding in 1871 by two Union Army veterans of the Civil War, Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate. Over the next century, NRA�s unyielding commitment to freedom and patriotism would be especially evident during World War II, when the association offered its ranges to the government, developed pre-induction marksmanship training programs, and encouraged members to serve as Home Guards, which states were organizing to replace National Guard units.

Today, on the eve of the 60th anniversary of victory in the Second World War, NRA has found two new ways to pay special tribute to the American servicemen and women who fought in that conflict-with a new museum exhibit and the creation of a veterans� endowment.

On May 18th, at an invitation-only reception, the NRA�s National Firearms Museum will open The Arsenal of Democracy, an extraordinary new exhibit created to honor WW II veterans. The title of the exhibit is based on a comment made by President Franklin Roosevelt as America drew closer to entering the war. Roosevelt said: �We must have more ships, more guns, more planes-more of everything�We must be the great arsenal of democracy. For us this is an emergency as serious as war itself.�

In the exhibit, visitors will see arms, memorabilia, uniforms and equipment used by 40 individuals who fought in World War II. Moreover, photographs of the person who actually used each object will accompany it. A few highlights of the exhibit include:

�       General Joe Foss�s .45 1911 A1

�       A Marine uniform worn by one of four brothers who fought at Iwo Jima

�       Silk invasion maps

�       John Garand�s M1 Rifle, SN 1,000,000

�       General Douglas MacArthur�s 1911 A1

�       Benito Mussolini�s silver cigar humidor

�       A 1942 staff car

�       A watch, worn by a paratrooper of the 101st Airborne, which stopped the moment he landed in Normandy on D-Day

More,

The May 18th reception will also mark the creation of The NRA Foundation�s U.S. Veterans� Endowment, a permanent source of support for the gun safety and marksmanship training programs that started with NRA�s founding and continue to benefit millions of Americans today.

Commenting on the display and the endowment, NRA Executive Director of General Operations Craig D. Sandler said, �One cannot view this exhibit without a profound sense of pride in our military and gratitude for the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women who helped win the Second World War. And I can think of no better way to protect the freedoms they fought for than through the U.S. Veterans� Endowment, which will permanently support NRA�s important training programs.�

The Arsenal of Democracy will open to the general public on May 19 and remain on display until December 31, 2006.

The National Firearms Museum displays more than 2,000 firearms, divided by historical periods and housed in 14 specially designed galleries with unique architectural features. The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except major holidays, and is located off Interstate 66 (Exit 57-A) on the first floor of NRA Headquarters, at 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Virginia. Admission to the Museum is free. To learn more about the NRA�s National Firearms Museum visit http://nra.nationalfirearms.museum .

The NRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearms-related public interest activities of the NRA and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of law abiding Americans. For more information on the foundation visit www.nrafoundation.org   or call 800-423-6894.

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for April 1, 2005

Current Lake Levels:

All of the Great Lakes are 2 to 9 inches above last year�s levels.   Lake Superior is 4 inches below its long-term average, while Lake Michigan-Huron is 12 inches below its long-term average. Lake St. Clair is 1 inch below its long-term average and Lake Ontario is 2 inches below its long-term average.  Lake Erie is 4 inches above its long-term average.

Current Outflows/Channel Conditions:

The Lake Superior outflow through the St. Marys River into Lake Huron is projected to be near average during the month of April.  Flows in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers are anticipated to be below average during April, while flows in the Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers are both expected to be above average in April.

Temperature/Precipitation Outlook:

A chance of rain and snow will arrive in the Great Lakes basin

for Friday, as a storm system advances into the region.  The remainder of the weekend and early next week looks dry, with near average temperatures.

Forecasted Water Levels:

Lake Superior is beginning its seasonal rise and should increase 4 inches during the next month.  Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario will continue their seasonal rises and should increase 2-7 inches during the next month.  Note that ice conditions on Lake St. Clair may create rapid fluctuations in the levels over short periods.

Alerts:

 Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels. Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

TRCP - Anti Conservation, Anti Sportsmen?

The TRCP (Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership) has overstepped its purpose. It has taken many positions not supported by the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation). The NWTF served on the TRCP's Policy Advisory Board but left in November 2004 because of these positions the TRCP was taking.

As we have said all along, The TRCP is ANTI- Access, Conservation, Wise Use, Forest Management, Habitat Improvement, and Outdoor Recreation. All real sportsmen organizations need to drop and withdraw from this group. Don Sage, Adirondack Conservation Council, Life Member.

Ice Conditions Change Quickly in the Spring

There is nothing more fascinating to kids than breaking up ice at the edges of lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks.  But, this activity can be dangerous. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges parents to be especially careful of kids playing near water and ice, even the water and ice in ditches.  What was safe yesterday may not be safe today.

Lake Michigan Stocking Conference � April 9

The four Lake Michigan Management Agencies (ILL, IN, MI and WI) are sponsoring a chinook stocking conference April 9 in

State announces $25.3 million in Parks Grants                  

Funds for land acquisition and development of local parks throughout Illinois

SPRINGFIELD �Illinois residents will have greater opportunities for recreation and relaxation as Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced $25.3 million in grants for 77 local park projects throughout Illinois. The grants fund an array of enhancements, including new land to be developed into parks, funding for new projects in existing parks, and protection of natural areas.

�Developing parks is good for the Illinois economy. When people choose where they will raise their families, parks are part of the equation of evaluating quality of life in a community,� said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold. �As we make communities attractive to families by

developing parks, we make the communities attractive to businesses looking for places to locate or expand where their employees will be happy.�

Funding for the grants derives from two sources established specifically to provide money for local park projects - the state Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program ($21.2 million) and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program ($4.1 million). The two matching grant programs provide up to one-half the funding for local park land acquisition and development projects.

Today�s grants will pay for a wide gamut of recreational opportunities. The new development projects include funds for new playgrounds, ball diamonds, basketball courts, soccer fields, walking and jogging paths, and skating facilities.

Turkey Hunting Season to Open in Coming Days

Hunters Urged to Use Care to Maximize Safety, Fun

Springfield�As turkey hunters take to the timber in the coming days, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is issuing a reminder to put safety first. Some Illinois State Parks, where a high concentration of turkey hunters are anticipated will be closed to mushroom hunting until 1 p.m. daily.  IDNR estimates approximately 50,000 people will turkey hunt during the next six weeks.

Most properties under the jurisdiction of the IDNR that offer Spring Turkey hunting will not be open for morel hunting until after 1:00 pm daily.  This restriction will be in place through May 5 in the south turkey hunting zones and through May 12 in the north zone.   However, some sites with low turkey hunter densities may remain open all day, so morel seekers are advised to call ahead before planning a morning morel hunt.    Some sites may also close equestrian and popular hiking trails where turkey hunting is allowed.   

�We�re taking these extra precautions because harvesting turkeys requires a different strategy than hunting many other species,� said Galen Westerfield, Conservation Police Chief. 

Unlike many other animals, turkeys can distinguish colors, and the fowl is very alert to the slightest movement by humans.  As a result, the turkey hunter wears camouflage, rather than the blaze orange worn during other types of hunting season.

IDNR offers the following turkey hunting safety guidelines:

�           Know your target is legitimate game and a legal animal before firing.

�           Make sure you have the appropriate hunting license and permit, as well as a habitat stamp unless exempted."

�           If hunting on private property, secure the permission of the landowner in advance.

�           Be respectful and aware of other hunters.

�           Turkey hunting is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise, until 1 p.m.

IDNR estimates approximately 50,000 people will turkey hunt during the next six weeks. Permits are issued for five different turkey seasons, varying between the north and south zones of the state.  The south zone includes Crawford, Jasper, Effingham, Fayette, Bond, and Madison counties, and all counties south of those.  The fives turkey seasons in the south zone are April 4-8, 9-14, 15-20, 21-27, and April 28-May 5th.  The five turkey seasons in the north zone are April 11-15, 16-21, 22-27, April 28-May 4, and May 5-12.  A hunter is allowed up to three permits for the spring turkey season with an allowable harvest of one turkey per permit.

The wild turkey population in Illinois now tops 100,000, after dropping to near extinction in the middle part of the last century.  Rules that are in place as needed for public safety, as spring is a time when Illinois State Parks are popular for a variety of activities.  The rules have been crafted to maximize enjoyment for the largest number and variety of park visitors.

Spring Trout Season opened April 2

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. � It�s easier than it�s ever been to get your fishing or hunting license.  As the new spring trout season begins this weekend, fishing licenses are available online, and can be obtained within a matter of minutes.

To order your license online, go to http://www.great-lakes.org/lkstates.html .  The icon labeled �on-line licenses for Illinois fishing and hunting� makes the process of obtaining a license simple, with clear directions.  The fee for an online license is just 49 cents.

�With the cost of gasoline these days, the online option is ideal,� said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold.  �You don�t have to drive anywhere to get your fishing license, and you can get your trout stamp at the same time, so you are ready to go first thing Saturday morning.  There�s no waiting.  You print the license out for yourself right away.�

The 2005 spring trout fishing season in Illinois opened last Saturday, April 2.  More than 60,000 trout are stocked in 40 bodies of water state-wide. Stocking for the rainbow trout fishing program in Illinois is made possible through the sale of inland trout stamps to those anglers who participate.  The

stamps are available for $6.50 each.

To legally participate in the trout fishing program, anglers must have a valid Illinois fishing license and an inland trout stamp.  Annual fishing licenses for the 2005 season will be valid through March 31, 2006.  Illinois� 24-hour fishing license includes trout fishing privileges for the 24-hour period the license is valid.  A license is required unless the angler is under age 16, blind or disabled, or is an Illinoisan on active military service home on leave.

Anglers may not take trout from any of the stocked sites from March 15 until the opening of the season on April 2 at 5 a.m.  Anyone attempting to take trout before the legal opening will be issued citations.  Once the season opens, the daily possession limit for the spring trout season is five fish.   Anglers are reminded to check in advance for any site-specific regulations and the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location.  While the statewide spring trout season opens at 5 a.m. on April 2, some locations may have a later opening time.

For more information about the trout stocking program, contact the IDNR Division of Fisheries at 217/782-6424 or check the web site at www.ifishillinois.org.

Cape Vincent Hatchery Update

Ponds progress since the January meeting

Frank Cean, President Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition (a GLSFC member) informs us the water pump and base have been re-built and are in great shape.  The motor has been ordered.  Pat Crump, Knowlton Maintenance Supervisor, would be contacted before the pump pad is poured so Pat can be on-site to insure the proper pump/pad fit.

NYSDEC Cape Vincent Supervisor Steve LaPan noted that they were putting the pressure on to get Niagara Mohawk to re-activate the electric service pole.  There has always been 1 phase to the pole, now 3 phase is needed as well.  Two separate meters are needed.

The group approved the monies needed to purchase new gate valves. The six ponds that were contiguous cannot be used because some of the valves cannot be accessed, therefore different ponds will be selected to keep the number at six.  The village will run a new pipeline to the pump. LaPan advised that the screens are all in good shape and ready to  

go.

Tom Hughes will be devoting 100% of his studies to the walleye project.  Once the fish are in the water, the survival rate and where they are going in summer and fall will be monitored.  OTC will determine stocked as opposed to naturally reproduced fish.

The LOFC has made application for additional funds to include walleye and the Eastern Basin.  The funds would ensure sufficient resources to cover Hughes' work.  Hughes will be looking at tributaries of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River that would provide natural habitat for walleye.

Gov. Pataki still hasn�t modified the employment freeze to hire the sorely needed staff to operate the Cape Vincent hatchery.  Even though assurances were made the freeze would be lifted if the license fee increase were approved � which it was, the freeze is still in place.  Another GLSFC member group, the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Assn has offered manpower assistance with the Cape Vincent project

Fishing Club for kids turns 25 years old       

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission�s premiere fishing club for youth is no longer a kid itself.  March 2005 marks the 25th anniversary for PLAY � the Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth.

 In 1980, the then-Pennsylvania Fish Commission was exploring ideas to get children excited about fishing and educating youth on aquatic resources.  The agency often received letters from educators, parents and even children themselves looking for materials and ideas aimed at youth.  While lots of magazines and books existed on subjects like fishing, boating, and aquatics, most were aimed at adults.  Even materials designed for kids were somewhat generic.  So PLAY was born to fill the void. 

Those who paid a small fee received a membership card and a subscription to a quarterly newsletter designed for 8- to 12-year-olds focusing on aquatic life and recreational opportunities in Pennsylvania.  Many times, new members received �goodies� like a lure or lucky fishing hook.  Perhaps the most prized item was an annual patch featuring one of the state�s many fish.  The tradition of issuing PLAY patches continues to this day and patches from the early years of the program are highly sought by collectors.

The club concept was immediately well received and soon PLAY boasted over 10,000 members.  A mentoring aspect also grew in conjunction with PLAY.  Waterways Conservation Officers and trained volunteers conducted PLAY fishing skills classes and fishing derbies.  Sportsmen�s clubs and cooperative nurseries stock fish in small ponds and invite youngsters out for a day.  Attendees would earn PLAY memberships and received other publications.

One of the most important developments for PLAY came in

1985 with legislation that allowed federal funding to be used by state agencies for aquatic education.  One of the best benefits of the new funding was the Commission was able to expand upon PLAY to send the newsletter to Pennsylvania schools for use by teachers.  With educators requesting PLAY for their classrooms, membership grew to reach 40,000 to 60,000 youth annually.

PLAY also received boosts for other areas as well.  Star catcher Ed Ott of the Pittsburgh Pirates � a Muncy native � served as honorary spokesperson/chairman for the program.  Outdoor writers in particular were instrumental in promoting the program.  For many years, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association sponsored free memberships for children who responded to articles on the program. 

In 2001, another evolution in PLAY opened the program for even more interested participants.  In honor of the late Commissioner Enoch �Inky� Moore and his tireless work on youth programs, the Commission dropped the membership fee for PLAY.  Today, PLAY membership is free for all youngsters.  The quarterly newsletters are also included as an �extra� for subscribers to the Fish and Boat Commission�s Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine. 

Parents interested in signing a child age 8-12 up for an annual PLAY membership may print out a subscription request from the Commission�s web site at www.fish.state.pa.us  (select �Kids-PLAY� from the left-hand navigation bar).  Information on purchasing PLAY patches is also available online.  Memberships may also be requested in writing by providing the recipient�s name and address to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Educational Media Section, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.