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Week of June 2 , 2003 |
Product Review Pfueger� Rods/Reels
National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1 - 8, 2003
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National |
National - Radical Environmental Appeals Add Fuel to Forest Fires
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Regional |
Regional - Great Lakes Lawmakers release GAO study on Great Lakes Restoration
Regional - Steer Your Boat Clear of Invasive Aquatic Species
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Illinois |
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Indiana |
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Michigan |
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Minnesota |
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Ohio |
OH - Ohio Sportsmen Rally Against Diversion of Wildlife Dollars
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Pennsylvania |
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Wisconsin |
WI - Anti-Hunters Want Wisconsin Supreme Court to Hear Dove Hunting Case
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National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1 - 8, 2003
Get your family together and go fishing, and participate in any of the thousands of other activities planned for this special fun week. Celebrate with us and discover just how much fun fishing and boating can be when you do it together.
Across the country, in local communities like yours, numerous fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship events happen throughout the year, many of which occur during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1 - 8, 2003. These events provide opportunities for families and friends to share fun, quality time together while learning about two of our nation's favorite pastimes - recreational boating and fishing. There's boat rides, casting clinics, free fishing days - something for everyone.
No activity can bond a family together quite like boating and fishing. It's a great way for families to have fun, create new memories and spend time together. So get the family involved. Most of the Great Lakes states have their state-wide activities listed here. Take a look
National
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National - Fishing & Boating Week June 1 - 8 The Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council is encouraging all anglers and boaters to take advantage of the special events planned for the annual National Fishing and Boating Week June 1 - 8. This is a great week to introduce kids, friends or anyone in the family to boating and fishing,
Some of the week's activities include free or low-cost boat rides, casting clinics, youth fishing days, regattas, wacky homebuilt boat races, cruises aboard classic schooners, |
sport fishing camps, boat shows, and other celebrations. Local events are sponsored by a wide variety of marine related businesses, retailers, non-profits including local fishing clubs, state and local government agencies.
For a list of events that take place during National Fishing and Boating Week visit your state DNR web site or the Water Works Wonder site at http://www.WaterWorksWonders.org and click on the events tab.
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National - House passes Healthy Forests Act
From the outset of this Congress, the Caucus pledged to |
take a lead on legislation that encourages active forest management that includes thinning of mature forests and creates a diverse forest landscape that is ideally suited to support a broad array of wildlife species. Over 80% of the House Caucus voted in favor of the bill, but the fate of the legislation is less certain in the Senate.
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Regional
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Regional - Great Lakes Lawmakers release GAO study on Great Lakes Restoration Thirteen House and Senate members of the Great Lakes Task Force released a GAO report, "GREAT LAKES? An Overall Strategy and Indicators for Measuring Progress Are Needed to Better Achieve Restoration Goals" (GAO-03-515), which is available at http://www.gao.gov .
The members who requested the study in 2001, include Senators Carl Levin (MI), Mike DeWine (OH), Evan Bayh (IN), Debbie Stabenow (MI), and Representatives John Dingell (MI), Vernon Ehlers (MI), James Oberstar (MN), Steven LaTourette (OH), Bart Stupak (MI), Louise Slaughter (NY), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Sherwood Boehlert (NY), and Sherrod Brown (OH).
GAO recommends greater coordination on a long-term environmental restoration and recovery strategy among the federal agencies, Great Lakes governors, and other stakeholders. Additionally, GAO recommends that EPA develop environmental indicators and monitoring system for the Great Lakes Basin that can be used to measure overall restoration progress and in making decisions on the merits of restoration projects.
The GAO inventoried all of the federal and state programs |
operating in the Great Lakes. While the majority of the programs were national or state-wide in scope, there are 33 federal Great Lakes-specific programs and 17 state funded Great Lakes-specific programs funding environmental restoration activities in the Great Lakes Basin. There are additional local and non-governmental efforts operating in the lakes. Funding for the federal programs over the past 10 years totaled $745 million, and funding for state programs in that same time period totaled $956 million.
"Restoration of the Great Lakes Basin is a major endeavor involving many environmental programs and organizations. The magnitude of this effort cannot succeed without a comprehensive strategy or plan. . . ." Several organizations and agencies developed strategies to address either basin-wide or specific problems, however, the GAO concluded that there is no coordinated or unified strategy to restore the Great Lakes.
Further, GAO reported despite some improvements to the lakes, the Great Lakes ecosystem remains compromised, and based on the information and data available, GAO was not able to assess restoration progress.
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Regional - Fishery Research program Associate-Full Time 2-Year Term Renewable-Available Immediately The Great Lakes Fishery Commission seeks a Research Program Associate to assist the Science Director with research planning, contract administration, and fishery research projects in support of the Commission�s Fishery Research and Sea Lamprey Research Programs. The successful applicant will help coordinate scientific panels with members from Canada and the US. Incumbent will become familiar with a broad range of research projects that span the biological and social sciences. Ongoing research projects are focused on lake trout ecology. Incumbent must have basic background in biology, fishery biology, conservation, or a related discipline; be interested |
in natural resources management; organizationally skillful; proficient with word processing and spreadsheet programs, and have excellent communication skills. Two year term has the potential for renewal. Salary $26-30,000 with full benefits package. Submit application letter and vita to Charles Krueger at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> by June 11. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Charles C. Krueger, Science Director Great Lakes Fishery Commission 2100 Commonwealth Blvd., Suite 100 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-1563 Phone (734) 662-3209 ext. 12 FAX (734) 741-2010 |
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Regional - Steer Your Boat Clear of Invasive Aquatic Species Last summer Asian carp and snakeheads, invasive fish species, received plenty of attention because they are big and pose a dramatic threat to U.S. waterways. But they are just two of many non-native species that can disrupt the ecological and economic health of lakes and rivers.
This summer, when heading out to boat or fish in waterways near and far, you can help protect your favorite lake or stream by taking steps that help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species of all sizes.
"Aquatic nuisance species introduced into local waters can reduce fishing and can clog waterways, making fishing, boating and swimming difficult. They can also be quite costly to both recreational and commercial industries," said Pat Charlebois, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant biological resources specialist.
There are several ways that boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of these invasive species. First of all, never release live bait into a waterway. "It is very important to properly dispose of any leftover bait or bait bucket water," said Charlebois. "Bait may contain nuisance species and the water may also, in the form of microscopic zebra mussel veligers and invasive waterfleas. Simply throw any leftover bait in the trash and dump bait bucket water on land
Invasive species can also be transported in the water of live |
wells, motors, bilges, and transom wells of a boat, so before you leave the launch, drain any standing water from these areas onto land. Be careful that the water does not drain back into the waterway.
Hitchhikers can attach to your boat when you move it from one water body to another, as well as ride on trailers, motors, tackle, downriggers, anchors, axles, rollers and centerboards. "Even a small piece of Eurasian watermilfoil attached to an anchor can lead to an infestation of the whole waterway," said Charlebois.
Before launching, inspect your boat and equipment and remove all plants and animals. Wash your boat and other equipment to kill any exotic species that are not visible. You should use hot water (104 degree F) or a high-pressure sprayer.
It's a good idea to become familiar with invasive species and to know which lakes and streams are infected. If you think you've happened on a new infestation, contact Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant at 847-872-8677 or call your local DNR office.
To see 3-D images of a number of problem species--mollusks, crustaceans, fish and plants--go to www.sgnis.org. You can order brochures; invasive species watch cards and "Don't Dump Bait!" stickers (as a reminder on your bait bucket) on Sea Grant's Web site at www.iisgcp.org/pubs/br/index.html .
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Illinois
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IL � Special events planned for Free Fishing Days June 6-9 SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Youth groups, civic organizations and recreation agencies throughout Illinois are planning fishing derbies, clinics and other activities as part of Illinois Free Fishing Days, June 6-9. The annual celebration allows anyone to fish without the need for a fishing license, inland trout stamp or salmon stamp.
"Free Fishing Days is conducted each year to encourage anyone and everyone interested in fishing to try it," said Illinois DNR Director Joel Brunsvold. "Fishing is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy spending time with friends and family."
Free Fishing Days in Illinois is co-sponsored by Illinois-based Plano Molding Co., the world's largest manufacturer |
of fishing tackle boxes, and a corporate supporter of the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council.
"Organizations in all parts of the state have told us of more than 70 special events during Free Fishing Days weekend and at other times this spring and summer to celebrate fishing," said DNR public events coordinator Gary Watson.
Anglers fishing in fishing derbies, tournaments and other special events held prior to or after the four-day Free Fishing Days promotion are required to have a fishing license, unless they are otherwise exempted.
For more info: http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/2003/May/freefishingdays2003.htm or contact the DNR at 217/782-9990.
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IL - New DNR administrative rule for ANS To better control and contain unwanted introductions of ANS, an �Injurious Species� administrative rule (#805) was created and became effective on February 14, 2003. This new rule combines all existing lists of nuisance species and their restrictions into a single administrative rule, and includes all federally prohibited species itemized in the |
Lacey Act.
The Great Lakes Sport Fishing council worked with the IL DNR and their legal dept to upgrade administrative rule #805 to include all invasive nuisance species, including the sliver, Asian and bighead carp. For more information, contact Steve Shults at [email protected] . |
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IL - Chicago bans live grass carp/white amur, bighead carp and silver carp An ordinance to ban the importing, selling, transporting, carrying, owning, keeping or otherwise possessing any live grass carp/white amur, bighead carp or silver carp within the City of Chicago passed in April 2003. Alderman Ginger Rugai noted that "This legislation is to prevent the introduction of invasive species into Lake Michigan and our |
rivers and
streams.
These fish have the potential to dramatically affect the ecosystem of Lake Michigan and all of the surrounding waterways. Without this legislation, the $4 billion Great Lakes fishing industry would be threatened." For more information, contact Brenden Daley, Legislative Liaison, Department of Environment at [email protected] . |
Indiana
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IN - Hunters urgently need you help The Department of Natural Resources is currently attempting to ban dog running and training on 100% of the state land and now have even added private land to the list. This action would serve a great injustice to all dog owners and especially hunting dog owners. Owning and using hunting dogs is not like the sport of golf. A golfer can merely put his clubs in a corner and wait for warmer weather. The hunting dog owner works and trains his dogs year round. Ours is 12 month sport.
Glen Lange, chief of biology for our DNR admits that no research is available that indicates that the presence of hunting dogs has a negative impact on small game and upland birds.
Jack Hyden, President Indiana Beaglers Alliance says there are those within the DNR that have a negative dog attitude, and consider state land "their land". This group wants the dogs off the state land, and now they are adding private land to the list because we are mounting a sizable defense against their actions. It is an attempt to intimidate the sportsman and sportswoman into caving in to their desires.
Hyden adds "We beaglers and rabbit hunters beg of you to help us by attending the meetings or emailing DNR at the email address below and tell them you support the rabbit hunter and beagler and do not want dog running restrictions placed on any Indiana lands be they state or private. Explain to them that there is no research to indicate that the dogs are a problem and if they have isolated problems in some areas they should be dealt with on an individual basis, and to leave the dog running alone."
Open houses at 19 locations around the state will launch a rule review process expected to take about a year.
Biologists will specifically review and discuss rules related to dog running on public and private land, nuisance coyotes, deer hunting equipment, fish size limits, and hunting inside fenced areas. But all ideas for new or revised rules will be considered in this early stage of the rule review process.
Anyone with ideas to contribute is urged to attend an open house or submit comments by June 16. Written comments may be submitted online at: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/about/rules.htm
Or mailed to: Rule Change Comments Division of Fish and Wildlife 402 W. Washington, W273 Indianapolis, IN 46204
A timeline outlining the rule review and public involvement process is available at: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/about/rules.htm
Open houses take place from 2 to 8 p.m. local time at the following locations:
Tuesday, June 3 --------------------- Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area 7970 S Rowe St, Edinburgh, IN 46124 (812) 526-2051
Pike Township Public Library 6525 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268 (317) 232-4080
DNR Office 562 DNR Rd, Mitchell, IN 47446 (812) 849-4586
DNR Office 1124 N. Mexico Rd , Peru, IN 46970 (765) 473-9324 |
Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area 2042 S 500 W, Morocco, IN 47963 (219) 285-2704
Wednesday, June 4 --------------------- Ft. Wayne - Law Enforcement District Headquarters 1903 St. Mary's Ave, Ft. Wayne, IN 46808 (260) 691-3181
Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area 5822 N. Fish & Wildlife Lane Medaryville, IN 47957 (219) 843-4841
Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area 4320 W. Toto Rd, North Judson, IN 46366 (574) 896-3522
LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area 4752 W 1050 N, Lake Village, IN 46349 (219) 992-3019
Minnehaha Fish and Wildlife Area 2411 E. State Rd 54, Sullivan, IN 47882 (812) 268-5640
Thursday, June 5 --------------------- Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area 2010 S. State Rd 3, North Vernon, IN 47265 (812) 346-5596
Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area 5344 S. Hupp Rd, LaPorte, IN 46350 (219) 393-3612
Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area 8432 N 850 E, Syracuse, IN 46567 (574) 834-4461
Tuesday, June 10 --------------------- Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area R.R. 2, Box 300, Montgomery, IN 47558 (812) 644-7731
Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area 15010 St. Rd. 69 S., Mt. Vernon, IN 47620 (812) 838-2927
Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area 8310 E 300 N, Mongo, IN 46771 (260) 367-2164
Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area 2310 E. State Road 364 , Winslow, IN 47598 (812) 789-2724 Winamac Fish and Wildlife Area 1493 W 500 N Winamac, IN 46996 (574) 946-4422
Wednesday, June 11 --------------------- Wilbur Wright Fish and Wildlife Area 2239 N. State Road 103 New Castle, IN 47362 (765) 529-9581
Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in rule review open houses should call the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife ADA Coordinator at (317) 232-4080 (voice and TDD).
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IN - Indy reservoir blooms with bucketmouths DNR fisheries biologist Doug Keller has discovered a tremendous population of largemouth bass on the fringe of Indiana's most populous county.
Keller recently surveyed Indianapolis' Eagle Creek Reservoir using electrofishing methods. He brought in netfuls of trophy bass, with one fish spanning more than 21" and weighing around 9 lbs. Two nights of sampling netted 325 bass. Nearly half were over 14 "; 22 % surpassed 16 ", and 8 % exceeded 18 ".
Keller noted that the numbers of gizzard shad, a small prolific fish that bass prey upon, appear to be down dramatically, perhaps due to severe winter die offs. "This |
could be a fantastic year for fishing. With fewer groceries in the lake, predators will not be swimming around with full tummies. They may be more likely to chase after an angler's bait," said Keller.
Keller plans to conduct additional Eagle Creek Reservoir surveys of the entire fish community later this month. He will also be researching the lake's burgeoning walleye population this fall. The size limit for bass in Eagle Creek Reservoir is 14 ", with a daily bag limit of five fish. Shore and boat fishing are available. Motors are limited to 10 horsepower or less.
Eagle Creek Park info: http://www.indygov.org/indyparks/funfinder/indyparks_tour |
Michigan
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MI - Free Fishing Weekend June 7-8 Fishing clinics and special events are planned throughout the state to celebrate Michigan's annual summer Free Fishing Weekend June 7-8. For these two days, residents and nonresidents can fish without purchasing a fishing license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.
Michigan offers some of the finest and most diverse freshwater fishing in the country, with more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,037 inland lakes and 36,350 miles of rivers and streams, including 1,000 miles of blue ribbon trout streams. |
Free Fishing Weekend is an excellent opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce fishing to a friend, child or family member who has never cast a line. Many organizations, including local chambers of commerce, fishing clubs, businesses and conservation clubs have organized special instructional fishing events in observance of this weekend.
For schedules of Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr .
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MI - Young State Park offers Kids Fishing Day � June 7 Officials at Young State Park in Charlevoix County today announced a June 7 Kids Fishing Day that will include a stocked pond, fishing poles and free bait for children interested in learning more about fishing.
The Kids Fishing Day, 9-11:30 a.m. at Mirror Lake in the state park, coincides with Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend, when all fishing license fees are waived for residents and out of state visitors alike on inland and Great Lakes waters. All other fishing regulations still apply.
Children will have access to fishing poles and bait while they learn more about the sport of fishing. Representatives from The DNR's Fisheries Division and Conservation |
Officers will be on hand to help. Volunteers from the Charlevoix Rod and Gun Club will join the DNR staff efforts.
Prizes will be awarded for the first fish caught, smallest fish and largest fish caught. Door prizes will be awarded. Juice donated by McDonalds of Boyne City will be available for anglers.
Poles, bait, tackle boxes and prizes were donated by Tom's Bait and Tackle of East Jordan, Boyne River Bait and Outdoor Sports of Boyne City, East Jordan True Value Family Center and Wal-Mart of Petoskey. The Kids Fishing Day is free, but a Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter all state parks. A daily pass costs $4 and an annual pass is $20. An electronic form is on the Michigan home page at http://www.state.mi.us/listserv/subscribe.html |
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MI - 2003-04 off-road vehicle grant applications available State officials on May 30 announced off-road vehicle grant applications are available to public agencies, nonprofit and incorporated clubs and organizations.
Applications are available for grants to maintain existing designated ORV trails, routes and use areas; repair public lands damaged by inappropriate ORV use; and develop new ORV trails, routes and use areas. Grant funds also are available to pay for liability insurance, leases or easements.
"We currently maintain more than 3,100 miles of designated ORV trails and routes Statewide," said DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division ORV Program Manager Steve Kubisiak. "We encourage participation from all user organizations and other public agencies to help us maintain Michigan's great ORV trail system."
Grant applications are prioritized to address existing trail maintenance and restoration needs on public land. Grant applicants are encouraged to identify all trails, routes and areas they wish to maintain. Requests may include more trail, route, or area maintenance than has been previously |
assigned to a sponsor organization.
Completed applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2003. Any public agency, nonprofit, incorporated club or organization seeking an application should contact DNR's Grants, Contracts and Customer Systems, Box 30425, Lansing, MI 48909. Grant applications may also be requested by using Grants, Contracts and Customer Systems_ 24-hour Voicemail at 517-373-2724.
Questions about the ORV program and application requirements should be directed to the ORV program staff in the DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI, 48909, 517-373-1665.
A separate application is available for grants to eligible county sheriff departments to enforce ORV regulations. Counties that have either designated ORV trails or abandoned railroad rights-of-way that are being converted into Michigan Trailways are eligible for law enforcement funding.
For more information on ORV enforcement grant opportunities call Maureen Kay Houghton, Grants, Contracts and Customer Systems at 517-373-2965.
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Now that most turkey hunters have finished their spring turkey hunt, the DNR wishes to remind all turkey hunters of the new online harvest reporting option that's available to them once their hunting season has ended. Report your turkey hunting activity http://www.michigandnr.com/wildlife/wldsurvey.asp
But hunters should only complete the survey after their season has ended. Remember, it's important for all turkey hunters to participate, even if they do not harvest a turkey. |
Survey results will be posted on our Web site later this summer, but you can visit the site by clicking below: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/1,1607,7-153-10363_10958_10969---,00.html Here, you'll find other important turkey hunting-related news and information, including results of turkey harvest surveys from previous years. If you are still hunting wild turkey this spring, good luck. |
Minnesota
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MN - Free Fishing Days June 6-8 Various activities are planned across the state of Minnesota. Check the MN DNR web site at http://www.waterworkswonders.org/index.html?section |
or call the DNR at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-646-6367
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MN - New regulation guides available for Minnesota boaters Minnesota boaters and anglers will find a few changes this year when they venture out on the waterways, said Kim Elverum, boat and water safety coordinator for the Minnesota DNR. There are two major changes.
The minimum property damage level for reporting a boating accident has been raised to match the U.S. Coast Guard's reporting threshold of $2,000 in total damage. Boaters must now report any accident where there is either combined property damage exceeding $2,000, personal injury beyond first aid, or a fatality. Prior to this year, the property damage level had been $500. Minnesota law requires boaters to report the accident directly to the county sheriff in the county where the accident occurred.
Boaters on some Minnesota lakes will notice a change in the shoreward obstruction or point buoy which, under the old aids to navigation system, had vertical red-and-white stripes. With the advent of the Coast Guard's U.S. Aids to Navigation System, the shoreward obstruction buoy now has black-and-white vertical stripes.
Under the new system, the red-and-white vertically striped |
buoy (with a round red top mark) is now used to mark the center of a channel. The shoreward obstruction marker is used in Minnesota on Lake Minnetonka and Sarah Lake in Hennepin County, Prior Lake in Scott County, Gull Lake in Cass and Crow Wing counties, and Cass, Leech and Woman lakes in Cass County.
All of these lakes should be using the new black-and-white vertically striped buoys this year. A notice of these upcoming changes has been in the Minnesota Boating Guide for the last four years. "Boaters can read about both changes in the 2003 Minnesota Boating Guide, which also has color drawings of all of the buoys used in the state, including the new ones for 2003," Elverum said. "They can also request a free buoy identification sticker that can be placed on their boat for easy reference."
Both items are available free by calling the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-646-6367, or e-mail [email protected] www.dnr.state.mn.us/boating . Boating guides are also available at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles and many sheriffs' offices.
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MN - Comment period on adoption of new fishing regs Harmful exotic species regs hearings begins June 2 Beginning June 2, the Minnesota DNR will accept comments or requests for public hearings on the adoption of regulations that govern certain commercial and recreational fishing activities as well as harmful exotic species. Many businesses and groups directly affected by the new regulations have been notified of the changes.
Among the changes to be adopted are: - Designation of the aquatic plants on the federal noxious weed list as prohibited exotic species in Minnesota. The designation will make import, transport, possession and sale of the listed plants in the state illegal. Currently, there are 16 species of aquatic plants on this list. - Protect spawning lake trout by establishing a seasonal fishing closure on Lake Superior from Chester Creek to the Duluth ship channel in St. Louis County. - Implement possession and daily limit of 50 ciscos on waters within the Leech Lake Reservation. The limit is aimed at protecting cisco populations in the area. - Allow the use of live leeches on designated stream trout lakes. - Changes to commercial fishing regs that govern the taking of turtles, minnows, mussels, as well as netting |
operations.
A complete listing of changes to be adopted can be found in the June 2 edition of the State Register at www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/stateregister or the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us
Comments supporting or opposing the rules may be e-mailed via the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us Comments will also be accepted by phone at 651-296-3325 in the Twin Cities metro area or toll free at 888-646-6367. Written comments may be mailed to Linda Erickson-Eastwood, Box 12, 500 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN 55155-4012.
Requests for a public hearing with an administrative law judge must be submitted in writing. The request should include the following information: the specific rule to be addressed in the hearing, reason a hearing is necessary and the name and phone numbers of those who wish to have a hearing. Requests should be mailed to Linda Erickson-Eastwood, Box 12, 500 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN 55155-4012.
All comments and requests for hearing must be received prior to 4:30 p.m. on July 2. |
Ohio
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OH - Ohio Sportsmen Rally Against Diversion of Wildlife Dollars Ohio sportsmen converged on the state capitol last week to oppose the use of hunting and fishing license dollars to fund a multi-agency law enforcement communications system.
House Bill 95, the Ohio budget bill, would divert $1.2 million from the Ohio wildlife fund to help pay for the Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS).
When MARCS was introduced, sportsmen were promised that funds for the system would come from general taxation because the system would be utilized by all of the state�s law enforcement agencies. Ohio Governor Robert Taft�s budget, which the House approved on April 9 by a vote of 53 to 46, would tap sportsmen�s dollars, dedicated by law exclusively for wildlife conservation, to help pay for the system. To sportsmen, this amounts to double taxation.
"Like all other citizens, we pay our taxes to fund safety services such as law enforcement," explained Tony Celebrezze, director of field services for the U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance. "These costs should be borne by all taxpayers without targeting hunters, trappers and anglers."
Take Action! Ohio sportsmen should contact the members of the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee and the President of the |
Senate, Doug White. Ask them to oppose any attempt to divert wildlife funds and remove the $1.2 million diversion earmarked for the MARCS radio system. To find your legislator and to leave a message, call (800) 282-0253 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org. Contact Senator White at (614) 466-8082.
The members of the committee are: Ohio Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee
ChairmanBill Harris (R-Ashland) (614) 466-8086 Vice-ChairmanJohn Carey (R-Pickaway) (614) 466-8156 Ranking Minority MemberEric Fingerhut (D-Cleveland) (614) 466-4583
Other MembersRon Amstutz (R-Wooster) (614) 466-7505 James Carnes (R-St. Clairsville) (614) 466-8076 Louis Blessing (R-Cincinnati) (614) 466-8086 Randy Gardner (R-Madison) (614) 466-7718 Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) (614) 466-5838 Jeff Jacobson (R-Dayton) (614) 466-4538 David Goodman (R-Columbus) (614) 466-8064 Mark Mallory (D-Cincinnati) (614) 466-5980 Ray Miller (D-Franklin) (614) 466-5131 C.J. Prentiss (D-Cleveland) (614) 466-4857 |
Pennsylvania
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As of May 5, there have already been two fatal boating accidents reported in 2003, both in unpowered boats. Not surprisingly, given the time of year, cold water played a direct role in both accidents. One accident involved a paddler on the Youghiogheny River; the other involved a fisherman on Canoe Creek Lake.
Sadly prophetic, the Commission has issued several public information pieces warning of the dangers of cold water, including a news release in the days leading up to the first day of trout season. Unfortunately, there was a fatal boating accident involving trout anglers. Two brothers were fishing from a small craft when it capsized at Canoe Creek Lake State Park. One brother was wearing his life |
jacket and survived. The other was not wearing a life jacket and � despite resuscitation efforts by Waterways Conservation Officer Craig Garman and others � he did not survive.
This accident underscores the dangers of cold water and highlights the importance of wearing a life jacket, particularly aboard a small boat.
Remember, boating accidents can occur at any time, under any conditions and every precaution must be taken to ensure that you and your passengers are as safe as possible. Please help spread boating safety message to: Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Wear a Life Jacket. |
Wisconsin
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WI - Free Fishing Weekend June 7-8 MADISON -- Adults can fish in Wisconsin without a license June 7 & 8 and participate in dozens of special activities across the state as part of Wisconsin's annual Free Fishing Weekend.
"Our hope with Free Fishing Weekend is that parents and other significant adults will take children and other important people in their lives fishing," says Theresa Stabo, aquatic resources educator with the Department of Natural Resources.
Children 15 and under and those born before 1927 fish free every day in Wisconsin, but during Free Fishing Weekend, people of all ages can fish any Wisconsin waters without a license or state trout and salmon stamps. The waiver of fishing licenses and stamps applies to both residents and nonresidents. During Free Fishing Weekend, all fishing regulations, such as size and bag limits, are still in effect.
A copy of the Wisconsin fishing regulations, as well as a list of good places to take kids fishing and other information to get anglers started on their fishing fun can be found online at www.fishingwisconsin.org, then look under "Fishing in Wisconsin" in the left hand column and click on "regulations." |
People who want a little more personal help in getting started on their lifetime fishing adventure can check out the dozens of fishing clinics offered this weekend statewide. Many of them are held at state parks, and several are offered by local fishing clubs and bait shops. Each event has its own focus but most provide an opportunity for beginners to learn to tie a basic knot and cast a line, Stabo says. Others provide demonstrations of fisheries management techniques, like shocking and sampling, and still others have organized casting and fish identification games.
People also can tour a state hatchery or spawning facility and participate in family activities during the statewide Fish Hatchery Open Houses, set for June 7 at many locations. Tours are offered at all hatcheries hosting events, as well as fun family activities such as casting games, fish T-shirt printing, and fishing instruction.
Also, June 8 is State Parks Open House Day -- free admission to all state parks, forests and trails.
For state-wide events: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/fish/ffw.htm
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WI - Statewide fish hatchery open house set for June 7 MADISON -- People are invited to tour the facilities where fisheries crews spawn or hatch and raise 70 million fish annually, and enjoy fun family activities during the statewide fish hatchery open house June 7.
"We hope to get people to come out to the hatcheries to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and see the kind of work our hatcheries staff does to help maintain fishing opportunities in the state," says Theresa Stabo, aquatic resources educator with the Department of Natural Resources. "At some of our facilities we'll have family activities like casting games, fish T-shirt printing and instruction in knot-tying and other fishing basics."
The events, scheduled at most of the state's 14 hatcheries and three spawning facilities, are part of DNR's efforts to highlight Wisconsin's water resources and recreation during 2003, designated in Wisconsin as the Year of Water. The statewide open house also coincides with Free Fishing Weekend, June 7-8, during which people can fish free without a license.
In addition to promoting fishing, hatchery officials hope the open house will help people better understand the state propagation system's role in providing fishing opportunities and the challenges the system faces with aging facilities and growing demands for fishing opportunities. "Stocking is one of the tools we use to manage fish and provide fishing opportunities in Wisconsin, just like regulations, and habitat protection and restoration are tools," says Al Kaas, statewide propagation coordinator. "Our stocking program is more than 125 years old and we're very proud of that history. But the role of stocking is evolving. We want to increase awareness of those changes and also of the challenges we're facing."
Many of the state hatcheries are 50 to 100 years old and in need of major repairs or renovations to meet current environmental laws and to use state-of-the-art fish propagation techniques. The priority project, renovating Wild
Rose State Fish Hatchery has been approved by the state building commission and Gov. Jim Doyle's 2003-2005 budget calls for spending $12.7 million for the first phase of renovation. That will overhaul the facilities where trout are hatched and raised and allow the hatchery to meet groundwater laws written after its construction. |
Wild Rose now produces 27 percent of all trout and salmon stocked statewide, 64 percent of northern pike, 100 percent of lake sturgeon, and a significant share of spotted musky. The integral role the hatchery plays, as well as its central location and abundant groundwater resources, made it a priority, Kaas says. The total $22.5 million renovation will be funded with a combination of Salmon Stamp funds, federal Sport Fish Restoration funds, and Fish & Wildlife Account funds.
Wisconsin's state-owned hatchery system dates to 1876, when the Nevin State Fish Hatchery opened on the outskirts of Madison. Facilities quickly followed in Bayfield and Woodruff. By 1979, at least 38 hatcheries had been established statewide, some of them short-lived. They cranked out millions and millions of fish, most of them days old fish called fry, and the fish were stocked without much regard to a water's habitat and other fish species in the water.
At the time, stocking was seen as a panacea to promoting more fishing opportunities when overexploitation was hurting native stocks. In 1937, in fact, Wisconsin set a national record for fish propagation when it raised and released more than 1 billion fish, most of them fry.
Today, Wisconsin's hatcheries emphasize producing smaller volumes of larger, higher quality fish that survive better. "Our number one priority is restoration stocking, and our second stocking priority is to answer specific research questions," Kaas says. "Where it's too expensive to do habitat work, we do stocking that's intended to maintain an existing fishery that's been reduced due to outside factors that may not be fixed easily or inexpensively."
The system is also moving to use fish captured from the wild to serve as broodstock instead of year after year depending on domestic fish kept at the hatcheries for their broodstock. Fisheries staff have been particularly successful with a wild trout program, which research has shown produces a fish that is more wary and challenging for anglers while surviving at much better rates than offspring produced from domestic broodstock.
These and other changes in the propagation system are chronicled in the displays at many of the facilities.
For a listing of the state-wide fish hatcheries click here: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/on/2003/on |
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WI - Natural Areas Conference
The conference features presentations on natural area |
identification, protection, restoration, and management. Also planned are a day-long invasive plants symposium and symposia on landscape ecology, large river systems, fire ecology, and private lands protection. Visit www.naturalarea.org for conference updates or call: Thomas Meyer 608-266-0394 or [email protected] for more information.
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