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Week of July 23, 2012 |
| Words to Ponder |
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| Misc New Fishing-Boating Products |
| Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues |
| National |
| Regional |
| General |
| Michigan |
| Minnesota |
| Ohio |
| Other Breaking News Items |
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Misc New Fishing-Boating Products
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Tracker Marine Group Boats named to Consumers Digest Best Buy list
Springfield, MO�July 13, 2012� Highly respected Consumers Digest
TMG was the only marine manufacturer with 3 boats named to the much-anticipated recommendations used by consumers when considering a boat purchase. The NITRO Z-6 bass boat was touted by the editorial staff as the least expensive model bass boat they could find that delivered professional-level performance and features.
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In coastal boats, the MAKO Pro 17 Skiff CC
�is the most impressive new
For more information on other TRACKER Marine Group brands or to locate your nearest dealer, go to: www.trackermarine.com. There is a convenient dealer locator on each of the brand websites. Tracker Marine is a member of the Bass Pro Shops Group.
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Taste enhancers for wild game & domestic meats
I had the opportunity to taste some of these products while at ICAST and was truly impressed. Whether on tuna or turkey, these meat are sure to please and will be a delight to you and your party guests. The new products are also great for on the go or just a |
quick meal at the house. The bags can be loaded with fillets and put on the freezer for another day. The bag is very thick so it will protect against freezer burn too. this type of packaging truly revolutionizes the marinade industry.
Available online or at Cabela�s
800-338-8899
www.sportsmansgold.com/ www.italian-rose.com/ |
Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues
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Taste enhancers for wild game & domestic meats
I had the opportunity to taste some of these products while at ICAST and was truly impressed. Whether on tuna or turkey, these meat are sure to please and will be a delight to you and your party guests. The new products are also great for on the go or just a |
quick meal at the house. The bags can be loaded with fillets and put on the freezer for another day. The bag is very thick so it will protect against freezer burn too. this type of packaging truly revolutionizes the marinade industry.
Available online or at Cabela�s
800-338-8899
www.sportsmansgold.com/ www.italian-rose.com/ |
National
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EPA Proposes Revised cleanup plan for old OMC site EPA wants your comments on the proposed revision to the 2007 cleanup plan for the OMC Plant 2 site. Your input is important because EPA may modify or select another cleanup option based on public comments. There are several ways your voice can be heard during the 30day public comment period that runs until Aug. 10, 2012.
The USEPA and Illinois EPA are proposing to revise the 2007 cleanup plan for a portion of the Outboard Marine Corp. Superfund site. The revised cleanup plan focuses on the contaminated soil in the site�s north and west utility corridors and under the former Plant 2�s Old Die Cast building (see Figure 1). The 2007 plan called for the complete excavation of all contaminated soil at the site. The new plan proposes the following: ► Covering contaminated soil with a clay cap and clean soil ► Reseeding the clean soil ► Installing an underground barrier wall to contain the contamination ► Placing restrictions called institutional controls on the future use of the property in the contaminated area ► Monitoring the cleanup to make sure it will continue to protect people and the environment
The OMC Plant 2 part of the site is located on Seahorse Drive near Waukegan Harbor in Waukegan, IL. The 60 acre property is the site of an abandoned industrial facility, now demolished, where OMC once manufactured outboard motors. OMC�s manufacturing process used oil containing PCBs. The company discharged the oil into outside ponds and into Waukegan Harbor. In late 2000, OMC declared bankruptcy and stopped operations. Most of the OMC site is now owned by the city of Waukegan.
EPA began cleanup work at the OMC site in the early 1980s. The state had documented PCB contamination in Waukegan Harbor in the mid-1970s and the site was placed on the first Superfund National Priorities List in October 1981.
EPA�s proposed cleanup plan for the OMC Plant 2 site deals with the contaminants � mostly PCBs � found within large portions of the OMC Plant 2 building and in soil and sediment (mud) outside the facility. The EPA issued a $21 million cleanup plan in 2007 that involved demolishing and disposing of the contaminated building and excavating and disposing of contaminated soil and sediment.
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The agencies are offering five options:
Option 1 � No further action: EPA uses the no-action option as a basis for comparison with other cleanup options. Under Option 1, EPA would take no further action to clean up soil in the ODC and utility corridor areas.
Option 2 � Capping, institutional controls, and monitoring: The ODC area would be graded to minimize erosion and to promote surface water runoff, then covered with clay and clean topsoil.
Option 3 � Capping, Vertical Barrier Wall, Institutional Controls and Monitoring (this is EPA�s preferred option): Under this option, in addition to the capping, institutional controls, and monitoring described in Option 2, EPA would construct an underground vertical barrier wall around the contaminated soil under the Old Die Cast building area
Option 4 � On-Site Treatment, Institutional Controls, and Monitoring: Under Option 4, the institutional controls and monitoring are the same as for Options 2 and 3.
Option 4 � On-Site Treatment, Institutional Controls, and Monitoring: Under Option 4, the institutional controls and monitoring are the same as for Options 2 and 3.
Send comments to Community Involvement Coordinator Mike Joyce at [email protected], or fax to 312-385-5531. Comments submitted by mail must be postmarked by Aug. 10. Comments may also be submitted to the EPA via the Web at: www.epa.gov/region5/cleanup/outboardmarine/pubcomment.html.
To review full EPA proposal: www.epa.gov/region5/cleanup/outboardmarine/pdfs/factsheet-201207.pdf
Mike Joyce EPA Community Involvement Coordinator EPA Region 5 (SI-7J) 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590
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Coast Guard responds to bomb threat to Ambassador Bridge CLEVELAND � The Coast Guard is responding to the report of a bomb, Monday night, on the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
A boat crew from Coast Guard Station Belle Isle, in Detroit, along with crews from Customs and Border Protection, Detroit Police Department, Canadian Coast Guard and Windsor Police Department are enforcing a 1,000-yard safety zone on both sides of the bridge.
A search-and-rescue coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Detroit received a phone call at 8 p.m. from the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations reporting that an anonymous caller had contacted them about a bomb on the Ambassador Bridge. The Detroit Police Department and CBP Office of Field Operations worked with the bridge authority to close the bridge to traffic.
Boatcrews from Station Belle Isle launched aboard a 25-foot Response |
Boat-Small and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium to enforce a safety zone around the bridge.
This is the second bomb threat in the area in a week, but unlike the previous threat, this anonymous call came into U.S. authorities. �Immediately upon notification, the Coast Guard coordinated with its international, federal, state and local partners to ensure the safety of the public by enforcing a safety zone below the bridge,� said Coast Guard Capt. Jeff Ogden, Sector Detroit commander.
�Our plans now are to continue support with protection of the maritime environment.� Until the Ambassador Bridge is cleared on both the U.S. and Canadian sides, the Coast Guard will continue to enforce the safety zone and protect the marine infrastructure.
For more information about the threat and the search for any signs of a bomb on the bridge, contact Sgt. Eren Stephens with the Detroit Police Department at 313-220-4656. |
Lawsuit Against Animal Rights Groups ProceedsLast week, a federal court ruled that Feld Entertainment, the owner of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, could move forward with its racketeering and conspiracy claims against the Humane Society of the United States and other anti-hunting, animal rights extremist groups and their attorneys.
According to a report by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Feld Entertainment�s claims arose out of a lawsuit brought by the groups and a former circus employee in 2000 that accused Feld of mistreating elephants under the Endangered Species Act. In dismissing the prior |
lawsuit, the Court found, among other things, that the questionable circus employee, Tom Rider, was a paid plaintiff and fact witness with no injury �whose sole source of income throughout the litigation� was provided by his organizational co-plaintiffs and their lawyers.
Now Feld Entertainment can move forward with its federal racketeering and conspiracy claims against the HSUS, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Welfare Institute, Fund for Animals and other anti-hunting animal rights extremist groups�plus their attorneys.
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Regional
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No Asian Carp found in Lake Calumet after 3-day search The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) announced on Monday, July 16 that no Asian carp were found during a three-day intensive search for the invasive species in Lake Calumet within the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS). The Level 1 response was triggered after three consecutive rounds of Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling yielded positive results for silver carp DNA.
The ACCRC�s 2012 Monitoring and Rapid Response Plan calls for a Level 1 response to three consecutive rounds of positive eDNA results in one area. While Lake Calumet is regularly monitored for the presence of Asian carp, a Level 1 response added commercial fishing crews as well as additional electrofishing boats, larger sweeping nets called seines, and additional sampling gear to the area during an intensive four-day fishing period.
The response was conducted between July 11-13, 2012 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Illinois Natural History Survey- University of Illinois.
The crews strategically placed over six miles of various net types throughout the Lake Calumet area including the deployment of half-mile long seine nets on three separate occasions to sweep large portions of the area. Electrofishing boats fished more than 10 miles of shoreline areas to drive fish toward the nets. The response also deployed new net technologies developed specifically for Asian carp including, for the first time, pound nets to isolate Lake Calumet and prevent fish movement in and out. Additionally, other new gear being developed for Asian carp detection, including deep water gill nets and six-foot hoop nets, were deployed as part of this response action. The new pound nets were equipped with boat-ways to allow boat passage during this extended deployment, and commercial and private vessel traffic was able to proceed with minimal interference from the monitoring activity. These nets will remain in place throughout the next week to gather further information on fish abundances and fish movements.
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These nets may prove to be valuable in other places throughout the Illinois River.
The three-day intensive search, which totaled more than 900 hours of individual work, yielded over 6,300 fish and more than 30 different species, with no bighead or silver carp seen or captured during the efforts.
Intensive sampling operations on the CAWS by the Illinois DNR, USFWS, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers first began on February 17, 2010 in an attempt to locate either silver or bighead Asian carp above the Electric Fish Barrier System. Since that time, hundreds of routine monitoring trips have produced only one Asian carp (bighead) above the barrier system which was captured in June of 2010 in Lake Calumet. Lake Calumet, which sits approximately six miles south of Lake Michigan within the Calumet River, has been routinely sampled by ACRCC crews an average of four times per month looking for Asian carp.
The routine sampling efforts are an important and continued effort in the Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework, which includes both short and long term actions to stop the migration of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.
Commercial fishing operations will also continue to remove silver or bighead carp in downstate waters where the fish are known to be present. Since 2010, commercial fishermen contracted by the Illinois DNR have removed more than 1 million pounds of Asian carp from the Illinois River well downstream of Chicago.
Sampling and monitoring continues at fixed sampling stations throughout the Chicago Area Waterway System as detailed in the ACRCC�s 2012 Monitoring and Sampling plan to search for Asian carp. Actions are federally funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
To view 2012 Strategic Framework or the 2012 Monitoring and Rapid Response plan please visit www.asiancarp.us. |
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Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for July 20, 2012 WEATHER CONDITIONS Some much needed rain arrived for most areas of the Great Lakes basin this week. Precipitation is still below average, though, across the Great Lakes so far this month. Temperatures started off this week above seasonal averages again, but have settled to near averages for Friday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible across the region through the weekend. Temperatures are forecasted to rise again on Sunday and Monday. LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS The water level of Lake Superior is 2 inches higher than last year's level, while Lake Michigan-Huron is 9 inches lower than its level of a year ago. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 11, 13, and 13 inches, respectively, lower than their levels of a year ago. Over the next month, Lake Superior is forecasted to rise 1 inch, while Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to remain near its current level. The water levels of Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are forecasted to fall 4, 4, and 2 inches, respectively, over the next thirty days. FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS Lake Superior's outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be below average for the month of July. Lake Huron's outflow into the St. Clair River and the outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are also |
expected to be below average throughout the month of July. Lake Erie's outflow through the Niagara River and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River are predicted to be below average in July. ALERTS Lake Michigan-Huron is near chart datum. 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.
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General
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Boaters must consider the effects of prescription medication before leaving dock WASHINGTON- Prescription medications can bring on unwanted side effects to boaters on the water far from emergency personnel.
�The marine environment exposes people to heat or cold, motion, wind, noise and other factors that can cause fatigue in anyone,� says Richard C. Lavy, M.D. The physical condition of everyone on board should be assessed before leaving the dock. Lack of shade and over exposure to the sun and heat along with ever changing sea conditions can bring on dehydration, dizziness and heat exhaustion. Drowsiness or confusion will impair the ability to operate a boat safely much like too much alcohol.
Recognize the signs of medical distress and know how to call for help. Depending on geographic area, use VHF marine channel 16 or call 911. |
Know before you go.
Remember this acronym - BOAT SAFE � it stands for - - Bring plenty to eat and drink � avoid dehydration - Operate the boat in a safe and responsible manner - Always wear a life jacket - Take a boating safety course - Sun, wind and temperatures can be more of a factor than boaters think - Annual courtesy vessel safe check - File a float plan � leave it with someone who will take action if overdue - Evaluate the readiness of operating crew and passengers � it is ok to not get underway when there is doubt
For more information go to www.uscgboating.org |
Michigan
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DNR to remove grass carp from Marrs Lake, Lenawee County As a result of previous grass carp reports in Marrs Lake (located in Lenawee County), staff from the Michigan DNR sampled the water body during the week of June 18. One adult grass carp was collected along with the sighting of at least three others. Tissue samples from the grass carp were submitted to laboratories at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Southern Illinois University to determine their reproductive status. Both institutions confirmed the collected fish was a reproductively viable grass carp.
In response to this finding, Fisheries Division is developing a Grass Carp Management Plan for Marrs Lake that will include an intensive sampling effort with electrofishing and nets in an attempt to remove the remaining grass carp without harming other fish. This effort is planned for the week of July 16. Additionally, the connected lakes (Washington, Wolf and Allen) will be sampled for grass carp DNA to see if these fish have spread to these other water bodies and to determine if additional management steps are needed for these locations. |
Grass carp are considered an Asian carp species, and while they do not pose the same risk to Michigan�s waters as bighead or silver carp, they are of concern as they eat beneficial types of aquatic plants and alter good fish habitat. Grass carp are rarely found in Michigan waters. Previous cases were usually a result of illegal stocking in ponds or movements from other states where stocking genetically altered triploid fish for aquatic vegetation control is allowed.
Other states allow the stocking of triploid fish because they believe the fish have a low probability of reproduction, but the sterilization process is not 100 % effective. Given their potential negative effects on fish habitat, the Michigan DNR strongly opposes the use of triploid fish and reminds the public that grass carp are illegal to possess and stock in both public and private waters.
The DNR�s Fisheries Division has been communicating with the waterfront residents of Marrs Lake for assistance on this matter and will continue to closely coordinate with them. For more info: www.michigan.gov/asiancarp
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Volunteer to help kids learn fishing, shooting sports at U.P. State Fair Aug. 13-19 The annual Upper Peninsula State Fair � one of Michigan�s summer highlights � is right around the corner, and the Michigan DNR is seeking more than 100 volunteers Aug. 13-19 to help to make it happen.
Among the fair�s abundance of exhibits and events is the DNR�s U.P. Pocket Park, a place where thousands of kids will learn to fish or shoot a bow or pellet gun in a safe, fun environment. Forty energetic, outdoors-minded volunteers are needed each day to bait hooks, teach kids how to catch and release a fish, shoot a bow or pellet gun, greet visitors and generally help provide a positive experience.
The rewards are many. Besides the chance to help create memories for the next generation of hunters and anglers, volunteers will receive a free Pocket Park T-shirt, lunch during the shift worked, and a free pass to the |
fair to be used on the same day before or after the shift. There are two time slots each day: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 4 to 8 p.m., starting on Aug. 13 at 4 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for as many shifts as they would like.
�Last year, we had volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 89, and in some cases, included four or five immediate family members pitching in to help,� said the DNR�s coordinator for the event, Janet Canode. �There�s a lot of work to be done, but it�s fun work, and you�re outdoors, passing on a love of Michigan�s natural resources.�
The U.P. State Fair takes place in downtown Escanaba. For more information about the fair, visit www.upstatefair.org.
Fro more info: Janet Canode at [email protected] or 517-241-5210 or Joe Russell at 906-789-0714. |
Minnesota
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Faucet snails found in small ponds on White Earth Nation and county lands On July 9, White Earth Nation and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers responded to a report that faucet snails had been discovered in a container of leeches purchased at a bait shop in the Otter Tail/Becker County area. Officials including White Earth conservation officers, White Earth aquatic invasive species personnel, DNR conservation officers and DNR aquatic invasive species specialists immediately began inspections to trace the origin of the leech source. A series of small ponds that are used for leeching and duck hunting were sampled.
After sampling, faucet snails were found in several ponds located on tribal and non-tribal lands in the area. In an effort to prevent the further spread of faucet snails, White Earth officials have temporarily closed the infested tribal land ponds to public access and leeching until further investigations are completed. Additional inspections are underway.
White Earth Natural Resources and the DNR are asking that all leech harvesters, bait dealers and anglers, tribal and non-Indians, thoroughly inspect their leeching equipment, boating equipment and bait containers for faucet snails, as well as any other aquatic invasive species, to further prevent their spread.
�People should be aware that even a small amount of water can transport invasive species,� said Nathan Olson, DNR aquatic invasive species specialist. �By law, anglers must dump their bait water before leaving accesses or shoreline property. With regards to leech water, we suggest that they dump it on shore away from the water�s edge and if they find aquatic species other than leeches in the leech water while they are out on the lake, they should avoid throwing it in the lake.�
The faucet snail is an aquatic snail native to Europe that was introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1870s. Presently, the faucet snail is classified as an unlisted non-native species and introduction into the wild is illegal. Because of its potential impacts to waterfowl, the DNR is currently in the |
process of designating the faucet snail as a prohibited invasive species, which means importation, possession, transport and sale will also be prohibited.
All previously known waters containing faucet snails, such as Lake Winnibigoshish, have been designated as infested waters. The newly discovered waters and any connecting streams will be designated infested by the end of July. Once any water is designated as infested, a permit is required for all commercial harvest of bait or transport of water from the infested water body. Individual bait harvest is prohibited.
Where to look: Faucet snails are found on rocky shorelines, river and lake bottoms, aquatic plants, docks, and other objects placed in the water. Means of spread: They can spread by attaching to aquatic plants, boats, anchors, decoy anchors, other recreational gear and equipment placed in the water. Some movement by waterbirds may also spread this invasive to new waters.
How to identify it: Faucet snails are difficult for non-specialists to conclusively identify. Native snail species and young non-native mystery snails could look similar to faucet snails. Adult faucet snails can grow up to 1/2 inch in length, but are generally smaller. They are light brown to black, with 4 to 5 whorls and a cover on the shell opening. The shell opening is on the right when the shell pointed up. Specimens of suspected snails should be submitted to the White Earth Natural Resources or the DNR Invasive Species Program for identification.
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Ohio
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Ohio Wildlife Council Approves Migratory Bird Season Dates COLUMBUS, OH � The Ohio Wildlife Council has approved the state's early migratory game bird hunting seasons for this fall, according to the Ohio DNR. Sept. 1 kicks off the state�s hunting season with the opening of dove, Canada goose, teal, rail, moorhen and snipe.
Ohio's dove season runs Sept. 1-Oct. 21 and Dec. 15-Jan. 2, 2013, with a daily limit of 15 birds and a possession limit of 30 birds.
Controlled dove hunts will be offered at Fallsville, Rush Run, Spring Valley, Indian Creek and Bott state wildlife areas. Bott Wildlife Area will hold its drawings at the Indian Creek Headquarters. These controlled hunts will take place Saturday, Sept. 1 and Sunday, Sept. 2; hunting hours will be noon to sunset. Controlled dove hunts will also be offered at St. Marys Fish Hatchery on Sept. 1-2, 8, 15 and 22. Youths 17-years-old and younger will be given priority on Sept. 1-2.
Opening day drawings for all of these hunts will take place at noon, Saturday, Aug. 25 at the respective public area headquarters. Drawings for the other hunts will be held the day of the hunt at noon. Maps and details are available at wildohio.com. Questions about any of these hunts should be directed to the Division of Wildlife�s Southwest District office at 937-372-9261.
Canada geese may be hunted statewide Sept. 1-15 during the special early season with a daily limit of four birds and possession limit of eight birds after the first day. Although closed in past years, the Mercer Canada |
Goose Zone will be open during the early Canada goose season; thus, Canada geese can be hunted statewide during the early season.
The early teal hunting season will open Sept. 1 and end Sept. 16 with a daily bag limit of four birds and possession limit of eight after the first day.
Waterfowl hunters must have a valid hunting license in addition to a state wetlands habitat stamp endorsement, a federal duck stamp and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. Anyone who intends to hunt migratory game birds must obtain a new HIP certification each year.
Sora rails, Virginia rails and moorhens can be hunted Sept.1-Nov. 9 with a daily limit of 25 rails and 15 moorhens. Hunting season for snipe will be Sept. 1-Nov. 25 and Dec. 15-Jan. 4, 2013, with a daily bag limit of eight. The woodcock hunting season is open Oct. 12-Nov. 25 with a daily bag limit of three birds and a possession limit of six birds.
Hunting hours during the seasons for rails, moorhens, snipe, woodcock, teal, doves and Canada geese are sunrise to sunset. The only exceptions will be on wildlife areas that have specially posted hunting times for doves.
The 2012-13 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2012 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons brochure can be found on line at wildohio.com. The 2012 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons brochure will be available by late August at license outlets, Division of Wildlife district offices or by calling 800-WILDLIFE |
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(Click on title or URL to read full article)
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No panic, just work to do after Asian carp
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The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the GLSFC, its officers or staff.
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