Weekly News

Learn to fish, shoot at U.P. State Fair in Escanaba, August 13-19

The Department of Natural Resources is proud to again be part of one of the highlights of summer � the Upper Peninsula State Fair, set for Aug. 13-19 in Escanaba. Among the fair�s many exhibits and events is the DNR�s U.P. Pocket Park, a popular place where thousands of kids will learn to fish or shoot a bow or pellet gun in a safe, fun environment.

�We have a stocked pond for kids to learn how to cast and catch a fish, and then gently release it,� said the DNR�s coordinator for the event, Janet Canode. �We�ll have DNR staff and volunteers on site, to teach kids how to shoot using a pellet gun, and a bow, too. We have all the equipment, right down to the bait and the safety glasses.�

A couple of extra treats are in store for this year�s visitors: the Passport to Summer RV tour, and a taxidermy mount of Michigan�s only known wild wolverine.

The Passport to Summer RV will be on site during the kickoff on Monday,

Aug. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m., where visitors can:

Indulge in a free sample of Hudsonville�s Pure Michigan Caramel Apple ice cream, the official flavor of Michigan state parks;
Learn about the state parks� Recreation Passport; and
Get inspired by Recreation 101, a series of free, introductory classes and programs on everything from archery and kayaking to geocaching and campfire cooking.

Visitors can also get a rare, up-close look at Michigan�s �lone� wolverine. Discovered in the thumb area in 2004, the wolverine roamed the Minden City State Game Area until its natural death in 2010. The exhibit will be on display at the fair August 16-19 and features a taxidermy mount of the wolverine along with information about its time in Michigan and its natural history.

The U.P. State Fair takes place in downtown Escanaba. For more information about the fair, visit www.upstatefair.org.

Summer fish kills reported in Michigan inland lakes

High levels of phosphorus in lakes as the cause of summer fish kills

EAST LANSING, Mich. � The Michigan DNR Fish Division is citing high levels of phosphorus in lakes as the cause of summer fish kills in inland lakes and is welcoming the help of Michigan residents to track them.

�The extended hot weather is warming up Michigan lakes, sometimes to temperatures that cannot be tolerated by certain fishes,� said Jane Herbert, Michigan State University Extension water resource educator. �To make matters worse, lakes experiencing heavy phosphorus loading from lawn fertilizer, septic systems and storm water runoff can produce overgrowths of rooted aquatic plants and algae. Both of these factors influence dissolved oxygen levels in the lake water column.�

Herbert said that in lakes that strongly stratify, the waters above the thermocline � a layer of water in the lake that separates warm surface water from colder, deeper water � may continue to mix and oxygenate, but can also continue to warm. The warmer the water, the lower the dissolved oxygen concentrations. Below the thermocline, waters are usually cooler, but oxygen levels in deep, dark waters are continually being depleted by plants and animals. In the presence of sunlight, aquatic plants photosynthesize, adding oxygen to the water. In darkness they respire, removing oxygen from the water. By late summer, some lakes become nearly devoid of oxygen in deep waters � again an intolerable situation for fish that can result in summer kill.

Most fish tolerate fairly narrow ranges of water temperature and dissolved oxygen, and moving back and forth between warm upper waters and

cooler, less oxygenated deep water is often not an option. Fish species most prone to summer kill are pike, perch, suckers, bass and bluegill living in shallow, productive lakes or bays with excessive amounts of algae or rooted aquatic vegetation.

The MDNR considers summer fish kill due to low oxygen levels a natural phenomenon associated with weather. It should be noted, however, that local lake management strategies can exacerbate these conditions.

�Chemical treatment of aquatic plants and algae results in the accumulation of dead plant material at various depths,� Herbert said. �Naturally occurring bacteria that break down and biodegrade dead plant material begin to multiply and make their own oxygen demand on the water, resulting in less oxygen available for fish. Under hot summer conditions, lake-wide chemical treatment of aquatic plants and algae can create even more stress on fish populations.�

The MDNR asks that fish kills be reported via email to [email protected]. Not all fish kills are the result of natural phenomena. If you suspect a fish kill was caused by a non-natural event, such as a pollutant spill, the MDNR asks that you call your nearest DNR location or Michigan's Pollution Emergency Alert System at 800-292-4706.

DNR recommends brook trout daily limits stay at five in Upper Peninsula

The Michigan DNR announced on August 9 that after internal and external reviews, it is recommending the brook trout daily possession limit for the Upper Peninsula remain at its current level of five.

In 2000, the daily possession limit for brook trout in most Michigan streams was reduced from 10 fish to five fish. Since that time anglers have asked the DNR�s Fisheries Division to consider reinstating the 10 fish daily possession limit for brook trout on Upper Peninsula streams.

Fisheries Division staff conducted an internal review on this issue in 2011 and after that solicited broad public input regarding the proposed regulation change via an online and telephone survey. The survey was open from March 26 through May 28, 2012 and received more than 1,400 responses. This was the highest response rate Fisheries Division had ever seen in regards to a regulation issue.

Due to the results of that survey, and based on additional feedback gathered through letters, constituent meetings, and other methods, it has been recommended the daily possession limit for brook trout not be raised to 10 fish at this time for the following reasons:

(1) There are no biological benefits and some slight biological risks with raising the daily possession limit.

(2) Based on the results of the public survey and historic creel data, it appears raising the daily possession limit would benefit a relatively small percentage of the angling population.

(3) Nearly twice as many anglers opposed the possession limit increase compared to those who supported the change. Given that there is no biological need to increase the daily possession limit, it is not prudent to establish a regulation that does not have a significant margin of support from the angling public.

Public input regarding this recommendation can be provided at the Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing on Thursday, Sept. 13. The final decision regarding the brook trout possession limit for the Upper Peninsula will then be announced at the Natural Resources Commission meeting in Ontonagon on Thursday, Oct. 11.

For additional information on how this recommendation was developed, including full data from the public survey, please read the Brook Trout Daily Possession Limit Statewide Opinion Survey Review available at www.michigan.gov/fishing.

Spiny Water Flea Confirmed In Lake George

State Will Work with Partners to Implement Lake Champlain Task Force Recommendations

The presence of the spiny water flea, an aquatic invasive species, was confirmed in Lake George, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.

�DEC has worked with its partners on the Lake Champlain Basin Task Force to stop and slow the spread of the spiny water flea,� DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. �The discovery of spiny water flea in Lake George is not welcome news and DEC�s efforts to slow the spread of this and other invasive species will continue.�

Earlier this week the Lake Champlain Basin Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Task Force released seven recommendations to slow the spread of spiny water flea into Lake Champlain, which includes redirecting the flow of the Champlain Canal into the Hudson River and furthering a feasibility study for a hydraulic barrier between the Champlain Canal and Lake Champlain.

�DEC fully supports the recommendations of the Task Force and will work with the state of Vermont and our other partners to implement the Task Force�s recommendations,� Commissioner Martens said. �Boaters and anglers also have a major role in slowing the spread of invasive species. All boating, fishing and recreation equipment must be cleaned and disinfected, to prevent spreading invasive species to other water bodies.�

The Task Force is made up of representatives from New York state, Vermont and Canada. The Task Force�s report recognizes that the closure of the Champlain Canal and the Glens Falls Feeder Canal is not technically, legally or economically feasible.

The discovery of spiny water flea in Lake George provides another pathway for the invasive species to enter Lake Champlain via the LaChute River. Lake George is not connected to the State Canal System.

The presence of spiny water flea was confirmed through sampling efforts by the Lake George Association on Tuesday, July 31. The samples were taken to the Darrin Fresh Water Institute where four spiny water fleas were identified.

�Right now the Commission�s top priority is invasive species control and management, and we will work with our many partners on determining the extent of this population,� Dave Wick, Executive Director of the Lake George Park Commission, said. �The Commission is currently developing a comprehensive invasive species prevention plan for Lake George, with

the goal of preventing any new invasive occurrences from entering the lake.�

The possible presence of the spiny water flea was first reported on Friday, July 27 by an invasive species steward at DEC�s Mossy Point Boat Launch near the north end of the lake. A fisherman had reported having a clump of small organisms on his fishing line after spending time trolling the waters off Mallory Island along the east shore of the lake.

The steward took a sample and provided it to the Lake George Association, who passed it on to the Darrin Fresh Water Institute. After the organisms were identified as spiny water fleas the Lake George Association sampled the waters off Mallory Island and further confirmed its presence.

The invasive pest was previously confirmed in the Great Sacandaga Lake in 2008, Peck Lake in 2009, Stewarts Bridge Reservoir 2010, Sacandaga Lake in 2010 and most recently this summer in the Champlain Canal and Glens Falls Feeder Canal.

Background on Spiny Water Flea

Native to Eurasia, the spiny water flea feeds on tiny crustaceans and other zooplankton that are foods for fish and other native aquatic organisms, putting them in direct competition for this important food source. The tail spines of the spiny water flea hook on fishing lines and foul fishing gear.

Spiny water fleas can impact aquatic life in lakes and ponds due to their rapid reproduction rates. In warmer water temperatures these water fleas can hatch, grow to maturity, and lay eggs in as little as two weeks. Conversely, "resting" eggs of spiny water fleas can remain dormant for long periods of time prior to hatching.

While it is not clear when or how the spiny water flea was introduced into the lakes, it is clear that the initial introduction, and very likely the others as well, were through adult, larvae or eggs being transported to the waters by bait bucket, bilge water, live well, boat, canoe, kayak, trailer or fishing equipment.

Currently, there are no successful means to control or eradicate this and many other aquatic invasive species, so preventing their spread is the only means for reducing their impacts on native aquatic communities. It is very important that boats, anglers and other recreational enthusiasts take precautions to avoid transporting this and other invasive species, particularly after leaving water known to have an aquatic invasive species.

2012-13 Sporting Licenses available beginning August 13

Deer Management Permits, Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Licenses

The 2012-13 New York hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) will be available for purchase beginning Monday, August 13.

Licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC�s 1,500 license sales outlets statewide. Sporting licenses can also be ordered by telephone or by visiting the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html. The 2012-13 sporting licenses are valid beginning October 1, 2012. The new Hunting & Trapping and Freshwater Fishing regulation guides are available at all license issuing outlets as well as from the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov.

DEC�s Automated Licensing System (DECALS) is New York State�s computerized system for issuing sporting licenses and tracking license sales and revenues. DECALS may also be used for donations to the Habitat Access Stamp Program, Venison Donation Coalition, Conservation Fund and the Trail Maintenance Program. DEC continues to improve and enhance DECALS to better meet the needs of sportsmen and women. For questions regarding license purchases, please call DECALS Call Center at (1-866-933-2257). Hours of operation for the Call Center are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday from August 13 to October 13, 2012. Regular weekday hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will resume on October 15, 2012.

License buyers should have the following items ready when applying: complete name and address information, customer ID number if you have it, proof of residency information (driver's license number or non-driver's ID number with a valid NYS address to qualify for a resident license), and, if purchasing by phone or internet, credit card and card expiration date. Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunting education certification or a copy of a previous license, or this information must already be contained in their DECALS file.

Sales of all sporting licenses are deposited into the Conservation Fund which is used for the management of New York's fish and wildlife populations and for protection and management of wildlife habitat.

New Regulations for 2012-2013

Hunters should be aware of several new laws and regulations in effect for 2012-13

►The Southern Zone bowhunting season and the regular season in Westchester County (bowhunting only) begin on October 1

►A late bowhunting season will run concurrent with the late muzzleloader season in the Northern Zone

►The Northern Zone regular season will now begin on the 2nd Saturday after Columbus Day each year (October 20, 2012 this season)

►Deer Management Permits (DMPs, �doe tags�) may be used in all seasons in the Northern Zone. DMPs may only be used in the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) for which they are issued.

►Mandatory antler restrictions (3 points on one side minimum) are now in effect in WMUs 3A, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W during all seasons for all hunters 17 years and older.

►All of Suffolk County will be open for the special January firearms season, subject to local discharge ordinances.

►A Deer Management Focus Area in central Tompkins County will intensify use of hunting to assist communities in the Ithaca area with the burden of overabundant deer populations.

►Bear hunting seasons will run concurrently with the newly adjusted deer seasons.

►New legislation now allows use of rifles for big game hunting in Cayuga County.

More detail for each of these regulation changes is available in the 2012-2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html.

Anglers should be aware that while the majority of fishing regulations have not changed, some changes were made for the 2012-13 season. Some of these changes were made on popular fishing waters such as Lake Erie, the Upper Niagara River, the Salmon River, Great Lakes tributaries and Oneida Lake. Anglers are advised to review the 2012-13 Fishing Regulations Guide (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html) to determine if regulations changes have occurred on waters they intend to fish.

Deer Management Permits

Deer Management Permits (DMPs) will be available at all license issuing outlets and by phone, internet or mail, from August 13, 2012 through close of business October 1, 2012. DMPs are issued through a random selection process at the point of sale, and customers who are selected for DMPs will receive their permits immediately. Chances of selection www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30409.html in each WMU are available at License Issuing Agent locations, or on the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. Chances of getting a DMP remain the same throughout the application period - hunters do not need to rush to apply for a DMP on the first day of sale.

If a significant number of DMPs are still available in a WMU after October 1, leftover DMP sales will commence on November 1, 2012 and will continue on a first-come/first-serve basis until the end of the hunting season or until all DMPs have been issued in the WMU. Additionally, Bonus DMPs will be available in the bowhunting-only WMUs 3S, 4J, and 8C and in WMUs 1C, 9A and possible others. For information about Bonus DMPs see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10001.html.

The target DMP allocation for 2012 varies by unit depending on the management objective, but overall DEC intends to issue about 10 to12 percent more DMPs than in 2011. In addition to the Adirondack and Tug Hill units where DMPs are not authorized, WMUs 3A, 4L, 4U, 4Z and 6A will have no DMPs in 2012. Hunters are reminded that DMPs are only valid for antlerless deer in the WMU specified on the permit.

The latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife can be easily accessed on the Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources E-mail News www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html, a free online e-mail list.

State Adds 156 Acres Of Wetlands On Lake Champlain To Forest Preserve

DEC Partners with the Nature Conservancy to conserve Chubbs Dock Property

In partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the state has acquired 156 acres on Southern Lake Champlain in the Town of Dresdon, Washington County that will be added to the State Forest Preserve, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today.

Known as the Chubbs Dock property, the land features 2,140 feet of undeveloped shoreline and 70 acres of wetland communities that support rare plants and falls within an area that provides critical breeding, staging and migration habitat for thousands of waterfowl species.

�Chubbs Dock conserves excellent wildlife habitat along the narrow headwaters of Lake Champlain,� said Commissioner Martens. �The property will be added to the Forest Preserve and serve as part of a travel corridor for wildlife between the Adirondack and Green Mountains. Thanks to our partners TNC, Washington County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for making this land preservation possible.�

With funding through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service�s North American Wetland Conservation Act grant program, TNC purchased the property for $500,000 in November 2009. The property was then donated to New York State in May 2012. TNC has previously utilized North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants to protect Mill Bay Marsh and Huckleberry Marsh in the Lake Champlain watershed.

�This is a great example of strategic, high leverage conservation work of regional and national importance,� said Michael Carr, Executive Director of the Conservancy�s Adirondack Chapter. �Not only is New York State keeping intact some of the largest wetlands on Lake Champlain, but doing it in a way that will also secure public access for hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife-oriented recreation-all of which contribute to the state's outdoor recreation economy.�

The NAWCA grant application was supported by Washington County and included a commitment by the county to transfer an adjoining 283-acre tract on Maple Bend Island. Both transfers happened this year, adding a total of 439 acres with significant wetlands to public ownership. As part of

the Forest Preserve, DEC will pay taxes on both properties. Public access to Lake Champlain and its shoreline is limited because most of the shoreline is privately owned. State acquisition of Chubb�s Dock will provide for new public access.

Protecting wetlands is also an important part of mitigating the impacts of climate change by helping to maintain the connection between wetlands and riparian habitat.

The NAWCA of 1989 provides matching grants to organizations and individuals who have developed partnerships to carry out wetland conservation projects in the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the benefit of wetlands-associated migratory birds and other wildlife. The Act was passed, in part, to support activities under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an international agreement that provides a strategy for the long-term protection of wetlands and associated uplands habitats needed by waterfowl and other migratory birds in North America. In December 2002, Congress reauthorized the Act and expanded its scope to include the conservation of all habitats and birds associated with wetland ecosystems.

The Act emphasizes multi-stakeholder partnerships as necessary and valuable mechanisms for wetlands conservation, and for this reason proposals submitted for funding under the Act must include a substantial partnership component. Wetlands conservation projects focus specifically on the long-term protection, restoration, enhancement and/or management of wetland ecosystems.

The North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, set up under the Act, is funded through several federal sources, including direct appropriations, interest from receipts under the Pittman-Robertson Trust Fund, receipts from the Sportfish Restoration Account, and fines and forfeitures collected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Bird Habitat Conservation is responsible for facilitating and administering grants under the Act's two grants programs.

By focusing on public-private partnerships and working with multiple stakeholders to leverage federal dollars several times over with non-federal funding sources, the NAWCA Program has become one of the nation�s most successful conservation programs.

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