Weekly News Archives

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Violent Crime Soars In United Kingdom
The London Daily Telegraph reports that despite a near complete ban on legal firearms ownership, levels of violent crime recorded by police soared by 11 per cent in the second quarter of this year, Government figures show.  Overall, recorded violent crime rose by 11 per cent year on year, from 273,100 offences in April to June last year to 303,500 in the

second quarter of this year.

A different set of recorded crime figures showed that gun crime continued to rise. In the 12 months to June last year there were 10,280 offences. In the year to June this year, the figure rose to 10,590 - more than double the rate in 1997 when Labour came to power.

Frivolous Lawsuits Jeopardize Vital Forest Health and Fire Prevention Projects

In October of 2003, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) found that 59% of forest fuels reduction projects - performed to reduce the incidence of catastrophic wildfire - were appealed by environmental organizations in FY2001 and 2002. They were found to be overwhelmingly without merit, as 161 of 180 challenges were thrown out. The appeals delayed thinning projects by at least 120 days in FY2001 and FY2002.

GAO Study: Forest Fuels Reduction Projects Stalled By Environmentalists

 Frivolous Lawsuits Imperil Needed Energy Production & Jobs. In February of this year, seven environmental groups filed suit to stop the federal government from producing much-needed petroleum in a National Petroleum Reserve. The area

was set aside in 1923 for that exact purpose. Likewise,

environmental groups have even sued to halt "green" energy projects, including windmill farms and clean hydroelectric power.

These frivolous lawsuits drive up the cost of energy for the American taxpayer and threaten the very jobs America needs for a strong economy. "A recent National Association of Manufacturers study found that, on average, U.S. manufacturers spend more than 22 % more on external, non-labor costs than do their competitors in other leading industrialized nations. Costs for health care, taxes, regulatory compliance, energy and out-of-control litigation are considerably higher in the U.S. than in countries where manufacturing is growing. The costs are barriers to competitive success."

Louisiana Launches Project Safe Neighborhoods

Shreveport is one of the few U.S. cities that has not seen a noticeable decrease in the crime rate, and so it gets special attention from the U.S. Justice Department's Project Safe Neighborhoods program to help make America's streets safer.

This past week, U.S. Attorney for the western district of

Louisiana, Donald Washington, and officials from the police and sheriff's department launched a public awareness campaign for the citizens of Shreveport, calling their attention to That's the program jointly developed in 2000 by the firearms industry and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to help law enforcement prevent illegal gun buys. All three TV stations and both of the town's newspapers, including The Shreveport Times, covered the news conference kicking off the campaign.

Judge Orders New Jersey Agency To Accept Bear Hunt Applications

(Trenton) - A New Jersey judge today ordered the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to accept bear permit applications for this year's hunt.  The order is the first action taken by the court in response to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance Foundation and others to protect this year�s bear hunt.

Judge Jane Grall gave Commissioner Bradley Campbell and the DEP until Friday, October 29 at 4:00 p.m. to file their response to the U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance Foundation's case. 

�The judge�s order means that sportsmen can continue to apply for the 2004 bear hunt while the lawsuit is being decided,� said Rob Sexton, vice president for government affairs for the U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance Foundation.  �We encourage those who have been hesitant to apply to do so now.�

On October 14, the U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance Foundation�s Sportsmen�s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), along with the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen�s Clubs and three individual sportsmen filed the suit to protect the 2004 bear hunt.

The suit was filed after Department of Environmental

Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell ordered the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to not release 2004 bear hunt permit applications and to not issue permits for the hunt.  The independent New Jersey Fish and Game Council, which by statute sets hunting seasons, had earlier in the year authorized a carefully regulated and limited hunt scheduled for December 6 to 11.

Wildlife biologists have determined that a limited hunt is necessary to control the burgeoning bear population in the state.

In addition to the U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance Foundation�s SLDF and New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen�s Clubs, plaintiffs include three individuals who applied for the bear hunt.  They are Gerald McCusker, Phillipsburg, Anthony Cali, Cedarsgrove and Edward O�Sullivan, Sussex.

The U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance Foundation�s Sportsmen�s Legal Defense Fund is the nation�s only litigation force that exclusively represents sportsmen�s interests in the courts.  It defends wildlife management and sportsmen�s rights in local, state and federal courts.  The SLDF represents the interests of sportsmen and assists government lawyers who have little or no background in wildlife law.

Anti-hunting Groups Endorse Sen. Kerry

"Humane USA Endorses John Kerry for President"

In it's own words. "Humane USA has been formed by leaders of major animal protection organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States and The Fund for Animals."

These groups want to take away your right to hunt. They've given Sentor Kerry, the self-proclaimed "hunter" and friens of "sportmen", their highest rating.  They called him their "hero" and now they've given him their endorsement.

Does that tell you something? Senator Kerry can't be both the

"hero" of the anti-hunting zealots and a true hunter and sportman. Don't Buy The Lie!

Don't Count on Other People to Protect Your Hunting and Firearms Rights!  Vote Your Sport!

This message has been delivered by The Hunting and Shooting Sport Heritage Fund.

Asian Carp Prevention - The effort continues

Our Asian Carp fund drive continues, and with many clubs beginning to hold their monthly meetings again, our drive picks up momentum.  But we need your help.  We still need $600,000 to keep this program alive, and we are the ones that will feel the impact of any invasion of Asian carp.  It�s our resource � and recreation, that will be affected.

We need everyone to help.

 Asian Carp and other invasive species are approaching the Great Lakes via the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. You may have seen video clips of these jumping fish on TV. These large plankton-eating fish have the potential to wreak havoc on the Great Lakes ecology and our recreational fisheries. Although it is unlikely they would be come abundant in the middle of the lake, they almost certainly would do well in near shore areas, river mouths and shallow productive bays. Not only would this add an undesirable component to the ecosystem but these fish add an element of personal risk to boaters and others using recreational watercraft. We must do whatever we can to keep these fish out of the Great Lakes.

The electric fish barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal stops the passage of large fish. The U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers built this as a temporary project with only a three-year life span.   The three electrodes in this barrier are expected to wear out in about April 2005. One is already gone, the second will probably break down by the end of the year.

Asian carp have been captured only 22 miles downstream of the barrier. Involved agencies have a monitoring plan in place to determine the leading edge of the Asian carp population as they move closer to the barrier site and are working on a rapid response plan to kill the fish if they begin to accumulate in number below the barrier.

The Second Barrier        

A second larger, more powerful barrier has been designed and after a year of false starts construction is now scheduled to begin next week and completed by April 2005. However, the cost of the barrier design to stop Asian carp from entering the lake still exceeds the available funds by $600,000. We need more funding to help support construction of the barrier and to help pay for the rapid response plan if it has to be used.

We are applying to other sources for the needed funds, but every contribution from any non-federal source will help.

Asian Carp Rapid Response

A Rapid response Committee has developed a Rapid Response Plan to address the presence of Asian carp in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal if they begin to congregate below the existing barrier before the second barrier is completed.

The Asian Carp Rapid Response Plan would involve eliminating Asian carp from 5.5 miles of the Sanitary and Ship Canal. Current estimates for implementation of the plan place the cost at about $450,000. There are 18 agencies involved in the response planning effort but none of them has the funds to enact the plan if it is needed. Funding for the plan is not covered in any Congressional Act or other agency mission. The response plan is a vital action which must be used if the carp appear in the Canal before Barrier II is in place.

We need your financial support to help keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. The most immediate need is to gather enough money to make the rapid response happen if it is needed. The large-scale response if needed would most likely occur this fall. Once Barrier II is online the response would be scaled back to treat the 1000 ft distance between the barriers if fish were found between the barriers.

The second use for the funds would be to maintain and improve Barrier I. Barrier I will still be needed after Barrier II is built. We need your help to ask Congress to extend that authorization indefinitely and to provide the Corps with the directive to construct improvements to Barrier I. These improvements would increase the effectiveness of Barrier I and the service life of the project. Right now, the Corps of Engineers does not have the authority to operate Barrier I after September 2005.

Use of Contributed Funds

The collected funds will be held by the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council and will be distributed based on the direction of a board of non-agency trustees including the president of the GLSFC. All contributions are tax deductible and 100 %  of the contributions will be used towards Asian carp prevention. Contributions will be used to:

1)         Implement the Asian Carp Rapid Response Plan

2)         Construct Barrier II

3)         Improve or operate Barrier I

The funds will not be used for agency labor or overhead and will not be used for research. Collected donations will be used to pay for barrier construction, carp control chemicals or if absolutely necessary, for operating expenses of the barrier.

Send your donations to:

GLSFC � carp fund

P.O. Box 297

Elmhurst, IL  60126

Or use our PayPal for credit card donations.  Go to www.great-lakes.org/carp

Carp Fund Barometer

Donation          Ranking

$    1 � 10   Alewife

$  11 � 20  Yellow Perch

$  21 � 50   Black Bass

     Berg, Jeffrey W.

     Cozzie, Ken

     Fuka, John J.

     Gold Coast Charter Service

$  51 � 100   Coho Salmon

     Couston, Tom

     Yahara Fishing Club

$  101 � 200   Walleye

     Chagrin River Salmon Association

$  201 � 500   Brown Trout

     Northeast Wis. GL Sport Fishermen

     Detroit Area Steelheaders 

$  501 � 1000   Steelhead

$  1001 � 5000   Chinook Salmon

$  5001 � UP   Lake Trout

_____________________

Current Total= $1,015.00

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for October 29, 2004 

Current Lake Levels: 

All of the Great Lakes except Lake Ontario are 6 to 10 inches above last year�s levels.  Lake Ontario is 1 inch below its level of a year ago.  Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, and St. Clair remain below their long-time averages by 2, 15, and 5 inches, respectively. Lake Erie is at its long-term average and Lake Ontario is below its long-term average by 1 inch. 

Current Outflows/Channel Conditions: 

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

Temperature/Precipitation Outlook: 

A low-pressure system will begin to affect the weather in the Great Lakes basin early Friday morning.  This storm will bring

a chance of showers during the day on Friday. Rain showers and gusty winds will persist into the weekend.  Early next week looks wet, but conditions are forecasted to dry out by Wednesday.

Forecasted Water Levels: 

Recent precipitation in the Superior basin has increased the level of Lake Superior over the past week, but it is still expected to decrease by 2 inches over the next month.  Lake Michigan-Huron is in its seasonal decline and its level is expected to fall 3 inches over the next month.  Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are also continuing their seasonal decline and are expected to drop by 3-6 inches over the next month.

Alerts:

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

Arbogast Celebrates 75th Anniversary, Offers Collectors Tin Liz

Fort Smith, Ark. - Fred Arbogast's lures are a part of sport fishing's living history. His timeless lure designs - such as the Jitterbug, Hula Popper, Hawaiian Wiggler and Tin Liz - have been tackle box staples for 75 years. While most anglers are quite familiar with the intrinsic value of an Arbogast lure, they may not realize Arbogast's classic designs now earn an entirely different value as highly coveted collectibles. Many of Arbogast's original designs are worth hundreds of dollars.

"I have an extensive lure collection on a mantle in my home in Hot Springs, Ark.," said Bobby Murray, two-time Bassmaster Classic champion. "I guarantee this Tin Liz will be sitting next to my prized Big 'O' collection. The Tin Liz is one of the forefathers of the artificial lure."

The two-finned, glass eye Tin Liz is the hallmark of the Tin Liz series. This metal minnow, which was Arbogast's first commercially produced lure, was created in 1928 and

trademarked in 1932. Arbogast described it as "the most natural cripple ever made." His fishing friends thought so, too. Demand for the lure grew so quickly that he left his job at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio and started his own fishing lure company in 1930.

Arbogast Lure Company is celebrating its 75th Anniversary by offering an authentic replica of the Arbogast two-fin Tin Liz. This replica has been meticulously recreated from an original lure found in the Arbogast archives. Today, such a lure in similar condition commands a high price from avid Arbogast collectors. This authentic replica, an ideal Christmas gift, will likely someday establish itself as a truly valuable collectable and is the perfect lure to be the cornerstone of a new collector's Arbogast antique lure collection.

Arbogast's Limited Edition Tin Liz is available in two original colors, Red Head and Perch, for $29.99 at Cabela's stores or catalog. (800-237-4444  www.cabelas.com .

Bass Pro Shops and USO to Send Needed Reminders of Home

Reeling In Support for the U.S. Troops   

Springfield, MO and Washington, DC -Bass Pro Shops, America�s most popular outdoor store, is continuing their partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) to carry out the �Reelin� It In for the Troops� program. This is the second year Bass Pro Shops has supported the USO in this program.  Last year, Bass Pro Shops and their customers around the nation contributed over $280,000 to sponsor USO Care Packages delivered to deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This years Reelin� it in for the Troops program provides the opportunity for individuals to support America�s men and women in  uniform deployed overseas by visiting any Bass Pro Shops retail location. $1 or $5 donation cards are available at several locations throughout the store. Just choose the amount you want to donate and take it to the nearest cashier. The cards are also designed for customers to complete a personal greetings to the troops.

Donations may also be made by calling 1-800-BASSPRO or on the Bass Pro Shops web site at www.basspro.com where you can also find the location of the nearest Bass Pro Shops retail store.

�We are excited to be an official partner with the USO on such a meaningful program and patriotic endeavor as Reelin� it in for the Troops,� said Bass Pro Shops president Jim Hagale. �If we can, in some small way, offer a sense of comfort and

home to our heroes, then we�ve provided a great service of which we are proud.�

The Bass Pro Shops/USO partnership will be officially announced Saturday October 30 at 10 AM during a press conference at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bass Pro Shops will unveil their Reelin� it in for the Troops race car which will be driven later that day by Martin Truex during the Aaron�s 312 NASCAR Busch Series race. Bass Pro Shops also salutes the men and women of the Armed Forces by offering a 10% military discount, excluding certain items, at all their retail stores.

�We are so pleased that Bass Pro Shops is continuing their support of the USO and the mission we serve. We know that together the USO and Bass Pro Shops can make a difference in the lives of these brave men and women,� said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of USO World Headquarters.

Bass Pro Shops stores across the country will host various events throughout the year to support the �Reelin it in for the Troops� program.  These events include USO Care Package �Stuffing Events� which recruit local volunteers to assemble care packages sent to the troops.

About USO
The USO is chartered by the Congress as a nonprofit charitable corporation and is not a part of the United States Government. It is endorsed by the President of the United States and the Department of Defense. Each President has been the Honorary Chairman of the USO since its inception. The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to uniformed military personnel. The USO operates over 120 international centers, 27 centers in the United States and mobile canteens in locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

BoatU.S. Foundation Paying For Life Jacket Shots

One of the main reasons outdoor enthusiasts do not wear life jackets is that the media does not routinely depict them wearing one, according to recent study by the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.  "We aim to change that," says Chris Edmonston, Director of Boating Safety at the Foundation, "We're developing a new photo library for the media that promotes on-the-water life jacket wear by hunters, anglers and boaters."

The BoatU.S. Foundation is calling on outdoor photographers to send in their best images depicting outdoor enthusiasts wearing a life jacket.  Any photos selected for the new photo library can earn the photographer up to $100 per image.  The deadline to submit photos for consideration is June 1, 2005, but purchases will start immediately on a first-come, first-serve basis so early submissions are encouraged as funding is limited.

"Building a diverse photo file means we can provide free access to excellent images of outdoor enthusiasts enjoying their sport - and doing it safely," Edmonston added.

There is no limit on number of submissions. To download an entry form and full submission guidelines, please visit http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/sportsman

The selected photos will become property of the U.S. Coast Guard and will be distributed to the press by the Foundation under the Sportsman's Forum, a coalition of national sporting organizations brought together to promote boating safety amongst hunters and anglers.  The Forum is funded by a Coast Guard grant from the federal Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund, and includes organizations such as Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society, the National Rifle Association, and the North American Hunting and Fishing Clubs.

BoatU.S./Genmar Women's Survey Finds Astute Shoppers

Nearly one-third of women buying a boat did so on their own without their spouse or significant other, according to the final results of a year-long Web survey by BoatU.S. and Genmar, a major boat manufacturer. Women boat-buyers also did their homework prior to purchasing a boat by visiting boat shows, reading boating magazines and company literature and interviewing friends who own boats.

The survey also found that a significant majority, nearly two-thirds, bought a boat at a dealership and 59% shopped multiple dealerships prior to purchase to find the best deal. A remarkable 81% knew or had a good idea what model, amenities and price they wanted before shopping and 54% said the manufacturer's reputation was the major factor in

their decision. Some 31% responding to the survey were first-time boat-buyers while 40% were trading up to get more space and amenities.

The survey was posted this year at www.BoatUS.com/women with 25 multiple-choice questions to help improve how women are treated when buying a boat. Over 400 participants logged on to share their experiences in the boating market. The final results are posted at www.BoatUS.com/women .

This collaborative effort between BoatU.S., the consumer voice of boaters, and Genmar Holdings, Inc., the Minneapolis-based manufacturer with some 16 boat companies, is a first. Both organizations have launched initiatives aimed at drawing more women into boating.

Update on snakehead status in Lake Michigan

Last week, Tom Trudeau�s DNR biologists, Field Museum fisheries experts and Corps scientists set trap nets and gill nets to see if any more snakeheads were in the harbor area. Trudeau said none could be found. Late last week,

cooperating agencies used electro-shocking boats to do a thorough sweep of the harbor. Again, they came up blank.   Trudeau said the DNR is depending on the angling community to keep the DNR up to date if any more Snakeheads show up.

Winter Trout Stockings Start in November

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock 19 lakes in 14 counties across the state with 22,200 adult trout as part of the 2004 Winter Trout Stocking Program.

The stockings will begin the week of November 1, though most stockings will be taking place in December. A total of 16,000 rainbow trout account for the largest percentage of the winter-stocked trout. Rounding out the program are 3,950 brook trout and 2,250 brown trout.

The Winter Trout Stocking program provides anglers with

expanded fishing opportunities throughout the calendar year. Although the program was not designed solely for ice anglers in mind, the winter trout stockings can provide an additional quarry for the so-called "hard water" fisher.  Extended trout season rules apply: anglers are permitted to keep up to three trout (combined species) of seven inches or greater daily.

Winter weather or other changes beyond the Commission's control can alter the published stocking schedules without advance notice. Anglers can get the complete winter stocking list and any updates from the Commission's web site at www.fish.state.pa.us

Public Hearing on Rules for Piers, Boat Shelters, and Swim Rafts November 1 - 10

Let the DNR know what you think

Public Hearing Locations

November 1

� Eau Claire at 6 p.m. -- Manufacturing Ed. Center, Chippewa Valley Tech College Gateway Campus

� Green Bay at 6 p.m. -- MAC137, Instructional Services Bldg., UW- Green Bay

November 3

� Tomahawk at 6 p.m. -- Comfort Inn and Conference Center

November 4

� Hayward at 6 p.m. -- Sawyer Co. Courthouse

November 9

� Waukesha at 6 p.m. -- State Office Building

November 10

� Madison at noon -- DNR Central Office

The DNR will hold an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. prior to the hearings in Green Bay, Eau Claire, Tomahawk, Hayward and Waukesha and from 10 a.m. to noon in Madison. DNR staff and a member of the stakeholder group will be available to answer questions regarding the proposed rules. For more information, contact Roberta Lund at (608) 266-2220.

You may also submit comments on-line or in writing. Mail written comments to: Liesa Lehman, DNR-FH/3, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Written, oral and on-line comments all have the same weight.

WAL urges the public to comment on this important rule. We need standards that make sense while upholding our property rights and protecting the special places that we all enjoy.

Over the past four months several stakeholders, including Peter Murray, Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) Executive Director, have been meeting with the Department of Natural Resources to draft a permanent rule for regulating piers and wharves. Other stakeholders participating in this effort include a campground owner, a marine contractor, a realtor, a marina operator, a local government official, and a riparian property owner.

The Regulatory Reform Act 118 (so-called Job Creation Act), passed by the legislature in February 2004, changed many of the requirements for obtaining permits for piers, including establishing specific circumstances where a property owner need not apply for a permit to install a pier (these situations are know as "exemptions"). Act 118 also provided for general permit or individual permit categories for pier requests that do not meet the standards for an exemption. The stakeholder

group was charged with the task of creating proposed permanent administrative rules to implement the direction given by the legislature and the governor in the new law.

The standards for exemptions, general permits, and individual permits in the proposed regulations generated by the stakeholder group are intended to balance the riparian right to place a pier, wharf, boat shelter, boat hoist, boat lift or swimming raft with the public rights and interests in navigable waters. Specifically, standards are intended to protect navigable waters from the direct and cumulative impacts of these structures. The public interest in navigable waters includes navigation, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, and natural scenic beauty. The stakeholder group feels this balance has been struck.

The group also feels that while they have spent a significant amount of time discussing and drafting the proposed rules, public input is essential to the process. The group invites and encourages all with an interest in lakes and property rights to attend one of the upcoming public hearings or to submit written comments. The final rules are scheduled to be presented to the Natural Resources Board in December for their approval, and to the legislature early in 2005.

The proposed rule prevents unnecessarily burdensome permitting processes for most typical piers across the state. It ensures that piers and related structures that could pose a threat to public or private enjoyment of our waters meet reasonable, clear, objective standards. Where circumstances are out of the ordinary and those standards cannot be met, the rule requires that piers be properly scrutinized by the DNR and only allowed in a way that does not harm public and private rights in our lakes.

Most typical piers for single-family residential property owners will be eligible for an exemption, requiring no fee or paperwork on the part of the property (and pier) owner. A few larger but still typical piers may require a general permit: a one-time procedure running the life of the pier, which requires only an application form and a modest fee. Pier permits continue even if the property is sold. The stakeholder group felt that 90 or more percent of piers would be covered by the exemption or general permit standards in the proposed rule. Only a handful of piers and other structures would require individual permits, but even the procedures for these were significantly streamlined by Act 118.

The Stakeholder Group feels the proposed rule is balanced and reasonable and worthy of being adopted by the Natural Resources Board so that it can be in effect at the beginning of the next boating and construction season. It is also important to remember that this rule is only a statewide minimum. Local areas may enact more restrictive provisions that are appropriate to more pristine or undeveloped lakes.