Agencies Ask Boaters to “Clean, Drain and Dry” for Labor Day Weekend - Help to Prevent Spread of Invasive Mussels
August 29, 2008
California state departments are asking boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats to stop the spread of harmful invasive mussels. Properly cleaning and drying boats will also help them avoid quarantines or being turned away from a water destination.
“Quagga and Zebra mussels pose a serious threat to our waters and fisheries,” said Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Director Donald Koch. “The spread of these mussels threatens water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, recreational boating and fishing, and the environment in general. Boaters should be prepared for inspections throughout the state that will help ensure California’s water bodies remain mussel-free.”
In addition to being sure to clean, drain and dry watercraft, the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) urges boaters to plan for possible launch restrictions and inspections by calling water bodies before leaving home. Programs and requirements vary and can change rapidly.
“Anyone planning to go boating should contact their destination about local restrictions or requirements,” said DBW Director Raynor T. Tsuneyoshi. “At some locations, potentially contaminated vessels - those not properly cleaned, drained and dried - could be turned away.”
Quagga and Zebra mussels can cause severe problems for boaters and water enthusiasts. They can:
- ruin the engine by blocking the cooling system - causing overheating
- increase drag on the bottom of the boat, reducing speed and wasting fuel
- jam steering equipment on boats
- require scraping and repainting of boat bottoms
- colonize all underwater substrates such as boat ramps, docks, lines and other underwater surfaces requiring constant cleaning
To help prevent the spread of these mussels, boaters should inspect all exposed surfaces, wash boat hulls thoroughly, remove all plants from boat and trailer, drain all water, including lower outboard units, clean and dry livewells and bait buckets and dispose baitfish in the trash. Watercraft should be dried for at least five days between launches in different fresh bodies of water. These steps are designed to thwart spread of the invasive mussels, safeguard boats and preserve high quality fisheries.
“We are strongly encouraging boaters to arrive at State Park reservoirs with clean and dry vessels to ensure they are granted access,” said Roy Stearns, spokesman for California State Parks (Parks). “Boaters should be prepared to have their boats inspected and we hope that people understand and cooperate to stop the spread of this destructive invasive species.”
California law makes it illegal to possess or transport Quagga or Zebra mussels and gives DFG authority to stop, detain, search and quarantine boats suspected or determined to be contaminated with mussels. Additional agencies have been granted this authority including the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and Parks.
“Vehicles with watercraft are being stopped at many of the California border stations for inspection,” said Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “From January 2007 to July 2008, we have inspected more than 140,000 vessels crossing into California. While more than 13,000 needed cleaning, we have confirmed adult mussels on nearly 170. Each of those finds meant we saved a California lake or reservoir from exposure to the mussels.”
Zebra mussels inhabit water depths from four to 180 feet, while Quagga can reach depths more than 400 feet. Both mollusks can attach to and damage boat trailers, cooling systems, boat hulls and steering equipment. Mussels attached to watercraft or trailers can be transported and spread to other water bodies. Water in boat engines, bilges, live wells and buckets can carry mussel larvae (called veligers) to other water bodies as well.
Quagga mussels were first detected in the Colorado River system in January 2007 and were later found in San Diego and Riverside counties by state and local water agencies. Zebra mussels were discovered in San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County in January 2008.
A multi-agency taskforce that includes DFG, the Department of Water Resources, DBW, CDFA, Parks and multiple federal partners is currently working to determine the extent of the Quagga and Zebra mussel threat and to educate watercraft users. As part of the public education effort, the state continues to facilitate Quagga/Zebra inspection and decontamination trainings with more than 400 individuals in San Diego, Redding, Fresno, Stockton, Monterey, Los Alamitos, Ontario, Lake County, Sacramento and Yountville.
A public toll-free number hotline has been established for boaters and anyone involved with activities on lakes and rivers seeking information on the invasive and destructive Quagga mussels at 1-866-440-9530.
For more information on the Quagga/Zebra mussel response, please visit the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel
.
Learn what boaters can do to stem the spread of the invasive Quagga mussel (PDF).
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Labor Day Weekend Events Wrap Up Summer in South Dakota
August 28, 2008
PIERRE, S.D. – Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of the summer, and South Dakota State Parks invite you to come out and enjoy their special weekend events before the snow flies!
Camper’s Potluck, Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. at Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge. Camper’s are invited to bring their favorite dish to share. While eating enjoy live music provided Ron Gienger and great games for the whole family! Prizes will be awarded. Bring a list of your favorite oldies requests and your appetite! For more information, call (605) 845-7112.
Lantern Tour of Fort Buildings, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park near Lake City. This is your last opportunity this summer to tour the restored buildings by the light of a kerosene lantern. Hear the Fort’s history and unique stories. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The tour starts from the Visitor Center in the North Barracks and will last approximately one hour. For more information, call (605) 448-5474.
, Aug. 31, 2 p.m. at North Point Recreation Area and 5 p.m. at Randall Creek Recreation both near Pickstown. Kids need to bring only their bikes, as decorations will be provided for these end-of-the-summer events!
There is no cost to participate in any of these programs, although a park entrance license is required.
For more information on the South Dakota State Parks, please visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391. To learn about park programs in your area, contact your local state park office.
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Dove Season Set to Open on Sept. 1st Throughout North Carolina
August 26, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina’s dove season opens statewide on Monday, Sept. 1 at noon with a daily bag limit of 15 doves per hunter per day.
Traditionally Labor Day weekend is the opening of dove season in North Carolina and includes both Saturday and Monday – giving most hunters two days off from work to hunt. However, under the federal frameworks for hunting migratory birds the season cannot open before Sept. 1, so the season will open on the Monday of Labor Day weekend this year.
After opening day, hunting opens a half hour before sunrise to sunset. Dove season will be split into three segments this hunting season, with the first segment from Sept. 1 through Oct. 4. The second segment is from Nov. 24 through Nov. 29, and the final segment from Dec. 12 through Jan. 10.
When dove hunting, wildlife officers with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission advise:
- BE SAFE: When hunting in a group, know where others are and communicate. Never shoot at low-flying birds and alert companions when a bird is too low to safely allow a shot. Wearing proper eye and ear protection is advised.
- SHOOT RESPONSIBLY: Know your field of fire and don’t pepper people, nearby buildings or vehicles with falling shot.
- KNOW THE RULES: Don’t hunt over baited fields. According to state regulations, placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of salt, grain or other feed that could serve as a lure for migratory game can constitute a baited area.
- ENROLL IN HUNTER EDUCATION: First-time hunting license buyers must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course, offered free across the state.
- FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click here to consult the online version of the 2008-2009 N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest or call (919) 707-0031.
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Practice Safety First this Labor Day Weekend
August 25, 2008
Boaters are sure to flood Georgia’s waterways this Labor Day Holiday weekend, bringing the summer boating season to an unofficial end. Given the expected level of holiday boating activity, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division want to stress the importance of safety, especially designating a sober driver this holiday weekend.
“Holiday weekends often mean increased use of public waterways – and that means an increased need for safety awareness from all boaters,” says Col. Terry West, Chief of Law Enforcement. “As always, conservation rangers will continue to strictly enforce all boating laws in an effort to keep everyone safe, but we also encourage people to pay extra attention to others on the water.”
So far this year there have been 124 boating incidents, 10 boating incident-related fatalities and 53 total drownings on Georgia waters. WRD Conservation Rangers have also issued a total of 158 boating under the influence citations. Many accidents and fatalities can be avoided by reviewing and following safety tips over the course of the holiday weekend’s festivities.
- There are no “driving lanes” on the water, so boat operators need to be educated on the ‘rules of the road’ and aware of all other boat traffic in the area. The 100-foot law prohibits people from operating ALL vessels, including personal watercraft (i.e. PWC, jet ski), at a speed greater than idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel that is moored, anchored or adrift outside normal traffic channels, or within 100 feet of any dock, wharf, pier, piling, bridge structure, person in the water or shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant or other public use area.
- Wear your life jacket. Nine out of ten drowning victims did not. Children under the age of ten are required by law to wear a life jacket while onboard a moving boat (unless child is in a fully enclosed cabin).
- Do not drink and operate a boat. Half of all boating fatalities involve alcohol. Alcohol can affect people much more rapidly on the water – the boat’s movement, vibration, noise and glare, and the sun and wind create a so-called boater’s hypnosis. Make sure a designated operator refrains from drinking alcohol so they can safely operate the boat.
- Use navigation lights at ALL times on the water at night, whether the boat is moving or anchored. Do not wait until dark to turn your lights on to see if they are functioning properly.
- Do not overload your boat with people or equipment. Check the capacity plate on the boat that indicates the maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people that the boat can safely carry.
- Minimum Age Requirements. Know Georgia’s age requirements for boat and PWC operation, and don’t lend your PWC to anyone underage.
- Brush up on your boating safety knowledge. Take a boating safety course. There are three easy ways for boat operators to take a course in Georgia – in a classroom, on the Internet at www.boat-ed.com or through a home study course that can either be ordered on the Internet at www.boat-ed.com or by calling 1-800-460-9698.
In addition, due to Georgia’s current drought situation and the effects on area lakes and
waterways, WRD advises boaters to be extra cautious and aware of possible navigational obstructions while on the water.
“Boaters should be on the lookout for such obstructions as trees, debris and land areas that normally are well under the water’s surface,” explains West. “Even if you are familiar with a particular body of water, we encourage you to boat with caution to protect your vessel and your occupants.”
For more information on boating safety, contact a WRD Law Enforcement Office or visit the WRD website at www.goboatgeorgia.com .
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Coeur D’Alene Lake Kokanee Fishery Closes September 2
August 19, 2008
The Coeur d’Alene Lake kokanee fishery will close effective Tuesday, September 2, after the Labor Day Weekend.
Idaho Fish and Game Director Cal Groen signed the emergency closure order Monday, August 13, requested by Panhandle regional fishery staff.
Recent surveys of the lake showed numbers of adult kokanee destined to spawn this fall are similar to the past two year’s record low numbers.
“Although juvenile abundance is promising, the low number of adult fish once again has Fish and Game and anglers concerned that there won’t be enough spawners to produce next year’s fry if we allow a fishery,” Regional Fishery Manager Jim Fredericks said.
Most kokanee spawn near Higgins Point and Beauty Bay starting in late October or November. The low number of spawners, combined with their relatively large size and tendency to congregate to the north end of the lake in September and October leave them vulnerable to over-harvest.
“The worst case scenario would be to allow excessive harvest on the depressed population and have a year-class failure,” Fredericks said. “That could set kokanee population recovery back by three to four more years.”
On a brighter note, for the second straight year, the surveys revealed improvements in younger kokanee year classes. Two-year-old kokanee improved from about 136,000 fish in 2007 to an estimated 1.7 million in 2008. One-year-old kokanee, which numbered 2.36 million in 2007, continued to improve and were estimated at 3.6 million this year.
“One and two-year-old kokanee are the primary forage for Chinook in Coeur d’Alene Lake,” Fredericks said, “so it’s very encouraging so see that predation on young kokanee seems to be improving.”
Trawl surveys show survival from 1- to 2-year-old fish increased from about 10 percent last year to 74 percent this year.
In addition to the fishery closure, Fish and Game will continue to try to reduce the predation pressure on kokanee by limiting Chinook, and for the third year does not plan to stock hatchery Chinook in the lake next summer.
Fish and Game also will monitor the number of wild Chinook spawning and evaluate whether it will be necessary to try to limit natural reproduction.
Not only do the increased kokanee survival rates indicate that attempts to decrease predation are working, the Chinook fishery seems to be telling the same story. Anglers reported fishing during the Big One Derby was the worst they’ve seen.
“I know this has been extremely frustrating for Chinook anglers,” Fredericks said. “I can only ask that they continue to recognize the importance of restoring the kokanee population before we try to rebuild the Chinook fishery.”
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Texas Hunting Licenses Go On Sale August 15
July 22, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas — New hunting and fishing licenses for 2008-09 will be available beginning Friday, Aug. 15, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging hunters to buy early and avoid the rush heading into the Sept. 1 dove season opener.
“If you wait until the Labor Day Weekend, you’re probably going to be standing in line to buy a license,” said Tom Newton with TPWD’s licensing section. “Savvy hunters have figured it out and are buying their licenses early.”
Sportsmen are reminded all current annual hunting and fishing licenses (except for the year-to-date fishing license) expire Aug. 31. Texas issues 2.1 million hunting and fishing licenses annually through 28 TPWD field offices, more than 65 state parks and at over 1,500 retailers across Texas.
Because dove season in the North and Central Dove Zones opens on a Monday, Newton predicts there will be a weekend rush to buy licenses. “Last year, we sold over 350,000 licenses during the four-day period around the opening weekend of dove season,” he recalled. “It takes an average of three-to-five minutes to process a license sale transaction, so it’s likely there will be delays if you wait ‘til the last minute.”
By comparison, Newton said the department averaged less than 20,000 license transactions a day during the two weeks prior to the dove season opener as opposed to five or six times that number on the days around opening weekend.
A last-minute license purchase rush is probably inevitable in some areas of the state, TPWD officials say, particularly along the I-35 corridor where many dove hunters descend. Fortunately, there are other license buying avenues available.
“Hunters who need to purchase a license at the last minute or those who don’t want to stand in line have a couple of options,” said Newton. “They can also purchase licenses online through the TPWD web site (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/) or by calling (800) 895-4248. There is a $5 convenience fee for either option and a major credit card is required.”
License sales call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday — Friday. The online transaction system is available 24/7.
“We sold about 4,500 licenses online and by phone during the peak sales weekend last year,” Newton said. “We’d like to steer more of the traffic to the call center and Internet during the peak volume periods.”
A license confirmation number is issued at the time of purchase for online and phone orders, and the physical license is mailed separately. Confirmation numbers will verify that a license has been purchased, which is sufficient for dove hunting, but will not allow hunters to take fish or wildlife that requires a tag.
“Some people are using the convenience options to purchase licenses for everyone in their family or hunting group,” Newton said. “It can help ensure that everybody who shows up to hunt, especially those coming in from out of state or kids coming in from college, already have a hunting license waiting for them. You can buy a license for someone else, even at the retail counter, but to avoid delays please be sure you have all their personal information.”
In addition to a hunting license, all wing shooters will need to purchase a game bird stamp. To hunt doves or teal in September, a Migratory Game Bird Stamp ($7) is required. Duck hunters also need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp and receive HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification. HIP certification will be printed on the license at the time of sale only after the purchaser answers a few brief migratory bird questions. Lifetime license holders must also be HIP-certified and purchase the Federal Duck Stamp to hunt migratory birds. All other state stamp endorsements are included with a lifetime license
“Remember, it’s your responsibility to make sure you are properly licensed, so be sure to check your license before you leave the sales counter,” Newton said. “We do get a fair number of requests for re-issuance of licenses because the hunter forgot to get HIP certified.”
There are other mandatory endorsements to consider at the time of purchase, too. An Upland Game Bird Stamp ($7) is required to hunt all non-migratory game birds, including turkey, quail, pheasant, chachalaca and lesser prairie chicken.
Of course, anyone who purchases the Super Combo license package, the best bang for the buck, automatically gets these needed stamps.
Hunter Education Certification is also required of any hunter born on or after Sept. 2, 1971 and who is at least 17 years old. For hunters who are unable to work in a hunter education class before hunting season for whatever reason, TPWD does offer a deferral option.
The deferral option allows people 17 years of age or older a one-time only extension to complete the state’s hunter education requirements. The individual must first purchase a hunting license and then may purchase the deferral option.
Hunters using the deferral must be accompanied by someone 17 years old or older who is also licensed to hunt in Texas. The accompanying individual must have completed hunter education or be exempt from the requirements (born before Sept. 2, 1971). The extension is good for one license year, by which time the person with the deferred option needs to complete a hunter education course.
This option is not available to those who have ever received a conviction or deferred adjudication for lack of hunter education certification. They still must take the course before going afield.
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Fishing Regs Relaxed at Starve Hollow Lake Starting May 23
May 22, 2008
Plan to drain lake after Labor Day provides angling opportunity now
Selected fishing regulations at 145-acre Starve Hollow Lake in Jackson County will be relaxed to encourage fishing and enhance sport-fishing opportunities during the summer, starting May 23.
All size limits for fish in the lake, which is located in Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, will be waived and bag limits will be doubled.
The changes will help prepare the lake for draining after Labor Day weekend to restore the fishery and repair and improve the spillway and water control structure.
After the lake is drained, work is scheduled to start in late September or early October and is expected to be completed within two months. Refilling should begin in November, after the repairs are completed. Use of the two boat-launching ramps will likely be affected during the draining. Boaters should take necessary precautions to avoid launching problems or new navigation problems that may not have existed when the lake was full.
The lake will be restocked with fingerling fish once the water reaches an adequate level for their survival. With sufficient rainfall, stocking would occur in late November. Provided that conditions allow the project to stay on schedule, bluegills of a size fit for catching should be available by 2009. Some small bass should be available the next year. A 14-inch minimum size limit and a five-fish daily bag limit for bass will be take effect after the lake is restocked.
A May 1 informational open house was held at the Starve Hollow Lake Nature Center, where attendees expressed unanimous support for the project.
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DNR Campsites Scarce For Memorial Day Weekend
May 22, 2008
Make plans now for later in the summer
Those hoping to camp at DNR State Parks and Reservoir properties for Memorial Day weekend may be too late. Excluding scattered opportunities, the no vacancy sign is up all over the state.
The only two places that still have 5-10 spots available for this weekend are Charlestown State Park’s electric campground and Lincoln State Park’s primitive campground. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, a property run by the Division of Forestry, has 15 sites still available in its full hook-up campground. A few other properties have one or two campsites available.
Those interested in reserving a shelter for family or group gatherings for any of the days over Memorial Day weekend can breathe easier. Between 60 to 80 percent of those opportunities are still available.
Independence Day weekend camping opportunities throughout the state are at premium already. Christie Wilmoth, Central Reservation System project manager, said that that 71 percent of cabins are taken and 57 percent of the camping opportunities are spoken for. She said that some places are completely booked already.
“The early demand for camping tells me that those who want to camp any time this spring or summer and even over Labor Day weekend would be wise to make reservations now,” said Dan Bortner, director of the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs. “If gas prices stay high or get higher, we expect demand for in-state camping to continue to be high as people look to vacation closer to home.”
To make camping or shelter reservations, see camp.IN.gov or call (866) 622-6746. Those seeking to take advantage of last-minute opportunities at individual parks should call those parks.
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Make Reservations to Camp Labor Day Weekend in S.D. State Parks
May 16, 2008
PIERRE, S.D. – Campers making plans for Labor Day weekend can begin reserving campsites in South Dakota state parks on May 31 for arrival on Friday, August 29. For reservations, call (800) 710-2267 or go online to www.CampSD.com.
“Holiday weekends at South Dakota State Parks are busy and campgrounds fill up fast,” said Doug Hofer, state parks director. “Campsites are reserved well in advance, so plan ahead and make your reservations as soon as possible to get your favorite camping spot.”
A three-night stay is required during holiday weekends at all state parks, except at Custer State Park. Reservations for campsites and camping cabins in South Dakota state parks can be made within 90 days of the arrival date. Custer State Park is currently accepting reservations for the entire camping season. Reservations for the lodges at Mina Lake, Shadehill, Newton Hills, Palisades, Oahe Downstream and Lake Thompson are currently being taken for stays through this calendar year.
The call center is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (CT). Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day, but sites cannot be reserved until 7 a.m. on the first day of the 90-day window. There is a $5 non-resident reservation fee per site, which does not apply to South Dakota residents. A daily or annual park entrance license is required of all vehicles entering the park. Entrance fees are in addition to camping fees.
For additional information on S.D. state parks and recreation areas and to view the 90-day window calendar, visit the South Dakota state parks website at www.SDparks.info.
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