Outdoor Youth Challenge Winners at National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration
November 24, 2008
Winners have been announced for the Outdoor Youth Challenge held during West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days Sept. 27 and 28 at Stonewall Resort State Park, according to Shawn Head of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. This year, the Challenge events were moved to the side of the lake where most other activities were set up and rules were changed to allow more youth entries. Any youth between the ages of 6 and 18 could participate, and they had to complete at least 10 of 20 events related to hunting, fishing and outdoors recreation to be eligible for prize drawings at the end of each day. There were approximately 349 youth signed up for this year’s Challenge. Youth entrants could participate just for fun or could sign up to compete (junior group or senior group) for grand prizes. This year’s grand prize winners in the competition were:
Saturday
- Jarred Perkins of Montcalm, W.Va., who won a lifetime hunting and fishing license, but since he already had one, accepted the monetary value of the license to purchase equipment at Jerry’s Sporting Goods Store in Weston;
- Kody Seech of Buckhannon, W.Va., who won a Junior Group Junior Conservation Camp Scholarship and Jonathan Alton of Weston, W.Va., who won a Senior Group State Conservation Camp scholarship;
Sunday
- Kenny Moore of French Creek, W.Va., who won a lifetime hunting and fishing license;
- Corey Hostuttler of Mannington, W.Va., who won a Junior Group Junior Conservation Camp Scholarship, and Lenny Wheatly of Walkersville, W.Va., who won a Senior Group State Conservation Camp scholarship.
The two lifetime hunting and fishing licenses were donated by the Chestnut Ridge and Prickett’s Fort Chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The four Conservation Camp scholarships were sponsored by Mountain Air Services of Buckhannon, W.Va.
“The Outdoor Youth Challenge is probably the most important single event at West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days,” according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro. “It encourages our youth to learn new skills and to gain important knowledge and experience about wildlife, hunting, fishing, firearm safety, law enforcement and outdoor recreation. For some youngsters, this may be the only opportunity they will have to be exposed to these fun and exciting outdoor activities.”
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ODNR Awards $1.7 Million to Improve Outdoor Recreation in Ohio
November 21, 2008
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Real Estate and Land Management will provide grant funding to develop and improve outdoor recreation opportunities in 58 Ohio counties.
ODNR has awarded a total of $1,719,575 to 90 local parks through the 2008 NatureWorks Grant Program. The program provides up to 75 percent reimbursement assistance to local government subdivisions (i.e., townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development and rehabilitation of recreational areas.
Funded projects include new skate parks, ball fields, basketball courts, pedestrian park bridges, spray and splash parks and the acquisition of new parkland.
View a complete list of grant recipients at this link: http://ohiodnr.com/Portals/0/natureworks/pdf/NatureWorkAwards.pdf
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NatureWorks projects are funded through the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue, which was approved by Ohio voters in November 1993. It authorized the State of Ohio:
“…to issue bonds, which will be retired from general state revenues, to finance capital improvements for state and local parks and recreation areas and to preserve Ohio’s natural areas and habitats…”
Additional legislation authorized the creation of the NatureWorks Grant Program.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.gov.
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BLM Waives Recreation-related Fees for Veterans on Veterans Day
November 10, 2008
The Bureau of Land Management will waive recreation-related fees for veterans and military personnel, along with their families, on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11.
BLM Director Jim Caswell, a Vietnam veteran, encouraged veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces to recreate on BLM-managed or other Federal lands on November 11, saying, “We want to thank the men and women who have served or are serving our country through military service. This is a small, but special way in which we can express our gratitude and our appreciation to them.”
The waiver of entrance and/or standard amenity fees on Veterans Day applies annually, starting in 2006, to public recreation lands under the management of the BLM, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation (all agencies of the Department of the Interior), along with the U.S. Forest Service (part of the Department of Agriculture).
The Veterans Day fee waiver takes place on November 11, even if the Federal observance of the holiday should occur on a different day. This year, the Federal observance of Veterans Day falls on Tuesday, November 11.
Recreation fee-setting and waiver authority for the BLM and other Federal agencies is based on the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, passed by Congress as part of a Fiscal Year 2005 appropriations bill that was signed into law by President Bush on December 8, 2004.
The BLM manages more land – 258 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on the public lands.
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Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Announced
October 28, 2008
William Guerrini, Don Hankla, Dwight Hoffard, and George Rabb to be honored next February 28
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – Four Illinoisans with decades of dedication to enhancing outdoor recreation and natural resources protection in the state have been selected for induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.
William Guerrini, the late Don Hankla, Dwight Hoffard, and Dr. George Rabb have been selected for the hall of fame from among dozens of nominees submitted by citizens from throughout Illinois. The four conservation leaders will be inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s annual Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet to be held next February 28 at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main Street, St. Charles.
“These men have set the standard for helping others enjoy outdoor Illinois and to appreciate all the natural wonders of our state,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Sam Flood, who serves as the chairman of the board of directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. “The Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame honors the ‘best of the best’ each year, and the inductions of Bill Guerrini, Don Hankla, Dwight Hoffard, and George Rabb will help inspire all of us to be good stewards of our natural resources.”
“Induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame recognizes commitment to making our state a better place to live for Illinois citizens, visitors, and for future generations,” said Greg Legan, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. “We are very pleased to add these four dedicated conservationists to the roster of distinguished Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame members.”
The Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Class of 2009
William H. Guerrini, Spring Valley
A lifelong advocate for outdoor recreation in Illinois, Bill Guerrini served as one of the state’s first volunteer Hunter Safety Education course instructors in the 1970s. A long time educator and coach, Bill is the founder of the Spring Valley Walleye Club and helped bring the successful Master’s Walleye Circuit professional fishing tournament to Illinois in 1987. The tournament has served as an outstanding promotion for the Illinois River walleye and sauger fishery for more than 20 years. Bill Guerrini also promotes youth fishing events and boating in north-central Illinois.
Don Hankla, Anna
The late Don Hankla was a long time sportsman, conservationist, and advocate for natural resources conservation in Illinois. The Anna native retired in 1987 after a distinguished career as a wildlife biologist and researcher with the North Carolina Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After retiring, Don Hankla dedicated his volunteer efforts to conservation stewardship in the Cache River watershed in southern Illinois. Don chaired the interagency Cache River watershed planning initiative and helped develop the local Cache River Ecosystem Partnership and the Friends of the Cache River Watershed, promoting watershed protection projects throughout the Cache River basin. Don Hankla passed away in April 2007.
Dwight Hoffard, Johnston City
For more than 20 years, Dwight Hoffard has been the driving force behind the success of the Southern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days festival on the campus of John A. Logan College in Carterville, chairing the event for the past 15 years. Dwight is also a tireless volunteer in promoting outdoor recreation safety, serving as an IDNR Master Hunting Safety Education Instructor, Master Boating Safety Instructor, wingshooting instructor, and National Sporting Clays Association Youth Shooting Instructor. Dwight Hoffard is also a founder of the Youth Outdoor Education Foundation, the Southern Illinois Boat and Fishing Show, Friends of Crab Orchard, and the Midwest Bass Classic fishing tournament.
Dr. George B. Rabb, Brookfield
George Rabb, president emeritus of the Chicago Zoological Society, is a dedicated conservationist known internationally for implementing programs focused on conservation research and education. During a 47-year career at the Brookfield Zoo, George Rabb transformed the zoo to promote a concern for the natural world and conservation ethic among the facility’s millions of visitors. Dr. Rabb has also dedicated volunteer leadership to promoting natural resources conservation as a member and chairman of the Board of the Illinois State Museum. Among his many professional associations, Dr. Rabb served as chairman of the Species Survival Commission of the World Conservation Union, helping develop conservation action plans intended to stem the decline in amphibians.
In addition to the induction ceremony for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, the banquet next February 28 will also include presentations of the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s annual Conservation Youth Achievement Scholarships. Ten students will each receive $1,000 scholarships for their achievements in natural resources stewardship. Nomination forms for the scholarship program are available on the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org. The deadline to submit nominations for the scholarships is December 1.
Proceeds from the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet assist in funding the youth scholarships and the popular ICF grant program, supporting natural resource protection, environmental enhancement, and education projects statewide.
For more information on the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on February 28, 2009 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, contact Greg Legan, Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone 217/785-2003, or check the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.
The ICF is an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1995 to support the programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
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Belleayre Set to Ski 7 Days a Week as Opening Day Announced
October 6, 2008
41 Trails Prepped to Go for Season
Belleayre Mountain will be open for riding and skiing seven days a week for the 2008-2009 season, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today. Weather and conditions permitting, Belleayre will open the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 28, and run through March 2009, operating six lifts and 41 trails and glades.
Located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains in Highmount, NY, Belleayre will offer terrain for all levels of riders and skiers from beginner to expert. All programming will be available, including the popular “Kidscamp,” racing programs, and - new this year — the adaptive ski program. Trained instructors from Belleayre and Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital will provide coaching for the adaptive community.
In response to the state’s fiscal situation, Belleayre is taking a number of steps this season to operate more efficiently while continuing to deliver a world-class regional skiing experience. Two lifts that are adjacent to other, more highly used lifts will be closed, a change that will have only a marginal impact on lift capacity. While snowmaking and grooming on most of the mountain will be unchanged, several of the less frequently used trails will be open on a natural cover basis. Use of the “Half Pipe” terrain also will be weather dependent. In addition, advertising will be reduced, and other operational and administrative efficiencies achieved. These changes will not impact skier safety or any essential operations or maintenance of the ski area.
Most season ticket prices will remain the same as last year. Daily lift tickets will increase slightly to account for higher fuel costs and increases in other operational costs.
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis thanked Senator John Bonacic and Assemblyman Kevin Cahill for advocating for Belleayre, an important regional resource.
“The communities throughout the Route 28 Corridor have made their voices loud and clear on the importance of the Belleayre Ski Center to the local economy,” Assemblyman Cahill said. “Commissioner Grannis and Governor (David A.) Paterson have demonstrated a keen understanding of the significance of this facility to the region by putting forth a reasonable plan that accounts for the current pressures in the economy as well as destabilizing energy costs. Working closely with DEC to resolve this issue, we prioritized the need for a full season with a diversity of programs at a reasonable price and that is what Commissioner Grannis delivered.”
Season passes, frequent skiers cards and “Belleayre Bucks” are now on sale. The Belleayre Fall Festival, scheduled for Oct. 11-12, will be held at the Delaware and Ulster Railroad depot on Route 28 in Arkville, just five miles from the ski area.
Belleayre’s annual “Job Fair” for seasonal workers is slated for Nov. 8, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Longhouse Lodge. For more information about employment, specific programming or the upcoming Fall Festival and ski season please go to www.belleayre.com.
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Mississippi Recreational Trails Program Application
October 6, 2008
Dear Potential RTP Applicant:
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) is pleased to announce the availability of grant funds through the Recreational Trails Program. With this letter, I encourage any city, county, state and/or federal agency, college/university, recreation district, or nonprofit conservation organization to apply for Recreational Trails Program funds.
The grant application manual (pdf file) that details the guidelines and procedures for submitting project applications for the Recreational Trails Program is available for review and maybe downloaded at the following MDWFP website http://home.mdwfp.com/more.aspx. Please review the manual carefully for the specific eligibility guidelines and funding priorities of the FY09 program. The application is available in Microsoft Word or PDF print only formats at the above website.
If you do not have the capability to print or download the grant application manual from our website, you may obtain a hard copy of the grant application manual from Outdoor Recreation Grants Division.
Completed applications are due in the Outdoor Recreation Grants Division before 4:00 p.m. (CST) Thursday, January 15, 2009.
Any questions or if you need additional information, please contact our office by calling (601) 432-2225 or email jean [at] mdwfp [dot] state [dot] ms [dot] us.
Sincerely,
Jean Caraway
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Florida Fish Busters’ Bulletin - Fishing remains a fun, healthy tradition available to everyone
September 29, 2008
Freshwater fishing is one of the many outdoor recreational activities encouraged by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The FWC views outdoor recreation as a tremendously beneficial opportunity that should be available to all residents and visitors, and it strives to provide quality fishing, hunting and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Cheryl Charles, president of the Children and Nature Network, points out, “People throughout the world are increasingly connected by a resonance and passion, to create a new common sense for the good health of children today and generations to come.”
Dr. Andrew Lepp, assistant professor of recreation, park and tourism management at Kent State, said the benefits from outdoor recreation are varied and plentiful. Outdoor recreation has psychological benefits, including the prevention or reduction of stress and improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity. Lepp also contends it adds to spiritual growth and leads to an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from life. Getting outside provides physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as improved functioning of the immune system.
It even offers benefits for the social life. The great outdoors affords social benefits, such as bonding with like-minded people who also enjoy outdoor activities, and feeling an increased pride in your community and nation.
The economy benefits from all of this activity as well. Outdoor recreation creates job opportunities for others, which leads to economic growth and preservation of the natural areas needed for outdoor recreation increases property values. The workplace wins because people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation tend to be more productive at work, Lepp said.
The list continues with positive outcomes for the environment. People who participate in outdoors activities usually have increased environmental awareness. This awareness translates to increased involvement in environmental issues.
Specific activities such as fishing can add to the enthusiasm and provide a fun challenge to become increasingly skillful. In Florida, the abundance of natural waters (7,700 named lakes, 12,000 miles of fishable rivers and canals) means the opportunity is available to everyone. From digging worms and making your own cane pole, to casting a lure, you develop a connection with nature that comes naturally and has been an American tradition since long before Mark Twain’s tales of the adventurous Huck Finn.
Every year the FWC works with the Florida Disabled Outdoor Association at its Sportsability event, and this year we joined them at the Family Café event in Orlando. These opportunities reinforce the pure fun of experiencing nature, and we redouble our commitment to making fishing accessible for everyone.
Clay Dyer - a professional bass fisherman who was born without lower legs, no arm on the left and a partially developed arm on the right - inspired hundreds of individuals with physical and mental challenges during his motivational presentation at the Family Café event. Clay is a hero and inspiration to virtually everyone he touches with his life story, which he calls “The View from Down Here is Just Fine.” He is also a spokesperson for the C.A.S.T. for kids program.
The FWC is doing its part by teaching kids to fish, sponsoring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman events, helping create bank-fishing access and building accessible boat ramps, courtesy docks and fishing piers. Most importantly, the FWC is dedicated to conserving and enhancing fisheries habitat and fish populations for everyone.
We invite you to get outdoors and take someone with you, so you can enjoy all the benefits of getting back to nature.
Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling *FWC or #FWC on your cell, or 1-888-404-3922. Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Updates for more Fish Busters’ columns.
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Still Time to Sign Up for Tallahassee Outdoors-woman Workshop
September 24, 2008
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) still has openings for its Tallahassee Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop for women who want to spend a weekend learning a variety of outdoor activities.
The three-day workshop will take place Oct. 10-12 at Camp Wallwood on the Gadsden County side of Lake Talquin. The program will begin Friday at 10 a.m. and end Sunday with lunch.
Although designed with women in mind, the workshop is open to everyone 18 and older who wants to improve their outdoor skills and enjoy a few recreational activities. During four, three-and-one-half-hour sessions, the workshop will teach skills associated with fishing, hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation, at all levels of physical activity.
The BOW Program offers a fun and supportive atmosphere for participants wishing to try new things and enjoy the camaraderie of others who want to learn about Florida’s great outdoors.
The cost for the program is $175, and there are a few discounted slots available for low-income participants, single parents and college students.
For more information on the BOW workshop and how you can register, visit MyFWC.com/BOW or call 850-413-0085.
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Trail Funding Meetings Planned Throughout Ohio
September 19, 2008
COLUMBUS, OH - Meetings will be taking place across the state at 14 locations to discuss recreational trail funding and development issues. The meetings will be open to the public and will be set up in an open house format so attendees are encouraged to arrive anytime.
The meeting for Miami, Montgomery, Shelby, Champaign, Clark, Greene, Preble, and Darke counties will take place on Thursday, September 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Troy-Miami County Public Library (419 W. Main Street, Troy, OH, 45373, 937-339-0502).
The discussion will revolve around identifying priority trails in the state, identifying key issues facing trail development and what assistance the Office of Trails can provide, as well as the development of an online statewide recreational trail map. Findings from these meetings will help guide the Ohio Department of Natural Resources trail grant programs for the next several years. Local participation is critical to producing a complete and visionary planning tool to ensure a coordinated approach to statewide, regional and community trail systems.
For additional information, visit ohiodnr.com.