Kansas Wildlife Federation News

TimberRidge Day Camp Application Forms at Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 01:29:00 +0000

To everyone planning to attend the Open House at TimberRidge Outdoor Adventure Center this Saturday (April 26, 2014), there will be application forms with information about the June 11th Day Camp for the taking in the Welcome Center. The Day Camp is the second annual Day Camp sponsored by the Kansas Wildlife Federation at TimberRidge for kids 10-12 years old. As you will see at the Open House, the TimberRidge facility is outstanding. It offers many outdoor experiences for kids that have been proven to facilitate their other educational experiences. Ted Beringer, Director of the Day Camp, be walking around for awhile distributing forms to any interested parents.
You can also access the information at

http://kwfnews.blogspot.com/2014/03/second-annual-kansas-wildlife.html

Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:08:00 +0000

Angler Education Certification Course May 17

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 03:00:00 +0000

Anglers can make a difference by teaching fishing techniques across Kansas

A bobber goes down, the reel starts spinning, and fishing line is being taken out to water. The excitement overwhelms her so much that she forgets what to do. He was there to walk her through the steps, and before she knew it, her first-ever fish was in her hands. Wide-eyed and grinning from ear to ear, she says “that was fun,” and that’s all he needed to hear. You, too, can help create unforgettable memories like this for anglers of all ages by becoming certified to teach fishing techniques in the state of Kansas.

Fishing’s Future and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism are looking to enlist up to 40 anglers who want to become volunteer instructors to teach fishing techniques. Interested anglers should enroll in the instructor course that will be taught on May 17 at LakeHenry in ClintonState Park, 798 N. 1415 Rd., Lawrence. The course will run 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and although the class is not a requirement to teach, those in attendance will be given valuable information about working with children, sample curriculums, and tips for preparing a class or clinic. Other topics covered in the four-hour class will include current fishing rules and regulations, species identification, fishing ethics, equipment, knot-tying, casting, fish habitat, aquatic nuisance species, and conservation.

Anglers interested in registering can sign up at fishingsfuture.org. Click “upcoming events,” then “Kansas Angler Education Training Program.”

For more information, contact Fishing’s Future local coordinator Kevin Reich atkevin.reich@fishingsfuture.org, or by phone at (785) 577-6921.

Parking will be available on the hill above LakeHenry. The lot by the lake is reserved for disabled anglers. If there is inclement weather, the course will be moved to the park building.

Student Archers Set Sights on National Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 02:58:00 +0000

219 schools currently offer the Kansas Archery in the Schools program

Kansas Archery in the Schools hosted its fifth annual state archery tournament, Saturday, April 5, atClearwaterHigh School, southwest of Wichita. Three hundred and twenty students vied for a chance to compete at nationals. Of those 320 archers, three teams and 60 individual competitors qualified for the National Archery in the Schools tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, May 9-10.

Operating under the umbrella of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program, the Kansas archery program is aimed at promoting international-style target archery among students in grades 4-12. With the help of KDWPT and NASP, program coordinators are able to introduce archery as a fun, lifelong activity to young people who may have never taken up the sport otherwise.

Students from 11 communities competed this year, including: Anthony, ClayCenter, Clearwater, Erie, Tribune, Holton, Hugoton, Kingman, Neodesha, Olathe, and Rose Hill.

Competing in three divisions, elementary school (4-6), middle school (7-8), or high school (9-12), participants are required to shoot five arrows in each of the three rounds from a distance of 10 meters and a distance of 15 meters. A score of 300 points is considered perfect, which would be scores of 10 on each of the 30 total arrows they can be scored on.

Individual winners in each grade division are as follows:

GIRLS

Avery Schill, 264, Clearwater Elementary

Tatyana Miner, 278, ClearwaterMiddle School *Top overall score, top female score

Amber Asbury, 266, ClearwaterHigh School

BOYS

Richard Wolf, 260, Clearwater Elementary

Daniel Schule, 274, ClearwaterMiddle School

Kyle Reed, 277, ClearwaterHigh School *Top male score

Clearwater school teams placed first in all divisions. The top 10 boy and girl competitors from each grade division from any of the participating schools also qualified for nationals.

For more information, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Services / Education / Archery in the Schools,” or email Mike Rader at mike.rader@ksoutdoors.com.

Cutoff Date Extended to April 18 for Forestry Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:38:00 +0000

State Conservationist Eric B. Banks for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the extension of the cutoff date to April 18, 2014, for the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI). Even though CCPI is no longer a program under the 2014 Farm Bill, NRCS will honor existing CCPI agreements through fiscal year 2014. The CCPI provides financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to owners and operators of agricultural land and nonindustrial private forestlands.

This year, the program is funded for shelterbelt renovation and forested riparian buffers. "For farmers and ranchers that need to restore a shelterbelt or want to plant riparian forest buffers, CCPI can provide financial assistance to help with the project," said Banks.

In Kansas, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers will receive a higher payment rate for conservation practices related to CCPI.

For more information on CCPI projects and other natural resources conservation programs, please contact your local NRCS office or conservation district office. The office is located at your local USDA Service Center (listed in the telephone book under United States Government or on the internet at http://offices.usda.gov/). More information is also available on the Kansas Web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

Conservation Organizations Join Forces to Support Conservation in the Prairies

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:36:00 +0000

U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service

From The Outdoor Hub

A coalition of conservation organizations announced March 26^th the launch of a coordinated, partner-driven “Prairies Conservation Campaign” to bring public attention to the dramatic conversion of grasslands and wetlands to cropland in one of

America

’s last intact grassland ecosystems – the prairie pothole region.

“More than 50 percent of North American migratory waterfowl depend upon the mix of wetlands and grasslands found in the prairie pothole region,” said Noreen Walsh, Regional Director for the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a partner in the campaign. “This area is called

America

’s ‘duck factory’ because it is the most productive area for nesting waterfowl on the continent, perhaps the world. These prairies and all the wildlife that they support are currently stressed by many factors acting together to threaten our natural heritage. By joining together as stewards, we can shed light on this problem and find solutions.”

Among other goals, the campaign will seek to create grassroots awareness in the region about landowner conservation programs and tools currently available to help prevent the loss of grassland. While this strategy will primarily focus on stakeholder cooperation in local communities, partner organizations invite the public to follow and participate in the conversation online using the #ConserveThePrairies hashtag.

Campaign partners are working together to find conservation solutions, additional resources, and win-win solutions for landowners. In order to do this, one of the campaign’s primary goals is to increase opportunities for voluntary incentive-based tools to keep livestock producers profitable. This will ensure that the region has healthy fish and wildlife populations, healthy soil and water resources, and an assurance that ranch families will always be an integral and profitable component of the region’s economy. More information is available at: www.fws.gov/prairiesconservation.

Partner organizations include: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, World Wildlife Fund, Delta Waterfowl, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, Pheasants Forever, and North Dakota Natural Resources Trust.

Top Ways to Help Spring's Migrating Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:35:00 +0000

Help During Migration and Breeding Periods Crucial to 200+ Declining Bird Species

From The Birding Wire

Despite persistent late-occurring snowstorms, average temperatures are starting to climb, soon to be followed by the most deadly period of the year for birds: springtime. Although spring means new life and hope to many people, billions of birds face the tribulations of a perilous migration followed shortly by breeding and the production of scores of newborn birds that will spend several highly vulnerable weeks as they grow and fledge.

According to Dr. George Fenwick, President of the American Bird Conservancy, "Spring is a deadly time for birds for three big reasons. Scientists estimate that 300 million to one billion birds die each year from collisions with buildings, many during arduous migrations in unfamiliar environments. Up to 50 million die from encounters with communication towers and up to six million may die each day from attacks by cats left outdoors. These deaths occur year-round, but many occur during spring and fall migration."

"Some studies suggest that perhaps as many as half of all migrating birds do not make it back home," he said, "succumbing to various threats on either end of the journey."

One in five Americans engage in bird watching, so after months of waiting for migrants to return, many people turn to emails, phone lines, and social media to ask ABC a dozen variations on the same question: "How can I help the birds?" Here is our answer to that question, just in time for spring.

TOP WAYS TO HELP BIRDS THIS SPRING

1. Keep your cat indoors. This is best for your cat as well as for the birds, as indoor cats live an average of three to seven times longer. Cats are responsible for an estimated 2.4 billion bird deaths each year. In the spring, young birds or nestlings often end up on the ground, attracting the fatal attention of a nearby cat. Ground nesting species that are especially vulnerable include Killdeer and Wood Thrush, but all baby birds-from ducks to warblers-will be on the ground for a critical period of time.

2. Prevent birds from hitting your windows. As many as one billion birds die each year after colliding with glass in buildings. You can reduce this problem at your home by applying a variety of window treatments. For example, ABC BirdTape is a proven solution that is inexpensive and long-lasting. Birds most prone to fatal collisions at home windows or glass doors include Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Wood Thrush.

3. Eliminate pesticides from your yard. Even those pesticides that are not directly toxic to birds can pollute waterways and reduce insects that birds rely on for food. For rodent control, seal cracks, remove food sources, and use snap and electric traps rather than rodenticides, which can poison raptors such as hawks and owls as well as young children. And be sure not to garden with neonicotinoid-coated seeds, or neonics, which are lethal to songbirds as well as to bees and other invertebrates.

4. Buy organic food and drink Smithsonian-certified Bird Friendly Coffee. Going organic helps to reduce pesticide use on farms and increases the market for produce grown without the use of pesticides, which can be toxic to birds and other animals, and will help to reduce the use of these hazardous chemicals in the U.S. and overseas. Shade coffee farms have been shown to provide far superior habitat for birds than coffee grown in open sun. Buying coffee that is certified Bird Friendly is one of the easiest ways to help migratory birds.

5. Create backyard habitat using native plants. When you garden with plants that evolved in your local habitat, you supply native insects and their larvae with food, which in turn are an irreplaceable food source provided by birds to their nestlings. Yards both large and small can benefit birds and other wildlife. Create a diverse landscape by planting native grasses, flowers, and shrubs that attract birds. You will be rewarded by their beauty and song, and will have fewer insect pests as a result.

6. Reduce your carbon footprint. While all forms of energy use impact birds, small individual actions can add up and make a difference. Use a hand-pushed or electric lawnmower, carpool, and use low-energy bulbs and Energy Star appliances. Less energy used means less habitat destroyed for energy production.

7. Donate old bird-watching equipment. Binoculars or spotting scopes will be appreciated by local bird watching groups-they can get them to schools or biologists in other countries who may not have the resources they need. More people studying birds means more voices for bird conservation!

8. Keep bird feeders and bird baths clean. If you feed the birds, make sure you aren't accidentally allowing the spread of disease. Disinfect feeders and bird baths, and change water regularly or use a drip system to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

9. Support bird-friendly legislation.

U.S.

policy makers frequently make decisions that affect birds. For example, decisions are now being made that will impact the survival of the imperiled Greater Sage-Grouse. By raising your voice, you can help to influence the outcome for birds on this and other important issues.

"Protecting and helping birds is not only the right thing to do," said Fenwick. "It is also good for the economy and the future of our environment. Birds are invaluable as controllers of insect pests, as pollinators of crops, and as dispersers of native plant seeds. They also generate tremendous economic revenues through the pastimes of bird feeding and bird watching."

A federal government study reports that about 20 percent of the

U.S.

population-47 million people-participates in bird watching. About 30 percent of all people over 55 enjoy this pursuit. About 40 percent of birders (18 million people) actually travel to see birds and spend about $41 billion annually in pursuit of their pastime. The top five birdwatching states by percentage of total population are:Vermont (39%), Wisconsin (33%), West Virginia (33%), Wyoming (31%), and Alaska(30%). The states with the greatest raw number of birders are: California (4.9 million),New York (3.3 million), Florida (3.0 million), Pennsylvania (2.7 million), and Texas(2.3 million).

Researchers Use GPS to Track Whooping Cranes

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:34:00 +0000

A study conducted by a partnership of researchers from multiple organizations is using lightweight GPS devices to track individual whooping cranes of the Aransas - Wood Buffalo population, the only naturally wild flock of whooping cranes in existence.

Efforts have focused on putting tracking devices on adult whooping cranes captured on Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, where the birds winter on the Texascoast, and on chicks at Wood Buffalo National Park, the birds' nesting grounds in

Canada

. To date, 68 birds have had tracking devices attached.

The GPS units are attached to a bird's upper leg and record four to five locations every 24 hours, information that is uploaded to a satellite every two and half days. These data reveal migration routes, habitat use, nesting locations, and much more. Biologists in the United States and

Canada

will use the results of this work to identify management and conservation priorities in both countries.

The research partnership is made up of governmental and non-profit partners working on the recovery of the whooping crane. Representatives include the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian Wildlife Service, Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, Crane Trust, Parks Canada, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, and International Crane Foundation.

Whooping cranes are an endangered species with more than 300 birds in the Aransas-Wood Buffalo population. All of the whooping cranes alive today, both wild and captive, are descendants of the last 15 cranes found wintering at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in 1941.

A video of the banding operation can be seen on YouTube athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtVt842trpo. Video is courtesy of Texas Parksand Wildlife Department.

Drone Use Barred in Boone and Crockett Records

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:33:00 +0000

Trophies scouted or taken with the assistance of drones/unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are not eligible for entry in Boone and Crockett records, the Club announced today.

"These highly sophisticated, remote-controlled aircraft have no place in fair-chase hunting," said Richard Hale, chairman of the Club's Big Game Records Committee. "The Boone and Crockett Club stands with state wildlife agencies, the Pope and Young Club and hunter-conservationists everywhere who are discouraging the use of drones in hunting."

In the early 1960s, the Boone and Crockett Club barred trophies taken with use of aircraft. "Spotting or herding game from the air, followed by landing in its vicinity for the purpose of pursuit and shooting" was deemed unethical. The Club's policy spawned regulations in Alaska and elsewhere designed to protect the integrity of hunting and conserve game.

Hale said Boone and Crockett is always on alert for new technologies that could erode the time-honored traditions of fair chase.

Fair chase is defined by the Club as the ethical, sportsmanlike and lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging wild, native North American big game animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper advantage over such animals.

North America's first hunting and conservation organization, the Boone and Crockett Club was founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887. Its mission is to promote the conservation and management of wildlife, especially big game and its habitat, to preserve and encourage hunting and to maintain the highest ethical standards of fair chase and sportsmanship. Join us at www.boone-crockett.org.

Obama places Lesser Prairie-chicken on threatened species list

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:31:00 +0000

Jon McRoberts | AP A male lesser prairie chicken

The decision by the Fish and Wildlife Service is a step below "endangered" status and allows for more flexibility in how protections for the bird will be carried out under the Endangered Species Act.

Dan Ashe, the agency's director, said he knows the decision will be unpopular with governors in the five affected states — Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico — but said the agency was following the best science available.

"The lesser prairie-chicken is in dire straits," Ashe said in an interview. "The bird is in decline and has been in decline for more than a decade."

The prairie chicken, a type of grouse known for its colorful feathers and stout build, has lost more than 80 percent of its traditional habitat, mostly because of human activity such as oil and gas drilling, ranching and construction of power lines and wind turbines, Ashe said. The bird, which weighs from 1-1/2 to 2 pounds, has also been severely impacted by the region's ongoing drought.

Biologists say a major problem is that prairie chickens fear tall structures, where predators such as hawks can perch and spot them. Wind turbines, electricity transmission towers and drilling rigs are generally the tallest objects on the plains.

Last year, the prairie chicken's population across the five states declined to fewer than 18,000 birds — nearly 50 percent lower than 2012 population estimates.

A conservation plan adopted by the five states has a goal of increasing the population to 67,000 birds.

The listing decision, which will take effect around May 1, includes a special rule that Ashe said will allow officials and private landowners in the five affected states to manage conservation efforts. The rule, which Ashe called unprecedented, specifies that activities such as oil and gas drilling and utility line maintenance that are covered under a five-state conservation plan adopted last year will be allowed to continue.

The plan, developed by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, establishes that conservation practices carried out through usual agricultural and energy development are not subject to further regulation under the Endangered Species Act.

Governors of the five affected states — including four Republicans — opposed listing the bird under the Endangered Species Act. In a joint statement last year, Govs. Rick Perry of Texas, Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Sam Brownback of Kansas, Susana Martinez of New Mexico and John Hickenlooper of Colorado, said their states have all worked with a wide variety of affected groups to develop conservation plans to improve the bird's habitat while "taking into account economic development needs."

All but Hickenlooper are Republicans.

Oklahoma's attorney general filed a lawsuit this month over the Obama administration's decision to settle a lawsuit with an environmental group over the listing status of the lesser prairie chicken and other species.

Attorney General Scott Pruitt claims in the lawsuit that federal agencies are colluding with like-minded special interest groups and using "sue and settle" tactics that encourage lawsuits that can be settled on terms favorable to the groups that filed them.

Ashe denied collusion with any group and said the agency hopes to avoid litigation over the listing decision.

Oil and gas companies, ranchers and other landowners have pledged to devote more than 3 million acres in the five states toward conserving the bird's habitat. Most of the acreage was set aside in the aim to prevent the bird from being given federal protection as a threatened species, but Ashe said states and private landowners will play a significant role after the listing decision.

"The key thing is, states will remain in the driver's seat in management and conservation of this bird," he said.

Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species List under Review

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 17:27:00 +0000

Five-year review allows for petitioned species to be removed or added to state lists

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is charged with conserving and protecting all Kansas wildlife, including those considered rare and in need of conservation. The Nongame and Endangered Species Act of 1975, requires KDWPT to review all current and proposed threatened and endangered species every five years.

A Threatened and Endangered Species Task Force comprised of members from state and federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations will review the currently-listed species and those species proposed for listing. During this review, species can be added, removed, or status changed based on petitions and documented scientific evidence. The task force then makes a recommendation for each species. As part of this review, which is currently underway, a total of five public informational meetings will be held statewide throughout the month of April. Meeting dates, times, and locations can be found below:

-April 11, 3:00 p.m. at Southeast Kansas Nature Center, Schermerhorn Park, 3511 S. Main St., Galena

-April 14, 3:00 p.m. at Johnson County Park and Recreation District Board Room, 7904 Renner Road,Shawnee Mission

-April 15, 3:00 p.m. at KDWPT Region 2 Office, 300 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka

-April 22, 3:00 p.m. at Lee Richardson Zoo, Finnup Center, Lecture Hall, 312 E Finnup Drive, Garden City

-April 23, 3:00 p.m. at Sternberg Museum, 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays

According to state statute, threatened species are any form of wildlife that appears likely, within the foreseeable future, to become an endangered species. Endangered species are any species of wildlife whose continued existence as a viable component of the state’s wild fauna is determined to be in jeopardy. Out of the 60 species currently listed, 36 are defined as threatened and the remaining 24 are defined as endangered.

The following species are currently under review to be removed from the endangered list, except for the Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), which has been requested as an addition to the Threatened list:

-Eskimo curlew (Numenius borealis)

-Black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla)

-Many-ribbed salamander (Eurycea multiplicata)

-Silverband shiner (Notropis shumardi)

-Chestnut lamprey (Ichthyomyzon castaneus)

-Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)

-Longnose snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei)

-Redbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)

-Smooth earth snake (Virginia valeriae)

The last review, held in 2009, was responsible for the change in listing of the bald eagle and peregrine falcon, both of which were removed from the endangered list. That same year, the delta hydrobe, shoal chub, and the plains minnow were added to the threatened list.

For more information on Kansas threatened and endangered species, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Services/Threatened and Endangered Wildlife.”

New State Record Rainbow Trout Tips Scales at 15.72 pounds

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 13:46:00 +0000

Angler Josh McCullough caught the behemoth trout from KillCreekParkLake in JohnsonCounty

In Kansas trout waters, it’s not uncommon to drop a lure and get a bite after a few minutes, but to drop a lure, get a bite, and reel in a 15.72-pound rainbow trout is almost unheard of. That’s what angler Josh McCullough of Spring Hill experienced on Feb. 23 earlier this year. Fishing at Kill Creek Park Lake in Johnson County, McCullough had no idea the hook he had just fitted with a piece of Berkeley Gulp corn bait would land him a fish for the books.

When McCullough’s catch surfaced, he knew this was no ordinary fish. As he landed the trout ashore, McCullough quickly realized that fish on the end of his hook could very well be a new record. McCullough grabbed his gear, snapped a few photos with a phone, and then did what any angler should do when potentially holding a new state record fish – he took it to a certified scale to get weighed.

The 28.5-inch long fish tipped the scale at 15.72 pounds, a mere .29 of a pound heavier than the former state record rainbow trout weighing in at 15.42 pounds caught by Nicole Wilson. Wilson made the books in 2012 with her catch from LakeShawnee in Topeka.

Before a new state record can be accepted, the following steps must occur:

-The fish must be identified and witnessed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) district fisheries biologist or regional fisheries supervisor

-The fish must be weighed before it is frozen

-The angler must submit an official Kansas state record fish application, accompanied by a sharp, color photo of the fish

-The angler must undergo a mandatory 30-day waiting period following application

Only species listed on the KDWPT state record list will be accepted. A tissue sample may also be required.

To view a complete list of current Kansas state record fish, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing/State Record Fish.”

Unusual Fish Discovered In Arkansas River

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 13:45:00 +0000

Emory Bryan, News On 6

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Most of us look at the Arkansas River and wonder what it would be like with more water. But there's another view of the river that you haven't seen, because it's only possible on a rare few days of clear water. Those rare days allowed researchers to document a population of an unusual fish for this area, the shovel nose sturgeon.

The Arkansas River usually only has strands of what appears to be muddy water. Biologists know there's a rich diversity of fish, but only through a remarkable bit of luck, were they able to show the rest of us.

"And we found just wads of fish that you wouldn't think would be here in our backyard," said Josh Johnson with the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

It started with an idea to see if any sturgeon were still in the river. Hardly anyone in the Wildlife Department had ever seen one.

"We never even took into consideration that this might have been a better place to look for them, and all of a sudden this guy calls in and he's caught one," Johnson said.

That led to an underwater survey on what turned out to be three days of clear water in unbearable cold, the water was just above freezing but there was 20 feet of visibility. They saw stripers and buffalo fish and photographed five shovelnose sturgeon.

"I know it was a big deal for us and we have biologists who have been around 35 years and still never seen one, so it's kind of amazing," Johnson said. Back in the office, they're still going over hours of video that detail the remarkable diversity and incredible numbers.

"But there's a hole that went six or seven feet, and it was just holding all these fish," he said. The Wildlife Department said in one hole in the river, they believe they saw a school of 100,000 channel catfish.

The fact that it was in the middle of Tulsa amazed even the biologists. The video was shot at Christmas in 2012, and almost every day since they've gone back to check the water.

"It's never cleared up like that again, ever since," Johnson said.

Kansas Governor's One Shot Turkey Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 13:44:00 +0000

From April 10-12, 2014, Kansas Governor, Sam Brownback will again participate in a charity turkey hunt initiated in 1987 by a predecessor. The mission of the event is:

"to create an event providing hunting opportunity and youth education in the great Kansas Outdoors. To provide opportunity to hunt for those who may not otherwise get the chance...passing on the hunting heritage while showcasing the resources Kansas and ButlerCounty has to offer."

By passing on the rich hunting heritage in Kansas to youth, the thought is that the conservation ethic will be instilled in the individual, bolstering the future of conservation in the state as well. Six youth hunters are selected by competing in the National JAKE Essay Contest sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Other invitees include celebrities, political allies of conservation, active community members and business professionals from around the USA who have ties to Kansas. About 68 hunters will take to the woods, including Will Primos, renowned turkey call designer and Robin Jennison, Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

In addition, the Hunting Heroes program provides for three hunt slots to unfortunate individuals that have incurred service related injuries and are members of the military, law enforcement, and fire-fighter and rescue squads.

Willis Scholarship Application Deadline Correction

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 16:29:00 +0000

Interested applicants have until April 30 to apply

The Willis Scholarship Foundation, in conjunction with the Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, invites students currently enrolled in a Kansas regent’s institution pursuing a degree relating to wildlife, natural resources, and/or natural resource management to apply for a scholarship. The application period is open now through April 30, 2014 at 7 p.m. In a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism news release dated April 3, the deadline was incorrectly listed as June 10.

Successful applicants can be awarded $500 - $1,250 per semester, based on grade point average and the following criteria:

- Desire to pursue a career in wildlife or natural resources

- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher

- Commit to attending the Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, providing assistance where necessary

For more information on the Willis Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and to receive an application, visitwww.centralkansascf.org/non-profit-organizations/scholarships/.

The Pope & Young Club Stands for Wild, Free Ranging North American Big Game

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 16:28:00 +0000

The Pope & Young Club is proud of the “Fair Chase” ethics they have implemented, fought for and defended since 1961. The Club and its membership steadfastly support and promote the North American Wildlife Conservation Model. This model faces a serious threat from today’s captive cervid industry. The practices of “canned” hunting, transporting and selling “farm raised” cervids threaten the very existence of North American Big Game and hunting as we know it.

The Pope & Young Club official position statement:

“The Pope and Young Club and its membership strongly condemn the killing of big game animals in artificial situations. An “artificial situation” is defined as a situation where animals are held in captivity, game-proof fenced enclosures or released from captivity. These unethical practices are often referred to as “canned hunts.” This shall be considered an unethical practice devoid of fair chase hunting ethics as the animals are not free-ranging.

These canned shoot situations present further concerns that impact the future of bowhunting. They weaken the public acceptance of legitimate fair chase bowhunting, provide possibilities for transmitting diseases, and corrupt the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Animals held, or bred and raised for the purpose of trophy harvest, in these facilities are not considered wildlife. The killing of these animals is not managed by the authority of a wildlife management agency and the killing, itself, is devoid of any values embodied by legitimate hunting.

The Pope and Young Club does not accept into its Records Program any animal taken under any captive scenarios and considers these practices extreme examples of unethical hunting. The Pope & Young Club also considers this practice unethical treatment of North American big game animals.”

Agencies Release Rockies' Wolf Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 16:22:00 +0000

Gray Wolf. By Gary Kramer / USFWS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in collaboration with other federal, state and tribal agencies, is announcing the 2013 Northern Rocky Mountain (NRM) Gray Wolf Population numbers. This annual report is conducted as part of the Service's work to monitor the wolf population to ensure that it continues to exceed recovery goals under professional state management, and no longer requires federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

As of December 31, 2013, there were at least 78 breeding pairs and 1,691 wolves within the NRM area. The wolf population remains well above the recovery levels identified by Service and partner biologists in the recovery plan. Minimum management targets are at least 45 breeding pairs and at least 450 wolves across the NRM area.

The report is posted online at http://www.fws.gov/home/wolfrecovery/ and http://westerngraywolf.fws.gov. The report is a cooperative effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Wyoming Fish and Game, the Nez Perce Tribe, National Park Service, Blackfeet Nation, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Wind River Tribes, Colville Tribe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Utah Department of Natural Resources, and USDA Wildlife Services.

Public Invited to Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission Meeting April 17

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 01:14:00 +0000

Upland bird regulations to be discussed due to recent threatened listing of the lesser prairie chicken

The public is invited to attend an upcoming Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting, April 17 at the Great PlainsNatureCenter, 6232 East 29th St. N., Wichita. The afternoon session will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m., and reconvene at 6:30 p.m. for the evening session, not 7 p.m. as printed in the initial meeting agenda that was sent out.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period. Topics covered in the general discussion include: Secretary’s remarks regarding agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2014 legislature, tourism division activities, current fishing and park regulations, late migratory bird seasons, and an update on the federal listing of the lesser prairie chicken.

Workshop topics for the afternoon session include items that were covered under general discussion during the March meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include upland bird regulations, public land regulations, the five-year review of the Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species List, webless migratory birds, and early migratory bird seasons.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the same location to discuss remaining workshop items and begin the public hearing. Workshop items open for discussion during the evening session include the Fort Riley deer seasons, the use of dogs to track dead or wounded deer, and hunting the same day a deer or turkey permit is purchased.

The public hearing will focus on antelope season, bag limit and permits.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on non-agenda items. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 21, to complete any unfinished business.

A commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for June 19, 2014 at Lamplighter Inn & Suites meeting room,4020 Parkview Dr., Pittsburg.

Ted Turner: Time to finally protect wetlands, streams

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:10:00 +0000

By Ted Turner

Editor's note: Ted Turner, founder of CNN and Turner Broadcasting, is chairman of Turner Enterprises, Inc., and oversees 2 million acres of land in 12 states and in Argentina, as well as more than 55,000 bison. He is also chairman of the Turner Foundation, the United Nations Foundation and the Turner Endangered Species Fund. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author.

Clean water is vital to every single American. Families should be able to turn on the tap and have safe drinking water for their children, vacationers expect healthy rivers for fishing and swimming, and businesses need a steady supply of clean water to make products.

The administration is proposing a clean water rule to better protect America's most vulnerable waters -- the streams and wetlands that feed our larger rivers, lakes and bays. These bodies of water were clearly protected by the Clean Water Act when it was passed more than 40 years ago. Unfortunately, two convoluted Supreme Court decisions, actions of the previous administration and inaction by Congress have left these water bodies in a legal limbo. This poses a threat to all of us.

Without this common-sense new rule, about 2 million miles of streams and 20 million acres of wetlands are at risk. These bodies of water may seem small, but they form part of the drinking water supplies for more than one third of Americans.

Clean, healthy waters are also the engines behind a strong outdoor recreation economy. Nationally, hunters and anglers spent $90 billion in 2011 and wildlife watchers spent an additional $55 billion, according to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

These dollars translate into economic vitality -- filling beds in hotels and making the cash registers ring in restaurants and sporting goods stores. All told, hunting and angling expenditures contribute about $200 billion to the economy each year.

Like many Americans, I treasure our waters, and I am proud that I am able to manage my properties to preserve their natural streams, wetlands and grasslands.

On my Ladder Ranch in southern New Mexico, you can see the importance of small streams in action. These tiny streams, in a very arid area, support a diversity of animal and plant life that make this place special. InNew Mexico, 55% of all vertebrate species depend on wetland habitats, and nearly 25% of the threatened or endangered species in the state live in wetlands.

It feels good to do my part to protect and restore small streams and riparian areas where I can. But water flows downhill. In order to ensure we have safe drinking water for all, communities upstream and downstream must work together.

I applaud the administration's initiative to restore Clean Water Act protections to these vulnerable waters and to keep them from pollution, and I urge the President to follow through and finish the effort this year. I urge members of Congress to support the Environmental Protection Agency's public process to clarify and restore these protections -- a public process called for by the U.S Supreme Court.

Our waters have been threatened by this uncertain status quo for more than a decade. We can't wait any longer. Now is the time to ensure the Clean Water Act effectively protects the water our children drink -- and the businesses that keep our economy strong.

Poll after poll shows that a strong majority of Americans value clean drinking water. I write now to add my voice to the chorus demanding clean water.

Kansas Wildlife Federation’s June 11th Day Camp Update

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 15:54:00 +0000

The first applications for the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s Day Camp at TimberRidge Adventure

Center in Olathe arrived this week. If you are interested in a wonderful outdoor experience for your 10-12 year old boy or girl,

visit http://kwfnews.blogspot.com/2014/03/second-annual-kansas-wildlife.html

to download further details and the application form. For a personal preview of the facilities that TimberRidge has to offer take your child to their Open House at TimberRidge in Olathe on Saturday, April 26th, 9 am to 3 pm. It’s free for everyone.

Open Letter to Senators Ostmeyer & Wagle regarding Kansas Bills Attacking Wildlife

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 03:40:00 +0000

Dear Senators Ostmeyer and Wagle:

I am so dismayed by the list of bills proposed by the legislature this year that will essentially gut wildlife conservation in the state of Kansas. I am convinced these bills have resulted from the propaganda promoted by the so called Kansas Natural Resources Coalition (KNRC) with its basis in western Kansas. I have thoroughly read all the documents produced by the paid “consultants” to the KNRC and they are frightening in their inaccuracy. Conservation efforts for the lesser prairie-chicken, an extraordinarily beautiful and amazing species, have been set up as a false threat to western Kansas landowners by KNRC conspiracy theorists who are engaged in nothing less than fear mongering. Even the leaders of the KNRC, I believe, have been taken in by their unscrupulous “consultants” who, it should be noted, are all from out of state. You might ask yourselves why they couldn’t find “experts” on the species from within the five states where the species occurs or why their main consultant (Stillwater Technical Solutions) can’t even be found on a Google web search. The lesser prairie-chicken is not being considered for listing as federally threatened because of the recent drought (as the KNRC has stated). . . Sure, the drought has hurt the species, but this considered listing was proposed almost 10 years ago because of all the damage that has been done to their habitats by man over many decades, and because further damage is still ongoing.

You may remember the old Rogers and Hammerstein musical called The Music Man. The premise of that story was that a huckster comes into town, whips the local people into a feverish state of fear over the game of pool (“we got trouble . . . right here in River City . . . with a capitol T, and that rymes with P, and that stands for pool”) which he contends is going to corrupt all the town’s youth. The huckster then proposes to sell the townspeople a diversion for River City’s youth . . . band instruments . . . then collects the money to order the instruments, and skips town with the proceeds. In the movie, the huckster is reformed by “Marian the librarian” and everything turns out great (76 trombones!). Our situation with the KNRC and its out-of-state paid consultants is much the same . . . they’re basically saying “We got trouble . . . right here in western Kansas . . . with a capitol P, and that rymes with C, and that stands for Prairie Chicken). Unfortunately, a lot of well-meaning people (county commissions) have been taken in by the KNRC hucksters and their “consultants” and the result has been this series of awful bills that will be incredibly harmful to conservation in Kansas. Unlike the happy ending in the movie, our state will not only suffer a crippling blow to natural resources conservation, but will also be the laughing stock of the nation. I have lived in Kansas all my life (grew up in Medicine Lodge) and love the state . . . but I am embarrassed for my state because of this.

I expect you’ve already heard the perfectly valid arguments that these bills will jeopardize federal assistance in our fight to save a few last places for the lesser prairie-chicken. Tens of millions of dollars have flowed into the hands of western Kansas landowners for close to a decade, mainly through USDA in the form of Conservation Reserve Program payments, that they likely would not have received had it not been for the presence of lesser prairie-chickens in their areas. This is a side of the story, the KNRC and their “consultants” have not told. Further, I am a landowner myself with 1,265 acres with lesser prairie chickens on or near much of it. It is my right to manage this land as I choose . . . and that includes establishing a permanent conservation easement if I want to.

Please .. . . please don’t cripple Kansas’ conservation efforts by taking actions that will jeopardize federal assistance to save the lesser prairie chicken and other species. Kansas cannot go it alone in wildlife conservation . . . We simply don’t have the financial resources. I am asking, even begging, you to do all you can to kill Senate Bill 276, Senate Bill 323, and House Bill 2118. We must not pass legislation that is founded on false pretenses and is harmful to our state.

I thank you for reading my somewhat lengthy message and for your consideration of these concerns.

Sincerely,

From a concerned Kansas Wildlife Federation member from western Kansas

2014 Kansas Wildflower of the Year Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 03:32:00 +0000

The Kansas Native Plant Society selects a native Kansas wildflower annually to increase public awareness of native Kansas plants. Prairie blue-eyed Grass has been selected for 2014.

Prairie blue-eyed Grass

To view more information about this flower as well as others selected since 2005 visit:
http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/wfoy_2014.php

Anglers Almost Lose Fishing Opportunities Due to Trash

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 03:22:00 +0000

Although the following article is from Iowa, the principle is true nationwide. Anglers tend to leave considerable trash wherever they fish. Ethical anglers must help keep the areas clear of trash and smelly fish remains. If we don’t, we’ll see more areas closed to angler access.

Littering is not only an eyesore; it shows a lack of respect someone demonstrates by leaving their trash behind for others to clean up. And that reputation as litterbugs nearly cost the Des Moines fishing community the opportunity to fish along the new Des Moines River Walk.

"Anglers nearly lost the opportunity to fish a premier location because of litter. This should serve as a wakeup call to take better care of our resources and clean up after ourselves," said Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

"We are using a lot of energy and resources to get people fishing and when they come out to a shoreline they see all this trash on shore. That's pretty disappointing."

A number of civic and conservation groups spend countless hours volunteering their time to clean the shorelines of the empty bait containers, old fishing line, pop and beer cans, chips and candy wrappers and so on.

"Just about anything you can carry with you fishing, we've probably cleaned it up," Larscheid said.

The solution, he said, is not that difficult. Anglers should tuck a few plastic grocery sacks in their tackle bag and use it for trash.

"When you're done fishing, carry the sack out with you. Pretty simple," Larscheid said. "It's our resource and we need to do a better job of keeping it clean, and that includes not throwing rough fish on shore. That leaves a terrible, smelly mess.”

"If you don't want to eat the fish, either throw it back to the water or give them to someone who does. Don't leave it to rot on the bank; that makes the area less family friendly and a rotting mess. And, it's littering," he said.

Scholarships Available for Students Studying Wildlife, Natural Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 03:45:00 +0000

Interested applicants have until June 10 to apply

Created in memory of Wayne Willis, a long time supporter of the Governor’s One Shot Spring Turkey Hunt and renowned wildlife artist from the Wichita area, the scholarship foundation started in 1996 when the Past Shooters & Guides Association offered two $1000 scholarships. Since then, approximately $400,000 has been awarded to Kansas students.

Successful applicants can be awarded $500 - $1,250 per semester, based on grade point average and the following criteria:

- desire to pursue a career in wildlife or natural resources

- maintain at least a2.5 GPA, pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher

- Commit to attending the Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, providing assistance

where necessary

The 28th annual Kansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt will be held April 10, 11and 12, 2014 in El Dorado. Hunters from across the U.S. are participating this year, including Kansas Governor Sam Brownback.

Passing on the hunting heritage to the next generation remains a continued focus for the event. Twenty-three Kansas youth applied for a chance to participate in the Kansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt Youth Program 2014. Riley Brown of El Dorado, Allison Dix of Stockton, Joseph Heimann of Hays, Avery Lewellen of Wellington, Ethan Shaw of Logan and Jenna Smithson ofOsageCity are the six chosen this year.

For more information on the Willis Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and to receive an application, visitwww.centralkansascf.org/non-profit-organizations/scholarships/.

Federal decision reignites prairie chicken debate

noreply@blogger.com (Ted Beringer) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 03:43:00 +0000

House committee takes up bill barring federal government from regulating non-migratory birds

THAD ALLTON/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

A display showing the lesser prairie chicken stands in

the hallway on the second floor of the Kansas statehouse.

By Andy Marso

Topeka Capital-Journal

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to list the lesser prairie chicken as "threatened" spurred House members to act Tuesday, passing a Senate bill telling the feds to back off.

Rep. Sharon Schwartz said the listing, which also caused Gov. Sam Brownback to announce the state will join an Oklahoma lawsuit against the federal action, led her to bring Senate Bill 276 back to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee she chairs.

“If this branch of government wants to have a position on this issue, this is our opportunity,” Schwartz said.

Prairie chicken numbers in their five-state range have dropped from almost 100,000 in 2001 to about 17,500 last year. ButKansas is working with the other four states on a regional conservation plan and had asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to go along with that.

In rendering the decision to list the bird as threatened, the service said it had carefully weighed those requests against the concerns of environmentalists who said the only way to prevent the species extinction would be to give it the more stringent "endangered" label.

Ron Klataske, executive director of Audobon Kansas, said the state had lost conservationists' trust with half-hearted attempts to stem the declines of species like whooping cranes, black-tailed prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets.

"Unfortunately the state of Kansas is threatening to discard sound science and imperiled species, and its own credibility," Klataske said.

The fish and wildlife service said that in writing its protection rules for the lesser prairie chicken under the threatened designation it would give "unprecedented" deference to the regional five-state plan.

The protection rules haven’t yet been published, but Schwartz echoed dire predictions by Brownback and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Robin Jennison.

"It's going to be devastating to western Kansas," Schwartz said.

Still, Schwartz moved to soften the bill, offering an amendment.

As brought by Secretary of State Kris Kobach and passed by the Senate 30-10, the original bill would have made it a felony for a federal agent to regulate lesser and greater prairie chickens within Kansas.

Schwartz' amendment, adopted by the committee, would decriminalize the actions of federal wildlife agents performing their job duties, while still offering the opportunity to petition courts to stop them.

Rep. Tom Moxley, R-Council Grove, said the bill still runs a strong risk of embroiling the state in a lawsuit that it will be unlikely to win because court precedents have frequently affirmed that federal law trumps state law when the two conflict.

“When it comes to the supremacy clause, it’s been successful to challenge that one or two times in history," Moxley said. "And how many times was it tested? Thousands.”

Rep. Ed Trimmer, D-Winfield, questioned some of the language in the bill, but said he didn’t believe it would be relevant to the prairie chicken question in the end.

“This is going to end up in litigation anyway and the court’s going to make that determination,” Trimmer said.

Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, called the bill "unnecessary" given the state's lawsuit with Oklahoma, but "much more palatable than the original version."