May 27, 2002

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Minnesota Fishing licenses now available online!!

Web site re-designed, upgraded and more user friendly

http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html

 

   It just got easier to buy a Minnesota fishing license, reserve a campsite, check trail conditions and get outdoor information online, according to officials at the Minnesota DNR. The DNR launched a new Web site May 20. The URL is still www.dnr.state.mn.us  

 

   Their direct link to electronic license applications is http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html and is listed on the GLSFC’s “Fishing Licenses” page, along with the other states that have upgraded their fishing license purchasing opportunities.  Bookmark the page http://www.great-lakes.org/licenses.html  to the GLSFC’s site for easy reference.

 

   Minnesota joins Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin with this simple buying opportunity for recreational anglers. Meanwhile, New York, Ohio and Ontario are the only Great Lakes agencies still using the old-fashioned 20th century methods, but they’ll catch up some day. 

   Minnesota’s newly designed web site will make it easier for users to navigate, according to Colleen Mlecoch, the DNR's chief information officer. "All the great content and features are still there, but it's now easier to find what you are searching for, and the look is consistent," Mlecoch said.

    Over the last year, the DNR Web Team changed the design, restructured the content and created a new system for managing the pages of the DNR Web site. The new site gives the DNR a more effective Web presence by implementing a more consistent design, a more useful and thorough navigation system (links and other features to help users find their way around the site); a more flexible and expandable content organization, and a more efficient process for managing the site's content.

   DNR Web site visitors will find:
•better guides to help navigate the site, such as topic-based categories, links to other sections of the site, search box and shortcuts on every page, clues to where visitors are in the site, and a current site map updated live from the content database
•a new office locator that makes it easier to find the local DNR office
•a new online calendar to find park events, safety training courses, and hunting and fishing dates
•easier ways to distinguish what's new and important at the DNR and on the Web site (The "what's new" page – www.dnr.state.mn.us/whatsnew/index  – is separate from the home page.)
•more information about wildlife and plants (Nature Snapshots and a whole natural resources category), and better connections between information on Minnesota's natural resources and information about how the DNR is managing those resources.

   Comments about the new DNR Web site can be sent to: webmaster@dnr.state.mn.us

Lake Erie & Lake St. Clair  -  Angler Outreach Meetings

Sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Lake Erie Management Unit, meetings at four locations are scheduled.  All meetings start at 7 PM.  Because of the recent strike, the MNR had to postpone these meetings to the first week in June. They also intend to shorten up the MNR presentations so that the meetings don't go too long.

Locations and dates:

Brantford, June 3, Brant Park Inn, 19 Holiday Dr. (Wayne Gretzky Pkwy. and Hwy 403)                   

Port Colborne, June 4, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Parish Hall, 123 King St.

Tilbury June 5, Blue Bonnet Restaurant, 12 Mill St (Hwy #2) (exit off Hwy 401 on Hwy #2)

St. Thomas, June 6, Knights of Columbus Hall, 265 Wellington St. (west of First Ave.)

Presentations include

  • Angler questions, comments and concerns

  • Status of Lake Erie and Lake St.Clair fish stocks, especially walleye and yellow perch

  • Lower Grand River and Eastern Basin restoration program updates

  • Botulism and goby update

  • Enforcement Updates

For information or directions, call John Cooper, MNR Lake Erie Unit 519-873-4613

 

Tighter Security Need Not Dampen Summer Recreation Plans

By Doug Fuegel

   Going through security checkpoints on a recent flight to Syracuse's Hancock International Airport from Dallas, Texas, I had to take off my shoes on three separate occasions. Not only did we have to show picture identification at ticket counters, but boarding the planes as well.

   We would all be very remiss if we didn't accept the fact that our daily lives have changed since our nation was attacked Sept. 11, 2001. In the moments and days following the attack, in our wildest dreams we could not imagine that activities we take for granted, such as where we might fish, would be affected. But they were. It’s likely that we will never return to the carefree, secure inner feeling we all possessed prior to that fateful day last September.

   Security at our vulnerable facilities and our borders is now tighter. I think most Americans accept and welcome the comfort of any added scrutiny. Several groups and agencies, including the U. S. Coast Guard, the Seaway Trail, Inc., New York Sea Grant and the Oswego County Department of Promotion and Tourism, are making every effort to advise our visitors and make these tighter security changes as painless as possible.

Fishing off Nine Mile Point Is Prohibited

   For more than two decades, since the Lake Ontario salmon and trout program took on the status of a world-class fishery, the immediate waters off our three nuclear power plants at Nine Mile Point have been a magnet for spring trout and summertime bass anglers. The warm water discharges of the plants proved a comfort zone for both baitfish and predator species.

   Due to heightened security measures, offshore fishing along the productive waters off Nine Mile Point is prohibited. However, seasoned veteran Oswego charter captains speculate that numerous brown trout and other species drawn to the nuclear plant's discharges during late winter and early spring will thrive unmolested, and provide a much better mid-summer fishery as the fish move offshore when the lake water warms.

   Like the restricted land areas surrounding the nuclear plants, including the popular visitor attraction the Energy Center, our national dept of Defense has established a restricted "No Boat Zone" on the waters off the nuclear plants. The U.S. Coast Guard will serve as the lead agency for securing and patrolling this area, although boaters must be aware our Oswego County Sheriffs Department, the New York State Park Police and the New York State Police can and will aid in the enforcement of this federal mandate.

Boundaries of 'No Boat Zone'

   At this writing there are no buoy markers in place to designate the restricted area. However, the parameters cover an area beginning slightly west of the Scriba boat launch, extending west of the plant facilities about one-half mile, and extending offshore approximately one-half mile to a water depth of about 50’

   At a recent gathering of local Oswego anglers and sportsmen, U.S. Coast Guard officer Eric Gagnon stated that "first-time violators would be issued a written warning."  The penalty for repeat violators could be seizure and forfeiture of vessel, a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 and imprisonment for not more than 10 years.

   It is the aim and wish of Oswego County tourism partners that all who visit this area - not only for the tremendous fishing Lake Ontario offers but other recreational opportunities as wel1 - inc1uding boating,

water skiing, jet skiing and cruising - be fu1ly aware of this

restricted area. Our total goal and aim for visitors is that a pleasant outing on our waters doesn't turn into a very unpleasant experience. Details concerning the restricted area are available by contacting the USCG Station in Oswego

 

Customs Information to Aid the Crossing Both U. S. and Canadian Borders

   There's no question that the beautiful Oswego Harbor and the City of Oswego is a major tourist and visitor stop for our neighbors and friends to our north. In fact, many ports along the coastline of the eastern Lake Ontario basin are a major attraction for our Canadian neighbors. We have always enjoyed very free movement between our two nations, whether by boat, vehicle, or RV, and we can continue that free uninterrupted movement.

   However, due to tighter security, both the U. S. and Canada customs and immigration departments have instituted a few changes which all travelers should be aware of.

   New York Sea Grant and Seaway Trail, Inc. have joined forces by producing an information-packed brochure highlighting border crossing requirements for both the U. S, and Canadian customs agencies. The brochure, "Travel Tips for Recreational Boaters, RV Owners and Motorists," outlines all necessary information for crossing our northern international border.

   Of course, all the common sense rules in effect prior to Sept. 11 apply -report all gifts, no weapons or firearms, limited alcohol and tobacco, proof of citizenship, and if traveling by boat, a must call to immigration upon docking and entry into the foreign port.

   Several new changes are now in effect. If adhered to, they will not deter your entry. Travelers by boat and motor vehicle should carry two proper forms of identification. A driver's license, passport or birth certificate is recognized as proper personal identification.

   Both the U. S. and Canada customs have gone the extra mile to make for fast clearance and entry for low-risk frequent cross-border travelers, whether by boat or vehicle. Boating visitors to the U. S. and New York can apply for an 1-68 permit. Canada has available the CANPASS permit for frequent low-risk visitors. A small annual fee is required for applicants, plus a four- to six-week processing time. Cross-border frequent travelers should apply now for the upcoming summer tourist season.

   Because regulations may change frequently, it's a good idea to call the border crossing ahead of time to make sure you have everything you need.

   For more information contact: Department of Promotion & Tourism, 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego, NY 13126. (315) 349-8322 Christine Gray, Director of Promotion & Tourism. Janet West Clerkin, Public Information Coordinator www.oswegocounty.com  Janet@oswegocounty.com

Doug Fuegel is the Eastern New York field editor of Woods & Waters USA, a frequent contributor to New York Outdoor Times, and freelances for several outdoor publications. He contributed to several tourism brochures, Including Seaway Trail's Journey, the Oswego County Fishing and Hunting Guide, and Jefferson County's Outdoor Guide. Fuegel is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, past president of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association, president of the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association, and a member of the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotion Council. He recently retired after several years as a charter captain on eastern Lake Ontario. You can contact Doug at 315-668-9492 or dfuegel@ix.netcom  

MI DNR sets Tackle Loaner Program for 2002

   LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has the perfect solution for families who want to go fishing, but don't have any fishing tackle. All they need to do is visit one of the 32 parks that are participating in the DNR's summer fishing tackle loaner program.

   The fishing equipment is provided to participating state, regional and local parks through the DNR Urban Fisheries Program in an effort to make introductory fishing experiences more readily available to new anglers. The program is designed is to get rods and reels into the hands of kids and other beginners to encourage them to try the fun of  fishing without first needing to purchase tackle. Participation in fishing serves to promote an interest in the outdoor environment and often leads to fostering positive attitudes of stewardship toward natural resources.

   Few people have a greater personal interest in restoring and maintaining clean water and healthy fish populations than do avid anglers. 

   Each participating park will have 20 rods and reels available on a loan basis along with basic terminal tackle including hooks, bobbers and sinkers. A nominal deposit may be required. A valid Michigan fishing license is required for all persons 17 years of age or older.

   Contact the individual parks for details. Parks participating in the fishing tackle loaner program this summer are:

Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas

Bay City State Park, Bay City, 517-684-3020

Brighton State Recreation Area, Brighton, 810-229-6566

Hayes State Park, Onsted, 517-467-7401

Holland State Park, Holland, 616-399-9390

Holly State Recreation Area, Holly, 248-634-8811

Ionia State Recreation Area, Ionia, 616-527-3750

McLain State Park, Hancock, 906-482-0278

Metamora-Hadley St. Rec. Area, Metamora, 810-797-4439

Mitchell State Park, Cadillac, 231-775-7911

Muskegon State Park, North Muskegon, 231-744-3480

Otsego Lake State Park, Gaylord, 517-732-5485

Pinckney State Recreation Area, Pinckney, 734-426-4913

Pontiac Lake State Rec. Area, Waterford, 248-666-1020

Proud Lake State Recreation Area, Milford, 248-685-2433

Seven Lakes State Park, Fenton, 248-634-7271

Twin Lakes State Park, Toivola, 906-288-3321

 

Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority:

Kensington Metropark, Milford, 810-227-2627

Lake Erie Metropark, Rockwood, 800-477-3189

Stony Creek Metropark, Shelby Township, 800-477-7756

Willow Metropark, Belleville, 800-477-3182

Huron Meadows Metropark, Brighton, 810-231-4084

 

Oakland County Parks:

Addison Oaks, Leonard, 248-693-2432

Groveland Oaks, Holly, 248-634-9811

Independence Oaks, Clarkston, 248-825-0877

 

Bath Township Parks and Recreation Dept. (Ingham County):

Equipment at Township Office, 517-641-6728

 

City of DeWitt Parks and Recreation Dept.:

Equipment at City Office, 517-669-2801

 

Ingham County Parks:

Burchfield Park, North Aurelius, 517-676-2233

 

City of Rochester Hills:

Spencer Park, Rochester Hills, 248-656-4657

 

Springfield Township Parks (Oakland County):

Mill Pond Park, Davisburg, 248-634-0412

 

Sumpter Township (Belleville):

Equipment at Township Office, 734-461-6201

 

Wayne County Parks:

Newburgh Lake, Plymouth, 734-261-2025

 

Westland Parks and Recreation Dept.:

Equipment at Parks and Rec. Office, City Hall, 734-722-7620

Large motel chain in league with Animal rights group

 

   Columbus, OH - One of this country’s largest economy hotel chains has entered into an agreement with the nation’s largest animal rights organization.

 

   The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance reports Accor Economy Lodging, parent company of Motel 6, Red Roof Inns and Studio 6, is actively promoting two programs of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) - "Pets for Life" and "Disaster Recovery."  The Alliance contacted Accor to voice its displeasure with its promotion.

 

   Accor’s Director of Communications, Gayle Colston Barge, told the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance that the business has "elected to officially contribute to and support" the two HSUS programs. She further stated that it "is proud to support the efforts of the Humane Society of the United States."  The Alliance urged the business to end its promotion of HSUS because of the organization’s work to eliminate all hunting, trapping and most other uses of animals. Despite this request, Accor Economy Lodging

did not end its relationship with the animal rights group.

 

   "When you support an organization, you support everything it stands for, not just the parts that you think are good," said Alliance President Bud Pidgeon. "Accor Economy Lodging needs to realize that HSUS is also promoting anti-sportsman issues and continues to work to end America’s hunting heritage and other forms of animal use."

 

   Despite its name, HSUS does not oversee any local animal shelters or societies.

 

   Motel 6, Red Roof Inn and Studio 6 are affordable motels used by many sportsmen while on hunting & fishing trips.

   Sportsmen and sportswomen can express their extreme dissatisfaction with Accor Economy Lodging’s promotion of the HSUS by contacting George Le Mener, President and CEO, Accor Economy Lodging, P. O. Box 809092, Dallas, TX 75380-9092. Phone: (972) 386-6161. Fax: (972) 702-5996.

Deer Disease Becomes International Concern

Agencies & sportsmen grapple with Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer

By William E.  Moritz, Safari Club Int’l

   Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), found in elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer (all members of the cervid family of animals), has moved from an issue of concern in a small region of the Western United States to a continental concern in the last year.

   CWD belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE).  Within this TSE family of diseases, there are three predominant variants that affect animals:  scrapie, which has been identified in sheep for more that 200 years; bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle (sometimes referred to as "Mad Cow Disease"); and CWD in deer and elk.  Within the TSE family, there are also two main variants that sporadically affect humans:

   Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, which occurs naturally in about one out of every one million people; and New Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, which has been linked to the large-scale outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopthy in cattle herds in Great Britain. Through that outbreak and the fact that the British consumed nearly 750,000 infected cattle during a 10-year period, approximately 100 humans have died to date after contracting New Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (paragraph excerpted from Colorado DOW website; see below for address).

   CWD has been endemic in portions of northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming since its discovery in wild deer in 1981.  However, recent discoveries of CWD in free-ranging deer in Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Saskatchewan, and the west slope of the Rockies in Colorado have heightened concerns about the distribution and prevalence in wild deer and elk populations throughout North America. 

   Prior to this year, CWD had also been found in captive cervid facilities in at least 5 states and provinces.  Additional discoveries in captive operations have also increased awareness of the movement of privately owned animals across the country, and the potential for CWD spread through the transport of unknowingly-infected animals.  Twenty-three states perform captive cervid testing for CWD in dead animals and others are in the process of developing surveillance. Fourteen states have specific restrictions for importing from certain states or provinces.  Texas, New York, Illinois, Michigan, and

Indiana have banned importation of captive cervids from all other states.

   While interstate movement of privately-owned animals have been required to be tested for a variety of diseases before interstate movement was allowed, no live animal test for CWD existed prior to this year. Researchers in Colorado have developed a test that will work on live animals, but the procedure apparently works only for mule deer.  The procedure is costly and the animal must be tranquilized to be tested.

   Where CWD has been discovered, states are taking action to reduce animal population densities.  In some cases such as the west slope of Colorado, complete eradication of deer and elk within a 5-mile radius before spring migration begins is being attempted. Wisconsin has announced that a 90 % reduction in deer numbers in their affected area is the immediate goal. Hunters and landowners should assist agencies by purchasing licenses when available and harvesting animals in those management units where population reduction is recommended by the agency.

   Where authority is given, agencies are also beginning to regulate those practices that are conducive to disease spread, such as supplemental feeding and the use of bait.  In other states, legislatures are being petitioned to take action through the legislative process or to grant such authority to agencies. 

   At least 6 states and Canadian provinces (Michigan, Texas, New York, Indiana, Illinois and Canada) have closed their borders to importation of all captive cervids (deer and elk).  Some states allow only boned meat, hide, and/or antlers (no skull) to be removed from CWD areas.  Other states are prohibiting importation from states or portions of states with documented CWD. 

What to do while in the field

1.Be alert for deer or elk acting abnormally or that looks sick, report any such animals to agency officials.

2.Wear rubber or latex gloves when you field-dress your animal.

3.In areas where CWD has been reported, minimize your contact with a dead deer's brain and spinal cord and wash your hands after contact.

4.Don't eat deer brains or spinal cord.

5.Bone out your deer meat and discard the brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, and lymph nodes.

6.If animal is from a CWD-suspect area, unused parts, especially skull and spine, should be disposed in an approved landfill or incinerator.

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