Archive for April 26th, 2010

Emergency Hearing to Consider Closing Northern Shrimp Fishery

Monday, April 26th, 2010 Posted in Fishing News | No Comments »

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (AMFSC)’s Northern Shrimp Section will hold a meeting and public hearing via conference call on Friday, April 30, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., to review preliminary northern shrimp landings data and determine whether action is needed to prevent significant landings overages that might occur if the fishery continues through May 29, 2010. The Northern Shrimp Section set the 2009/2010 fishing season at 180 days with the intention that landings would not exceed 4,900 metric tons. Preliminary landings data indicate that the harvest is now 4,953 metric tons. This public hearing will serve as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's public hearing pursuant to RSA 211:62V to consider an early closure of the northern shrimp fishery. Read more..

DNR Study Confirms Threats to Native Crayfish

Monday, April 26th, 2010 Posted in Assorted Outdoors | No Comments »

A new study by Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists finds that several of Maryland’s native crayfish species have declined due to the introduction and spread of invasive species. This new study highlights the need for increased public awareness of invasive species issues and public participation and support to prevent the spread of problem animals. “It’s been over 45 years since the last comprehensive study of Maryland’s crayfish, and a lot has changed in that time” said Jay Kilian, a biologist in DNR’s Resource Assessment Service and one of the authors of the study. “Maryland is now home to five non-native crayfish, all introduced as unwanted pets, through their use as bait by anglers, or as a result of escapes from aquaculture operations.” Read more..

Michigan Morel Lovers Can Enjoy the Hunt

Monday, April 26th, 2010 Posted in Recreational News | No Comments »

As hungry morel enthusiasts head to the woods this spring in search of their favorite fungi, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment ask that they keep conservation and safety in mind. “It’s important for morel hunters to practice conservation-friendly harvesting techniques,” said DNRE Forest Management Division Chief Lynne Boyd. “Proper collection encourages the growth of a new mushroom crop the following year.” Boyd said that when harvesting mushrooms, hunters should pinch them off at the stem, slightly above the soil. This technique minimizes the amount of dirt on the mushroom and encourages regrowth. She said to avoid raking the forest floor, because raking has a negative impact on the ecology of the forest and overharvests the mushrooms. Read more..

Wyoming Conservation Projects to Receive RMEF Grants

Monday, April 26th, 2010 Posted in Conservation News | No Comments »

Wildlife conservation projects in 12 Wyoming counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010. The new RMEF funding, totaling $335,500, will affect Albany, Big Horn, Carbon, Converse, Fremont, Hot Springs, Lincoln, Natrona, Park, Sheridan, Sublette and Teton counties. “These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Wyoming volunteers—most of whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 408 different projects in Wyoming with a combined value of more than $40 million.” Read more..