An Invitation from our friend Mike Norris @ MikeNorrisOutdoors.com

Mark this down on your calendars! On Thursday, July 31st, I'll be celebrating my first year anniversary show with a "LIVE" broadcast of "Outdoors with Mike Norris" from 3 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 6:15 p.m. at Water Werks II, the fishing and boating store located just south of Route 56 on Route 59 in Naperville.

Come on by and enjoy this special broadcast of the radio show! Joining me at Water Werks II will be Chicago Sun-Times outdoors columnist Dale Bowman, "Hunting the Midwest's" Chris Bates, CLTV Great Outdoors host Steve Sarley, Midwest Outdoors writer Walt Matan, Fox River fishing guide Ken Gortowski, and Lake Geneva Fishing Club President and radio show producer Ken Abraham. I'll have giveaway prizes, and you just may wind up on the show.

Following the 6 -6:15 p.m. broadcast of the radio show, Ken Gortowski and I will conduct a seminar on how to fish the Fox River. The Fox River teems with smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. It's a great opportunity to learn how to catch these fish throughout the season!

CONSERVATION WORLD ADDS AN HOUR OF FUN AND FAMILY-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2003 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Conservation World will remain open an hour later each evening during the 2003 Illinois State Fair, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold announced today. The new hours of operation at Conservation World are
10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily during the fair, Aug. 8-17.

"An extra hour will allow more state fair visitors to enjoy the beautiful setting and family-oriented activities of Conservation World," Brunsvold said. "Whether they’re planning a dinner of world champion barbeque from southern Illinois’ famous 17th Street Barbeque or simply looking for a relaxing spot to kick back as the sun sets, this extra hour will allow more people to experience Conservation World."

The extra hour each evening allows for adjusting the schedule of entertainment and activities in Conservation World to educate and entertain visitors until 8 p.m. Interactive displays, informative exhibits, seminars and entertainment in Conservation World provide an up-close look at the state's diverse natural resources, conservation programs and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The famous Scheers' Lumberjack Show anchors Conservation World’s entertainment area with world champion log-rolling, hand ax throwing, chainsaw racing, cross-cut sawing, chopping and pole climbing three times a day at noon, 3:15 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

Mother Goose and Friends breathe new life into everyone’s favorite childhood stories in an energetic show of brightly colored costumes, props and decorations four times daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The Raptor Project's Birds of Prey program features eagles, falcons, hawks and owls in a unique, free-flying wildlife presentation emphasizing conservation, rehabilitation and propagation of birds of prey at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

The Hawg Trough, a 5,000-gallon, temperature-controlled water tank stocked with bass, bluegill, walleye and a variety of other Illinois fish features expert tips on proper baits, casting and other fishing techniques four times daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.

During select shows, sign language interpreters will provide services in Conservation World for those with special needs: the lumberjack shows at noon and 6:30 p.m.; birds of prey shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Mother Goose shows at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and, the Hawg Trough fishing demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. In addition, a second sign language interpreter is available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Sangamon Valley Woodcarvers’ demonstrations are featured daily from 10 a.m.-
4 p.m. Carvers will answer questions and share tips, plus have many hand-made carvings available for purchase.

Chainsaw artists Tim and Karen Barker will dazzle visitors with their unique wood carving skills every day of the fair, turning six-foot logs into a wide variety of detailed figures, many of which will be auctioned throughout the year at Illinois Conservation Foundation events to benefit youth hunting and fishing events and promotions throughout the state.

Thanks to the generosity of the artists and the Illinois Conservation Foundation, one lucky Conservation World visitor will win one of the beautiful carvings. Registration is in the carvers’ area in Conservation World with the drawing to be held after the fair ends on Sunday, Aug. 17. The winner need not be present to win, but will be responsible for picking up and transporting the carving at a later date.

Activities for youngsters in Conservation World include a free 3-D archery range and a BB gun range. Youngsters can also learn to fish at a specially designed pond. The six daily free fishing clinics are at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. and feature a half-hour of expert instruction and a half-hour of catch-and-release fishing.

Field dog demonstrations will be conducted on the bank of one of the Conservation World ponds Aug. 8-10 at 4 p.m. featuring pointers, retrievers and springer spaniels with both professional and amateur handlers from several sporting dog organizations.

Individuals who subscribe to or renew a subscription to Outdoor Illinois magazine during a visit to Conservation World will be entered to win a special outdoor adventure prize package. (Only those 18 years of age or older who subscribe in person during the Illinois State Fair are eligible for the drawing). The $10 subscription includes 12 issues of Outdoor Illinois magazine with monthly features about state parks, fishing, camping, hiking, hunting and other outdoor recreation, as well as a free, full-color calendar each December. The drawing will be conducted Aug. 17.

Visitors to Conservation World can also register for a daily drawing to win a one-night stay at Rend Lake and Eagle Creek resorts, the lodges at Giant City, Illinois Beach, Pere Marquette and Starved Rock state parks, the cabins at Cave-n-Rock and White Pines state parks, and the Carlyle Lakefront Cottages at Eldon Hazlet State Park. Drawings will be held each evening at the entertainment area in Conservation World.

Youngsters visiting the Land Management and Education tent will be able to participate in a hunter safety quiz, while school teachers visiting the tent will learn about the ENTICE teacher training institutes and be able to take back to their classrooms educational materials for their students.

Visitors will be able to ask questions about conservation laws and learn about the duties of Conservation Police officers at the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement tent.

The Mines and Minerals tent will include two mineral education trailers, an explosives display, mine safety equipment and will highlight land reclamation efforts in Illinois.

The Discovery Park tent will feature educational exhibits and activities, hosted by experts from the Illinois State Museum, the Illinois Scientific Surveys, the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center and other IDNR offices. One display will feature the Grand Illinois Trail (GIT) Trail Blazers program, a 475-mile ride. The Office of Realty and Environmental Planning will be giving away a children's mountain bike and helmet to one lucky winner between the ages of 5-15. Youngsters will find forms to register for the bike and helmet in the Discovery Park tent. The name of the winner will be drawn on the final day of the fair.

The Forestry Tent will have Smokey Bear on hand at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. every day, and will play the game "Spin to Win" at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. "Ask Your Forester" will be available for fairgoers with tree, insect and disease questions.

The Natural Heritage tent will feature displays on efforts to protect threatened and endangered species, to improve wildlife habitat and to preserve Illinois natural areas.

The Illinois Department of Human Services will host an air-conditioned "mobile nursery" in Conservation World, providing a clean, cool place to nurse babies or change diapers.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will offer children's environmental games and registration for a daily t-shirt give-away. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have a display celebrating their 100th anniversary.

Many environmental and outdoor recreation organizations and groups will present displays in tents located throughout Conservation World.

Park District Conservation Day at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 16, will feature activities at Conservation World, as well as activities elsewhere on the fairgrounds (outside the Illinois Building, inside the Illinois Building theater and on the Lincoln Stage) involving 20 groups from Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies. Several zoos will have small animals on display during the day.

Clothing, hats, mugs, books and other merchandise from the IDNR and Illinois Conservation Foundation will be available for purchase at the Conservation World log cabin.

Illinois craftspeople will conduct demonstrations and have products available for purchase by visitors. Vendors include 17th Street Barbeque, as well as popular kettle corn, fresh pork rinds, hot river chips, old-fashioned root beer, refreshing strawberry shortcake and shaved ice. Other vendors will be selling dried herbs and fresh spices, Amish jams and jellies and Illinois-grown honey, fossils, rocks and minerals and several different types of wood carvings. Traditional candle making, always popular with children, is a special Conservation World activity remembered fondly by generations of visitors who seek it out each year.

"Conservation World really is a fair within the fair," Brunsvold said. "I hope everyone takes advantage of the wide array of entertainment and activities, and the expanded 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. schedule, to make Conservation World one of their stops during the 2003 Illinois State Fair."

***

Fort Massac State Park Historic Site, Museum, Visitor's Center and Boat ramp are closed due to construction. The park offices have moved to a construction trailer next to the historic site. The site superintendent can be reached at the construction trailer or by phone. The historic site will be closed until the completion of the replica of an 1802 American Fort. High flood waters have delayed the construction of the boat ramp and dock project. The other facilities in the park, picnic tables, shelters, campground area, hiking trails and playground areas are still open to the public. If you have any questions, please call Fort Massac State Park at 618/524-4712.
***

Proposed changes to Department of Natural Resources administrative rules are now open for public comment. Details of those changes are available on the Department's web site at: http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/rule-status.htm.

17 Ill. Adm. Code 710, the Taking of Wild Turkeys – Spring Season. Deadline to comment in writing is September 15. Please send comments to Jonathan Furr, General Counsel, Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield IL 62702-1271.

17 Ill. Adm. Code 635, Wildlife Conservation Measures and Practices. Deadline to comment in writing is September 8. Please send comments to Jonathan Furr, General Counsel, Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield IL 62702-1271.

17 Ill. Adm. Code 590, Duck, Goose and Coot Hunting. Deadline to comment in writing is August 17. Please send comments to Jonathan Furr, General Counsel, Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield IL 62702-1271.
***

The Illinois State Museum’s "Summer Festival of Films" offers free, quality, educational films this summer for children. The weekly one hour program is held each Monday and Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Through August 19 in the Thorne Deuel Auditorium, located on the Museum’s lower level. Film topics include animals, dinosaurs, volcanoes, nature, travel, art, and more. A different selection of films is shown each week. Each program concludes with a cartoon. The "Summer Festival of Films" is especially recommended for nursery school classes, day care groups, and families. For groups of 10 or more, please call for reservations at 217/782-5993.

* * *

The 2003 C2000 Ecosystems Program Conference is scheduled for Sept. 4-5 at the Perem Marquette Hotel in Peoria. The event includes ecological tours, workshops, and plenty of opportunities for sharing and collaborating with IDNR staff and other partnership members. More detailed information about the conference can be accessed online at http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/c2000/conference.

* * *

The 119th meeting of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2003, in Lakeview Conference Room A at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Building, One Natural Resources Way in Springfield, Illinois. The Board determines what species are threatened or endangered in the state and advises the Department of Natural Resources on the means of conserving them. The Board meets quarterly, revises the list of protected species every five years and completed its most recent revisions in 1999. For more information, contact the Board at 217/785-8687.

* * *

Pere Marquette State Park has a variety of interesting educational programs. For more information about the programs below, contact the site interpreter, Scott Isringhausen, at 618/786-3323.

Saturday August 30th-- Join us and learn about the natural history of the park as we hike along one of the park’s most interesting trails. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars! Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 8:30 a.m. The hike will last about 2 hours.

Saturday August 30th -- A program on the history and wildlife of Pere Marquette State Park. If you are new to the area or would like further information about the area, this program is for you. Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 12:30 p.m.

From the Indiana DNR:

Indiana State Park and Reservoir Flooding

Several state park and reservoir facilities have temporarily closed because of flooding.

High water levels have resulted in the temporary closure of Ouabache State Park and Roush Lake (Huntington Lake) in northeast Indiana.

The following properties were also experiencing water related difficulties on Friday:

* Turkey Run State Park - all hiking trails are closed; suspension bridge is closed.

* Tippecanoe River State Park - boat launch is closed and hiking trails are saturated

* Raccoon SRA - beach is closed; South Shelter is closed; outlying ramps at Walker, Hollandsburg, Mansfield and Portland Mills are closed.

* Brookville Lake - Quakertown and Mounds beaches are closed.

* Shades State Park - all trails are very muddy, some with standing water.

* Lieber SRA - Shuttle service will be provided from the top of the hill to the dock area for marina users. The shuttle will operate Fri/Sat/Sun from 7 am to 10 p.m. and Mon through Thurs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Daily reservoir water level reports: http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/wc/reports/lkreport.html

General park and reservoir information: www.IN.gov/dnr

Aquatic Exotic Control Planning Underway

Monkey pox, toxic algae and flying carp.

It sounds like a bad horror movie, but they are real problems for Indiana. Increasing global trade and travel have brought hundreds of exotic species and diseases to Hoosier doorsteps.

"Introduced species are a form of biological pollution that can damage public health and our economy," said Bill James, DNR fisheries chief. "Our waterways are at an especially high risk of irreversible damaged."

Aquatic invaders such as zebra mussels, bighead carp, purple loosestrife, white perch and sea lamprey cost Hoosiers millions of dollars each year in control measures and lost natural resource value.

Indiana DNR biologists, university researchers, industry leaders, and conservation and environmental groups have joined together to address the problem. A group of people interested in control of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) met in April to begin developing a long-term ANS management plan for Indiana.

A draft plan will be reviewed and discussed at a public meeting on July 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garrison Conference Center near Fort Harrison State Park on the northeast side of Indianapolis. The meeting is open to any interested groups or individuals.

The draft plan is available online at: http://www.invasivespecies.IN.gov, or by calling Gwen White at (317) 931-0908.

Once finalized, the plan will be used as a road map for guiding nuisance control efforts and enable Indiana to apply for federal funding of around $100,000 per year to support nuisance aquatic species control projects. The Indiana state legislature also recently approved an increase in the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) boater fee to generate about $1.1 million annually for sediment removal and control of nuisance plants and animals in Indiana waters. The plan will provide a basis for targeting these and other state actions on invasive species.

Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in the meeting should call the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife ADA Coordinator at (317) 232-4080 (voice and TDD).

Southwest Sider to named head of Cook County Forest Preserve District.

Steve Bylina, deputy commissioner of Chicago's forestry division has been appointed as the new Superintendent of the Cook County Forest Preserve District.  The CCFPD has not yet published a press release, so follow this link to the Daily Southtown article detailing the appointment.  Daily Southtown Article.

From the Illinois DNR:

Registration is now open for the annual Lions Fishing Derby for people with disabilities, scheduled for Thursday, July 17 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Shabbona Lake State Park in DeKalb County. The Paw Paw Lions Club is chairing the event on behalf of 16 sponsoring Lions Clubs in the region. Members of the DeKalb County Anglers organization will provide fishing gear and bait and will assist fishing derby participants. The fishing derby is open to persons with disabilities from throughout northern Illinois. For more information, phone 630/552-1345 or contact Shabbona Lake State Park at 815/824-2106.

REMINDER: Small boats are available for fishing by reservation and are free of charge at Ridge Lake. The lake is located inside Fox Ridge State Park, bout 7 miles outh of highway 16 in Charleston, Coles County. Hours are Thursday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. To make a reservation, please call 217/ 345-6490 during open hours. Ridge Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and walleye and anglers are allowed to keep legal size fish. Eight boats are available and each can handle 2-4 people. Once in the park, follow the signs to Ridge Lake.

Local governments can apply to the Department of Natural Resources for boat access grants now through Sept. 2. The grants are financed with revenues derived from marine motor fuel tax and boat/canoe registration fees The program provides financial assistance to local government agencies for acquisition, construction, expansion and rehabilitation of public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois lakes and rivers. Grant awards are limited to a $200,000 annual maximum for motorized access projects and $50,000 for non-motorized/canoe access projects. Examples of eligible kinds of projects are water frontage land acquisition for public access areas, new construction or renovation of boat ramps and docks, restrooms and security lighting as well as parking areas, access roads and walkways. For more information on IDNR recreation grant programs, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702 via e-mail at http://dnr.state.il.us/ocd/Gaoutnew.htm, or check the Department's web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/finast/htm.

Midwest DNR News

From the Illinois DNR:

Registration is now open for the annual Lions Fishing Derby for people with disabilities, scheduled for Thursday, July 17 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Shabbona Lake State Park in DeKalb County. The Paw Paw Lions Club is chairing the event on behalf of 16 sponsoring Lions Clubs in the region. Members of the DeKalb County Anglers organization will provide fishing gear and bait and will assist fishing derby participants. The fishing derby is open to persons with disabilities from throughout northern Illinois. For more information, phone 630/552-1345 or contact Shabbona Lake State Park at 815/824-2106.
* * *
Small boats are available for fishing by reservation and are free of charge at Ridge Lake. The lake is located inside Fox Ridge State Park, bout 7 miles south of highway 16 in Charleston, Coles County. Hours are Thursday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. To make a reservation, please call 217/ 345-6490 during open hours. Ridge Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and walleye and anglers are allowed to keep legal size fish. Eight boats are available and each can handle 2-4 people. Once in the park, follow the signs to Ridge Lake.
* * *
Let OutdoorIllinois magazine help you discover exciting locations to visit this summer. Take a fishing road trip down Route 66 from Lake Michigan to Mazonia. Learn about the amazingly quick healing powers of Mother Nature and the restoration of Illinois River backwater lakes. Find out how "cats" are working to make a better world for Illinois waterfowl. Enjoy a magnificent cover image of a ruby-throated hummingbird feeding her nestlings. OutdoorIllinois is a great tool for learning about Illinois' natural, cultural and recreational resources and a bargain at $10 for a one-year magazine subscription. Call 1-800-720-3249 to subscribe. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
* * *

From the Indiana DNR:

Lake Michigan coastal advisory board to meet July 9

The public is invited to attend the Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program advisory board meeting July 9th at the NIRPC Office, 6100 Southport Road, Portage, Indiana.

Starting at 6:15 p.m. the 28 member board will provide a forum for public input on regional issues affecting Lake Michigan coastal resources and reflect a balance between preservation, protection, restoration, and when possible, development for this and succeeding generations.

The board will discuss program staff proposals for the Lake Michigan Coastal Program's next grant cycle. In addition, program staff will present information regarding proposed funding cycle timelines and grant opportunities.

The following individuals serve on the Coastal Advisory Board:

Dr. Mark Reshkin, board chair, IU Northwest professor emeritus
Charlotte Read, board vice chair, Save the Dunes Council
J. Allen Johnson, board secretary, Lake County resident
Kevin Breitzke, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission secretary and chairman of Environmental Management and Policy
Rudolph Clay, Lake County commissioner
John Evans, Porter County commissioner
William Hager, LaPorte County commissioner
Dorreen Carey, City of Gary environmental affairs coordinator
David Pilz, City of Valparaiso city engineer
Ian Steele, Michiana Shores town council
Edgar Corns, Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District board president
Tom Keilman, Northwest Indiana Forum president
Dionne Wisniewski, LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau director
Stephen Mosher, Port of Indiana at Burns Harbor director
John Smolar, Portage Port Authority director
Jack Hires, Northwest Indiana Steelheaders
Tim Morgan, LaPorte County Park and Recreation Department superintendent
Paul Labus, The Nature Conservancy
Dale Engquist, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore superintendent
John Heidbreder, Lake County Sheriff's House Foundation president
Henry Bliss, Porter County resident
Tammy Steinhagen, LaPorte County resident
Adriane Blaesing, IDEM northwest regional office director
Jim Juricic, INDOT environment assessment manager, environment, planning, and engineering
Niles Parker, IDOC community development division manager
Bill Moran, NRCS district conservationist
Liz McCloskey, USFWS northern Indiana office
Brian Miller, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant associate director
Judy Beck, U.S. EPA Region 5 Lake Michigan regional team manager
Jan Miller, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River division, Chicago district.

From the Minnesota DNR:

DNR reverses no-wake restrictions on St. Croix (2003-06-27)

Today’s declaration of a “No Wake Zone” on the St. Croix River has been reversed, based on a revised forecast from the National Weather Service.

Due to heavy rainfall over much of central Minnesota earlier this week, water levels in the St. Croix River were predicted to rise to the point where boaters would be required to slow down to minimize shoreline damage. The special restriction, authorized by state rules in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, is triggered when the level on the St. Croix reaches 683 feet above sea level at Stillwater.

Earlier forecasts predicted that the level of the lower St. Croix would exceed that trigger as of this afternoon and remain above that level until well into next week. However, the most current forecast is for a crest of 681.8 feet.

DNR River Management Supervisor Steve Johnson explained, “It takes quite a bit of staff time to post signs at all the boat landings and marinas, and to notify the law enforcement community and the media when putting a high-water no-wake rule into effect. We have to make that decision based on the best available information at the time.”

Officials from Wisconsin, Minnesota and the National Park Service posted signs today regarding the slow no-wake requirement at all public accesses, and marina operators were notified. Those signs will now be removed.

The rule is aimed at reducing shoreline erosion and resulting property damage in areas not usually susceptible to wave action at lower water levels.

High water levels still mean that many islands in the St. Croix will be flooded and unusable for recreational purposes. Even without such restrictions, boaters are urged to slow down on the St. Croix River, Mississippi River and Minnesota River in order to minimize shoreline erosion and other property damage. Many area lakes also have risen to unusually high levels and may be susceptible to shoreline damage resulting from boat wakes.

Boat and water safety officials at the DNR also point out that rain-swollen streams often contain debris floating just below the surface that can pose serious hazards. Boaters should slow down and exercise extra caution in such conditions.
* * *
Anglers to swap out lead tackle this summer

St. Paul, Minnesota, June 12, 2003 — The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are partnering with retailers, conservation, and outdoors groups to offer lead tackle exchanges across the state this summer. Over 17 lead tackle exchange events are scheduled beginning this month. Anglers can bring lead sinkers and jigs to the event to trade for non-lead ones.

“We want to offer anglers throughout Minnesota the chance to try out and compare non-lead tackle made from metals such as bitsmuth, tin, and stainless steel,” said Kevin McDonald, coordinator of the OEA’s non-lead tackle program.

Lead is a toxic metal that has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds. Found in most fishing jigs and sinkers, this metal is poisoning wildlife such as loons and eagles. Carrol Henderson, supervisor of the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program, is enthusiastic about the lead exchange program. “This is an excellent opportunity for people who care about wildlife to cooperate with the fishing tackle industry and reduce the amount of lead being deposited in Minnesota’s lakes.”

You can find a listing of lead tackle exchange events on the DNR events calendar. For more information on the program, visit the website of the MN Office of Environmental Assistance.

From the Indiana DNR:

Super-sized steelhead trout entering St. Joe River

The net poles are bending a little further as Indiana DNR biologists collect steelhead trout broodstock in the St. Joseph River this year.

"The fish are averaging two pounds heavier," said Bodine State Fish Hatchery biologist Bob Bell. "The 231 fish trapped so far have weighed an average of 11 pounds, and one out of ten fish are pushing 17 to 18 pounds -- some of the biggest Skamania steelhead we've ever trapped."

For the last ten years, Skamania broodstock trapped and transported to DNR's Bodine State Fish Hatchery near Mishawaka had an average weight of nine pounds.

Each year, biologists collect 700 adult Skamania steelhead at fish ladders in Michigan and Indiana. These summer-migrating trout are kept at the hatchery until they are ready to release eggs in the winter.

Some Skamania begin heading up Michigan's portion of the St. Joe in June, but the bulk of the Skamania run usually hits South Bend and Mishawaka in August and September.

DNR biologist David Meuninck speculates the fish are unusually hulky due to plentiful food, or that migrating fish may be older than usual.

Alewives, one of the primary food fish for trout and salmon in Lake Michigan, have been very abundant in the past few years. But last year's lack-luster steelhead run may be the key.

Last summer, Lake Michigan's water level was low and the water temperatures were high - not ideal conditions for steelhead migrations. Many steelhead may have stayed in the lake to forage, building up reserves for the grueling run up the river to spawn.

"The extra year of foraging might help account for the extra weight of the fish we are seeing this year," said Meuninck.

Meuninck is guardedly optimistic about what this will mean for St. Joe Skamania anglers this summer and fall.

"We could have some amazed anglers and a few more snapped lines," he said.

Lake Michigan and tributary fishing information: http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/fish/lkmich/open.html

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Sylvan Lake a Mecca for northern Indiana anglers

Nearly 20 years after one of the most successful fish management projects in northern Indiana, Sylvan Lake is still a Mecca for area anglers.

Based on early success of a walleye stocking program started two years ago, the 669-acre lake could draw even more anglers in the future.

"Walleye fishing at Sylvan is really going to take off," said Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Jed Pearson. Pearson conducted a fish population survey there in early June and found young walleyes present throughout the lake.

Pearson says anglers are also catching several walleyes, although most haven't yet grown to the 14-inch minimum size limit, so they must be released.

During the June survey, biologists captured 103 walleyes ranging in length from six to 25 inches. One-year-old walleyes stocked last fall now average eight inches long. Two-year-olds stocked in 2001 now average 12 1/2 inches.

Pearson says nearly all of these two-year-old walleyes will likely exceed the size limit later this summer. When stocked, they were about six inches long.

Four 22- to 25-inch walleyes were also caught during the survey. These fish are the few survivors that remain from a stocking of two-inch fingerlings in 1996.

Sylvan Lake Turn Around

Twenty years ago, Sylvan Lake was overrun with carp, suckers and small crappies. Carp muddied the water, uprooted aquatic plants, damaged fish habitat and hurt fishing.

In 1984, DNR biologists treated Sylvan Lake and many of its tributaries with rotenone to remove the carp and establish a sport fishery comprised of bass, bluegills and channel catfish. Water quality and fishing improved dramatically.

Walleyes were added as a bonus, but later stockings were not very successful and were discontinued.

Since the renovation, carp reproduction has slowed due to a dense population of predatory bass, which are protected by a 14-inch minimum size limit.

At the time, cost of the lake renovation project was $125,000, paid by funds from fishing licenses and from the federal sport fish restoration program.

"I think anglers, lake residents and the entire Sylvan Lake community have gotten back more than their money's worth of investment in the lake," said Pearson. "What we did to turn the lake around in 1984 and the larger walleye fingerlings we are now stocking should continue to pay big dividends in the future."

From Hooked on Fishing International

DO'S AND DON'TS OF FISHING WITH KIDS

www.kids-fishing.com

Northerly Island Given Back To The People

By Joe Danzl - ChicagoFishingLinks.com - Click here to view more photos

Although Northerly Island has been open to fishing for the last week or so, Saturday was the "Official" Grand Opening as the Chicago Park District and Henry's Sport and Bait sponsored a Perch Derby that is sure to be an annual event.  Originally scheduled for DuSable  Harbor, the event was moved to Northerly Island after the courts upheld Mayor Daley's

As with most contests, there were medal winners.  But the biggest winners were all who showed up and participated in this historic event.  The medals went to the

A big THANK YOU goes out to Mayor Daley, Bob Long and his staff at the Chicago Park District, and of course the Palmisano Brothers and the Henry's staff for putting on such a great event.  See you all next year!!

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Bowman gets writing honor:

Chicago Sun-Times outdoors columnist Dale Bowman earned first-place honors in the Outdoor Writers Association of America's Excellence in Craft contest. His story "Simply Divine,'' about rafting the Vermilion River and considering access issues around it, won in the boating/paddlesports category for newspapers. It was the only writing honor given to an Illinois newspaper and the first for the Sun-Times.

No More Asian Bighead Carp Found In McKinley Lagoon.

The photos to the left are of the actual fish caught by Angler Sam Pena on June 5th.  As you can see, the "beast" has been kept frozen at Henry's Sport and Bait, located at 31st & Canal.  Steve was kind enough to have it pulled out for a few last photos.  Thanks again Steve!

If you come across one of these beasts, DO NOT THROW IT BACK.  Save it in a garbage bag and try to keep it frozen until the IDNR is notified.  Steve tells me that Henry's will take the fish and make notifications if necessary.

For more info, click here to visit the Asian Carp page of the IDNR.

(Click on the photos below to view at full size)

The Associated Press and ABC 7 in Chicago reported that an Illinois man drowned while trying to untangle a fishing line.  The accident occurred at the Horseshoe Lake State Park in Granite Illinois.  Click here for a link to the ABC 7 report.

From the Chicago Park District

FREE Perch Derby at Northerly Island

Chicago Park District Opens Northerly Island to Fishing

The Chicago Park District will host the first FREE Northerly Island Perch Derby on Saturday, June 21 from 6 am to noon. Northerly Island has been off limits to fisherman for decades and offers some of the finest shore fishing in the city.

“Northerly Islands is an ideal site for shore fishing that has been off limits for far too long,” said Chicago Park District Fishing Program Manager Bob Long, Jr. “The habitat and water currents, as well as rocky, wavy conditions along almost one mile of shoreline, make it suitable only to shore fishing and a new hot spot for Chicago anglers.”

Registration for the Perch Derby is from 5 to 6 am, and all contestants over age 16 must have a valid fishing license. The Perch Fishing Derby is open to people of all ages. First through third place fish, in both a Perch and Panfish category, will win gift certificates to Henry’s Bait Shop. All registered participants are entered in a raffle for various prizes.

Anglers will need to supply their own equipment.

For more information about fishing in Chicago call Henry’s Bait Shop at 312.225.8538 or visit the website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

LAKE ERIE DREDGING PROJECTS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $480,000

COLUMBUS, OH - Recreational boaters will notice improved waterway navigation along four Lake Erie sites thanks to more than $480,000 in grants from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The funds will be used for dredging activities in Ashtabula, Lake, Lorain and Ottawa counties.

The largest grant award is $198,000 for the City of Mentor in Lake County for dredging within the waters of the Mentor Lagoons Marina. A $180,000 grant was awarded to the Conneaut Port Authority in Ashtabula County for maintenance dredging of recreational boating channels located in Conneaut Harbor. A $62,250 grant was awarded to Carroll Township in Ottawa County for traditional dredging at the entrance of the Toussaint River as it joins with Lake Erie. And a grant of more than $40,000 was awarded to the Lorain Port Authority in Lorain County for dredging in the east basin of Lorain Harbor.

The ODNR Division of Watercraft administers the Recreation Harbor Evaluation Program grants. The grants program is funded through the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, which consists of watercraft registration and titling fees and a percentage of the state gasoline sales tax.

Additional information on recreational boating in Ohio and ODNR grant programs is available at ohiodnr.com

From the IDNR:

Braidwood and LaSalle lakes will reopen for recreation on Saturday

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – Braidwood and LaSalle lakes will reopen for recreation on Saturday, May 31 at sunrise, the Department of Natural Resources announced today.
The two lakes, which provide the cooling water for nuclear power plants, were closed last week following a heightened national security alert. The lakes will be open under their regular schedule until further notice.

IDNR News Bits

Braidwood and LaSalle Lakes Closed again until further notice

Don Dziedzina of Illinois Outdoors passed along the following notification from Carol Knowles of the IDNR:

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - As a result of the President raising the security level from yellow to orange, the Department of Natural Resources is announcing the closing of the lakes that provide the
cooling water for the nuclear power plants at Braidwood and LaSalle beginning Wednesday, May 21, until further notice.

There have been no specific or credible threats to any site in Illinois, according to law enforcement and federal intelligence agencies. All other lakes at nuclear power plant sites remain open on their normal schedules at this time.

Thanks for the early notification Don. - JD

Click here for more Homeland Security links.

From the Wisconsin DNR:

Lake sturgeon to return to the Milwaukee River

MILWAUKEE , Wis. – For the first time in more than a century, lake sturgeon will cruise the Milwaukee River, capitalizing on improvements in water quality and the removal of the North Avenue Dam that once blocked spawning runs of this ancient, gigantic fish.

On Monday, May 12, fisheries crews from the Department of Natural Resources and a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Great Lakes Water Institute scientist will transfer up to 60,000 weeks-old sturgeon to the Milwaukee River at Grafton. The stocking will occur between 1 and 2:30 p.m. in Lime Kiln Park.

The stocking is a milestone in the resurrection of a river not long ago given up for dead, and for Wisconsin’s lake sturgeon management program, which is 100 years old this year. Having protected and nurtured in Lake Winnebago what is now the world’s largest lake sturgeon population, the program is focusing on restoring lake sturgeon in other parts of its original range in Wisconsin.

“This represents the first stocking in a Lake Michigan tributary that we know of and is an important step in a multi-agency effort to help restore lake sturgeon to Lake Michigan,” says Brad Eggold, DNR’s Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team supervisor.

“It also signifies to a great extent the work that’s been done in the Milwaukee River watershed to clean up pollution and to remove dams that blocked the fish’s passage, most importantly the removal of the North Avenue Dam in 1997. That progress makes the return of sturgeon possible after more than 100 years.”

The project is funded in part by a grant from the National Marine Fisheries Service and a contribution from the Milwaukee River Revitalization Council. Future lake sturgeon rehabilitation efforts in Lake Michigan will be guided by a lake-wide plan being developed by a task group of the Lake Michigan Committee. That committee establishes broad fish community objectives for Lake Michigan and coordinates management activities of mutual interest among representatives from the Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois Departments of Natural Resources, and the Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority.

Fred Binkowski, the WATER Institute scientist who raised the sturgeon in his laboratory on Lake Michigan, said the stocking was another feather in the cap of a state management program regarded as an international model.

“It could be 25 years before we start seeing the results of this, but to one day have people standing on the Wisconsin Avenue bridge as these magnificent fish make their spawning run – that will be the crowning jewel,” Binkowski says.

Lake sturgeon can grow to 200 pounds and live 100 years. Female sturgeon don’t start spawning until they are 20 to 25 years old, and males start at 10 years or so, so most of the current biologists working on the project will be retired if and when the fish start their spawning runs.

The small lake sturgeon being stocked in the Milwaukee River and a companion stocking set for the same week in the Manitowoc River are being transferred at a small size because the literature suggests that smaller fish may more successfully “imprint” on the water where they’re released and return to these waters years later to spawn, Eggold says.

Also, the fish being stocked are different ages. Though only a few days separate them, that could be enough to make a difference in survival, Eggold says. The younger fish haven’t yet started feeding on outside food, but have subsisted on their egg sacs, and the older fish have moved on to eat food Binkowski feeds them.

“We want to see whether there is food in the river now that coincides with their needs at these life stages,” Binkowski says.

The fish themselves are hatched from eggs and milt coming from two different locations – the Fox River and the Wolf River – in an attempt to increase the genetic diversity and produce a fish that’s better fit for the particular water, he says.

Getting to adulthood will be a challenge. DNR surveys of the river reveal good habitat for overwintering and spawning, but the lake sturgeon will be only about ¾ -inch long at stocking, and must first survive these initial months, and then subsequent years of eluding predators and finding sufficient food.

Even then, as the survivors begin their spawning runs, they’ll still encounter some obstacles: namely, remaining dams on the Milwaukee River. Eggold hopes DNR can work with dam owners in coming years so they operate the dams or remove or change the structures to allow the fish to migrate.

But Eggold marvels at the possibility of returning an ancient fish species to a river that just 30 years ago was highly polluted and home only to carp and a handful of other hardy fish species.

DNR’s program requiring all wastewater dischargers to meet pollution limits, and the investments that those public and private dischargers have made, have greatly reduced pollution in the river from industry and municipal wastewater treatment plants; state and local efforts to reduce polluted runoff from farms and urban areas also has helped. Finally, in 1997, the City of Milwaukee, DNR and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency spent $4.5 million to remove the 17-foot high, 350-foot wide North Avenue Dam and to reclaim habitat and improve conditions along the river. The removal of the structure, which was about three miles upstream of the Milwaukee River confluence with Lake Michigan, marked the first time since 1835 that that stretch of the river flowed freely.

Today, 30 species of fish have been documented in the Milwaukee River, including the Greater redhorse, a state threatened species, and under suitable flow conditions, trout and salmon have migrated about 30-miles upstream to the Village of Grafton and Cedarburg on Cedar Creek


Fish stocking in Beaver Dam Lake

BEAVER DAM, Wis.– Department of Natural Resources hatchery and operations crews supplied the Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association with about 870,000 northern pike and 2 million walleye eggs this year.

DNR gives the eggs to the lake improvement association as part of a cooperative rearing agreement to operate a portable fish hatchery on Beaver Dam Lake.

The eggs were collected by DNR from Lake Puckaway in Green Lake County and Lake Delavan in Walworth County.

Besides the eggs, the DNR recently stocked an additional 300,000 northern pike fry and three million walleye fry in Beaver Dam Lake, a 6,542-acre impoundment on the Beaver Dam River.

Since the 1987 chemical treatment, DNR has stocked over 33 million northern pike and 49 million walleye into Beaver Dam Lake. Altogether, 86 million fish representing 12 different species have been stocked into the lake over the last 15 years.

Detroit River/Lake Erie boundary change helps anglers obey law

Michigan State conservation officials today reminded anglers of a new legal boundary on the lower Detroit River, enacted to simplify law enforcement and help anglers follow the law.

The legal boundary between the Detroit River and Lake Erie has been changed. Previously, the boundary demarking where the Detroit River ends and where Lake Erie begins was Oak Street in Wyandotte. The new boundary, changed by law and effective last June, is listed in the 2003 Michigan Trout and Salmon Guide (http://www.mdnr-elicense.com/welcome.asp) as an imaginary east-west line across the southern tip of Celeron Island, approximately 4 miles to the south.

The area from Oak Street to the southern tip of Celeron Island is now considered Great Lakes Connecting Waters, instead of Great Lakes waters, and will be subject to an opening date of June 7 for muskellunge and June 21 for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Lt. Dave Purol of DNR’s Law Enforcement Division noted that the Oak Street boundary, which did not extend to the lake shore, was not easily recognizable by the fishing public.

“It made enforcement difficult, and confused many anglers,” Purol said. “Celeron Island is a prominent physical structure in the lower Detroit River, making it a more logical boundary.”

Leading Experts Convene In Chicago To Address Issues Of Harmful Invasive Species

Asian carp, Zebra mussel and other species endanger Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin ecosystems – threaten $4.5 billion fishing industry and impact water quality

CHICAGO (May 14, 2003) -- Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Chicago Department of Environment and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today kicked off a two-day Aquatic Invasive Species Summit that brings together more than 60 scientists and researchers from around the world. Their goal is to discuss and develop long-term solutions for prevention of invasive species exchange between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins.

Invasive species that are not native to specific waters can have a devastating impact on the environment and interfere with waterway transportation, pollution control and flood control. They also threaten the $4.5 billion commercial sport and fishing industries in the Great Lakes. Over the last 40 years, a new invasive species has been identified every eight months.

Mayor Daley urged summit attendees to develop real, long-term solutions and overall guidance to address the issue of invasive species.

"We need to start working on a permanent solution to this growing problem, and that's the purpose of this summit," said Mayor Daley. "The longer you put off solving a problem, the more it costs you in the long run. With the increase of global travel and trade, we can expect new pests to arrive even more frequently in the future."

Protecting the Great Lakes from harmful invasive species is part of a much larger water agenda initiative that the Mayor unveiled last month that calls for water conservation, water quality protection, green infrastructure, stormwater management and public awareness. The Great Lakes contain 95 percent of the nation's fresh surface water supply.

Non-native species threaten native species. More than 160 non-native species now live in the Great Lakes drainage basin, and nearly the same number live in the Mississippi River drainage basin. These two basins are connected by the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Cal-Sag Channel (CSSC), which together constitute a "revolving door" for invasive species.

The zebra mussel and round goby are among species that already have traveled from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. At least four more have the potential to move between the two basins, including the bighead carp and silver carp. These two types of Asian carp have traveled from the Mississippi River to the Illinois River and could soon enter the Great Lakes.

An experimental electric barrier designed to repel fish has been operating in the Sanitary & Ship Canal for roughly a year. It does not prevent the exchange of all invasive species and life stages. For example, plankton and species in immature life stages can still cross the barrier. The barrier has a maximum service life of three years; a second barrier will be in place by fall 2004. But a better, long-term solution is necessary.

Summit participants will examine the full range of alternatives. At the event's conclusion, they will emerge with priority action steps and a preliminary work plan for protecting the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainage basins.

Other summit sponsors and participants include the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources; the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council; the Consulate General of Canada; the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago; the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association; the International Joint Commission; and leading university researchers.

State fish and wildlife agencies in the Midwest will share more than $96 million in excise taxes paid by hunters, anglers and boaters.

The agencies will use the money for fish and wildlife conservation by acquiring land, improving habitat, and conducting research, education, and other programs. The funds will also help pay for hunter safety and aquatic education and fish and wildlife-related recreation projects. The funds are part of a total of more than $478 million apportioned nationwide under two Federal Aid programs administered by the Interior Department's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The wildlife restoration apportionment for the ServiceÌs eight-state Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region is more than $43 million, with $8.4 million apportioned for hunter education. The sport fish restoration apportionment for the region for 2003 is nearly $53 million.

Nationally, the wildlife restoration apportionment for 2003 totals $213 million, with $39 million apportioned for hunter education. The nationwide apportionment for sport fish restoration for 2003 totals more than $265 million.

The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson Act), enacted in 1937, and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson Act), enacted in 1950, collectively have raised more than $8.5 billion.

Wildlife Restoration Program funds are made available based on land area (plus inland waters such as lakes and large rivers) and the number of hunting license holders in each state. Distribution of hunter education funds is based on the relative population of each state. The Service distributes sport fish restoration funds to the states based on the land and water area (land plus inland water, the Great Lakes and marine coastal areas) and the number of fishing license holders in each state.

Federal Aid funds pay for up to 75 percent of the cost of each project while the states contribute at least 25 percent.

The Wildlife Restoration Program money is derived from an 11 percent excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition, a 10 percent tax on pistols and revolvers, and an 11 percent tax on certain archery equipment. Half of the tax on handguns and archery equipment is made available for state hunter education and safety programs.

States use Wildlife Restoration Program funds to manage wildlife populations, habitat, research, surveys and inventories and to fund hunter education.

The Sport Fish Restoration funding results from a 10 percent excise tax on fishing equipment and a 3 percent tax on electric trolling motors and sonar fish finders. The Wallop-Breaux legislation of 1984 increased the tax base for sport fish restoration to include a portion of the federal fuels tax and import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats.

States use Sport Fish Restoration Program funds to stock fish; acquire and improve sport fish habitat; provide aquatic resource education opportunities; conduct fisheries research; and build boat ramps, fishing piers, and other facilities necessary to provide recreational boating access.

Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration apportionments for fiscal year 2003 for the Midwest are as follows:

Federal Aid is Sport Fish Restoration apportionments for fiscal year 2003 for the Midwest are as follows:

State Apportionment

Please visit the Service's Division of Federal Aid website at http://federalaid.fws.gov for information on Federal Aid apportionments.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 540 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.

CLTV Misses Scoop

Live and learn. Let's hope they did a little learnin' there.

NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSBITS

ANNUAL DOWNSTATE GOLF BENEFIT FOR ILLINOIS CONSERVATION FOUNDATION SET FOR JUNE 3

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Conservation Foundation's 8th Annual Downstate Golf Benefit to support youth fishing, hunting and other educational programs will be held on Tuesday, June 3 at The Rail Golf Club in Sherman near Springfield.

"The golf outing is a wonderful opportunity for our friends to join us in support of our natural resources and outdoor recreation," said Joel Brunsvold, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Chairman of the ICF Board. "This year in particular, it's also a chance for everyone to come out to renew old acquaintances and to spend some time with me and some of the other new faces at the Department."

The downstate golf outing continues to be one of the most popular events conducted by the Foundation, raising money to support youth deer, turkey and waterfowl hunts, along with family-oriented activities including Free Fishing Days and National Hunting and Fishing Days.

The golf registration fee is $150 per person, while foursomes may register for just $500. The fee includes golf greens fees and cart, lunch, dinner, beverages, awards and prizes. The field is limited to 144 players.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to support the ICF golf benefit, and ultimately youth hunting and fishing programs, by becoming a hole sponsor for $500 each.

The four-person scramble format golf competition will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the awards program follows at 6 p.m.

To register for the golf outing, become a sponsor, or for more information, contact IDNR Public Events and Promotions, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, call 217/785-8955, SBC Relay 800/526-0844, TDD 217/782-9175, or e-mail us at events@dnrmail.state.il.us.

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THINK SAFETY FIRST WHEN BOATING: WEAR LIFE JACKETS, BE ALERT, STAY SOBER

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Boat operators and passengers can enhance the enjoyment of their time on Illinois lakes, rivers and streams by wearing life jackets, staying sober and being alert to others on the water, according to Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold.

"The number of boating accidents, injuries and fatalities rose last year in Illinois, and in most cases those involved were not wearing life jackets," Brunsvold said. "This year, we are reminding boat operators and passengers to wear their life jackets, slow down, stay sober and improve their chances of having a safe, enjoyable experience while boating."

Statistics compiled by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Law Enforcement show 23 people died and 92 others were injured in boating-related accidents in 2002. That compares to eight fatalities and 75 injuries in boating accidents in Illinois in 2001, 14 fatalities and 76 injuries in 2000, 13 deaths and 75 injuries in 1999, and 19 fatalities and 107 injuries in 1998.

There were a total of 135 boating accidents involving 188 vessels on Illinois waters last year. That compares with 112 boating accidents involving 171 vessels in 2001, 155 boating accidents involving 231 vessels in 2000, and 159 boating accidents involving 238 vessels in 1999. There were a total of 176 boating accidents in 1998.

Reports indicate that at least 16 of the 23 boaters who died in Illinois accidents last year were not wearing life jackets.

"There is no doubt that life jackets save lives," said Tom Wakolbinger, director of the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement. "Most of those who died in Illinois boating accidents last

year might have survived had they been wearing a life jacket. The two people who died while wearing life jackets died from blunt trauma."

Illinois law requires that life jackets, also known as personal floatation devices (PFDs), be available for each person aboard a boat or other watercraft. State law also requires anyone operating a personal watercraft to wear a life jacket, and anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft under 26 feet in length at all times the boat is underway, unless they are below deck in an enclosed cabin or operating on private property.

The IDNR offers free boating safety courses to review boating laws and provide instruction on the safe and attentive operation of watercraft. Safety course schedules are available by contacting the IDNR Safety Education Office at 800/832-2599, SBC Relay 800/526-0844, TDD 217/782-9175, or by checking the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us.

"The safety courses are taught by hundreds of dedicated volunteer instructors and are a key to the state's boating safety effort," said Wakolbinger. "More than two-thirds of boaters injured in accidents last year had not participated in a formal boat safety education course."

Of last year's 92 injuries and 23 fatalities in boating accidents, 48 injuries and 14 fatalities occurred on open motorboats, while 29 injuries and two fatalities involved personal watercraft and 13 injuries and four fatalities involved cabin motorboats. The other injury accidents involved sail, pontoon and row boats.

Among the primary causes of boating accidents in 2002, careless or reckless operation, operator inexperience, excessive speed and hazardous water conditions were the most frequently cited contributing factors.

"Most boat accidents are preventable," said Wakolbinger. "Most boat accidents occur on clear, sunny days with mild winds and good visibility. Operator inattention or carelessness, along with a lack of boater education, appear to be key contributors to accidents."

Alcohol use was listed as the primary cause of six boating accidents, five injuries and two fatalities in the state last year. Boaters are reminded that strict enforcement of laws against operating under the influence (OUI) will continue.

"Conservation Police Officers and other law enforcement personnel will continue to emphasize OUI enforcement because they know keeping impaired boaters off the water makes boating safer for everyone," Wakolbinger said. "Boat operators will be arrested if testing shows their blood alcohol concentration exceeds .08. There were 275 OUI arrests and 81 operator privilege suspensions related to OUI offenses last year."

National Safe Boating Week is observed each year during the week preceding the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This year's National Safe Boating Week observance is May 17-23. The campaign's theme, which emphasizes use of life jackets, is "Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear It!"

For the full text of the 2002 boating accident report, see the Department's web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/law3.

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The Department of Natural Resources reminds you to leave young wildlife you may encounter outdoors alone - do not interfere with them or try to move them. Well-intentioned people believe they are helping an animal when they remove it from the wild, especially when they think it has been abandoned by its mother. However, mothers have to leave their offspring occasionally to forage for food and will return.

Many young animals die within a few days of being removed from their environment because people have no idea of their nutritional requirements. Those that survive often are deposited back into the wild without having had the chance to acquire the skills their mothers would have taught them.

Wildlife also should be left in their natural environment because of the diseases they can transmit to humans and domestic animals. For instance, raccoons may be infected with a roundworm that is dangerous to humans. Some wild animals can carry rabies (a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system) and tularemia (a bacterial disease carried by infected rodents). Wild animals also may be infested with ticks, fleas, lice or other parasites.

Nature protects young animals by camouflaging them with mottled coloring and giving them little or no scent that predators can detect. The white-tailed deer, for example, has a spotted coat for camouflage. A fawn gives off very little scent, and will lay motionless if it notices any movement. Nests of baby rabbits include the mother's underbelly fur to help make them less visible. Baby raccoons wait until a certain age to emerge from their nesting cavities in trees.

Individuals who come across injured wildlife should leave the animal alone and let nature takes its course. However, if an injured animal is a threat to public safety, an animal control officer or a wildlife rehabilitation center should be contacted. These centers specialize in caring for an animal until it can be returned to its natural environment. The name of the nearest wildlife rehabilitator can be obtained by contacting the local office of the Department of Natural Resources.

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The Department of Natural Resources is offering a Volunteer Projects Directory, listing volunteer opportunities statewide. The directory is available through DNR's Constituency Services staff. Call 217/782-4963 or visit the web site at http://dnr.state.il.us.

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REMINDER: Nominations are being accepted THROUGH June 13 by the Illinois Conservation Foundation for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant commitments to natural resource protection and outdoor recreation in Illinois. Nominees should include those outdoor sportsmen and women who truly have made significant contributions or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources or outdoor recreational opportunities in Illinois.

All nominations must be submitted on an official nomination form, which may be obtained by contacting Kathy Wheeler, Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone 217/785-2003, e-mail icf@dnrmail.state.il.us.
More information is also available through the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.

The induction banquet for the new class will be held at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace on Friday, Feb. 20, 2004.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization which has raised more than $16 million in support of programs and projects of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources since 1995