May 10, 2007
Erie water keeper: Fish lost to power plant ops
By Deborah WeisbergContributing Writer Maumee, Ohio – Although Lake Erie’s shallow western basin is one of the fishiest spots in the Great Lakes, it loses millions of walleyes, perch, bass, shiners, shad, and other species every day to power plant cooling systems. That’s the alarm being sounded by Western Lake Erie Water Keeper Sandy Bihn
Reactions vary to report on conservation council
By Joe AlbertAssociate Editor St. Paul – A plan to create a four- to nine-member citizens council that would serve as the focal point for conservation in the state and oversee the DNR, among other duties, is drawing mixed reactions. Gov. Tim Pawlenty created the Conservation Legacy Council to devise a new conservation model for
Crappie, saugeye bite slow in cold weather
A reminder for those anglers fishing Lake Erie is that the season on black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted) is closed from May 1 through June 29. Any fish caught must be released immediately. Also on Lake Erie, the walleye bag went from 4 fish per day to 6 on May 1 and will remain
Little chance for a license hike seen
By Jeff Mulhollem Editor Harrisburg – Nobody is sure how deer-management actions taken by Pennsylvania game commissioners at their April meeting here will affect the forested habitat they say they’re trying to protect. But it now seems clear that doggedly continuing with their deer herd-reduction policy has nixed any chance of getting approval this year
Bait dealers readying for effects of VHS regs
By Yvonne Swager Correspondent Lansing – Upcoming state regulations aimed at controlling the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia in fish won’t eradicate the disease – but may hinder some live bait wholesalers. A federal order restricting interstate movement of fish issued in November already has hampered some sales and tournament activity, and state regulations currently
Groups join fight to defend ballast law
By Steve Griffin Field Editor Lansing – A battle is raging between Michigan environmental officials and the owners and operators of large, oceangoing freighters – and three conservation groups are now in the fray. U.S. Federal District Judge John Feikens on April 30 granted intervener status to the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, the National Wildlife
Wind-pushed fire consumes 16,000 acres along Gunflint
By Mike KallokStaff Writer Grand Marais, Minn. – Efforts to suppress a fire that has already burned more than 16,000 acres at the end of the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais likely will continue for weeks if weather conditions don’t improve. As of press time, a front was expected to bring clouds and the possibility
Environment finance bill goes to Pawlenty
By Joe AlbertAssociate Editor St. Paul – As the days that remain in the legislation session wind down – adjournment is May 21, though talk of a special session has heated up lately – action on the outdoors front has been hot and heavy. Consider that in the past week, lawmakers have: sent to Gov.
