Upcoming Public Meetings in Mexican Wolf and Jaguar Conservation Projects

Jaguar Conservation Team Meeting in Lordsburg NM on September 25

Due to an abundance of urgent Mexican wolf issues (e.g. a recent series of unlawful mortalities and possible changes in management guidelines) that require immediate attention, and a shortage of staff and time to work on them, the next Jaguar Conservation Team meeting will not be held until September 25. The meeting will probably be in Lordsburg, New Mexico (depending on meeting room availability). Further information on location, time, and agenda items will be released as soon as the wolf issues are resolved, which should be in early August.

Mexican Wolf AMWG Public Meeting in Morenci AZ on July 30, 2008

Adaptive Management Work Group Public Meeting

Location: Morenci AZ, at the Morenci Club in Morenci Plaza (next to Basha’s Grocery)
Time: AZ Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Host: Arizona Game and Fish Department
Participants: Public meeting, open to all

Note: agenda may be modified during meeting; meeting will be adjourned early if business has been completed.)

Agenda
6:00 pm Welcome, introductions, ground rules, and agenda review
6:15 pm Interagency Field Team items
· Staffing changes
· 2008 breeding season (results to date)
· Depredation and nuisance responses in 2nd quarter 2008
· Outreach activities in 2nd quarter 2008
· Other IFT items
7:15 pm Break
7:30 pm AMOC items
· Update on NEPA scoping process for possible changes in the 10(j) rule
· Project guidelines and practices for loaning radio telemetry receivers
· Discussion of population objectives for the Reintroduction Project
· Update on Clarification Memo for SOP 11.0 (Depredation Incident Investigation)
· Update on Clarification Memo for SOP 13.0 (Control of Mexican Wolves)
· Update on 2008 unlawful mortalities and possible management responses
· Other AMOC items
8:30 pm Other business
8:50 pm Dates and locations of future AMWG meeting
9:00 pm Adjournment

Notes: (1) Information on the Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project is available on the Internet at http://azgfd.gov/wolf and http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov. (2) Notices for AMWG meetings and other news about issues pertaining to the Reintroduction Project are disseminated electronically through a self-subscription newsletter, the Endangered Species Updates. A self-subscription form is available at: http://azgfd.gov/signup. (3) Send email messages to the Reintroduction Project to: mexwolf@azgfd.gov; this is a passive account, so messages received will be read but individual responses will not be sent. (4) Send postal mail to: Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project, 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086.

From AZGFD:

Mexican Wolf AMWG Public Meeting in Morenci AZ on July 30, 2008

Adaptive Management Work Group Public Meeting

Location: Morenci AZ, at the Morenci Club in Morenci Plaza (next to Basha’s Grocery)
Time: AZ Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Host: Arizona Game and Fish Department
Participants: Public meeting, open to all

Note: agenda may be modified during meeting; meeting will be adjourned early if business has been completed.)

Agenda
6:00 pm Welcome, introductions, ground rules, and agenda review
6:15 pm Interagency Field Team items
· Staffing changes
· 2008 breeding season (results to date)
· Depredation and nuisance responses in 2nd quarter 2008
· Outreach activities in 2nd quarter 2008
· Other IFT items
7:15 pm Break
7:30 pm AMOC items
· Update on NEPA scoping process for possible changes in the 10(j) rule
· Project guidelines and practices for loaning radio telemetry receivers
· Discussion of population objectives for the Reintroduction Project
· Update on Lead Agency consideration of Clarification Memos for SOPs 11.0 (Depredation Incident Investigation) and 13.0 (Control of Mexican Wolves)
· Other AMOC items
8:30 pm Other business
8:50 pm Dates and locations of future AMWG meeting
9:00 pm Adjournment

Notes: (1) Information on the Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project is available on the Internet at http://azgfd.gov/wolf and http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov. (2) Notices for AMWG meetings and other news about issues pertaining to the Reintroduction Project are disseminated electronically through a self-subscription newsletter, the Endangered Species Updates. A self-subscription form is available at: http://azgfd.gov/signup. (3) Send email messages to the Reintroduction Project to: mexwolf@azgfd.gov; this is a passive account, so messages received will be read but individual responses will not be sent. (4) Send postal mail to: Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project, 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086.

From AZGFD:

Come learn about magnificent bighorn sheep

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about the sure-footed bighorn sheep and view them in their native habitat during two separate two-day workshops on July 25-26 and Aug. 1-2.

The first day of each workshop involves mandatory classroom education from 6-8 p.m. at the Kingman Game and Fish office, followed the next day by a field trip on the Colorado River from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The popular workshops are open to any member of the public age 14 and older. Space, however, is limited to 40 people per session. Although preference will be given to those who have not attended the workshop in the last two years, everyone is encouraged to apply.

The 2008 workshops will feature a draw process. Applications received prior to June 27 will be drawn at random. Officials hope this will help level the playing field for all of those interested in attending. All requests to participate are responded to by mail.

The workshop includes an optional tour of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery prior to the Colorado River field trip. The 45-minute tour will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature both sport fish and endangered native fish.

Registration is by mail only, so to reserve a spot, a $20 per person refundable deposit is required in the form of a check made out to the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to help reduce the problem of no-shows. Send your check to: Sheep Workshop, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409. Include the names of participants, address, phone, and specify which weekend is preferred. Also, please include a note if you are interested in the tour of the fish hatchery.

Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Temperatures are forecast to be in the triple digits on the water!

Registration opens for Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop

The last “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” (BOW) workshop for 2008 will be held Aug. 15-17 at the cool, forested Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott.

The program introduces women to outdoors skills in an enjoyable, non-threatening environment with expert instructors. Classes are held during the day and include horsemanship, outdoor photography, birding, hiking, archery, fly-fishing, shotgun/rifle/pistol shooting, and Dutch oven cooking, among others. Evenings are filled with fun and entertainment, including night hikes, musicians, and motivational speakers.

“One great thing about this camp is that a woman can try a new sport without buying all of the equipment.” says Linda Dightmon, the BOW coordinator for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, which sponsors the program in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The only thing you need to bring is your personal stuff, a good attitude and a willingness to learn.”

Participants stay in rustic cabins, but there are showers and bathrooms in each cabin, and a central dining hall for meals.

Equipment, materials, food and lodging are all included in the $235 registration fee. The only exception is the outdoor photography class, where participants will need to bring a camera. Enrollment is open to all women 18 and older.

For more information, a schedule of classes, and a registration form, visit www.azwildlife.org or contact the Arizona Wildlife Federation office at (480) 644-0077 or awf@azwildlife.org.

I have actually been nominated for the Writer Award before. This is a cool program! From AZGFD:

Game and Fish Commission solicits nominations for 2008 awards

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2008 Commission Awards to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the welfare of the state’s wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.

Categories for nomination include: Award of Excellence, Youth Environmentalist of the Year, Outdoor Writer of the Year, Media of the Year, Conservation Organization of the Year, Conservationist of the Year, Outdoor Woman of the Year, Environmentalist of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Educator of the Year, and License Dealer of the Year.

To download a nomination form, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and follow the awards link.

Return the nomination form and all supplemental materials to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Marty Fabritz - DOHQ, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Forms can also be faxed to (623) 236-7299 or e-mailed to either Directorsoffice@azgfd.gov or Mfabritz@azgfd.gov. Submission deadline is 5 p.m., Aug. 1, 2008.

Another award category for which nominations are being solicited is the Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award. This award recognizes nongovernmental entities that have excelled in the preservation, enhancement or creation of land management practices beneficial to Arizona’s wildlife resources.

Nominees for the Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Award must be a legal resident of Arizona, control a minimum of 160 acres in the state, be engaged in agribusiness sometime in the last five years on at least 50 percent of their land, allow public recreational access to at least 50 percent of the land under their control, and must exercise wildlife habitat conservation and enhancement practices. Nominations meeting these criteria will be circulated to the Landowner-Lessee-Sportsman Committee, which will recommend nominees to the Game and Fish Commission for final selection.

To download a nomination form, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and follow the awards link.

The awards will be presented to the winners at the Meet the Commission banquet on Jan. 17, 2009, at the Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix North at 10220 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix.

Dates announced for popular bighorn workshops

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering the public an opportunity to view the majestic bighorn sheep in their natural habitat during its annual Bighorn Sheep Workshops.

The workshop offers wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about these sure-footed animals and view them in their native habitat during two separate two-day workshops on July 25-26 and Aug. 1-2.

The first day of each workshop involves mandatory classroom education from 6-8 p.m. at the Kingman Game and Fish office, followed the next day by a field trip on the Colorado River from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The sheep-viewing boat trip will depart from Willow Beach.

These popular workshops are open to any member of the public age 14 and older. Nobody under 14 will be registered for the event. Space, however, is limited to 40 people per session. Although preference will be given to those who have not attended the workshop in the last two years, those who have participated within that time are still encouraged to apply.

The 2008 workshops will feature a draw process. Applications received prior to June 27 will be drawn at random. Officials hope this will help level the playing field for all of those interested in attending. All requests to participate are responded to by mail.

“It’s an attempt to give people in outlying areas of Arizona a chance to make it on one of the two workshops,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer in Kingman. “Our goal is to reach as many people as possible, and that’s difficult with only 80 open spaces over two weeks.”

The workshop includes an optional tour of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery prior to the Colorado River field trip. The 45-minute tour will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature both sport fish and endangered native fish.

“Although the tour is not mandatory,” Mocarski said, “we’ve had many positive comments from those who made the trip. It offers people a chance to see the inner-workings of a hatchery.”

To reserve a spot, a $20 per person refundable deposit is required in the form of a check made out to the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to help reduce the problem of no-shows. The money is refunded when a person either attends the workshop or calls to cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Wildlife for Tomorrow is a non-profit group that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Registration is by mail only. Send a check to: Sheep Workshop, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409. Include the names of participants, address, phone, and specify which weekend is preferred. Also, please include a note if you are interested in the tour of the fish hatchery.

Cash donations, which are not mandatory to participate, will be accepted at the workshop to help offset increasing costs for boat rentals and fuel. Please do not send cash donations prior to the event.

Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

“It will be hot on the river,” Mocarski advised, “but that’s when bighorn come down for a drink. There is limited shade on the boats, but the temperatures will be in the triple digits.”

From AZGFD:

Scheduling error favors unlicensed anglers, get 2 free fishing days
Take a friend and give fishing a try; see list of free fishing events at www.azgfd.gov/fishing

Unlicensed anglers in Arizona are getting an unexpected late spring windfall – you can fish state waters without a valid fishing license on both June 7 and June 14 this year, said Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“Since there has been some confusion on the ‘real’ free fishing day – June 7 or June 14 – we decided that the only fair decision is to allow anglers to fish state waters on either of those Saturdays without a valid Arizona fishing license,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

Here’s the story.

In 2000, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) took the seven-day National Fishing Week in early June and expanded it to National Fishing and Boating Week, which is typically a 10-day event that includes two Saturdays. Each year, Arizona set the second Saturday in June as free fishing day.

That is why the current fishing regulations for Arizona, which cover a two-year period, says free fishing day for 2008 is June 14.

However, RBFF scheduled the 2008 National Fishing and Boating Week for June 1-8, which is only eight days and includes one Saturday – June 7.

The scheduled dates created some confusion, even within the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Some free fishing day events had been set for June 7, while others were scheduled for June 14 as stated in the regulations. For a list of the fishing clinics, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishing and click on the link for free fishing day events.

“On the bright side, this is the perfect year to have two free fishing days,” Young said.

He explained that thanks to exceptional snow pack and runoff this year, most Arizona lakes are full of water. “This is an exceptional fishing year. Free fishing day gives you the chance to get out and sample it, twice if you like, then maybe you’ll consider joining our growing cadre of licensed anglers,” Young said.

Arizona’s free fishing day covers all state waters, including Urban Program Lakes, and along the Arizona shoreline of the Colorado River. The state free fishing day does not extend to tribal waters.

In 2009, the National Fishing and Boating Week will revert to 10 days and include two Saturdays again. The dates will be June 6-14, 2009.

A long tradition remains: Camp Carp VIII is May 30-31

A long tradition many thought would succumb due to key retirements has been given prolonged life by one of its creators – Camp Carp returns on May 30-31.

Who: Master carpologist Jim Warnecke, who retired from the Game and Fish Department last year, has graciously agreed to continue this long-standing carp-catching tutorial. Come experience first-hand why carp are the NUMBER ONE sport fish in all of Europe.

When: May 30 & 31, 2008. Hours are: 12 – 7 Friday and 8 – 5 Saturday.

Where: Roosevelt Lake, Frazier Group Site, watch for signs.

Why: Experience the excitement of carp fishing and enjoy the 18-year tradition of Camp Carp with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

You can catch carp at all times of the day, they fight like crazy! Plus, there is no limit on carp or the amount of fun you can have catching these bruisers: last year’s average was 5-pounds per fish. This year should be even better

AES Burro Creek/Big Lake Fence Removal Project

Who: Arizona Elk Society, www.arizonaelksociety.org

When: May 30-June 1, 2008

Where: Main Camp will be at Dipping Vat Spring campsite just north Crescent Lake.
SW of Springerville, AZ. From Showlow take Highway 260 East toward Springerville, turn south on paved Highway 273 (3 mi east of Springerville) and head south 19 miles. Look for signs at campsite on right side of the road.
Camping is also available at Big Lake campground. Meals and meetings will take place at Dipping Vat Springs.

Description: Burro Creek is where we continue to remove barbed wire fencing in Big Lake area.
These fences cross good Antelope, Elk and Deer habitat. It will be a significant benefit to remove these fences. We will be removing and rolling up wire, pulling and hauling out posts (steel and wood).
We need a lot of help on this project so please mark your calendars. We will be providing meals Friday night, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast. We need fence rolling equipment, post pullers, pliers and as many able bodied volunteers as possible.
We will be working with barbed wire and lots of it. Bring your sun block, hats, gloves and long sleeved shirts and pants. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. We need around 50 volunteers.
Plan on arriving in the afternoon of Friday May 30th. Breakfast will be at 7:00 am Saturday and we will start working at 8:00 am. After Sunday breakfast we will work until about noon then pack up.

If you would like to carpool, please contact Tom.

Check our website www.arizonaelksociety.org for more information.

From AZGFD

Payson Wildlife Fair set for this Saturday

Green Valley Park in Payson, Ariz., will undergo an amazing transformation on Saturday, May 10, when its sprawling grassy expanses turn into a carnival full of wildlife and fun outdoor activities. The 14th annual Payson Wildlife Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, and organizers have been working hard to make it the best yet. Admission is free.

“This is a great way for the family to spend a Saturday,” says Craig McMullen, Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife manager in the Payson District. “Parents and kids can fish, play games and get a close-up look at lots of amazing animals, including all sorts of raptors. The wildlife featured is magnificent.”

In addition to birds of prey, other live animals on display will include rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, prairie dogs and alligators. Fair visitors can also test their skills at one of the casting booths, virtual fishing galleries, air gun or archery ranges, and they can visit booths from a variety of conservation groups, including the National Wild Turkey Federation, Arizona Wildlife Federation, Arizona State Parks and the Phoenix Herpetological Society, to name a few.

Green Valley Lake will receive more than double its usual stocking of trout in preparation for this event. The park typically receives about 300 pounds of trout per stocking. For this event, 800 pounds of fish will be released into the lake prior to the fair. No fishing license is required for fair attendees, and equipment and bait can be borrowed from the free fishing booth at the fair.

The Payson Wildlife Fair is a cooperative effort between the Arizona Game and Fish Department, USDA Forest Service, Mogollon Sporting Association, and Payson Parks and Recreation Department.

Green Valley Park is located at 1000 W. Country Club Drive, Payson (take State Route 87 to Main Street and go about one mile west).

From AZGFD:

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release, May 2, 2008

Ben Avery Shooting Facility to switch to summer hours May 12

PHOENIX — The Ben Avery Shooting Facility Main Range, archery ranges, and Clay Target Center will switch to summer hours of operation for the public beginning Monday, May 12. The new hours will be:

Monday - CLOSED
Tuesday - CLOSED
Wednesday - 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday - 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday - 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday - 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday - 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The summer hours are designed for the facility to be open during the coolest parts of the day and still give the recreational shooting community the most quality shooting times on weekends even during the hotter days of the summer months,” says Ben Avery Range Manager Marty Hererra.

For more information on the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf or contact (623) 582-8313. For more information on the Ben Avery Clay Target Center, visit www.azgfd.gov/ctc or contact (623) 434-8119.

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Many of you know I frequently post about the Boyce Thompson Arboretum which is one of my family’s favorite places to visit. I also post events and special happenings as well.

My friend Paul Wolter just sent me this request. The Arboretum is asking members of the public to fill out a survey so they can garner some feedback:

Do you have a minute to participate with a simple, anonymous (and quick!) online customer service survey? The link is below, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum wants to hear from you about their customer service, and about the gardens and trails and weekend events.

You can help even more by sharing the survey link in your own message encouraging neighbors, friends & family to complete one of these brief surveys. Offer any compliments or make any critical suggestions you want: the survey is anonymous and you can write specific comments in the suggestion box.

Did you enjoy your 2007/2008 visits to Boyce Thompson Arboretum?

Let their staff know about your visit, rate the customer service, and feel free to include a few choice comments addressed specifically to Park Manager Tracy Hanley.

Want to compliment a guided tour?

Critique a public event?

Offer a helpful suggestion for improvements?

Visit:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=189992605640