Kansas Wildlife Federation News: July 2012

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Archery in the Schools Program Training Workshop July 31

Become an instructor for growing archery program

A training workshop for the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program will be conducted at Kingman schools on Tuesday, July 31, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The workshop will be conducted by Bob Funke, Erika Brooks, and Jesse Gehrt of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). The program is free, and participants will receive Basic NASP Archery Instructor Certification.

The workshop is sponsored by KDWPT and the Kingman school system. For more information concerning NASP, to pre-register for the workshop, or for information on how to obtain funding to establish this program in your area, phone Bob Funke at 620-431-9898, emailbob.funke@ksoutdoors.com, phone Erika Brooks at 620-672-0770, or emailerika.brooks@ksoutdoors.com.

Kansas River Water Trail Dedicated

The Kansas River Water Trail was officially signed into the National Water Trail system by Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar on Saturday, July 14, 2012 in front of the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, Kansas.

The Friends of the Kaw and Kansas Riverkeeper worked hard to help realize their goal to make the Kaw a 170 mile linear park. The Kansas River was the latest to be included in the National Water Trails System that was unveiled by Interior Secretary Salazar in February of 2012. This event may help focus attention on the Kaw that has been included in the top ten list of America’s most endangered rivers by the American Rivers organization. To read comments by Jessie Thomas-Bate the Coordinator of Most Endangered Rivers visit http://www.americanrivers.org/newsroom/blog/jthomas-20120531-making-the-right-decision-for-the-kansas-river.html

Blue-Green Algae Notices for July 27

In addition to lakes, drought is reducing stream flows; potential for algal blooms in stagnant pools

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has reported the latest results from testing water samples for blue-green algae. When harmful algal blooms are present in recreational waters, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. This past week’s testing resulted in the warnings and advisories listed below.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

When an advisory has been lifted, health officials advise lake visitors to still exercise caution and look out for algae blooms in the water, as conditions can change quickly, depending on the weather. Some algae blooms can look like foam or thick slurry. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and they may look like paint floating on the water.

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH WARNINGS

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

♦ Chisholm Creek North Lake, Sedgwick County

♦ Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

♦ Logan City Lake, Phillips County

♦ Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County

♦ South Lake Park, Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water

• Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing

• Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts

• Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae

• If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible

• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORIES

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:

♦ Milford Reservoir: north of School Creek is currently under an Advisory status, south of School Creek is not currently under an Advisory or a Warning status.

♦ Atchison County Park Lake, Atchison County

♦ Brown County State Fishing Lake, Brown County

♦ Centralia Lake, Nemaha County

♦ Deanna Rose Farmstead, Johnson County (new)

♦ Marion Reservoir, Marion County (downgraded from a warning)

♦ Lake Scott State Park, Scott County (new)

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water

• Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts

• Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae

• If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible

• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets. KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

KDHE has also issued a stream notice this week. As a result of the statewide drought, Kansasstreams and rivers are experiencing extremely low flows and, in some locations, have stopped flowing and are pooled. Pooled areas become stagnant and have the potential to develop algal blooms, some of which may be dominated by blue-green algae, whose toxins are hazardous for livestock watering.

KDHE advises livestock owners to be aware of conditions on rivers and streams that appear abnormal in color and consider alternative water sources for their stock. Additional information on how to initially screen or have water bodies tested for blue-green algae can be found on KDHE’s website.

Additionally, KDHE has noticed a number of pooled streams having high bacteria concentrations, presenting a risk to anyone using those pools for recreation. KDHE advises citizens to be aware of recreation activities at and above stagnant pools in streams. Those pools may contain high levels of bacteria levels. Use of public water bodies, particularly lakes and reservoirs, continues to be the best opportunity for low-risk water recreation and is encouraged.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Lovewell Fun Day Aug. 4

Run/walk race, mud volleyball, disc golf, log races, much more fun awaits LovewellState Park visitors; pre-registration for many events required

Lovewell State Park staff and Lovewell Marina will conduct the annual Lovewell Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 4. New this year is a 5K run/walk at 7 a.m. Race participants must pre-register by 6:45 a.m. the day of the race. The race will begin at the mud volleyball pit area near Walleye Point. No entry fee is required, and certificates will be awarded for winners in several divisions.

The second event of the day is a disc golf singles tournament at Pioneer Day Use Area. Eighteen holes will be played beginning at 8 a.m. Competitors need to register at the Pioneer Day Use Area by 7:45 a.m., when a $5 entry fee is due. The entry fee will be returned to the first place winner in each of two age divisions: youth (15 and younger) and adult (16 and older).

A co-ed, double-elimination mud volleyball tournament begins at 10 a.m., with a $20 entry fee per team, 10 team limit. Pre-registration for the mud volleyball tournament is requested at the Lovewell State Park Office by Wednesday, Aug. 1. All teams must report at the mud volleyball pits at 9:30 a.m.

Another new event this year is a Kids Sand Pile, for youth ages 10 and younger. This event begins at 11 a.m. at the Pioneer Day Use Area, near the sand volleyball pit. Within a 10-minute time limit, kids will dig in a sand pile for hidden change. Two age divisions — five and younger and six through 10 — will participate.

Also added this year is a rock, paper, scissors tournament at noon near the mud volleyball pits. Participants must pre-register by 11:45 a.m. the day of the event, which is limited to 64 people of all ages. The entry fee is $1, which will be returned to the winners.

In addition, an open water slide will be set up from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pioneer Day Use Area. All ages are invited to play on the slide. At 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Day Use Area, log races, the final event of the day, will be held.

For registration and more information on the events, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park. Daily permits are $4.20, and annual permits are $24.70.

Hays Organizations Plan Youth Outdoor Festival

Shotgun, rifle, archery shooting, casting and furharvesting demonstrations highlight event

On Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hays area conservation groups, businesses, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will offer a free day of target shooting and outdoor activities for youth ages 17 and younger. The 15th Annual Youth Outdoor Festival will be held at the Hays City Sportsmen's Club, 1/4 mile north of I-70 off Exit 157.

All targets, shooting materials, and equipment will be supplied for the event. Trap, skeet, archery, air rifle/BB gun, muzzleloader, small-bore rifle, computerized laser shot target, and paintball shooting will be offered. Furharvesting demonstrations and a kids bass casting competition will complement the event.

This is an excellent opportunity to introduce youth to the world of shooting sports, hunting, and furharvesting. Hunter education certification is not required, but youth participants must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers specializing in their fields of shooting will closely supervise youth at each station. Registration for the event will be completed on site, and participants can enjoy a free lunch.

In addition to the free shooting opportunities and lunch, several door prizes, guns, fishing tackle, and other outdoor equipment will be given away. For more information phone Kent Hensley at 785-726-3212, email kent.hensley@ksoutdoors.com, or phone Troy Mattheyer at 785-726-4212.

Kansas Frog Gigging Season Through Oct. 31

It's already been a hot summer in the Sunflower State, and those who love outdoor activities are beating the heat during bullfrog season, which began July 1.

Bullfrog hunting, or "frogging," as many people call it, is a great way to beat the oppressive summer heat. With days sweltering close to 100 degrees through much of June, the freedom of summer nights beckons with the call of the bullfrog. At this time, shorts and a T-shirt are all that's needed to cool off in the water and pursue this popular quarry.

Froggers can enjoy a season that runs July 1 through Oct. 31 although most frogging activity is in the hotter months of July and August. The daily creel limit is eight, with a possession limit of 24. While bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, dip net, gig, bow and arrow, or crossbow (firearms not allowed), many froggers prefer to take them by hand. All that's needed is a flashlight, a sack, an old pair of tennis shoes, and some stealth. The only other necessary ingredient is access to a local pond, lake, or stream. A valid fishing license is needed, if required by law.

The best method is to walk quietly through the water at night and shine a bright light along the bank until a pair of glowing eyes appear. Temporarily blinded by the light, frogs can be grabbed or netted.

The fruits of this effort are not only fun times but good food. Frog legs are regarded as a delicacy and have a taste and texture resembling a cross of shrimp and fish. A popular way to cook them is to dip the skinned legs in egg and then into a mixture of flour and corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper. Then the legs are fried to a golden brown in oil. This gourmet meal is a bonus to a great summer evening that both kids and adults will always remember.

Lovewell State Park Fun Day Aug. 4

Run/walk race, mud volleyball, disc golf, log races, much more fun awaits Lovewell State Park visitors; pre-registration for many events required

For registration and more information on the events, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park. Daily permits are $4.20, and annual permits are $24.70.

Lovewell State Park Fun Day Aug. 4

Run/walk race, mud volleyball, disc golf, log races, much more fun awaits Lovewell State Park visitors; pre-registration for many events required

For registration and more information on the events, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park. Daily permits are $4.20, and annual permits are $24.70.

Kansas River Water Trail Dedicated

The Friends of the Kaw and Kansas Riverkeeper worked hard to help realize their goal to make the Kaw a 170 mile linear park. The Kansas River was the latest to be included in the National Water Trails System that was unveiled by Interior Secretary Salazar in February of 2012. This event may help focus attention on the Kaw that has been included in the top ten list of America's most endangered rivers by the American Rivers organization. To read comments by Jessie Thomas-Bate the Coordinator of Most Endangered Rivers visit http://www.americanrivers.org/newsroom/blog/jthomas-20120531-making-the-right-decision-for-the-kansas-river.html

Monday, July 23, 2012

Yes, Kids Watch a Lot of TV, but We Shouldn't Give Up on Getting Them Outside

The scariest thing about television may not be the array of monster movies lined up on basic cable this month.

A new report from Common Sense Media (PDF ) finds that more than half of all American children between the ages of 0-8 now have access to one of the newer mobile devices at home, and nearly one-third have a TV in their bedroom. Overall, it indicates that 'screen time' is higher than ever for kids.

As if by providence alone, the American Academy of Pediatrics warned last week about the need to beat back this very trend, formally cautioning parents to limit their young kids' screen time—and even the amount of time they spend watching TV near their kids.

But the former study concentrates largely on the breakdown of what kinds of media kids are using, and how they split up demographically. It spends a lot of timing parsing out childhood use of mobile apps and equal access to TV. It certainly doesn't mention screen alternatives.

And the latter warning, while commendable, actually represents a softened stance from a similar 1999 recommendation:

Dr. Brown said the new policy was less restrictive because "the Academy took a lot of flak for the first one, from parents, from industry, and even from pediatricians asking, 'What planet do you live on?' " The recommendations are an attempt to be more realistic, given that, between TVs, computers, iPads and smartphones, households may have 10 or more screens.

So while we learn more all the time about the scale and toll of the indoor (and screen-bound) childhood epidemic, many seem to be conceding defeat—or at least admitting that prying kids away from TVs, computers and the like is simply too unrealistic.

Risks of (and Alternatives to) a Screen-Bound Childhood

We shouldn't be so quick to throw in the towel. As covered here and elsewhere, a couch potato lifestyle can lead to serious health problems (among them an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, nearsightedness and vitamin D deficiency); concentration and creativity deficiencies; and a weaker connection to the natural world.

Children who play outside are healthier, more creative in their play and show better concentration. Sometimes ignored but no less important, research (PDF) has shown that outdoor activities like hiking or camping can positively influence a kid's attitudes toward nature (and environmentally conscious behavior) when they grow up.

Instead of screen time (or at least balancing moderate screen time), encourage your kids to do something outdoors the next time they say they're bored.

Wild Turkey Federation to Fund Kansas Habitat Projects

More than $56,000 appropriated for 2012

The Kansas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has announced appropriation of $56,200 for Kansas wildlife habitat projects in 2012 through the organization's Super Fund. These projects help fund everything from grassland and forest restoration to education outreach.

"I am pleased to say that, through the hard work of our volunteers, we were able to provide funding to all project requests this year, our largest Super Fund ever," said Jared W. McJunkin, NWTF Western Region conservation field supervisor. "Our members, supporters, and volunteers deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and support to make this happen."

Projects funded by the Kansas Super Fund proposals for 2012 include the following:

♦ Clinton Wildlife Area — $3,000 for Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) continued grassland restoration efforts;

♦ Kansas public lands forest management — $18,000 to be used to secure outside partner funding match for a Public Lands Forestry Initiative;

♦ Riparian hardwood restoration — $5,000 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for riparian bottomland restoration on the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge;

♦ Walk-In Hunter Access (WIHA) Program enhancement — $5,500 to KDWPT to create a special incentive to increase new enrollment in the spring WIHA program in northcentral Kansas;

♦ Fall River Wildlife Area — $5,700 to KDWPT for a new forest management project on FRWA;

♦ Woodson Wildlife Area — $4,000 to KDWPT for continued restoration of 400 acres of native grass savannah;

♦ Leavenworth State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area — $2,500 to KDWPT for continued removal of eastern redcedar from grasslands;

♦ Douglas State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area — $3,000 to KDWPT for continued establishment of forest openings;

♦ Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake #1 — $2,000 to KDWPT to create/enhance forest openings;

♦ 1st Pioneer Upland Chapter — $500 to the NWTF Chapter in Iola to conduct a prescribed fire educational day in partnership with KDWPT;

♦ Big Hill WA — $2,000 to KDWPT for grasslands restoration;

♦ Regional Biologist Program — $5,000;

♦ 1st Pioneer Upland Chapter — $1,250 for support of two National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) kits for area schools;

♦ Western Kansas NWTF Chapter — $1,250 for purchasing a NASP kit for the local school; and

♦ 2011 Kansas ECO-Meet — $1,800 for continued support of the Kansas State ECO-Meet.

In addition, funding for 2012 includes $20,000 for the NWTF Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship (JAKES); Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin' Sportsmen events; local and state scholarship programs; and Wild About Turkeys education boxes for schools and educators across the state.