How Natural Resources May Be Impacted by the "Fiscal Cliff"

by Outdoor Hub Reporters

Radio airwaves, TV stations and written news sources have been teeming with talk of the impending “fiscal cliff” that may slide theUnited States back into recession and raise unemployment rates. Yet, rarely are the country’s natural resources a part of this talk. To remedy that, Mother Nature Network took a look at just what sort of effect the fiscal cliff (or the laws that pertain to the fiscal cliff) may have on national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, public lands, oceans, the coastline, and environmental research.

First, what is the “fiscal cliff?” The phrase refers to a number of laws under the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the Bush tax cuts which lowered taxes and prevented the United States from sovereign default. The “cliff” is the slew of budget cuts and tax hikes all set to hit at the same time on January 1 if the president and Congress do not draft another plan to avoid the looming changes.

Mother Nature Network paints a grim outlook for the future of natural resources if a new plan is not agreed upon by Congress and the president.

The White House estimates that “the National Park Service (NPS) would likely have to close some national parks, campgrounds and visitor centers.” Park rangers at the NPS may face a reduction in staff, while National Wildlife Refuge System scientists could lose 200 positions and law enforcement would be cut by 15 percent.

More job loss and weaker management of wildlife, wildfires, man-made forest infrastructure (such as roads and lodging) would suffer from decreased maintenance, many permits may go unprocessed and invasive species may increase. According to the National Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) fiscal cliff report, budget cuts could damage development in parks and other public lands across the country as well as cause permanent loss of recreation access in some places.

Other threats include ecological damage to coastlines and oceans because of the decreased ability of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect these areas.

Read the full article by Russell McLendon on the Mother Nature Network by clicking here.

Trail Camera Captures Mountain Lion in Stafford County

Ninth Kansas mountain lion confirmed in modern times

A deer hunter who was using a remote trail camera to scout for deer in Stafford County was surprised recently when he plugged the SD card in and found the image of a mountain lion. He hadn’t checked the camera for several weeks, and the photo was taken in October, but there was no doubt about the identification. A Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism wildlife biologist visited the site Nov. 16 and confirmed the photo’s validity. This is the first report documented in Kansas since last January when tracks of a mountain lion were found in Washington County.

The Stafford County lion is the ninth to be officially confirmed in Kansas since 2007. While there have been many sightings reported, KDWPT staff investigate if evidence, such as tracks, a photo, or cached kill, is present. According to ongoing research by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, dispersing mountain lions, which are primarily young males, feed mostly on medium-sized animals such as raccoons, raptors, coyotes, and turkeys. They feed on deer less frequently, which take days to consume and likely hinder their movement across the landscape as they search of the opposite sex and an area in which to establish a permanent home range. There is no evidence of a resident population of mountain lions in Kansas.

The use of remote, motion-triggered cameras by deer hunters to monitor deer in their hunting areas has become common in recent years. These cameras have been responsible for five of the nine Kansas mountain lion confirmations.

Tuttle Creek Lake Hosts Annual Eagle Day January 5

Free program provides information and eagle viewing opportunities

The eagles are landing around Manhattan. With the arrival of winter, migratory bald eagles have been working their way south and passing through Kansas.

To offer the opportunity to see our national bird in its native habitat, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake has scheduled its annual Eagle Day for Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and run until approximately noon.

The program is free and open to the public. All participants should meet at 9 a.m. in the large assembly room at the Manhattan Fire Station, 2000 Denison. Dan Mulhern, biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will offer a short presentation about bald eagles migrating through and nesting in Kansas. Pat Silovsky, director of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Milford Nature Center, will feature several live raptors in her discussion of eagles and other birds of prey.

Following the presentations at the fire station, members of the Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society will lead participants on a bus tour through areas near Tuttle Creek Lake, with the goal of watching bald eagles in the wild.

Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, and everyone is encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras.

Tuttle Creek Lake’s Eagle Day 2013 is sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bus service and refreshments are sponsored by the Tuttle Creek Lake Association.

For more information, contact Steve Prockish at (785) 539-8511, extension 3167.

Tourism Ad Campaign Touts Kansas

Study shows 80:1 return on investment from advertising campaign

Some people think Kansas is a well-kept secret, but the Division of Tourism of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) doesn’t keep quiet about trumpeting the virtues of our state. According to an independent study, the state’s “There’s No Place Like Kansas” marketing campaign generated 133,400 additional visitors to Kansas and contributed $73.5 million to the Kansas economy, yet cost only $915,400 – a return on investment (ROI) of $80 for every dollar spent. The KDWPT Division of Tourism directed the campaign, and an independent research company, H2R Market Research, conducted the study.

The campaign ran between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. It used television, print, online and digital advertisements and reached 1.84 million people in seven states: Nebraska, Missouri (including St. Louis),Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Iowa. A sample of the television ads can be viewed on YouTube athttp://www.youtube.com/user/travelks.

“This campaign focused on the unique and surprising experiences visitors can enjoy when they visitKansas. The study shows that investing in tourism marketing pays big dividends and that tourism is an important part of the Kansas economy," said KDWPT Secretary Robin Jennison.

The campaign did not spend state general taxes. Instead, it was funded with dollars from Economic Development Initiative Funds (EDIF) generated through the Kansas Lottery and eight community partners that contributed $20,000 each: Dodge City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB); Hutchinson CVB; Kansas City CVB; Lawrence CVB; Manhattan CVB; Visit Salina; Visit Topeka and Go Wichita.

“We believe it is essential to partner with statewide industry leaders to maximize the many and varied programs of the Kansas Tourism Division,” said Becky Blake, Kansas Tourism Director. “Our advertising partners help stretch our limited funds, enabling all of us to create excitement about Kansas far beyond the state’s borders.”

“Based on advertising effectiveness studies we have conducted over the last three years for state tourism offices and destination marketing organizations, Kansas’ ROI of 80:1 is well above the industry average,” said Jerry Henry, president of H2R and widely-respected expert with nearly 30 years of travel and leisure research.

The Kansas tourism industry employs one of every nine Kansas citizens in jobs that stay in the state and can’t be sent to another state or oversees. Tourism is the third largest private sector employer in Kansas.

For more information or a summary of the report, visit www.TravelKS.com, or call 785-296-2009. FindKansas on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelKS and on Twitter at @TravelKS.

Governor's Turkey Hunt Seeks Young Hunters

Six lucky youngsters will get turkey hunting opportunity

The Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, based in El Dorado, draws hunters from across the U.S. each spring to experience the great turkey hunting found in Kansas. However, since 2002, six lucky young hunters from Kansas have been selected to participate in the hunt as “Youth Celebrities.”

While organizers of the hunt strive to promote Kansas’ great hunting heritage, they also realize that hunting traditions must be passed down to our youth. To do that, they have developed an application and selection process to get young hunters involved. To be considered for selection, youth must be Kansas residents, have completed a hunter education course, be 12 to 18 years of age, have a parent or adult sponsor who will accompany and stay with them during the event, attend all events associated with the hunt, and submit an application, essay and photo by Jan. 8, 2013.

A selection committee will review the applications and essays, which should be about “Why I Should Be Considered for the Hunt”or“Why Hunting Is Important to Me.” The committee will consider qualified applicants of all experience levels.

The lucky six will be considered youth hunters and will not be in competition for the Top Gun award, but each will be provided with the following: a hunting guide; hotel accommodations in El Dorado; tickets and passes to all the events for the parent/sponsor and youth; two turkey permits and licenses required; and the opportunity to participate in future events as volunteers.

This year’s hunt will take place April 11-13. Applicants may contact the Kansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt office during business hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 316-321-3835 with any questions concerning the youth program or other programs associated with the hunt. A celebrity youth program application can be downloaded here http://www.ksgovsturkeyhunt.com/.

Any Kansas youth who meets the eligibility requirements is encouraged to apply for participation in the hunt. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a quality turkey hunting experience and the hospitality of the great folks in Butler County and El Dorado who conduct the hunt each year. The Kansas Governor’s Annual One Shot Turkey Hunt has become recognized throughout the U.S. as one of the finest of its kind in the nation.

Bird Cupcake Recipe

Treat the birds this winter with these high-energy suet treats.

In the winter, birds benefit from a high-energy suet treat. Stacy Tornio, editor of Birds & Blooms, developed this recipe with her kids using cupcake liners to stay mess-free. They’re happy to report that the birds love it.

To make a bird cupcake, melt 1 cup shortening and 2 cups chunky peanut butter over low heat, then mix in 5 cups cornmeal. Fill cupcake tins and top with your choice of nuts, birdseed or dried berries. Cool in the refrigerator. To give as a gift, arrange on a plate or stack and then wrap with cellophane. Print off the recipe card below and attach it to the cellophane so your recipient can make more. Add a bow, and you have an instant gift!

Fun Winter Outdoor Activities for Families - To Beat Cabin Fever

Cure your kids' winter blues with these easy ideas for outdoor fun

If you live in "snow country," the first flakes of the season bring everyone out to play. But as winter wears on and snow becomes just something to shake from your boots, it gets easier and easier to stay inside.

But as long as your kids bundle up, fresh air will do them a world of good. Here are some ways to keep outdoor winter play fresh and fun.

            Scenario #1: The snow has been around for weeks and the kids are tired of sledding.

Build a miniature luge track. Have the kids use metal spoons to carve parallel tracks in the snow. (Snow that has been piled up and frozen hard is best.) They can race the spoons, rubber balls, acorns, or anything else handy. Kids will have fun trying to create the fastest course!

Make mini-snowmen out of snowballs. Younger children find making these little people easier than building the standard life-sized snowman. And older kids can spend more time on the details instead of building huge snow creatures. Get the neighborhood involved and create a whole city of mini-snowpeople!

Think beyond snowmen. Expand snow-building to include such things as cars, animals, or favorite sports team logos. Use water with food coloring to “paint” creations. 

Go snowshoeing. Snowshoeing doesn’t require fancy gear when you make your own out of cardboard cutouts, shoe boxes, folded newspapers, or tree branches. Attach to boots with string, rubber bands, or bungee cords and try a trek around your favorite green space.

            Scenario #2: It snowed, but not enough for sledding or building.

Look for tracks. A light snowfall can reveal what animals are around looking for food. Search for tracks and try to follow them.

Go to the playground. You probably haven’t been there in a while, and kids may enjoy seeing their summer play place sprinkled with snow. Take pictures, so you can compare when spring arrives. Bring along a thermos of cider or hot chocolate to cheer everyone up when you return to the car or the house.

Zoom in on nature. Bring a magnifying glass outside to take a close-up look at the frozen foliage. Or, if you have a microscope, take some items inside (quickly, before they melt!) to investigate further.

            Scenario #3: It’s a chilly, gray day with not a snowflake in sight. 

Go for the gold: Invite friends and family to your own Wacky Winter Olympics, held in your yard or neighborhood park.

Dog Sled Race: Competitors pull snow sleds loaded with toys, sticks, or rocks across the grass.

Polar Bear Swim: Give each child a tote bag of swim goggles, towel, an old adult swimsuit or oversized flippers. See how fast they can pull on the swim gear over their outdoor clothes, throw the towel around their neck, take a pretend "swim," then remove items and return to bag.

Award each participant with an “outdoorsy” Olympic medal—tie a pine cone to a string!

Make ice sculptures: Fill a clear plastic container with a few inches of water. Add food coloring and stones and sticks for decoration. Set outside for several hours or overnight to freeze. Add another layer of water and nature “stuff” dyed a different color and allow to freeze. Repeat to create multiple layers.

Take the earth’s temperature: You’ll need to make sure the ground isn’t frozen for this one. Buy a soil thermometer at a garden supply store and take it with you on a walk around the yard or park. Have your kids stick it in the ground in various locations to compare ground temperatures. Is the ground warmer or cooler than the air? Does the temperature change in different locations?