Registration Open for 2009 North American Conservation Education Conference

2009 North American Conservation Education Conference:
Taking Conservation Education to the Next Level

January 26-29, 2009
C. A. Vines 4-H Center, Little Rock, Arkansas

In 2004, conservation education professionals from across the nation met in Shepherdstown, WV for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Summit on Conservation Education. More than 35 state fish and wildlife agencies along with several federal agencies and non-governmental organizations participated in this historic event, which initiated the North American Conservation Education Strategy.

The 2009 North American Conservation Education Conference is the long-awaited sequel. This conference will enable conservation educators to discover the pieces of the strategy that are now in place and how the strategy can empower participants to become more proficient in their various areas of conservation education. Participants also will become more aware of national trends and latest quality conservation education materials.

The conference location near Little Rock will provide the backdrop for professional development and collaboration through a mixture of seminars, keynote speakers and work sessions. This conference will provide the opportunity to help determine the future direction of the North American CE Strategy.

The event will kick-off with dinner and an evening program on Monday, January 26. Tuesday through Wednesday will feature a mixture of sessions and discussion topped off by a Southern BBQ hosted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The conference will conclude at noon Thursday.

Conference registration is $295 for double occupancy and $325 for single occupancy, which covers all meals and lodging. In addition, Arkansas Game and Fish will shuttle attendees to and from the airport. Click here to download a Registration Form.

The Association is providing funding for travel scholarships through support of the North American Conservation Education Strategy. In order to encourage participation from all 50 state fish and wildlife agencies, the Association will reimburse one representative per state agency up to $500 for airline travel or mileage using the federal government rate. Click to download a scholarship form.

The conference committee is finalizing the agenda, which will be complete shortly.

For more information, contact any of the 2009 Conservation Education Planning Committee:

Kevin Frailey, Conference Chair, Michigan DNR, fraileyk@michigan.gov

Lucy Moreland, Registrar and host agency, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission,
lmmoreland@agfc.state.ar.us

Kurt Cunningham, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, kcunningham@mt.gov

Jennifer Dennison, Ohio DNR, jen.dennison@dnr.state.oh.gov

Warren Gartner, Indiana, DNR, wgartner@dnr.in.gov

Gregg Losinski, Idaho Fish and Game, glosinski@idfg.idaho.gov

For the most up-to-date information, visit the 2009 North American Conservation Education Conference website.

Turning the Tide on Recreational Fishing on Federal Lands

On September 26, President George W. Bush signed an amendment to the 1995 Executive Order on recreational fishing to ensure that federal agencies maintain responsible recreational fishing on federal lands and waters, including marine protected areas.

"Our nation's sportsmen and women are among our foremost conservationists. I was pleased to amend Executive Order 12962 to recognize the value of recreational fishing as a sustainable activity in federal waters," said President Bush.

Over the past two years, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the Center for Coastal Conservation and its members, the Coastal Conservation Association, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Shimano American Corporation united efforts to secure the recreational fishing and boating access amendment.

“We applaud the President for taking this unprecedented step which recognizes that anglers and boaters play a significant and critical role in this country’s successful conservation model which is the envy of the world,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “As a recreational angler and boater himself, the President clearly understands that sportsmen and women are conservationists first and foremost and that recreational fishing is an essential component of the nation’s heritage.”

"This is a major victory for sportsmen and we commend the President," said Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). "CSF has been particularly concerned about the spawn of no fishing provisions in marine protected areas that lock recreational anglers out of prime fishing areas."

"We appreciate the leadership President Bush has shown by his recognition of recreational fishing as an environmentally sustainable activity on federal waters, including marine protected areas. This is a progressive declaration which will benefit millions of anglers today and in the future," stated Phil Morlock, director of environmental affairs for Shimano American Corporation.

“The President’s action established a legacy for recreational fishing by securing access to fishing and boating, the lifeblood of the American model of fisheries management and conservation,” said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. “Every time American anglers buy fishing licenses or sportfishing equipment, an investment is made in fishing’s future. This highly successful user-pay system for fishery management depends on access to the resource.”

Source: American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Celebrates Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 27

37th annual celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day recognizes conservation success funded by hunters and anglers

WASHINGTON – State fish and wildlife agencies nationwide will host National Hunting and Fishing Day events on Saturday, Sept. 27 to connect the public with nature and raise awareness of the American system of sportsmen-funded conservation.

Within the U.S., state fish and wildlife management is funded primarily through the purchase of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and through federal excise taxes collected from the sale of hunting, target shooting, and fishing equipment and motor boat fuels. Today, nearly all state agencies receive the bulk of their total operating and program budgets from these sources to manage healthy fish and wildlife resources. Without a dedicated funding source and few other funding options for fish and wildlife agencies, hunters, boaters, anglers and trappers continue to be the primary support for state-by-state conservation efforts.

Through the American System of Conservation Funding through license revenue and excise taxes, more than $1.7 billion dollars is entrusted to state agencies annually for fisheries and wildlife restoration and management; hunter, angler and boater access; as well as for hunter and boater safety education.

“America’s fish and wildlife belong to all of us as a public trust, and we rely on state agencies to ensure healthy populations and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature,” said Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “However, every state fish and wildlife agency today is facing constant and increasing resource demands; the impact of urbanization, habitat loss, and other emerging issues; shrinking hunter and angler constituencies, and revenue base; and rising costs. This challenging environment is a threat to the system, fish and wildlife species and the people who value them.”

Wildlife-based activities, such as hunting, fishing, viewing and photography provide people with millions of days of outdoor recreation each year and generate billions of dollars for the economy. According a 2006 National Survey of Hunting Fish and Wildlife-Related Recreation, more than 87 million Americans spent more than $120 billion dollars in 2006 on wildlife-related activities. These activities support close to 3 million jobs in the U.S.

“On National Hunting and Fishing Day, I encourage everyone who appreciates the outdoors to participate in a state-sponsored event and recognize the significant contributions hunters and anglers have made to support the overall conservation of our nation’s fish and wildlife resources,” said Hogan.

National Hunting and Fishing Day, formalized by Congress in 1971, was created to commemorate conservation successes funded by hunters and anglers, which benefits all who enjoy wildlife and wild places. The annual celebration, led by Wonders of Wildlife, the nation’s only hunting- and fishing-focused museum, promotes and builds public support for outdoor lifestyles. National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of every September.

For more information about National Hunting and Fishing Day or to find a list of state-sponsored events, visit www.nhfday.org.

Landmark Fish Habitat Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate

Yesterday, Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Christopher Bond (R-MO), Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), and George Voinovich (R-OH) introduced the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act of 2008, a comprehensive strategy to allocate conservation dollars for effective restoration of our national waterways.

“The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, which I introduced along with Senators Bond, Clinton, and Voinovich, will revolutionize how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approaches fish habitat conservation. With 40 percent of our fish populations in decline and half of our waters impaired, the current fragmented approach to fish habitat protection and preservation has clearly not worked." said Lieberman. "This bill encourages collaborative regional conservation efforts that bring together federal government agencies, state and local governments, conservation groups, fishing industry groups, and businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to enact this critical legislation to help restore fishstocks across the country.”

The legislation was spearheaded by numerous leading environmental organizations including the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the American Sportfishing Association, The Nature Conservancy, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and Trout Unlimited, all of which share a common interest in the success of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.

Currently, our nation’s efforts to address threats to fish species are fragmented, and not comprehensive enough to reverse this downward trend. Earlier this month, the American Fisheries Society's Endangered Species Committee (ESC), a U.S. Geological Survey-led team of scientists, conducted a detailed evaluation of the health of our nation’s freshwater fishes. In examining the status of continental freshwater and diadromous (migrating between rivers and oceans) fish, the ESC determined that nearly 40 percent of fish species in North American streams, rivers and lakes are now imperiled. This dramatic increase in the number of imperiled fish since the last report 20 years ago calls for the urgent action provided in the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act of 2008.

Under this legislation, federal and state governments, the recreational and commercial fishing industries, the conservation community, and businesses will work together to collectively to conserve and protect aquatic habitats using science-based conservation approaches. The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act directs critical new resources toward the nation’s fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life for the American people. This legislation leverages federal, state, and private funds to build regional partnerships aimed at addressing the nation’s biggest fisheries problems.

To date, the National Fish Habitat Action Plan’s progress has included:
• Establishment of six fish habitat partnerships including:o Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnershipo Eastern Brook Trout Joint Ventureo Western Native Trout Initiativeo Midwest Driftless Area Restoration Effort o Matanuska-Susitna Basin Salmon Habitat Partnershipo Southwest Alaska Salmon Habitat Partnership
• Allocated approximately $11 Million towards:o On the ground restoration projects through fish habitat partnershipso A National Fish Habitat Assessment – due in 2010
This legislation is expected to improve not only important fish habitat, but also the overall health of vital waterways throughout the United States.

“I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to the sponsors of the bill and their commitment to improving the quality of life in this country,” said Kelly Hepler, of the Alaska Fish and Game Department and Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board. “The waterways in our country are the true lifeblood of our nation and the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will not only provide additional fishing opportunities and public access to these waterways but will also improve the health of the water and therefore the health of our families.”

“This is a landmark bill that, if passed, would show our country is moving in the right direction to protect freshwater and aquatic ecosystems,” said Mark Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. “With recent studies showing that fish species are in serious decline, we are in dire need of implementing a nationwide, comprehensive program to protect fish habitat. We need to act swiftly on this important legislation.”

“The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will provide new money for fish habitat conservation in this country,” said American Sportfishing Association Vice President, Gordon Robertson. “It represents a ground-up approach to fishery conservation and is complimentary to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund Act. By improving the nation’s fishery resources, the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will also provide more recreational fishing opportunities for America’s 40 million anglers.”

The National Fish Habitat Action Plan board and staff appreciate the leadership and commitment of Senators Lieberman, Bond, Clinton and Voinovich along with their many colleagues who we hope will support this unprecedented legislation.

For more information, visit www.fishhabitat.org.

Registration Open: 2008 Colorado River Basin Science and Resource Management Symposium

2008 Colorado River Basin Science and Resource Management Symposium
Coming Together: Coordination of Science and Restoration Activities for the Colorado River Ecosystem

November 18-20, 2008
Doubletree Resort Hotel
5401 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ

The 2008 Colorado River Basin Science and Resource Management Symposium will focus to a large extent on the management and protection of desert fishes. The symposium will promote the exchange of information on research and management activities related to the restoration of the Colorado River and its major tributaries from the headwaters to the U.S.-Mexico border. This basinwide symposium will provide scientists, stakeholders, land and resource managers, and decision makers the opportunity to learn about these various programs and exchange ideas and data enhancing the effectiveness of these programs.This 2-1/2 day symposium will feature plenary sessions as well as concurrent technical sessions, vendors, and poster sessions.

Plenary and Technical Session Topics Include:
Status and trends of aquatic resources, including native and nonnative fishes
Climate change and long-term drought: how will it affect restoration efforts?
Adaptive management and collaborative management decision making
Instream flow management and protection (including dam operations and reservoirs)
Nonnative fish management and restoration
Integrating recreational fisheries with native fish conservation
Monitoring program design and effectiveness
Native fish propagation, stocking genetic management
Sediment conservation and management
Societal values and Native American perspectives
Riparian habitat monitoring and restoration

A limited number of rooms are available at the special rate of $102, plus tax, per night if you book your hotel reservation before September 30. Reserve a room by calling 480-947-5400 (Be sure to mention the symposium or Water Education Foundation) or visiting http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/PHXSJDT-WEF-20081114/index.jhtml

Abstract Deadline September 22: For information on abstract format, including a sample, visit http://www.watereducation.org/doc.asp?id=1072 orcontact Ted Melis, 928-556-7282 or tmelis@usgs.gov

Symposium and Registration Information: For additional information or to register, please visit http://www.watereducation.org/doc.asp?id=1072

Conference cosponsors: U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center; Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program; Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program; Bureau of Reclamation; National Park Service; Colorado River Fish and Wildlife Council; Water Education Foundation; and San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation

House to Vote on No Child Left Inside Act

Please ask your representative to support environmental education. The House of Representatives will vote on the No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 next week – either Tuesday, September 9 or Wednesday, September 10.

You can email your representative via www.NCLICoalition.org by clicking on “Contact Your Congressperson” and filling out the short form. If you want to place a phone call to your representative’s office, click here for their phone number.

The No Child Left Inside Coalition is growing every day and now has 700 member organizations, including the Association of Fish and Wildlfie Agencies, representing more than 40 million people who understand the value of environmental education.

For more information about the NCLI Act and the Coalition, visit www.NLCLICoalition.org.

RBFF to Release Preliminary Results from State Direct Mail Marketing Program at Association's Annual Meeting

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced it will share preliminary results from the organization's State Direct Mail Marketing Program at the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Annual Meeting being held Sept. 7-11, 2008 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

"Since we introduced the Direct Mail Marketing Program last year at the Association, we wanted to reveal the initial program results here this year," said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. "We are pleased with the overall response rate and licenses sold so far. And as the program expands to new state partners, we will continue to increase funds for critical management and conservation efforts."

On Tues., Sept. 9 at an RBFF-hosted breakfast, Peterson and RBFF State Initiatives Director Stephanie Hussey will reveal the direct mail response rates from at least four participating states and update state agencies on the national lapsed angler recruitment and retention program. They will also discuss plans to sign on new state partners in the upcoming year.

Launched in March 2008 with 30 state fish and wildlife agencies, RBFF's Direct Mail Marketing Program aims to recruit and retain lapsed anglers and generate awareness of the connection between fishing license sales and conservation efforts. The Direct Mail Marketing Kit includes direct mail templates, instructions to implement a direct mail campaign and marketing assistance from RBFF. All results from the State Direct Mail Marketing Program will be shared in future RBFF communications. If you'd like to set up a one-on-one meeting or interview at the Annual Meeting, email Stephanie Hussey or call her at (703) 778-5152.

About RBFF: RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers' Legacy™.

Western Native Trout Initiative Announces New Steering Committee and Grant Appropriation Approvals

In two separate actions at the July meeting of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Western Native Trout Initiative received endorsement for a new Steering Committee to guide the organizations’ implementation of efforts to improve the status of 15 species of western native trout; and approved six grants totaling $200,000 to a variety of states and organizations.

“For the past two years, the Western Native Trout Initiative has worked to develop a new approach to expanding the work being done to protect various species of cutthroat and other native trout across the West,” said Robin Knox, Initiative Coordinator.

“The Western Native Trout Initiative (WNTI), has partnered with 12 western state and five federal fishery management agencies in an evaluation and planning effort that describes what needs to be done to help the fish. The new Steering Committee will act as a board of directors to prioritize future Initiative expenditures and grants received from National Fish Habitat Action Plan federal funding. Over the past two years, over 30 projects have been initiated by this effort. The Steering Committee has a broad scope, and representation from a variety of fishery conservation interests to help us choose what are the most important enhancement projects to be completed in the next several years,” Knox said.

The structure of the Steering Committee is as follows:
Chair – Mike Stone – Wyoming
Rich Haskins NV – Great Basin States
Craig Burley WA – Northwest States
Roger Wilson UT – Intermountain States
Julie Meka AZ – Southwest States
Christopher Estes - Alaska
Charles Corrarino OR – At Large
Mike Sloane NM – At Large
Lisa Heki – US FWS
Tom Mendenhall – BLM (until Fall when he will assign Tyler Abbot)
Dan Duffield – US FS
NGO – Warren Colyer - Trout Unlimited

The Initiative is seeking representation as well from the Native American community and western Canadian Provinces, as these two groups have an interest in western trout management in connected waters as well.


WNTI Project Appropriation Details
The Western Native Trout Initiative is pleased to announce the awarding of funding to six western native trout projects that will advance knowledge about the several species and aid in the planning for future conservation efforts. The awards are as follows:

1. $28,500. – Redband Trout Status review and assessment. Multiple western state and federal fishery managers will develop the first ever status review for this obscure fish species. Total project cost - $36,150. Recipient – Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game.

2. $75,132. – State of Washington Redband Trout status and distribution Study. The State of Washington, as part of the Region-wide Redband Trout review will assess the statewide status of the species. Total project cost - $84,667. Recipient – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

3. $30,000. - Westslope Cutthroat Trout Status Review and database update. Four western states and 2 federal agencies will participate in this important review of changes in the status of Westslope cutthroat trout. Total project cost - $110,000. Recipient - Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game.

4. $39,255. – Coastal Cutthroat Trout Distribution and Status Review. This project will provide much needed information on the status of Coastal cutthroat trout to help determine what are the greatest conservation needs for the fish. Total project cost - $108,091. Recipient – Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

5. $7500. - California Golden Trout Population Sampling. California Trout Unlimited plays an important role in helping California Fish and Game sample Golden trout in hard to access areas. Total project cost - $15,000. Recipient – California Council of Trout Unlimited.

6. $19,500. Crooked Creek Streambank Stabilization and Improvement. A mix of private, state, and federal partners are working in the Klamath River Basin to improve fish habitat for a variety of fish species including Redband trout. This project helps that effort. Total project cost - $89,700. Recipient – Klamath Basin Rangeland Trust.

The total awarded is $199, 887. Total Projects cost is $344,608. For more information about WNTI, go to www.westernnativetrout.org.

National Conservation Leadership Institute Names 2008-2009 Fellows

The National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI) is pleased to announce the third cohort of Fellows for the 2008-2009 leadership development program. Thirty-four “rising stars” in conservation will join the ranks of 71 Fellows, now alumni, previously selected since 2006 from state agencies, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and companies working in the natural resources industry.

NCLI Fellows have become widely regarded as future senior leaders who will help to build a conservation legacy for the next generation. The 2008-2009 Fellows are:


Karen Alexy -- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
Laurel Anders -- Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
Karen Bataille -- Missouri Department of Conservation
Thomas Baumeister -- Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Bob Broscheid -- Arizona Game and Fish Department
Sally Claggett -- U.S. Forest Service
Frank Fiss -- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Peter Flores -- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Danielle Flynn -- Bureau of Land Management
Mike Fowlks -- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Ben Fulton -- Marine Corps Base Quantico
Becky Gwynn -- Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries
Debbie Hart -- Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Steven Hilburger -- U.S. Geological Survey
Steve Hurst -- New York State Dept of Environ Cons.
Aaron Jeffries -- Missouri Department of Conservation
Chris Jensen -- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ron Leathers -- Pheasants Forever
Julie Lyke -- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Marcia Maslonek -- Wildlife Habitat Council
Fred Maulson -- Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Comm.
Ray Metzler -- Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries
Jason B. Moeckel -- Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
Mike Montoya -- Mescalero Apache Tribe
Amy Owsley -- Eastern Shore Land Conservancy
Tom Paragi -- Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Steve Perry -- NH Fish and Game Department
Linnea Petercheff -- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Scott Reinecker -- Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game
Bill Rudd -- Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Tony Schoonen -- Boone and Crockett Club
Mark Whitney -- Georgia DNR
Nick Wiley -- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comm.
David A. Zebro -- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The new cohort of Fellows will begin the program in September with electronic pre-work followed by an 11-day highly, interactive residency in October at the National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia. After returning home, Fellows work for five months on individual leadership projects focused on a challenge facing their organizations, and the program culminates in the Spring with a long-weekend session at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri.


About the National Conservation Leadership Institute:
The National Conservation Leadership Institute is a non-profit, multi-organizational effort with the single purpose of providing a world class experience for developing extraordinary leaders in natural resource conservation. The Institute is supported by many of the nation’s most passionate conservation interests including the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Weatherby Foundation International, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, International Paper, Boone and Crockett, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Bass Pro Shops. For more information, go to www.conservationleadership.org.

No Child Left Inside Coalition Reaches 500 Members

Today, the No Child Left Inside Coalition attracted its 500th member organization to help improve environmental educationby pushing for the No Child Left Inside Act.

The NCLI Coalition was formed only 18 months ago. Today, NCLI member organizations, including the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, represent more than 22 million Americans. These groups are focused on a variety of areas – the environment, education, outdoor recreation, businesses, public health and science. While they have different interests, they share a commitment to improving how we teach kids about their natural world.

This milestone comes at a critical time—the full House of Representatives is expected to vote on the No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 next week.

To view a complete list of members or to find out more about the No Child Left Inside Act, visit www.NCLICoalition.org.

Looking for New Teaming with Wildlife Program Associate

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is seeking a Teaming with Wildlife Program Associate to support state fish and wildlife agencies in outreach and implementation initiatives for state wildlife action plans and other wildlife diversity conservation initiatives.

Responsibilities include developing and carrying out outreach activities, working with diverse partners to build support for the state wildlife action plans, assisting with management of the State Wildlife Grants Program, and promoting concrete collaborative opportunities, including federal agency engagement. In addition, the Program Associate will provide assistance to the Teaming with Wildlife Director in legislative outreach and advocacy activities necessary to secure funding for state wildlife action plans. The Program Associate reports to the Teaming with Wildlife Director and works closely with other Association staff to integrate state wildlife action plans into all areas of the Association’s work.

Masters degree in natural resources, planning, public policy, or a closely related field and two (2) or more years relevant experience. Experience with wildlife conservation issues strongly preferred. Experience in a state fish and wildlife agency a plus. The application deadline is August 8, 2008.

Visit the Careers page on our website for a full position description and application information. No calls please.

Bald Eagles Thriving Throughout Pennsylvania

The bald eagle continues to supplant its recent - and remarkable - nesting successes with new records, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. And from all indications, this raptor isn't done making headlines.

"The bald eagle's ascension from its perilous past is an inspiration to all who care about environmental reform and wild Pennsylvania," explained Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. "These birds are living proof that responsible natural resource management and conservation make Pennsylvania a better place to live and ensure wildlife will be around for future generations to enjoy."

"It's fitting that news about the continuing triumphs of bald eagles have graced our headlines over the Fourth of July for the past several years. As our nation's symbol, their presence is essential in America's outdoors. They immediately add a touch of class and true wilderness to any area they inhabit, whether it's on the outskirts of Philadelphia or a remote stretch of the Lake Erie shoreline."

This spring, bald eagles are known to be nesting in at least 47 of the state's 67 counties. Their tally of nests is expected to exceed 140 nests. In June 2007, biologists estimated Pennsylvania had 120 known nests in 42 counties. The final count of those nests turned out to be 132, and they produced more than 150 eaglets.

As recently as 1983, there were only three eagle nests remaining in Pennsylvania. That year, the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle reintroduction program in which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests. The Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund provided financial assistance for this effort. In all, 88 Canadian bald eagles were released from sites located at Dauphin County's Haldeman Island and Pike County's Shohola Falls.

"What's happening in Pennsylvania is also happening in many other states," noted Doug Gross, Game Commission ornithologist. "Bald eagles are thriving in Ohio and New York, and, of course, in Maryland, where more than 400 pairs have been documented. Some states with extensive big-water resources, such as Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin, have more than a 1,000 pairs each.

Annual Meeting Registration Open!

Registration is now open for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Annual Meeting to be held September 7-12, 2008 in Saratoga Springs, NY!

The conference registration fee is $380 prior to August 24 and $425 after August 24. The registration fee includes all sessions, committee meetings, receptions (where noted) and a ticket to the Annual Meeting Awards Banquet. Guest tickets for the banquet are $50 and guest tickets to the Welcome Reception are $45.

Most of the conference events will be held at our host hotel, The Saratoga Hilton, and the Saratoga City Center, which is attached to The Saratoga Hilton. Both facilities are within a few blocks of restaurants and shops, and are located in the heart of downtown Saratoga. The Association also has blocked rooms at The Hampton Inn, located across the street from the City Center, and the Courtyard By Marriott which is a ¼ mile walk to the City Center.

Visit the Annual Meeting website to register, view the Schedule at a Glance, find more lodging and travel information and learn how to become a meeting sponsor or exhibitor.

Thank you to our Conference Sponsors: National Wild Turkey Federation; Bass Pro Shops; Ducks Unlimited; National Shooting Sports Foundation; Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation; Bowhunting Preservation Alliance; U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance; Wildlife Forever; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Inspection Service, Wildlife Services Program.

Mark Humpert Named New Teaming with Wildlife Director by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

Washington (June 19, 2008) – The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies announced today that Mark J. Humpert will be joining its staff as the Teaming with Wildlife Director. With more than 20 years of experience in the wildlife conservation field, Humpert currently is the Wildlife Diversity Program Manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He will begin work at the Association on August 11.

As Director, Humpert will manage the Teaming with Wildlife campaign and oversee other extensive outreach efforts related to state wildlife diversity programs. He also will be coordinating the activities of a 5,000+ organization coalition and managing legislative advocacy efforts around funding for state fish and wildlife agencies to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.

“Over the past several years, I’ve had the chance to work with wildlife diversity and wildlife action plan coordinators from across the nation,” said Humpert. “The opportunity to build on the past successes of the Teaming with Wildlife program and to continue activating the Teaming with Wildlife coalition at this crucial time to ensure state agencies and partners have the public funding to fully implement their plans is exciting.”

Humpert has been involved with the Teaming with Wildlife coalition at the state and national levels for many years and, prior to accepting the Director position, represented Nebraska on the Association’s Teaming with Wildlife committee. Notably, he coordinated the Nebraska Teaming with Wildlife coalition, which grew from 49 to more than 270 organizations within five years during his tenure. Humpert also lead outreach efforts for Nebraska’s Wildlife Action Plan, State Wildlife Grants Program, Nongame Check-off Program, Nebraska Partnership for All-Bird Conservation, and the Healthy Families Play Outside Network.

"Mark has the understanding of the planning and implementation processes needed for wildlife action plans to succeed," said Matt Hogan, Executive Director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “With his experience advancing public policy and developing comprehensive outreach strategies, he is a welcome addition to the team.”

In 2007, Humpert was named the Nebraska Wildlife Professional of the Year. He is past President of both the state of Nebraska and Ohio State University Chapters of The Wildlife Society and holds a Masters in Public Administration from Bellevue University and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from Ohio State University.

WYOMING: Steve Ferrell Named New Director of the Game and Fish Department

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The deputy director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department has been named the new director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department by Gov. Dave Freudenthal.

Steve Ferrell, an avid hunter, sport shooter and angler with more than 30 years of experience in wildlife management, said he is deeply honored to be named to the position. Ferrell succeeds Terry Cleveland, who will retired on June 30 after 39 years of service with the department.

Ferrell has spent his entire career with the Arizona Game and Fish Departmen. Beginning in 1975, he has served the department as a Wildlife Assistant, Wildlife Manager, Habitat Evaluation Specialist, Research Program Supervisor, Wildlife Regional Supervisor, Assistant Director, and Deputy Director. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Arizona.

Ferrell has also served as chief financial officer of the department, as chairman of the Game and Fish Director’s executive staff and as leader of the department*s management team. He coordinated regularly with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, the Arizona Governor’s Office, the Arizona State Legislature, and with organized constituent groups. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his leadership and administrative skills.

Ferrell is current chairman of the Association of Fish and WildlifeAgencies’ Wildlife Resources Policy Committee, is a member of the 2008 White House Conference on Hunting Heritage Technical Committee and a member of the National Sports Shooting Federation’s advisory committee on best practices in hunting and shooting sports recruitment and retention.

PENNSYLVANIA: Game Commission Hosts E-BIRD Website

GAME COMMISSION HOSTS E-BIRD Website
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has become the first state wildlife agency to host and manage an "eBird" website. The eBird network is dedicated to helping birders throughout North America and the world record their bird observations and improve our understanding of seasonal bird activities and movements.

GAME COMMISSION OFFERS BOOK TO PROMOTE PA BIRDS
To assist first-time birders, as well as seasoned bird watchers, the Pennsylvania Game Commission now is selling a book titled, "The Birds of Pennsylvania" written by Franklin Haas and Roger Burrows. The cost is $17.92, plus state sales tax and shipping and handling.

RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN BREEDING BIRD ATLAS
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Carnegie Museum of Natural History are looking for both casual and avid birdwatchers to help monitor nesting wild birds as part of the Second Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas (PBBA), an ambitious five-year project (2004-2008) that is literally putting Pennsylvania's breeding birds on the map!

For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=174499

Congress Considers “No Child Left Inside” Legislation

Today, the House Education and Labor Committee is scheduled to vote on a modified version of the No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Act.

Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland and Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island introduced legislation that strengthens and expands environmental education in America's classrooms and reconnects children with nature.

After a careful review, the NCLI Coalition leadership team strongly supports the amended version of the bill. Its key provisions would expand the National Environmental Education Act to:

• Provide grants to ensure that teachers have the have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach environmental education;


• Provide grants to enhance state and national capacity for environmental education.


• Enable states that create environmental literacy plans, detailing how all graduates will be environmentally literate, to apply for this funding.
  

For more information on how you can take action today in support of the Act, go to: http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_sub_actioncenter_federal_nclb_action

NOAA Proposes Rule to Require Saltwater Angler Registration

NOAA’s Fisheries Service is seeking comment on a proposed rule that requires anglers and spearfishers who fish recreationally in federal ocean waters to be registered before fishing in 2009. The rule would also require registration by those who may catch anadromous species anywhere, including striped bass, salmon and shad that spawn in rivers and streams and spend their adult lives in estuaries and the ocean.

NOAA may exempt anglers from registration if they already have a state-issued saltwater fishing license or registration, and the state provides sufficiently complete information to place in the national registry. In certain instances, anglers in states participating in regional surveys of marine recreational fishing may also be exempted. The new rule allows states to apply for exemptions.

Fishermen would be required to be registered annually and NOAA will not charge a registration fee in the first two years. Beginning in 2011, the annual fee will be an estimated $15 to $25 per angler. Anglers under the age of 16 would be exempt from registering and fees would be waived for indigenous people, such as members of federally recognized tribes. NOAA’s Fisheries Service recognizes that many indigenous people fish for food as part of ancient cultural traditions.

Anglers who fish only on licensed party, charter, or guide boats would also be exempt, since these vessels are surveyed separately from the angler surveys. Also, persons who hold commercial fishing licenses or permits, and are legally fishing under them, will be exempt from the registration requirement.

To read the proposed rule, go to http://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov.

Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until Aug. 11. They can be mailed to:
John Boreman Director, Office of Science and Technology
NMFS
1315 East-West HighwaySilver Spring, MD 20910
Attn.: Gordon Colvin
Comments can also be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov.

"Master Casters" Videos Launch Today on TakeMeFishing.org

A new series of viral videos launching today on TakeMeFishing.org casts fishing in a whole new light. The video series, called "Master Casters," was developed by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) in hopes of luring more people to the sport.

Featuring amazing casting feats by three expert anglers, the Master Casters videos can be seen on TakeMeFishing.org or MasterCasters.org. Seven different videos show sport legends Gary Hain, Chuck Devereaux and Aaron McAlexander performing awe-inspiring tricks rarely seen before, like casting a line to crack an egg 50 yards away and hitting clay pigeons in mid-air.
Hain is scheduled to appear on CBS' The Early Show LIVE Friday morning, June 6, between 7 – 9 am ET to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week and kick off the new video series. Be sure to tune in!

"We're proud to launch the Master Casters videos this week on TakeMeFishing.org," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. "We hope these amazing casting tricks will help draw newcomers into the sport and to our newly re-designed Web site, where anglers of all ages and experience levels can learn, plan and equip themselves with everything they need to go boating and fishing."

The viral videos will be featured in online advertising and in a commercial running on ESPN television. They are part of an integrated Take Me Fishing™ campaign, which centers around TakeMeFishing.org – the most comprehensive boating and fishing Web site available nationwide. Whether it's planning a trip, buying a fishing license, designing your dream boat, or checking out the latest equipment, TakeMeFishing.org has something for everyone.

Source: RBFF

June is Great Outdoors Month

Great Outdoors Month 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation


From the Appalachian Mountains to the Grand Canyon, America is blessed with places of natural beauty where our citizens can discover the full splendor of this great Nation. During Great Outdoors Month, our Nation celebrates the grandeur of our open spaces, strengthens our commitment to preserving this heritage, and reaffirms our dedication to protecting our air, water, and lands.

My Administration remains dedicated to wise stewardship of the environment, and we will continue to protect our Nation's natural wonders. This past year, we have made great strides in helping wildlife thrive and in restoring habitat for migratory birds through cooperative conservation. Working with State and tribal officials, we are preserving important wildlife habitats and expanding the National Wildlife Refuge system. Citizens can visit takepride.gov to learn more about opportunities to care for our environment.

Great Outdoors Month is an opportunity to honor those who work to keep our natural places beautiful and to celebrate some of our country's favorite outdoor pastimes. These activities encourage a healthy lifestyle and give Americans pride in the great American landscape. As responsible stewards of our natural resources, we can help ensure that the great outdoors will be available for enjoyment by generations to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2008 as Great Outdoors Month. I call on all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to take time to visit and enjoy the great outdoors.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.


GEORGE W. BUSH