Notebook: Sign-up begins for Conservation Forage Program, Game and Fish offers live bait reminders etc.
Jun. 12—Sign-up begins for forage program
A new working lands conservation program offered through Audubon Dakota has been getting positive response since enrollment began Monday, June 7, the conservation group said.
Sign-up for the Conservation Forage Program continues through Friday, Aug. 6.
The program offers North Dakota landowners and producers a unique set of incentives and resources to support improving land productivity and forage quality, increasing available wildlife habitat and overall ecosystem services through the establishment of working forages.
In a news release, Audubon Dakota said it expects at least 25,000 acres of marginal cropland will be restored back to native grasslands over the next three years through the Conservation Forage Program, making it North Dakota's largest prairie reconstruction project. The program is supported by a $6.9 million grant from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, the largest awarded by the state Industrial Commission, which oversees the OHF.
Landowners selected for enrollment in the program will receive technical assistance and cost-share for forage seed planting and the development of grazing infrastructure. Additionally, the Conservation Forage Program offers establishment incentive payments for three years during the land-use transition.
More info: dakota.audubon.org/conservation-forage-program. — Herald staff report
NDGF offers live bait reminders
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds anglers that it is illegal to import minnows and other forms of live aquatic bait, such as leeches and frogs, into North Dakota.
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When purchasing live aquatic bait, anglers must buy from a licensed North Dakota retail bait vendor. Bait vendors can properly identify species and ensure all bait is clean of any aquatic nuisance species.
On a related note, Game and Fish reminds anglers that live white suckers are not legal baitfish anywhere in North Dakota except the Bois de Sioux and Red rivers.
Although anglers can use live white suckers on the Bois de Sioux and Red rivers, and tributaries up to the first vehicular bridge, they are illegal elsewhere. Fathead minnows, sticklebacks and creek chubs are the only legal live baitfish outside of the Bois de Sioux and Red rivers. Dead white suckers, which have been preserved by freezing, salting or otherwise treated to inactivate reproductive capabilities, are legal bait.
The transportation of live white suckers, other than in Richland, Cass, Traill, Grand Forks, Walsh and Pembina counties, is illegal. — Herald staff report
Traveling boaters should note ANS regs
North Dakota boaters traveling to or through other states or Canadian provinces — when the U.S.-Canada border reopens to nonessential travel — should be sure to check the aquatic nuisance species regulations of their destination, the Game and Fish Department said in a reminder.
Mandatory boat inspections may be required along highways or at lakes based on destination or route taken. In general, to ensure compliance, boaters are strongly encouraged to clean, drain and dry equipment.
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Clean: remove plants, animals and excessive mud from trailers, hulls, motors and other equipment such as fishing rods.
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Drain: drain all water, including bilges, livewells and bait buckets.
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Dry: allow all equipment to dry completely, as an inspection might fail in a neighboring state if any standing water is present. If necessary, use sponges or towels to remove excess water and leave compartments open to dry.
More information on bordering state and provincial ANS regulations is available at the following web addresses.
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South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks: https://sdleastwanted.sd.gov.
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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/index.html.
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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks: http://cleandraindry.mt.gov.
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Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/wildlife-issues/invasive-species/aquatic-invasive-species-prevention-program.
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Manitoba Department of Sustainable Development: http://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/waterstewardship/stopais/index.html.
Did you know?
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Marshall Johnson, executive director of Audubon Dakota for the past 10 years, has accepted a new position as chief conservation officer for the entire organization. His last day with Audubon Dakota was Friday, June 11. Johnson, who called the move "very much bittersweet for me," said he will remain in Fargo in his new position with the National Audubon Society but may work a few days a month out of the group's Washington, D.C., office.
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Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's are donating more than 40,000 rods and reels to hundreds of not-for-profit partners that help kids from all backgrounds connect to the great outdoors as part of its annual Gone Fishing campaign. The nationwide movement is part of an annual call-to-action that aims to introduce fishing to millions of kids. In addition to donating tens of thousands of rods and reels, all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's stores will host free in-store fishing and casting activities during the weekends of June 12-13 and 19-20. Info: basspro.com/gonefishing.
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Interested Minnesota hunters have through Friday, June 18, to apply for one of 30 elk licenses offered this year by the Department of Natural Resources. Earlier DNR news releases in May and June listed an incorrect application deadline date. Hunters can review the elk season structure on the DNR website before entering the lottery to ensure they apply for the license they want.
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Hikers, campers and others recreating outdoors should be aware of bears when heading outdoors, whether for a quick hike or a longer camping trip, the DNR said. People can peacefully share the outdoors with bears by paying attention to where and when they are most likely to encounter bears. Black bears are naturally cautious animals that avoid human contact for their safety, the DNR said, but people need to do their part to prevent human-bear conflict. That includes being proactive to avoid startling bears and securing potential food sources. Learn more on the DNR website. — compiled by Brad Dokken
