KANSAS HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED AWARD

Jim Bussone of Arma has been recognized as the 2012 Instructor of the Year

PRATT – Jim Bussone, hunter education instructor and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) natural resource officer, has been selected as the 2012 Instructor of the Year. Each year, fellow instructors nominate and select an instructor who has demonstrated extraordinary, above standard actions that reflect favorably on hunters, the Hunter Education Program and the KDWPT.

In his 30 years as a volunteer instructor, Bussone’s “list of accomplishments is long,” said KDWPT Law Enforcement Lieutenant Keith Rather in his nomination of Jim. Among those accomplishments, Rather included Bussone’s active participation in 30 Hunter Education/Furharvester Education classes in 2012,

initiation of a Hunter Education class for the Amish Community at Fort Scott (an admirable feat given no electronic devices such as computers or projectors could be used), assistance with Chanute Hunter Education classes during an instructor shortage, and his implementation of the ever-popular Women on Target annual event, which is now in its eighth year.

Rather also credited Bussone with being a driving force in promoting, establishing and supporting the Kansas Hunter Education in Our Schools program, namely in Fort Scott, Arma, Pittsburg, and Girard.

“Jim Bussone teaches more than hunter safety, he teaches life,” said Girard High School health and physical education instructor Sunny Pierce. “He is a great educational resource for our school district and is deserving of our deepest thanks and any recognition he is given.”

In addition to the aforementioned roles, Bussone also serves as an area coordinator for the Kansas Hunter Education program, as well as a Hunter Education Advisory Committee member.

Bussone will receive a certificate of appreciation and a firearm as tokens of appreciation for his dedication.

Other award nominees recognized for their exemplary involvement, performance, and continued dedication to the program include:
-Gerry Giroux, Salina
-Albert Hermann, Garnett
-Jay Farwell, Leavenworth
-Rob Friggeri, Girard
-Robert Paramore, McPherson
-David Howe, McPherson
-Larry Weast, Hiawatha
-Hershel Martin, Kansas City
-Larry McAdow, Halstead
-Don George, Mound City

Each of the aforementioned individuals will receive a certificate of appreciation and an Order of the Buffalo award later this year.

For more information, contact KDWPT assistant Hunter Education program coordinator Monica Bickerstaff at monica.bickerstaff@ksoutdoors.com

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WEBINAR TO PROVIDE LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN UPDATE

Watch from home or visit one of 17 satellite sites to participate in webinar

PRATT – The potential listing of the lesser prairie chicken (LPC) as a threatened or endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has raised concerns for many landowners and land managers. State and federal agencies have conducted numerous public meetings to provide information, as well as gain input from the public. To keep the information flowing and to address landowner concerns, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and Kansas State Research and Extension are hosting a webinar on April 30, 2013, beginning at 7 p.m.

Speakers from KDWPT, the Farm Services Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will

provide background on the LPC listing status, as well as updates on the state planning effort, goals of the plan and priority areas. Detailed information on the conservation value of land and allocation of offset payments to landowners will be provided. State and federal programs specifically designed to improve habitat for LPC and what a proposed listing means to those enrolled in federal programs will be explained.

A webinar is an online communication technique that allows those with high-speed internet access to connect with the host site to view and hear the speakers on their home computer and chat via the internet with any questions or comments. Those who don’t have high-speed internet access can participate at one of the 17 satellite sites listed below. Staff will be onsite to transmit questions and comments to presenters.

To view from home, log on to: http://connect.ksre.ksu.edu/ksuasi

For more information please contact your local county extension agent or Charlie Lee (clee@ksu.edu or785-532-5734). Below are the satellite sites:

Ashland Community Building, 800 Main St., Ashland
Finney County Extension Office, 501 S. 9th St., Garden City
Western State Bank Expo Center, 11333 Hwy 283, Dodge City
Grant County Civic Center, Lawson Room, 1100 W. Patterson, Ulysses
4-H Building, 17002 W. Hwy 50, Cimarron
Hamilton County Extension Office, 520 N. Hamilton, Syracuse
4-H Building, S. Atkin St., Jetmore
Kiowa County Commons Conference Room, 320 S. Main, Greensburg
Courthouse Meeting Room, 710 W. 2nd, Oakley
Morton County Extension Office, 625 Colorado, Elkhart
Ness County 4-H Building, 105 S. Pennsylvania, Ness City
KDWPT Office, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt
Williams Carpenter Building, East Fairground Road, Scott City
Seward County Activity Building, 810 Stadium Road, Liberal
Sherman County 4-H Building, 417 Main Street, Goodland
Stevens County Courthouse, Memorial Hall, 200 E. 6th, Hugoton
Wakeeney Public Library, 610 Russell Ave., Wakeeney

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KANSAS YOUTH RIGHT ON TARGET

Kansas Archery in the Schools program hosted the fourth annual state archery tournament, Saturday, April 6, at Fort Hays State University.

The Kansas Archery program operates under the umbrella of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program, a nonprofit foundation aimed at

Nearly 300 students competed in state archery
 tournament April 6 in hopes of making nationals

promoting international-style target archery among students in grades 4-12.

With the help of KDWPT and NASP, program coordinators are able to introduce archery as a fun, lifelong activity to young people who may have never taken up the sport otherwise. Currently, there are 223 Kansas schools involved with this program.

Out of the nearly 300 participants in attendance, a total of nine teams and nine individuals qualified to compete at the national level.

Students from 13 communities competed this year, including: Anthony-Harper, Clearwater, Erie, Greely County (Tribune), Healy, Hugoton, Jackson Heights (Holton), Kingman, Neodesha, Otis-Bison, Prairie Trail Middle School (Olathe), Rose Hill, and Stockton.

Competing in one of three grade divisions, elementary school (4-6), middle school (7-8), or high school (9-12), participants are required to shoot five arrows in each of the three rounds from a distance of 10 meters and a distance of 15 meters.

A score of 300 points is considered perfect, which would be scores of 10 on each of the 30 total arrows they can be scored on.

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FIVE-STATE LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN CONSERVATION PLAN SUBMITTED

Range-wide lesser prairie chicken conservation plan submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in hopes of precluding a listing under the Endangered Species Act

PHOENIX, AZ. – The lesser prairie chicken is a grassland grouse species native and once common to parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. However, declining lesser prairie chicken populations have brought state and federal agencies together in an attempt to better manage this iconic prairie species and its habitats. The result is a comprehensive range-wide lesser prairie chicken management draft plan.

Through a multi-state collaborative effort, with funding provided by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) grant and support from the Great Plains Landscape Conservation Cooperative, the five state wildlife agencies completed the draft plan and submitted it to the USFWS. The federal agency is currently deliberating its proposal to list the lesser prairie chicken as threatened and states hope the conservation plan will influence the final decision and preclude listing, according to the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Grassland Initiative.

The lesser prairie chicken has been considered a candidate under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1998, and USFWS proposed it for listing as threatened in December 2012. A final rule for the lesser prairie chicken is scheduled to be issued September 30, 2013.

The WAFWA Grassland Initiative collaborated with the Lesser Prairie Chicken Interstate Working Group, which is composed of biologists from the five state fish and wildlife departments within the species’ range, and other partners to develop the range-wide conservation plan. This management plan describes population and habitat goals to secure the species into the future and identifies voluntary conservation programs and practices to be applied to accomplish these goals throughout the lesser prairie chicken’s range (http://kars.ku.edu/geodata/maps/sgpchat/).

"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commends the Lesser Prairie Chicken Interstate Working Group and the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for their tireless efforts to develop a range-wide conservation plan for the lesser prairie chicken." said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, regional director for the USFWS’s Southwest Region. "In the next few weeks, the Service will reopen the comment period in order to allow the public the opportunity to provide additional comments on the lesser prairie chicken listing proposal and the range-wide conservation plan as it relates to the USFWS’s listing proposal."

“While we do not need a chicken on every acre, we do need to have the right acres to conserve the species,” says Bill Van Pelt, WAFWA’s Grassland Coordinator. “We feel we have created a plan under which we can partner with landowners and industry to incentivize good land management practices.”

Throughout the planning process, which started in April 2012, the state wildlife agencies have reached out to the public. The states have received feedback about two previous draft plans and are encouraged to hear the support for a state-led effort to conserve this species. Prior to finalizing the management plan, the state agencies are requesting additional public input. The Range-wide Conservation Plan for the Lesser Prairie Chicken is found onhttp://www.wafwa.org/html/rangewide_lpc_conservation_plan.shtml and the states will be accepting written comments on this third draft of the plan. Please send comments via email to janc@gci.net or by mail to Jan Caulfield Consulting, 114 S. Franklin St., Ste. 205, Juneau, AK 99801. The states are also exploring the use of webinars to reach the public. These webinars and the closing period on the comments will be announced on the WAFWA website and other media outlets.



“Historically, we saw habitat conditions like the ones we are observing now back in the 1930s, and we thought the species went extinct,” Van Pelt added. “However, it is our opinion that with existing habitat conservation programs being implemented through various Farm Bill programs and enrollments in existing conservation agreements, we are seeing lesser prairie chickens maintaining themselves on the landscape and even expanding into new areas in some parts of their range. By coordinating these existing efforts and others proposed under this range-wide plan, we are confident we will be able to conserve this species into the future. This plan is written broadly enough to allow anyone interested in conserving the lesser prairie chicken to assist the states with conserving this grassland icon.”



For more information, contact WAFWA Grassland Coordinator Bill Van Pelt at (602) 717-5066.

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POTENTIAL GAME WARDEN CANDIDATES MUST COMPLETE TESTING

Applications for testing and assessment process due April 26

If you’ve ever thought about being a game warden for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, keep reading. The department is accepting applications for the testing and assessment process required of individuals who are interested in entry-level law enforcement positions, more accurately called natural resource officers. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications for the position will be screened, tested and assessed to be included in a pool of qualified applicants who may receive offers of employment.

There are three law enforcement vacancies eligible to be filled immediately, and additional openings may become available during the year. These are permanent, full-time positions, requiring the incumbent to live and work within an assigned area. Duties include enforcement of state and federal wildlife and boating laws and regulations, investigation, assistance to other law enforcement agencies, as well as delivery of a wide variety of other department information and education programs.

A complete application should be submitted electronically to kdwprecruitment@ksoutdoors.com or sent to Human Resources Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Avenue, Pratt KS 67124, phone number (620) 672-5911. Applicants will be notified if they are selected to participate in the testing process. Potential candidates will have to complete a 1-mile run in 10 minutes or less and pass four written tests covering Kansas wildlife identification, general biological and outdoor knowledge, general wildlife law knowledge test and the Kansas Safe Boater test.

For more information concerning the written tests, minimum qualifications and what must be included in a complete application, go to www.ksoutdoors.com, click on “KDWPT Info,” then “Jobs,” then “Employment Application & Additional Info.”

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FORT RILEY TO HOST FREE YOUTH FISHING EVENT

Families are invited to attend an annual fishing day at Fort Riley free of charge

Kids of all ages are welcome to attend Fort Riley’s third annual Kid’s Fishing Day April 20 at Moon Lake from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The annual event regularly draws a strong crowd.

“Last year, we had about 200 kids there,” said Directorate of Public Works supervisory fish and wildlife

biologist, Shawn Stratton. “It’s a great time, even if the kids have no experience.”

Participants will be supplied with fishing bait, tackle, lunch and refreshments, as well as rods and reels for those without equipment. Youth anglers will also receive a free tackle box with lures.

Event sponsors include the Fort Riley Directorate of Public Works, the Fort Riley Directorate of Emergency Services, the Fort Riley Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the Fort Riley Outdoorsmen Group, the 1-70 Bass Anglers Club, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and TakeMeFishing.org.

There is no cost to attend and families can register any time during the event.

Participants age 16 and older must possess a valid Kansas fishing license.

For more information, contact the Fort Riley Conservation Office at (785) 239-6211, or the Fort Riley Outdoor Recreation Center at (785) 239-2363.

YOUNG WILDLIFE DESERVE TO BE LEFT WILD

“Rescuing” presumably-abandoned young really a death sentence

A lone fawn curled up amid tall grass in early spring can be an endearing sight, but it also can make an attractive target for more than just predators. Every year well-intentioned people attempt to “rescue” these presumably-abandoned young, often with deadly consequences. In almost all cases of young fawns found alone in the wild, the mother is typically feeding nearby, keeping a distant eye on her offspring. When concerned individuals decide to retrieve these young animals, they are unintentionally giving the fawn a death sentence.

The notion that a young animal found in the wild will die if not given care is wrong. Not only are most young found in the wild not abandoned, picking them up is against the law. Both the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have regulations against such activity that can result in a fine up to $1,000 or more. In addition to legal repercussions, wild animals can pose a number of health risks, including diseases such as distemper, rabies,

lyme disease, roundworms, tapeworms, mites, tularemia and more.

Additionally, if a “rescued” animal were to bite someone, it must be put to death and tested for diseases. Even if they don't bite, the young usually fail to survive in captivity because most people are not equipped to handle wild animals, especially as the they mature. On the off chance the animal does survive in captivity, it typically loses instincts that allow it to survive in the wild.

It is important to remember that although young wildlife may be cute, they belong in the wild. Wild animals cannot legally be inoculated by veterinarians, and few people really know how to care for them.

If you should see a young animal in the wild this spring or summer, observe at a distance and consider yourself lucky. But remember, just because they are temporarily alone, that doesn’t mean they are abandoned.

If you really want to help, leave young in the wild where they were born and belong.

If you find an injured animal, a list of licensed rehabilitators can be found on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, by clicking "Services/Rehabilitation."

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KDWPT SPORT FISHERY ACCESS PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) presented the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) with the 2012 Sport Fish Restoration Outstanding Project award at the March 21 commission meeting in Topeka. KDWPT received the award for the Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats (FISH) program in the category of Sport Fishery Development and Management. Mike Stone, AFS 2012 Sport Fish Restoration Awards program chair, presented the award to the commission on behalf of the KDWPT

FISH program receives special recognition from American Fisheries Society

fisheries section.

First introduced in 1998, the FISH program was developed by KDWPT to increase public angling opportunities throughout the state. By partnering with private landowners to lease fishing rights, the FISH program provides anglers with access to waters not normally open to the public. Bodies of water commonly leased by the FISH program include private ponds, streams, and community lakes where angler fees had previously been charged.

A recent revitalization of the program using a combination of Sport Fish Restoration, fishing license, and Farm Bill Voluntary Public Access funds, combined with update lease rates and incentives for landowners, resulted in a 181 percent increase in fishing locations in the past year.

FISH sites are typically open for public access from March 1 to October 31, however some landowners may allow year-round access.

For more information, including bodies of water currently enrolled in the program, fish species available at each area, and instructions on how to enroll your property, visit www.ksoutdoors.com.

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2012 REPORT ON EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE HELPS CLARIFY EXTENT OF OUTBREAK

A total of 1,274 deer were suspected of having Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in 2012, and although considered to be one of the worst outbreaks in the state, data suggests that this disease had

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease helps clarify extent of outbreak

“patchy” impacts on populations within deer management units (DMU).

Seventeen deer from 16 counties were diagnosed with EHD in 2012, with 16 of the deer being EHDV-2 positive and one deer being EHDV-1 positive. Sick or dead deer found during the outbreak that exhibited symptoms or signs suggestive of EHD were designated as suspects and counted, making the total count 1,274, including the ones that were tested.

To put Kansas EHD mortality rates into perspective, surrounding states reported the following figures for 2012: Illinois – 2,925; Iowa – 2,974; Nebraska – 5,998; Missouri – 10,177.

The 16 counties with confirmed cases of EHD-infected deer in 2012 included Anderson, Atchison, Coffey, Cowley, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Lyon, Marshall, Osage, Republic, and Wilson.

Despite the high mortality rate associated with this disease, deer populations typically recover within a few years following EHD die-offs. The deer population in eastern Kansas continues to be robust and "gaps" left by EHD will quickly fill in with deer moving in from adjacent, less affected areas.

Although the viral cause of EHD was not discovered until the late-1950s, reports of die-offs consistent with EHD date back to the 1890s. Large scale regional deer population decreases have not been observed, but this disease can have a significant effect upon the deer in a localized area because of the high mortality rate associated with it.

EHD is an acute, infectious, viral disease transmitted between animals by biting midges. EHD typically occurs in late summer and fall and is thought to be consistent with periods of biting midge abundance. Freezing temperatures usually greatly reduce these populations, bringing a sudden end to outbreaks, however active midge populations have been reported during winter in more mild climates.

Deer infected with EHD suffer from dehydration and high fever, causing them to seek water. Consequently, most deer that have fallen victim to this disease are found near the edges of rivers, ditches, and marshes.

There is no known effective treatment or control for EHD.

Other wildlife species in Kansas, such as mule deer, elk, and pronghorn, can also be infected with EHD virus but are less susceptible to the disease.

For more information, visit http://www.vet.uga.edu/scwds/pdfs/HD.pdf, orhttp://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/specialstock/deer/hemorrhagic/index.htm.

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ARRIVAL OF SPRING PUTS TURKEY HUNTING BACK IN FULL STRUT

The sound of a turkey gobble is a sure sign of Spring and music to turkey hunters’ ears. This season will kick off with the youth/disabled and archery season April 1-9, followed by the regular firearm season April 10-May 31. Hunters have until May 30 to purchase a 2013 Spring turkey permit for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. A turkey permit is valid for one bearded turkey.

During the youth/disabled/archery season, hunters 16 and younger and hunters with disabilities may hunt with

April 1 Marks the start of the
2013 spring turkey season for archers,
 youth and disable hunters

any legal equipment, including shotguns, bows and crossbows.

NEW THIS SEASON: Recently-approved regulations removed gauge restrictions on shotguns for turkey hunting and allow crossbows during archery seasons. HOWEVER, hunters are reminded that the aforementioned changes WILL NOT go into affect until April 19, 2013. After that date, hunters may use any gauge shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun with shot size No. 2 through No. 9.

Kansas youth 16 and under can purchase a spring turkey permit valid statewide for $12.50, or a combo permit/game tag for $17.50.

Permit/Game Tag combos are available only through March 31. After March 31, hunters must purchase a spring turkey permit and spring turkey game tag at the regular price.

Other spring turkey fees are as follows:

RESIDENT

-Resident Permit: $22.50

-Resident Combo Permit/Game Tag: $27.50 (through March 31 only)

-Resident Turkey Game Tag: $12.50

LANDOWNER/TENANT

-Landowner/Tenant Permit: $12.50

-Landowner/Tenant COMBO Permit/Game Tag: $17.50 (through March 31 only)

NONRESIDENT

-Nonresident Permit: $32.50

-Nonresident COMBO Permit/Game Tag: $47.50 (through March 31 only)

-Nonresident Turkey Game Tag $22.50

Any individual who has purchased a spring turkey permit is also eligible for one spring turkey game tag. Spring game tags are valid for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

Hunters who drew a Unit 4 (southwest Kansas) spring turkey permit earlier this year may also use their Unit 4 permit in adjacent Units 1, 2 and 5.

Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

For more information, consult your 2013 Spring Turkey Hunting Atlas, or visit www.ksoutdoors.com.

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NEW REGULATIONS CREATE GREATER FLEXIBILITY FOR HUNTERS

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) adopted a total of six regulations at the Mar. 21 commission meeting in Topeka. The newly-adopted changes simplify hunting regulations, allow more flexibility in legal equipment, and most importantly, provide additional opportunities for individuals interested in outdoor recreation.

Commissioners approved a recommendation to establish a fee for a nonresident combination either-sex/antlerless only whitetail permit, as directed by the 2012 legislature. The new permit fee was set at $315

KDWPT commissioners approve several changes related to legal hunting equipment

and will provide nonresidents applicants successful in the drawing with a permit that includes two carcass tags, one valid for an antlered white-tailed deer or an antlerless deer and one for a white-tailed antlerless deer. The combo permit will be the only choice for nonresidents.

KDWPT staff also recommended simplified equipment regulations for big game and turkey that were approved. Big game hunters can now select any caliber centerfire rifle or handgun, any gauge shotgun with slugs, and any muzzleloader rifle and pistol .40 caliber or larger. Crossbows are now legal equipment during archery seasons for anyone with a valid archery permit. Turkey hunters are no longer restricted to 20-gauge shotguns or larger. All gauges will be allowed, using shot size No. 2 through No. 9.



Equipment regulations for turkey hunting allowing all shotgun gauges and crossbowsduring the archery season won’t take effect until April 19, 2013. Crossbows will also not be legal for archery hunters during the April 1-9 season (youth and hunters with disabilities can use any legal equipment, except shotguns smaller than 20 gauge).

Restrictions on electronic devices attached to bows were amended, allowing cameras, and rangefinders, as well as radio frequency devices attached to arrows, designed to make retrieval of hit deer more efficient.

The 2013 deer season was approved, including a pre-rut whitetail antlerless-only season mandated by the 2012 legislature, and the dates are as follows:

Youth and Disability, September 7, 2013 – September 15, 2013
Early Muzzleloader, September 16, 2013 – September 29, 2013
Archery, September 16, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Pre-Rut Whitetail antlerless only October 12, 2013 – October 13, 2013
Regular Firearms December 4, 2013 – December 15, 2013
Extended Whitetail antlerless only January 1, 2014 – January 12, 2014
Special Extended Whitetail antlerless only January 13, 2014 – January 19, 2014
Extended Archery (DMU 19) January 20, 2014– January 31, 2014

A complete copy of the aforementioned regulations and their perspective economic impact statements may be obtained electronically by visiting www.ksoutdoors.com, by calling (785) 296-2281, or by writing the chairman of the commission at: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 1020 S. Kansas Ave, Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612.

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CHICKADEE CHECKOFF SMALL GRANTS PROPOSALS BEING ACCEPTED

Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) is accepting proposals for the Chickadee Checkoff Small Grants Program through April 15. The program, which is funded by donations, aids individuals and organizations in carrying out projects focused on native nongame wildlife species, while addressing the issues and strategies within the Kansas Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan “A Future for Kansas Wildlife”.

For the past 33 years, the Chickadee Checkoff Small Grants Program has funded education, research, habitat, and the monitoring of nongame wildlife and their habitats. From the creation of the top 20 birds of Cheyenne Bottoms identification cards, to evaluating the habitat characteristics surrounding prairie chicken leks in northwest Kansas, the small grants program funnels donations to projects that benefit species in greatest need of conservation.

The diverse projects completed have resulted in numerous publications in scientific journals, educational products, and most importantly, new information on native nongame wildlife species and their habitats.

Grant proposals must be turned in by April 15, 2013.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, how and where to submit proposals, and the priority projects list for 2013, download the grant guidance document, or visit www.ksoutdoors.com.

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LOCAL COUPLE SHARES LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION

The Nature Conservancy in Kansas, a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the protection of ecologically important lands and waters, received nearly $1 million dollars from the estate of John and Fran Peterson.

Devoted members of The Nature Conservancy, the Petersons first became involved with the organization in 1989. The first project they helped support was acquiring critical land at Cheyenne Bottoms, near Great Bend.

Later, in 1999, when the Kansas Chapter acquired 16,800 acres of predominately short grass prairie in Logan County, just a few miles from where John grew up, the Petersons stepped up once again and helped with the acquisition of that property.

"It would be difficult to overstate John and Frances Peterson's fierce loyalty and commitment to The Nature Conservancy's Kansas mission as evidenced by what they did with and for the conservancy during their lifetimes and through their estates.” said executor of the Petersons’ estate, John M. Solbach III. “They strongly believed in and wanted to be a part of the Kansas Nature Conservancy's legacy.”

John, a native of Logan County and Fran, a native of Texas, met and married in Washington D.C. The couple spent their working careers in Washington and upon their retirement, moved back to Kansas. John passed away in 2009, followed by Fran in 2012.

For more information, contact Shelby Stacy at sstacy@tnc.org or (785) 233-4400, or visitwww.nature.org.

KDWPT VIDEO FEATURES WALLEYE PRODUCTION PROCESS

“Walleye For Tomorrow,” a 15-minute video produced by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and

Video takes viewers along on walleye egg-taking journey

Tourism (KDWPT), shows each step in the process of producing walleye for Kansas lakes. Populations of this popular sport fish in Kansas lakes depend on the artificial spawning program that produces millions of walleye for stocking each spring.

The full-length video, which has only recently been digitized and posted for viewing on KDWPT’s website, is a must-watch for any dedicated Kansas walleye angler.

The video can be seen at http://ksoutdoors.com/Walleye-for-tomorrow.

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• Walleye Limits When Fishing Oahe and Other Waters (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Spring Turkey Hunting Atlas More Than Maps (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Kdwpt Announces Five-year Review of State Listed Species (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Minnesota: New regulation options aim to rebuild Mille Lacs walleye population (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)