KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION TO MEET IN TOPEKA MARCH 20

Commission to hear free park entrance and fishing days, big game season recommendations

PRATT – The Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, will be March 20, 2014. The afternoon session will begin at 1:00 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., with the evening session reconvening at 6:30 p.m.

the site of the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission public meeting and hearing

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period. Topics covered in the general discussion include: Secretary’s remarks regarding agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2014 legislature, a briefing on tourism’s 2014 marketing plans, webless migratory birds, early migratory bird seasons, Fort Riley deer, the use of dogs to track wounded deer, coyote hunting during firearm deer season, hunting the same day a deer or turkey permit is purchased, and an update on the potential federal listing of lesser prairie chickens. 

During the afternoon session, commissioners will workshop items that were covered under general discussion at the January meeting. Workshop topics, which will be discussed for potential regulatory action at a future meeting, include regulations pertaining to upland birds, regulations regarding public lands, the five-year review of Kansas threatened and endangered species lists, and regulations pertaining to antelope season, bag limit, and permits. 

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the same location for the public hearing. The public hearing will be focused on free park entrance and free fishing days; elk season, bag limit and permit; and deer season, including bag limit, and permits.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 21, to complete any unfinished business.

A commercial-free version of live video and audio streaming of commission meetings will be broadcast through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website, ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2014 at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th St. N., Wichita.

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KANSAS BYWAYS PROGRAM SEEKS OPINIONS

Bicyclists, pedestrians encouraged to participate

TOPEKA ­– If you enjoy getting off the beaten path by walking or bicycling, then the Kansas Byways Program wants to consider your ideas for inclusion in a new Kansas Byways Bicycle

and Pedestrian Plan. The goal of the plan is to enhance bicycling and pedestrian opportunities for each of the state’s 11 scenic and historic byways.

The plan is being developed by a consulting team led by RDG Planning & Design, Omaha, and CFS Engineers, Topeka. The goal of the plan is to help make the state’s byways more accommodating to bicyclists and pedestrians. The diversity, character and manageable length of the byways makes them especially attractive to non-motorized users, clearly evidenced by the increasing interest expressed by these groups. A friendly, welcoming bicycle/pedestrian environment also offers economic opportunities for communities and regions along the byways.

To take the survey and learn more about the planning process, go online to www.rdgusa.com/crp/kansasbyways.   

To learn more about the 11 Kansas Byways, visit the website at ksbyways.org.

LAKE SHAWNEE ANGLER CATCHES ALIEN FISH

KDWPT advises anglers who catch exotic fish to not return them to water

TOPEKA­– An unidentified angler landed quite a surprise at Lake Shawnee in Topeka Sunday, July 21, when he hauled in a silver arowana, a primitive freshwater fish native to the Amazon River Basin in South America. Often kept as aquarium pets, arowanas do not belong in Kansas waters. The fish was about 20 inches long and was likely released into Lake Shawnee or upstream by someone who could no longer care for it. Sold as youngsters, arowanas can grow to 2 feet long or more in captivity and can quickly outgrow their aquariums. They grow to nearly 4 feet long in the wild. Arowanas are aggressive and carnivorous, and they may eat other aquarium fish.

Jessica Howell, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), cautioned that people should not release aquarium animals into the wild. “It’s against state and federal law to release any exotic species into Kansas waters, and new regulations also make it illegal to dump any fish into waters where they don’t originate,” she said. “Responsible aquarium owners never release anything, including water, plants, snails and fish into a stream, pond, lake, ditch or storm drain.”

The angler who caught the fish asked Torrey Bevans, who was fishing nearby, for help. Bevans photographed the fish so it could be identified and correctly advised the angler to not return the fish to the lake. The fish died on the bank, although it took some time, as arowanas can get oxygen by drawing air into their swim bladders. Bevans visited a KDWPT office in Topeka on Monday to report the catch and share his photos.

Howell said Bevans gave the correct advice. “If you catch an exotic fish, do not return it to the water. Instead, let it die and photograph it or put it on ice for later identification by a KDWPT biologist. If you own exotic fish, visit ProtectKSWaters.org for suggestions on responsibly handling unwanted aquarium specimens so you don’t break the law.”

With sharply upturned lower jaws and eyes high on the sides of their heads, arowanas are specialized for feeding at the surface where they pick off insects, small fish and other animals. Two barbels (“whiskers”) on their lower jaws help arowanas sense movement and locate prey in murky water. Sometimes called monkey fish or water monkeys, they are spectacular jumpers in their native waters and can leap up to 6 feet out of the water to catch birds, snakes or frogs.

For information on aquatic nuisance species, visit ProtectKSWaters.org.

Photo courtesy of Torrey Bevans.

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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KANSAS WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION TO MEET IN TOPEKA

PRATT – The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, Mar. 21, at the Kansas Historical Society History Center, 6425 SW 6 Ave., in Topeka. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

Public hearing to include big game legal equipment,
Secretary’s Orders for deer permits

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics: Secretary’s remarks about agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2013 legislative session. Other general discussion topics include, recognition for a retiring K-9 officer, a year-end review of tourism activities, a report on roadside maintenance for wildlife, a webless migratory bird report, early migratory bird seasons, furharvester regulations, Fort Riley deer and other considerations, and an update on the federal proposal to list the lesser prairie chicken.

The afternoon session will also include a workshop in preparation for potential regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on regulations. Topics include upland bird regulations, public lands regulations, camping and utility fees, antelope and elk regulations, and agritourism.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location for the public hearing. Commissioners will consider regulations pertaining to fees; big game legal taking equipment; deer season dates; Secretary’s Orders for limited deer permit quotas; legal equipment and taking methods for turkey; and turkey season, bag limit and permits.

Time will be available in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 22, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWPT website,ksoutdoors.com.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 25, 2013 at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita.

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RAINBOW TROUT RECORD FALLS TWICE — AGAIN

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two record-breaking fish caught within three-day period
PRATT—On March 7, Tony Melkus of Topeka caught the biggest rainbow trout he’d ever laid eyes on. In fact, when he had it weighed on certified scales, Melkus knew his 14.28-pound trout would be listed in the Kansas record books as the largest rainbow trout ever taken from Kansas waters. He didn’t know that before the ink would dry on his state record fish certificate, his record would be broken.

On March 10, Nicole Wilson of Topeka caught a rainbow trout eclipsing Melkus’ fish, and it now stands as the Kansas state record — as of this writing.

Wilson’s trout was huge, weighing in at 15.43 pounds, more than a pound heavier than Melkus’. Her fish was 33 inches long and had a girth of 19 inches. Both anglers caught their record fish from Lake Shawnee in Topeka.

Rainbow trout are stocked in select Kansas waters each winter to provide an alternative fishing opportunity during months when most warm-water sport fish are tough to catch. Apparently, there are some mighty large fish being delivered to Lake Shawnee. The lake is owned and operated by Shawnee County. It is enrolled in the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Community Lake Assistance Program, which means that, other than state fishing license requirements, no additional angling fees are charged although to fish for or possess trout during the Nov. 1-April 15 trout season, a KDWPT trout permit is required.

In 2011, a similar story played out. On April 2, 2011, Topekan Bob Lorson caught a 11.02-pound rainbow trout. Just 18 days later, Ed Ames of Tecumseh caught one that weighed 13.65 pounds. While Ames’ record only stood 11 months, that’s long by Kansas trout record standards.

Who knows, a bigger trout could be swimming? But anglers will have to hurry to catch it this year; few, if any, of the fish will survive Kansas summer water temperatures.

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WESTAR ENERGY GREEN TEAM NOVICE TURKEY HUNTS APRIL 1-17

Image via Wikipedia

Registration deadline March 23; preference given to inexperienced hunters

PRATT — Staff at Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) are inviting youth who have not harvested a turkey to participate in the center’s spring hunt April 1-22 at JEC, about 45 minutes northwest of Topeka.

Youth must be accompanied by an adult mentor, preferably one who does not have turkey hunting experience. These trips will be guided by veteran hunters and will take place in enclosed blinds around small crop fields scattered throughout the plant’s property, where turkeys are abundant.

Youth 12 through 17 years old are eligible. All they need is a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism turkey permit and a shotgun; no special clothing, calls, or decoys are needed. A hunting license and hunter education certificate are only necessary for hunters 16 years or older.

Hunts will take place primarily in the mornings and on weekends, but weekdays and afternoons are possible based on volunteer guide availability. Registration is open through Friday, March 23, or until all slots are filled. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with preference for inexperienced mentors. For more information or to apply, phone Barb Cornelius at 785-575-8125.

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SEATING AVAILABLE FOR SECOND GOVERNOR’S FLINT HILLS VISIONING SUMMIT

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Jan. 12, 2012
Topeka event will help develop ongoing strategy for the Flint Hills region
TOPEKA — Persons who want to attend the Second Governor’s Flint Hills Visioning Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 17, are encouraged to register soon. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Shawnee Ballroom at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Topeka. The summit will bring together stakeholders from throughout the Flint Hills Region and across Kansas. There is a $20 registration fee with a limit of 300 participants. Lunch will be provided for those who register in advance. A legislative reception will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The meeting is a follow up to the successful first summit held in May 2011, and is focused on growing the Kansas economy and creating jobs. Governor Sam Brownback’s administration will continue to use the input gathered from this summit to help develop an ongoing strategy for the Flint Hills region. Regional stakeholders and policy makers will make presentations to help participants understand the challenges and strategies. During breakout sessions, participants will discuss specific issues and offer feedback, recommendations, and direction for the future. In addition to Governor Brownback, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Secretary Robin Jennison also will attend.

Public involvement is crucial to the success of the program. The second summit will be another step to creating thriving rural communities throughout the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Presentation portions of the summit will be streamed live over the Internet for those unable to attend in person. Links will be displayed on the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us; on the summit website, fhs.ksoutdoors.com; and on the Kansas tourism industry website, TravelKSIndustry.com

To register or learn more about the meeting, visit the Flint Hills Visioning Summit website at fhs.ksoutdoors.com. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. For additional information, email Linda Craghead, KDWPT assistant secretary, at Linda.craghead@ksoutdoors.com or phone 785-296-2281.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, phone the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting KDWPT at 785-296-2281.

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WILDLIFE AND PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 10 IN TOPEKA

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Big game and turkey regulations to highlight public hearing; audio/visual streaming available
TOPEKA — The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, March 10, at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Region 2 Office, 300 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka. The afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m., and the evening session will begin at 7 p.m.

The afternoon session will begin with time for public comments on on-agenda items, followed by a general discussion period on the following topics:

• Secretary’s remarks;
• 2001 legislative update;
• agency and state fiscal status;
• Kansans for Children in Nature plan;
• early migratory bird seasons;
• furbearer regulations; and
• trails grant update.

The afternoon will also include a workshop session, in preparation for potential future regulatory action, covering preliminary recommendations on the following regulations:

• KAR 115-25-7, antelope — open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-8, elk — open season, bag limit, and permits;
• KAR 115-25-9a, deer — open season, bag limit, permits, and additional considerations (Fort Riley);
• potential regulation changes to address aquatic nuisance species; and
• KAR 115-7-9 — weigh-in black bass fishing tournaments.

The commission will recess at 5 p.m., then reconvene at 7 p.m. at the same location to hear general public comments on non-agenda items, followed by a public hearing on regulations and Secretary’s Orders. Evening public hearing topics include the following:

• KAR 115-2-2 — motor vehicle permit fees;
• KAR 115-2-3 — camping and utilities fees;
• KAR 115-4-6b — elk management units;
• KAR 115-4-11 — big game and wild turkey permit applications;
• KAR 115-25-9, deer — open season, bag limit, and permits;
• Secretary’s Orders for deer;
• KAR 115-16-5 — wildlife control permit operation requirements;
• KAR 115-25-5, turkey — fall season, bag limit, and permits; and
• KAR 115-25-6, turkey — spring season, bag limit, permits, and game tags.

Time will be set aside in both the afternoon and evening sessions for public comment on topics that are not on the agenda. If necessary, the commission will recess on March 10 and reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 11, to complete unfinished business.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 21, at the Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium, 6232 East 29th Street North in Wichita.

Fishing Tips

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