Investigation Into Dead Fish At Wilson Reservoir Continues

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Staff from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are investigating dead and dying fish near the spillway at Wilson Reservoir in Russell County. In late March, KDWPT district fisheries biologist Scott Waters investigated reports of dead fish in Spillway Cove near the lake’s dam and found approximately 50 dead fish.

 “Probably half of the fish were adult smallmouth bass,” Waters said. “The rest of the mix was made up of walleye, drum and one striped bass. They appeared healthy, and some were still alive, swimming lethargically.”

Dead fish and water samples have been sent to labs for testing, and results are expected in early May. Investigators have identified no obvious reason for the die-off, which may number several hundred fish. The number of dead fish showing up each day appears to be slowing down.

The 9,000-acre reservoir, known for its crystal clear water and rugged prairie surroundings, has suffered through the long-term drought. The water level is more than 8 feet below what is considered normal; however, at this time, it does not appear connected to the dead fish. There is no evidence that any threat is posed to anglers or lake users.

“Our staff will continue to monitor the situation,” said KDWPT Fisheries Section chief Doug Nygren. “And we’ll inform the public as soon as test results are received and evaluated or we learn anything new.”

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MILFORD FISH HATCHERY SUPPLY LAKE NEW WINTER HOURS IN PLACE NOW

Hatchery supply lake, known as the Gathering Pond, open to fishing only on weekends under winter

hours

JUNCTION CITY – The Milford Fish Hatchery Supply Lake, known locally as the Gathering Pond, located below the dam of Milford Reservoir will be open to fishing under reduced winter hours beginning immediately. The new winter hours will open the lake from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends only and will be in place through March 16, 2014.

Winter hours started Nov. 1 last year, but the decision was made to begin 2013 winter hours immediately after the recent government shutdown ended. On weekdays, the gate just beyond the River Walk Trail parking lot will be closed. Fishing is restricted to weekend days. Other activities such as wildlife viewing and hiking will be permitted by foot traffic during the weekdays.

The supply lake reopened in 2012 to restricted hours and controlled access after being closed when zebra mussels were discovered in Milford Reservoir in 2009. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism staff were concerned about the potential for zebra mussels being introduced into the supply lake and ultimately into the hatchery. During the closure, staff worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop procedures designed to prevent zebra mussel infestation. Following the two-year closure, the lake was reopened with controlled access, limited hours and restrictions prohibiting boats and live aquatic bait. A gate attendant informs the public and conducts surveys. All efforts have been made to minimize the impact to recreational users during this time period. Spring/summer restrictions and hours will begin on March 17, 2014.

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FISHY FUN TO BE HAD AT MILFORD NATURE CENTER KID’S FISHING CLINIC

 For youth age 5-12, there is plenty of fun to be had at the Milford Nature Center’s 2013 Kid’s Fishing Clinic and Casting Contest, Saturday, June 1. Participants can enjoy a variety of activities including an electrofishing demonstration, casting contest, and raffle prize drawing.

Families can enjoy some fun in the sun
at the 2013 Kid’s Fishing Clinic and Casting Contest June 1

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Gathering Pond, below the Milford Dam. The event is open to the first 100 registered participants, so early registration is encouraged. Rods and reels, as well as bait, will be provided to each participant.

Following afternoon activities, including an award ceremony and raffle prize drawing, participants can enjoy lunch courtesy of the Junction City Noon Kiwanis Club.

Additional sponsors for the event include the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Kansas Wildscape, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Milford Nature Center.

To register for this event, call the Milford Nature Center at (785) 238-5323.

EL DORADO STATE PARK NAMED TOP “WATERPARK”

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation lists eight best parks
EL DORADO — El Dorado State Park has been voted by fans of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Take Me Fishing campaign as one of eight best “waterparks” in the country. This summer, RBFF fans visited the organization’s Facebook page to participate in Nature’s Waterpark Showdown. Each fan was invited to help determine the top eight natural “waterparks,” or state parks, for boating and fishing in America. Participants could also register to win the grand prize, a vacation to a state park for a family of four.

El Dorado State Park, in Butler County, was voted one of the top eight state parks in America based on fishing, boating, and “family fun.”

The list of eight stretched from New Hampshire to Kansas, including these parks:

• Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma
• Itasca State Park, Minnesota
• Blue Spring State Park, Florida
• El Dorado State Park, Kansas
• Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania
• Cave Lake State Park, Nevada
• Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
• Wellington State Park, New Hampshire

El Dorado Reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in June of 1981. The lake consists of approximately 8,000 surface acres of water, 4,500 acres of state park lands, and 3,500 acres of wildlife area. The park consists of four primary campgrounds offering a full service marina, a sailing club, approximately 1,000 campsites, picnic shelters, rental cabins, trails (horse, hiking, and bicycling), swim beaches, shower houses and restrooms, ADA playgrounds, boat ramps, and a laundry facility. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism manages the park and the reservoir resources.

For more information on the Nature’s Waterpark Showdown winners visit the Take Me Fishing™ Facebook page at facebook.com/takemefishing. The parks showcased in the campaign are just a fraction of the many outdoor recreation spots available throughout the nation. For more information on boating and fishing and a full list of places to participate in the sports, visit TakeMeFishing.org.

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EAGLES SOAR AT TUTTLE CREEK, OTHER KANSAS RESERVOIRS

Image via Wikipedia

December 29, 2011

Wintering bald eagles a favorite of Kansas naturalists

PRATT — With the arrival of winter, the eagles have landed near many eastern Kansas reservoirs. Bald eagles have been migrating south, offering outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to see the national bird in its native habitat. To enhance this opportunity, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Reservoir has scheduled its annual Eagle Day 2012 for Saturday, Jan. 7, beginning at 9 a.m.

The program is free and open to the public. All participants are asked to meet at 9 a.m. in the large assembly room at the Manhattan Fire Station, 2000 Denison (the corner of Denison and Kimball) in Manhattan. At that time, Steve Walhe, a biologist with the U.S. Army Ft. Riley Conservation Office, will offer a short presentation on the nesting habits of bald eagles in Kansas. Vanessa Avara, assistant director of the Milford Nature Center, will then feature several live raptors in her discussion of eagles and other birds of prey.

Following the two presentations at the fire station, members of the Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society will take participants on a bus tour through areas near Tuttle Creek Lake, with the goal of watching bald eagles in the wild. All participants should dress appropriately for the weather and bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras.

For more information on this event, phone Steve Prockish at the Corps of Engineers office, 785-539-8511 ext. 3167.

Milford Reservoir Eagle Day will begin at 9 a.m. on Jan. 14 and will include viewing tours and live eagle programs.

Other Eagle Days include:

• Jan. 15 — F.L. Schlagle Library (on Wyandotte Lake);
• Lawrence — Jan. 21 — Jayhawk Audubon's 2012 Kaw Valley Eagles Day;
• Jan. 28 — Perry Reservoir; and
• Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 —Chaplin Nature Center, Wichita.

Other Eagle Days will be held throughout Kansas. Watch the Events Calendar on KDWPT’s website www.kdwpt.state.ks.us or check the Natural Kansas website, www.naturalkansas.org. To learn more about eagles and other raptors, visit the Great Plains Nature Center's "Raptor's Roost," www.gpnc.org/raptors.htm.

ZEBRA MUSSELS DISCOVERED AT KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR

Image via Wikipedia

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and other equipment before moving from one lake to another
MARQUETTE — During a periodic inspection and dewatering of the outlet works at Kanopolis Reservoir on Sept. 26, officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discovered an adult zebra mussel in the stilling basin. Sampling of water in the lake revealed the presence of zebra mussel veligers, the larval form of the mussel. This population was detected at a very early stage, so it will be some time before the full impacts of the infestation will be seen. However, the discovery marks the 14th Kansas reservoir infested by this invasive species, which disappoints KDWPT aquatic nuisance species biologist Jason Goeckler because he knows the spread can be prevented.

“Some of the recent discoveries in eastern Kansas reservoirs were expected because zebra mussels naturally move downstream from infested lakes,” Goeckler explained. “Like the infestation at Melvern Reservoir earlier in the year, the introduction to Kanopolis could have been prevented. We can and must work together to prevent further spread of aquatic nuisance species. Lake users need to take a few minutes to follow the basic clean, drain, and dry precautions.”

Boats that are moored in a zebra mussel lake and then moved without taking precautions pose the highest danger for spreading zebra mussels. Western lakes have not been at a very high risk because of their lack of proximity to zebra mussel waters, but now that these two regional lakes both have growing populations of the mussels, lake users should be on guard more than ever. Costs to public water users continue to go up as each lake becomes infested.

All un-infested Kansas waters are under continual zebra mussel surveillance by KDWPT staff. The veligers in Kanopolis and other lakes are too small to see with the naked eye and suspend for several weeks in the water before sinking to the bottom and attaching to a hard surface. While they are suspended in the larval stage, zebra mussels can be easily transported downstream in flowing water or with water in boats and bait buckets and through other recreational activities.

Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian seas in Europe. They are believed to have been transported to the Great Lakes in the ballasts of transoceanic ships. Since first being discovered in 1988, zebra mussels have spread quickly to other waters in the Midwest. Control is expensive, and there is no way to eradicate them once they become established.

While an adult zebra mussel is only about the size of a dime, the species poses a threat to native Kansas fish and aquatic animals. One adult female can produce as many as 1 million eggs per year, and zebra mussel colonies quickly become quite dense, attaching to any hard surface, including native mussels, crayfish, turtles, boats, docks, as well as water intake structures. They even attach to other zebra mussels, creating layered colonies up to 6 inches thick. Densities of more than 1 million zebra mussels per square meter have been documented in Lake Erie. In addition to the threat they pose to the environment, native species, and water recreation, zebra mussels cost water suppliers, power plants, and other water-related businesses $1 billion each year — costs everyone pays.

Adult zebra mussels are filter feeders, and an infestation can dramatically disrupt a lake’s food chain by removing plankton native fish rely on. KDWPT biologists have documented decreases in body condition and abundance in several game fish species after zebra mussel infestations. Zebra mussel feeding habits may also increase the potential for blue-green algae blooms, which can be toxic to humans and animals. Dense colonies of zebra mussels make wading and swimming along shorelines dangerous because of their sharp shells. When zebra mussels die, the odor and shell fragments that wash up make any shoreline activities unpleasant.

With this latest discovery, KDWPT will increase local outreach efforts through signage and information materials in an attempt to educate lake users about the dangers of spreading zebra mussels. All lake users are asked to help stop the spread of zebra mussels to another water body. Goeckler reminds all anglers and boaters to remember three simple rules: CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY. Inspect vessels for any zebra mussels before leaving the boat ramp area. (Zebra mussels are on the prohibited species list, which means they can’t be possessed alive. Having a live zebra mussel attached to your boat is a violation.). Drain all water from the boat’s livewell, baitwell, and sump area. Drain any bait buckets, as well — never pour live bait into the lake; dispose of it on land. Dry the boat and trailer for at least five days before putting them in another lake, or wash the boat and trailer with 140-degree water.

“It’s important that lake users take the threat of aquatic nuisance species seriously,” Goeckler added. “If their spread is allowed to continue, our water-based recreation opportunities may be changed forever.”

Zebra mussels are just one of several invasive species that threaten Kansas waters. Prevent their spread by following the CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY procedures and never move water or fish from one body of water to another. For more information about aquatic nuisance species, go towww.kdpwt.state.ks.us and click on the “STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS” window on the lower right side of the homepage.

FISHING PLACES

COUNCIL GROVE YOUTH SHOOTING CLINIC SEPT. 24

Sept. 8, 2011
Event designed to encourage youth hunters and shooters; registration deadline Sept. 16
COUNCIL GROVE — Council Grove area youth are invited to attend a free shotgun, pellet rifle, and archery shooting and safety clinic on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Council Grove Reservoir. Sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the Flint Hills Chapter of Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF), and Morris County hunter education instructors, this special event will provide participants with the opportunity to enhance firearm and archery shooting and safety skills. Controlled live fire instruction will teach safe, responsible, and fun shooting techniques.

Participants will be provided safety and shooting instruction by certified firearm and archery skills instructors. All gear and supplies, including shotguns, pellet rifles, shells, bows, arrows, targets, and eye and ear protection will be provided by KDWPT’s “Pass It On” and Hunter Education programs. Teaching methods almost guarantee that students will break shotgun targets by the end of the session.

Anyone age 11 through 16 may participate. Participants are required to pre-register for the event by Sept. 16. Students are not required to have completed a hunter education course, but prior completion is preferred. The event will begin at 12 p.m. at the COE-managed area between Marina Cove and Neosho Park, approximately 1/4 mile west of the COE office at the west end of the dam. Check-in will be run from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., and QUWF will provide a free lunch during check-in. Instruction will begin at 12:30 p.m. and end at 4 p.m.

KDWP’s “Pass It On” Program is designed to increase the number of Kansans who hunt. Those interested are reminded to pre-register before Sept. 16. To register or learn more about this event, phone Brent Konen, Council Grove Wildlife Area manager, at 620-767-5900.

Hunting, Fishing, and Camping

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KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR TO UNDERGO PERIODIC DAM INSPECTION

Image via Wikipedia

Lake level being reduced to below conservation pool
MARQUETTE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kanopolis Reservoir has scheduled a periodic inspection of Kanopolis Dam for Sept. 27-30. Conducted every five years, the periodic inspection provides multi-disciplined teams a routine opportunity to conduct a detailed assessment of the embankment, control tower, outlet works, and associated structures.

To prepare for the inspection, the lake level is being reduced to below conservation pool. A gradual drawdown of the lake began on Aug. 26, and it is expected that the lake will be near elevation 1462.50 feet mean sea level during the inspection.

Pumping and cleaning of the Kanopolis stilling basin is also a component of the inspection. Corps of Engineers staff will assist Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism staff with a basin fish salvage during the morning of Sept. 26. Nongame fish will be made available to the public while game fish species will be returned to the lake or other public waters.

It is anticipated that the Outlet Area of Kanopolis Reservoir will be closed to the public throughout the inspection. All other recreation areas will remain open. Questions regarding the periodic inspection should be directed to the Kanopolis Project Office at 785-546-2294.

Fishing Tips and Info

STATE PARKS READY FOR RELAXING LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Image via Wikipedia

Only three parks are affected by blue-green algae; all state parks and state fishing lakes ready for busy holiday weekend

PRATT — Kansas state parks are busy throughout the summer, but three weekends are the most popular — Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5, is the only summer holiday remaining this season. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wants the public to know that despite blue-green algae in two reservoirs and several smaller lakes that may limit water recreation, all state parks will be open Labor Day. Also, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Kansas lakes and parks since all state fishing lakes and most city and county lakes are free of blue-green algae warnings or advisories.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has been checking certain lakes nearly all summer and has issued “advisories” and “warnings” when harmful levels of blue-green algae have been detected. Based on KDHE’s findings, the Army Corps of Engineers and KDWPT have closed Milford Reservoir near Junction City, to all water use (including fishing from the bank) because of a serious health risk. However, land-based opportunities abound at the lake and Milford State Park will be open for business Labor Day weekend. While the River Pond below the dam in Tuttle Creek State Park is under a warning, boating and fishing are allowed. Tuttle Creek Reservoir is not under any warning or advisory and is open to all activities.

And, although Cheney Reservoir west of Wichita is under an Advisory, Cheney State Park is open for business. The advisory at Cheney Reservoir means harmful blue-green algae have been detected and a hazardous condition may exist, but water activities such as boating and fishing are allowed. However, direct contact with the water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Labor Day weekend is one of the best times of the year to visit a park or lake. The weather is still warm, and the water feels great. For those who would rather stay dry (or are visiting Milford State Park), volleyball, disc golf, trail hiking, camping, watching wildlife in the park or a nearby wildlife area, or simply sitting around a campfire and enjoying the outdoors are relaxation enough after a hard week’s work. It’s also a welcome breather before school gets back in full swing.

Blue-green algae conditions may change before the holiday so people should stay alert for updates. For more information on blue-green algae, including current warnings and advisories, visit the KDHE website, http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm or contact Jonathan Larance at785-291-3684. For more information about Kansas state parks, click the “State Parks” icon at the top of the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. For more information about Kansas state fishing lakes and other fishing locations, click on the “Fishing” icon on the KDWPT website.

KDHE ISSUES NEW BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ALERTS

Image by Lake Improvement Association via Flickr Perry Reservoir areas reopened; some areas at Milford Reservoir closed
TOPEKA — Blue-green algae are natural, common bacteria in all waters of Kansas. Ordinarily, they are not harmful to humans or aquatic life, but under certain conditions — especially during the heat of the summer — they can multiply rapidly, resulting in a “bloom.” When this happens, blooms may release toxins that are dangerous to fish, pets, and humans. Some algae blooms look like foam or a thick slurry. They can be blue, bright green, brown, or red and may look like paint floating on the water. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water. Algae blooms should be considered Nature’s warning signs saying, “Stay out of the water.”
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when they are alerted to a potential algae bloom. When problems arise, they cooperate with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and federal officials to inform the public.
Based upon the latest sampling results and established health risk levels, KDHE is currently issuing warnings and advisories, and lake users should understand these two terms.
A “warning” is issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Warning” indicates that water conditions are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) should be avoided. Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under warning:

• Milford Lake (new listing);
• Santa Fe Lake in Augusta (new listing);
• Marion County Lake;
• Memorial Park Lake, Great Bend, Barton County; and
• Meade State Lake, Meade County.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• do not drink lake water;
• avoid swimming, wading, or other activities with full-body contact of lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

As a result of the warning at Milford Reservoir, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and KDWPT have closed Military Marina Cove/Boat Ramp, Timber Creek Boat Ramp, Milford State Park Swim Beach, and Wakefield Boat Ramp Area/Swim Beach. Milford Reservoir is open, and the parks, marinas, and lakeside businesses around Milford Reservoir are open for business as usual, including camping and other recreational activities. The drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom.
An “advisory is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Advisory” indicates that a hazardous “condition” exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.
KDHE has issue an advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

• Big Hill Reservoir, Labette County;
• Perry Reservoir (the entire lake), Jefferson County;
• Marion Reservoir, Marion County;
• Old Herington City Lake, Dickinson County; and
• Logan City Lake, Phillips County.

In addition, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• do not drink lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

Previous warnings for Perry Lake Rock Creek Arm and the Perry Lake Old Town Public Use Area on Perry Reservoir have been lifted. Perry Reservoir remains under an advisory status, but the lake and Perry Lake State Park Swim Beach have reopened.
KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date advisories and warnings, can be found at online at www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

ZEBRA MUSSELS DISCOVERED AT TWO MORE KANSAS RESERVOIRS

Image via Wikipedia

Boaters reminded of threat and prevention steps before holiday weekend

EMPORIA – On Wednesday, June 29, 2011, officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that zebra mussels have been found in Council Grove Reservoir in Morris County and Melvern Reservoir in Osage County. Adding the twelfth and thirteenth Kansas reservoirs to the infested list disappoints KDWPT aquatic nuisance species biologist Jason Goeckler because he knows the spread can be prevented.

“We expected Council Grove Reservoir because zebra mussels naturally move downstream, and they were found in Council Grove City Lake last July,” Goeckler explained. “The Melvern infestation is a different story because it could have been prevented. I still think we can prevent further spread of aquatic nuisance species if lake users will follow a few basic precautions.”

All un-infested Kansas waters are under continual zebra mussel surveillance by KDWPT staff. A day after biologists found zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, while sampling Council Grove Reservoir, a lake user found a rock with a single adult zebra mussel attached. Within days, both veligers and adult mussels were found at Melvern Reservoir. Veligers are too small to see with the naked eye and suspend for several weeks in the water before sinking to the bottom and attaching to a hard surface. While they are suspended in the larval stage, zebra mussels can be easily transported in flowing water or water in boats, bait buckets and through other recreational activities.

Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian seas in Europe. They are believed to have been transported to the Great Lakes in the ballasts of transoceanic ships. Since first being discovered in 1988, zebra mussels have spread quickly to other waters in the Midwest. Control is expensive and there is no way to eradicate them once they become established.

While an adult zebra mussel is only about the size of a dime, the species poses a threat to our native fish and aquatic animals. One adult female can produce up to 1 million eggs per year, and zebra mussel colonies quickly become quite dense, attaching to any hard surface, including native mussels, crayfish, turtles, boats, docks, as well as water intake structures. They even attach to other zebra mussels, creating layered colonies up to 6 inches thick. Densities of more than 1 million zebra mussels per square meter have been documented in Lake Erie. In addition to the threat they pose to our environment, native species and water recreation, zebra mussels will cost water suppliers, power plants and other water-related businesses $1 billion each year -- costs we all help pay.

Adult zebra mussels are filter feeders, and an infestation can dramatically disrupt a lake’s food chain by removing plankton native fish rely on. KDWPT biologists have documented decreases in body condition and abundance in several game fish species after zebra mussel infestations. Zebra mussel feeding habits may also increase the potential for blue-green algae blooms, which can be toxic to humans and animals. Dense colonies of zebra mussels make wading and swimming along shorelines dangerous because of their sharp shells. When zebra mussels die, the odor and shell fragments that wash up make any shoreline activities unpleasant.

With these latest discoveries, KDWPT will increase local outreach efforts through signage and information materials in an attempt to educate lake users about the dangers of spreading zebra mussels. All lake users are asked to help stop the spread of zebra mussels to another water body. Goeckler reminds all anglers and boaters to remember three simple rules: CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY. Inspect your vessel for any zebra mussels before you leave the boat ramp area. (Zebra mussels are on the prohibited species list, which means they can’t be possessed alive. Having a live zebra mussel attached to your boat is a violation.). Drain all water from the boat’s livewell, baitwell and sump area (Drain any bait buckets, as well – never pour live bait into the lake, dispose of it on land.) Dry the boat and trailer for at least five days before putting them in another lake, or wash the boat and trailer with 140-degree water.

“It’s important that lake users take the threat of aquatic nuisance species seriously,” Goeckler added. “If their spread is allowed to continue, our water-based recreation opportunities may be changed forever.”
Zebra mussels are just one of several invasive species that threaten our waters. Prevent their spread by following the CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY procedures and never move water or fish from one body of water to another. For more information about aquatic nuisance species, go towww.kdpwt.state.ks.us and click on the “STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS” window on the lower left of the Homepage.

COAST GUARD CLOSES PORTION OF MISSOURI RIVER

Closure intended for safety of anglers and boaters

TOPEKA – The U.S. Coast Guard has closed the Missouri River to all vessel traffic, including vessels used for fishing and recreation, from mile marker 386 located downstream of Leavenworth, northward to mile marker 811, near Gavins’ Point Dam in Yankton, S. D. Mile marker 386 is about one-half river-mile downstream of the ADM/Growmark grain elevator facility located on the Kansas side of the river. The closure includes the entire length of the Kansas portion of the Missouri River northward from mile marker 386.

The closure is a result of consultations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the governors of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.

“For their own safety and the safety of emergency personnel who could be called to their rescue, it is vital that people avoid the dangerous flooding conditions on the Missouri River,” said Robin Jennison, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT).”

According to Captain Rob Ladner, a law enforcement supervisor with KDWPT, the swift floodwaters create unpredictable currents and carry large, hazardous debris. “The high water level hides submerged obstacles, making any kind of boating unsafe,” he added.

Information about flooding along the Missouri River is available from the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department, www.kansastag.gov; and the U.S. Coast Guard at www.FloodResponse2011.com. The Coast Guard also urges boaters to monitor VHF-FM channels 16 and 22 for any changes to the closure.

.TUTTLE CREEK YOUTH/DISABLED DEER HUNT SEPT. 10-11

Image via Wikipedia

Application deadline Aug. 1
MANHATTAN — The 9th Annual Tuttle Creek Youth/Disabled Assisted Deer Hunt is just around the corner, and staff and volunteers with the Riley County Fish and Game Association, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), and the Tuttle Creek Lake Corps of Engineers are seeking participants for the hunt, which will be held Sept.10-11.

The application deadline is Aug. 1.

Kansas youth 11 through 16 years of age and Kansas residents with a certified disability are eligible to participate in this hunt. Participants need a deer permit, and, if required by Kansas law, a Kansas hunting license and an approved hunter education course. Assistance meeting these requirements, including scholarship assistance to purchase a hunting license and deer permit, is available through sponsoring agencies and associations.

Hunt participants will also be required to attend a firearm safety presentation and sight-in at the Fancy Creek Range on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 21. If participants do not have a rifle or ammunition for the hunt, these items will be provided. Each participant will be guided by an experienced hunter. Arrangements have been made with area lockers, where basic processing of harvested deer will be handled free of charge.

Other items provided for this hunt include accessible hunting blinds, hunting locations, hunter orange hats and vests, and transportation to the field.

Additional groups and organizations contributing to this hunt include the Friends of Fancy Creek Range, the Kansas City Chapter of Safari Club International, and the Tuttle Creek Lake Association.

For more information or an application, phone Steve Prockish at the Tuttle Creek Lake Corps of Engineers Office, 785-539-8511, ext. 3167, or email Stephen.E.Prockish@usace.army.mil.

CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO LOWER JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR

Search for drowning victim prompts lowering of lake level
TULSA — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that the lake level at John Redmond Reservoir is being lowered approximately 2 feet below normal conservation pool level to help facilitate recovery efforts of a drowning victim missing since Dec. 4, 2010. Current releases are 5,000 cubic feet per second, and the drawdown is expected to be completed by late Jan. 5 or early Thursday, Jan 6.
Increased flows downstream of the dam will cause Neosho River levels to rise quickly. Recreational users of the lake should also be aware because lower than normal lake elevations may expose boating hazards around the lake that may have been submerged with normal water elevations. Boaters are urged to use caution while launching boats and while on the lake.
For more information about current lake levels, visit the Water Control Data System or the daily report link under the Lakes and River Information section of the Corps of Engineers Tulsa District website, www.swt.usace.army.mil.