Daily Archives: May 16, 2013

The Kaw Loses a Dear Friend – Lance Burr

Lance Burr, a true Kaw River warrior, passed away on Monday evening, May 13, 2013. Lance was a founding board member and the first president of Friends of the Kaw. He also established our Endowment Fund. 

Lance served on the Friends of the Kaw board as either an active or honorary board member from 1997 to 2013. We will all dearly miss him.

Pictured are Laura Calwell, Lance and Mike Calwell at the reception in March of 2010 celebrating the conservation easement for his Buck Creek property. 

Lance was active in many community concerns for Lawrence and Kansas. Our deepest sympathy goes to his family, particularly his children, Dustin and Desiree.

            Obituary Notice for Lance Burr

Quivira extends comment period for Comprehensive Conservation Plan

The comment period on the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge has been extended until the end of May following a request from Audubon of Kansas.

The document will guide the focus and direction of refuge management over the next 15 years.

A description of the plan and links to the CCP and comment form may be found athttp://www.fws.gov/refuge/Quivira/what_we_do/Conservation/planning.html.

Free Fishing Days First Weekend in June

Residents and visitors can enjoy two days of free fishing in Kansas June 1-2

The old adage “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” may be true 363 days out of the year, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is bucking that notion for two days by offering free fishing throughout the state June 1-2 . That’s right – free – no license will be required.

Anglers must still abide by all other fishing regulations set forth by KDWPT during the free fishing weekend, but anglers normally required to have fishing licenses, those age 16-74, do not need licenses June 1-2.

New Fishing Changes for 2013

Senior Fishing Licenses

Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, resident anglers age 65-74 are no longer exempt from fishing license requirements. Residents age 75 and older are still exempt.

Residents age 65-74 are eligible for a lifetime hunting/fishing combination license at $42.50, an annual senior hunting/fishing combination license at $20.50, or an annual fishing license at $11.50 (half-price).

ANS-Designated Waters

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing prohibited species such as Asian carp, white perch, and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters, and livewells and bilges must be drained before transporting boats from waters of the state. For more information about ANS, visit ProtectKSWaters.org.

Bait Fish

Wild-caught baitfish shall only be used on the body of water where taken, except that bluegill and green sunfish may be taken from a non-ANS-designated water and used for bait. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught baitfish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

Anglers who purchase bait from a commercial dealer are required to carry the receipt for the live baitfish purchase while fishing.

Handfishing Report No Longer Required

Handfishing permit holders are no longer required to return a questionnaire about their angling activities.

Artificial Lure Definition

An artificial lure is defined as a man-made fish-catching device used to mimic a single prey item. Artificial lures may be constructed of natural, non-edible, or synthetic materials. Multiple hooks, if present, shall be counted as a single hook on an artificial lure. Regulation allows only two baited hooks or artificial lures per rod. The umbrella rig, popularly called the Alabama Rig, may only have two separate lures with hooks.

For more information, including where to fish in Kansas and current fishing regulations, visitwww.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing.”

Glen Elder to Host Annual Youth Fishing Tournament

Youngsters can hone angling skills and win prizes during Glen Elder youth fishing tournament

It’s an unspoken rule among anglers that when lures hit the water, friendly competition should ensue. In an effort to bring some good ol’ fashioned summer fun to young anglers, Glen Elder State Park staff is hosting their 9th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder Reservoir, also known asWaconda Lake. The event will be held June 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., coinciding with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) free fishing weekend.

Participants will receive a new fishing pole, t-shirt, fishing tackle, and a free lunch.

The tournament is open to youth 7-14, and there is no fee to participate. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with boats hitting the water at 8:00 a.m. The tournament will conclude at 1:00 p.m., followed by lunch and an awards ceremony. Prizes will be awarded to youth who caught the biggest fish of a given species, and the youth who caught the most fish overall.

Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to call early and reserve a spot. For more information, or to sign-up for this event, contact KDWPT district fisheries biologist Scott Waters at (785) 545-3345.