Daily Archives: June 22, 2013

Catch More Fish with new Angler Education Program

Fishing’s Future and KDWPT will certify instructors to teach fishing techniques in Kansas

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between a white bass and a wiper? Or, how to tie on a hook using an improved clinch knot? Whether you simply want to improve your general fishing knowledge or are looking to sharpen your angling skills, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has just the program for you. Along with Fishing’s Future (FF), a non-profit organization aimed at getting families outdoors through the sport of fishing, KDWPT will now be offering an Angler Education Program. The first class will be held August 10, 2013 from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Great Plains Nature Center, 

6232 E. 29th Street North

 in Wichita.

“Kansas has had aquatic education for some time, but our new partnership with Fishing’s Future will create an even more organized and useful program,” said KDWPT district fisheries biologist Jessica Mounts.

Similar to the other educational programs currently offered, the new Angler Education Program will enlist qualified volunteer instructors to teach each class. Subjects covered include current rules and regulations, species identification, fishing ethics, equipment, knot-tying, casting, fish habitat, aquatic nuisance species, conservation, and much more.

Specialized classes will also be given on family fishing, adult beginner fishing, specialized fishing techniques, and fishing for a particular species, schedules and resources permitting.

“This program is a great way for any angler to expand their outdoors skills, become more active, and enjoy Kansas’ many parks and waterways,” said Fishing’s Future local coordinator Kevin Reich.

All classes are open to the public at no cost, however pre-registration is required. To register for the Aug. 10 class, visitwww.fishingsfuture.org, click “upcoming events,” and “Kansas Angler Education Training Program”

For more information, including how to become an Angler Education instructor, contact Reich at[email protected], or by phone at (785) 577-6921.

Flathead Catfish Handfishing Season Runs June 15-Aug. 31

Special fishing season offers anglers a more “hands on” way of catching flatheads

The increased popularity of television shows like “Hillbilly Handfishin’,” “Catfishin’ Kings,” and “Mudcats,” proves that handfishing for large catfish can be an exciting and fast-paced sport. Luckily, Kansas is one of a handful of states that offer this special season. With a special permit, anglers can handfish for flathead catfish in select waters from sunrise to sunset June 15-Aug. 31.

Commonly referred to as “noodling,” handfishing consists of finding a suspected catfish hole, barricading any possible exits the fish might escape through, using your hands as bait and sticking your arm inside the hole to catch the catfish bare-handed. Although seemingly easy, this sport can prove to be very dangerous for inexperienced anglers.

Adding to the challenge of handfishing, no man-made objects that attract fish, such as a barrel, box, or bathtub may be used. Handfishing anglers are also prohibited from using snorkel or scuba gear, as well as any hooks. A stringer may be used, but not until the catfish is caught by hand and is at or above the water’s surface.

Kansas waters open to handfishing include:

♦ the entire length of the Arkansas River,

♦ all federal reservoirs from beyond 150 yards of the dam to the upstream end of the federal property, and

♦ the Kansas River from its origin, downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.

Handfishing permits can be obtained for $27.50 at select license vendors or online. Anglers participating in this special season will need to have a handfishing permit in addition to a regular fishing license. New for 2013, handfishing permit-holders are no longer required to complete and submit a questionnaire following the close of the season.

To purchase a handfishing permit online, visit www.ksoutoors.com and click “License/Permits.”

Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams

Executive Director

Position Announcement

The Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS) is soliciting qualified candidates for the position as Executive Director (ED) for the organization. This is anticipated to be a 12-18 month position, with potential for expansion as permanent full-time position.

KAWS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing technical assistance, education and coordinating efforts for numerous state and federal agencies, private organizations, and landowners working to create, protect, and restore wetlands and riparian areas inKansas.  The mission of KAWS is “To ensure the future of wetlands, streams, and their adjacent riparian areas as integral parts of ourKansas heritage and landscape.  KAWS’ goal is to expand its recognition as the authority for wetlands in the State of Kansas.  For more information on KAWS see www.kaws.org

            As the first major priority, the ED will maintain the operation of KAWS by interacting with the Board of Directors, and supervising other staff members (i.e., WRAPS and KAWS chapter coordinators, project coordinators). The ED will work with the Fundraising Coordinator to ensure that KAWS financial objectives and needs will be met near- and long-term. 

            The ED’s second major priority, is to interact with the Board of Directors to schedule and organize quarterly meetings, training and education programs, facilitate nominations and election of new Board members, and distribute meeting agendas and minutes to all Board members. The ED will also regularly interact with the Executive Committee and Board Chair for ongoing direction, updates, and other related activities.  The ED will work with staff and the Board of Directors to define the long-term goals and objectives for the group and the strategy for achieving these, as well as overseeing the implementation of the long-term strategy.

            In addition to the primary responsibilities, the ED will assist the treasurer and accountant in tracking income and expenses, administer operation and capacity building grants, track in-kind services and project expenses, and, ensure compliance with state and federal requirements for 501(c)(3) non-profits, arrange for annual audit and tax form preparation, oversee the initiation of monthly invoices for work performed through grants and contracts, field queries from the media and the public, oversee the production of outreach materials, and provide general presentations to public.  Also, the ED will also work to solicit membership and maintain databases, prepare the annual report, establish and maintain records, and develop the annual budget and grant reports.  The ED will serve as the primary KAWS contact for planning and conducting conferences and state-wide events.

            Qualifications:

            The successful candidate must have at least a Bachelor’s degree or extensive experience related to the duties outlined in this solicitation.  A degree in the biological sciences is considered beneficial but not mandatory.  The candidate should have good computer, oral and written communication, website development, and organizational skills.

            Periodic travel across the State of Kansas is a requirement of this position.

            Experience with the organization of workshops and conference’s is a plus.

            Salary:

            Salary will be based on educations, and proven experience to achieve the tasks outlined in this solicitation.  In addition to salary, reimbursable allowances for home office, travel, and other expenses will be provided.  The position will be evaluated annually by the Board, with continuation based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

            Send or e-mail a letter of application, resume, and the contact information for 3 references no later than June 28, 2013 to:

Brad Loveless

KAWS Board Chairman

818 S Kansas Avenue

Topeka, Kansas  66601

(785) 575-8115

[email protected]

            Tentative Schedule:

June 14 – June 28, 2013:            Post position announcement

June 28- July 12, 2013:               Review applications and determine interview list

July 16 and 18, 2013:                  Conduct interviews and candidate selection

August 1, 2013:                         Executive Director begins position

Senate Passes a Strong Farm Bill

On June 10 the Senate succeeded once more in passing a strong, bipartisan farm bill that contains sensible protections for soil, water, and wildlife.

            National Wildlife Federation applauds the final bill and the leadership of Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-MS), for crafting a bill that maintains adequate funding for conservation, includes a national Sodsaver provision, and re-links conservation compliance provision to crop insurance premium subsidies. The bill also authorizes funding for an innovative regional partnership program which would target conservation funding to as many as eight priority conservation regions.

            “We are very pleased with the Senate’s version of the farm bill and congratulate the Senate Agriculture Committee and Senate leadership for all their hard work,” said Julie Sibbing, director of Agriculture and Forestry Programs for National Wildlife Federation. “In the present climate of kicking the can down the road and paralyzing lack of compromise in Congress, it is refreshing to see members on both sides of the aisle roll up their sleeves and pass a balanced farm bill that ensures a robust safety net for farmers and for natural resources. The House should follow their example.”

            For a final version of the farm bill to become reauthorized, the House of Representatives must bring the version passed out of the House Committee on Agriculture to the floor for a vote. Last year, House leadership disappointed farmers and conservationists by failing to bring the farm bill to the floor. Each year that Congress fails to pass the farm bill, there is a lower baseline level of fundingavailable for conservation; it is critical that a final five-year farm bill is reauthorized in 2013, and that the final version contains the same protections for wildlife that are included in the Senate’s version passed today.

Kids who spend time outdoors do better in school?

Studies show that kids who spend more time outdoors show improved attention spans, better overall fitness, less anxiety and higher overall test scores. All that from playing outside!

It’s just one more reason to make spending time outside a priority for your family. And there’s no better time to get started than today as we celebrate National Get Outdoors week.

So here’s a simple step you can take right now: click here to learn more about our biggest outdoor event of the year, the Great American Backyard Campout.

You can join families across the nation as they camp out in backyards and local parks on June 22.

Camping is a fun, easy way to get your kids outdoors and connected with the nature all around them. Plus that outdoor time can help your children be happier, healthier and more successful in school!

Turn the Family Cookout into a Campout for this Year’s Great American Backyard Campout

As the summer season kicks off, what better way to enjoy the great outdoors and family time than cooking and camping out in the backyard? As part of National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement, the 9th annual Great American Backyard Campout on June 22, 2013 is the perfect opportunity to head outside for some great food and family fun this summer.

From cookout recipes to campfire songs to games to wildlife watching tips, NWF gives families the resources they need to take the summer cookout to the next level by making it a summer campout. No yard or grill? No problem. NWF has everything to have a memorable night. Check out these sample recipe ideas for inspiration:

Camp Cuisine

It’s no secret that camping and s’mores go together like baseball and hotdogs (another excellent campfire food), but there is so much more to camp cuisine.

Here are just a couple examples of what you can serve up at your Campout.

• Pigs in a Sleeping Blanket: For an easy twist on the classic campfire hotdog take an 11 ounce can of breadstick dough, slice each dough strip in half and wrap each strip around a hotdog leaving a small area uncovered for the face. Roast over the fire until the hotdog and bread are cooked, let cool, then use ketchup and mustard to make fun faces.

• Silver Turtles: This hearty option is a simple way to fill your campers’ stomachs. Simply place a hamburger patty in a piece of aluminum foil and top it with potatoes, carrots, onions, salt, pepper and a pad of butter. Fold the foil tightly around the turtle and cook over the coals for 20 minutes or until cooked thoroughly, then let cool and enjoy. For a side dish, try wrapping corn on the cob or whole potatoes in foil for delicious grilled corn or baked potatoes. Remember to let them cool then add your favorite toppings.

• Gourmet Lasagna: If you’re up for some Italian, try this easy Dutch oven recipe for lasagna. Start by pouring a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the Dutch oven and add a little water. Then cover with lasagna noodles and a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese and chopped spinach and add another layer of sauce to top it off and repeat the layering until you reach the top of your pot. Top your lasagna off with sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, cover and let bake for 30 minutes. If you are looking for a more meaty dish try adding pepperoni or ground beef between the layers.

There’s always room for dessert…

• Dipped Strawberries: Dip strawberries in Marshmallow Fluff and roast over the fire.

• Orange-Chocolate Cake: Hollow out oranges, fill (about half way) with chocolate cake mix, wrap in foil and heat in the hot coals for about 20 minutes.

• Singing Apples: Place an apple on a cooking stick and roast over hot coals until the peel starts to split and “sing.” Carefully remove the peel and roll apple in cinnamon-sugar.

Register Today

Whether it’s in the backyard, together with neighbors, with friends at a local park, or at a large community event, NWF encourages parents and kids alike to trade screen time for green time by spending a night under the stars.

Studies show that outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances creativity and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance. Through NWF’s Be Out There movement with special events like Campout and practical resources, tips and tools, NWF is helping parents turn inside kids out.

So gather the family and friends and bring an appetite for a great night under the stars June 22, 2013. Fun and adventure are only as far as the backyard, so go camping!

Visit www.backyardcampout.org for more information, to register or to find a public event around the country.

Be Out There™ is NWF’s movement to reconnect families with the outdoors. NWF’s practical tools and information help make being outside a fun, healthy and automatic part of everyday life.. For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors, visit: www.BeOutThere.org.