ND GNF Weekley Newsletter 01-Mar-06

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North Dakota’s Wildlife Action Plan Receives Federal Approval

North Dakota’s Wildlife Action Plan, a strategic plan designed to identify and help fish and wildlife species that are in decline, has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

For the past five years, Congress has provided states with supplemental funding through the State Wildlife Grant program to conserve species that typically receive no monetary support. The SWG program does not take away from current game management programs, but instead complements funding shortfalls in programs already in place, and fills in gaps where funding has been lacking.

As a condition of accepting these funds, all 50 states were required to develop a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy – now called Wildlife Action Plan – and submit it to the USFWS by Oct. 1, 2005. The Wildlife Action Plan is intended to identify and focus on species of conservation priority, yet address each state’s full array of wildlife.

“This benefits all species of fish and wildlife, not only those at potential risk,” said Terry Steinwand, North Dakota Game and Fish Department director.

According to Steinwand, the SWG program represents an ambitious endeavor that allows states to take a more active role in keeping species from becoming threatened or endangered in the future. “North Dakota’s Wildlife Action Plan will provide much of the framework for working toward that goal and preserving an important part of our state’s heritage for future generations,” he said.

North Dakota’s Wildlife Action Plan, available on the Game and Fish HSOforum at gf.nd.gov, contains information on species of conservation priority, threats that are causing species to decline, and actions for conserving them.

Game and Fish Department nongame biologists started developing the plan in 2002, and received input from land management agencies, tribal interests, nongovernmental organizations, researchers, experts and private citizens.

For more information on North Dakota’s Wildlife Action Plan contact Game and Fish Department biologists Sandra Hagen at 328-6382 or Patrick Isakson at 328-6338.

Permanent Fish Houses Must be Removed by Midnight March 15

State law requires permanent fish houses to be removed from North Dakota waters by midnight March 15.

Variable weather conditions this time of the year can make it difficult to even get to a fish house, said Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. “Access on some lakes could be restricted because of the snow, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the state,” Boldt said.

Also, warm weather and high winds this late in winter can rapidly deteriorate ice conditions, Boldt mentioned, causing shorelines to weaken. “Ice thickness not only varies statewide, but can even fluctuate on the same body of water,” she said.

The fine for failure to have permanent fish houses off the ice by midnight, March 15 is $325. Portable fish houses may be used after March 15 if they are removed daily, Boldt mentioned.

Spring Crow Season Opens March 18

North Dakota’s spring crow season opens statewide March 18 and continues through April 30.

Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. There is no daily or possession limit on crows.

Hunters can use last fall’s 2005-06 small game and general game and habitat license, or combination license, or may purchase a new 2006-07 combination license.