Arkansas Out-of-Doors March/April 2010 by Arkansas Wildlife Federation

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010 - 1

MARCH/APRIL 2010

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E A R K A N S A S W I L D L I F E F E D E R AT I O N • A F F I L I AT E D W I T H T H E N AT I O N A L W I L D L I F E F E D E R AT I O N

VOL 38

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit 128 Russellville, Ark. 72801

NO 1

Trumpeter Swans Photo by Tim Carr

2 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010

Trumpeter Swan migration efforts continue to proove fruitful Another group of young Iowa trumpeter swans will move into a new winter home today. It’s the third year of a scheduled three-year project to relocate swans in an attempt to encourage their migration. Somewhere around 15 first-year trumpeters will be brought by Iowa Department of Natural Resources biologists to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge near Dardanelle, where they will be released. The goal isn’t to establish a population of trumpeter swans in Arkansas but to encourage Iowa swans to fly south for the winter. Growing numbers of trumpeters are using little Magness Lake east of Heber Springs as a winter home. The biologists, who are working with Karen Rowe of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the staff of Holla Bend Refuge, are trying to re-establish a migration pattern into the trumpeters, which have been restored to the upper Midwest over the past couple of decades. Somewhere along the restoration years, the swans forgot to go

"Be Out There" movement, sponsored by National Wildlife Federation as well as the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, is a program I hope all parents can get behind. “Be Out There” program is part of a nation wide program to re-connect children with the outdoors. Do you remember the fun you had as a child playing outside? It has been a long time ago for me but I still remember the fun times we had outside as a child. Where I grew up was a small town and we didn’t have the electronic gadgets we have today, so we had to find things to do to have fun. I remember catching my first fish on a hickory limb with line and hook. I remember my son and daughter catching there first fish, as well as my grandsons catching there first fish in our pond. It was just as much fun for me to watch them catch there first fish as it was for them. As I told you in a previous letter

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to warmer regions when winter arrived. Hundreds remain in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan during winter, requiring feeding by state wildlife agencies and volunteers. In Arkansas, though, the birds are able to fend for themselves for natural food. The hope is for the young birds wintering at Holla Bend to return north and migrate with other swans to the south in future winters.

about my grandson staying 5 days with me last summer and the fun and the relationship we built together, are memories that will be with us for the rest of our lives. “Be Out There” movement hope to return children to what this generation has lost. Studies show that children obesity rate as increased our cost to public health system. Children today are deficient in vitamin “D” which may increase bone problems, heart disease, diabetes, as well as other health issues. Studies show the average child spends 53 hours per week watching are playing electronic games. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least 60 minutes a day of outdoor activities for children as essential part of children’s physical and mental health for better social development. Studies also show that children who spend regular time outdoors are healthier, happier and grow up with a

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Row said the release of the 2010 group of young swans form Iowa will be at 10:30 at Holla Bend. Participants and the birds will meet at refuge headquarters then will drive to a release site. Bird enthusiasts are invited to watch. Holla Bend Refuge is about six miles south of Dardanelle. Be sure to check-out page 10 of this issue for more information on the Trumpeter Swan.

better understanding of our environment as well as more respect for wildlife. To learn more go to www.beoutthere.org AWF held a meeting at UALR with a coalition of organizations concerned about children and getting children outside, on April 10. We discussed how together we can develop plans to connect children to the outdoors. Plans to work together to get state agency to develop and support action plans to connect children with the outdoors. We are planning another meeting to get more organization involved with the program. If you are interested please contact AWF. Other AWF activities going on. AWF has submitted a grant to National Forest Foundation to work with the U S Forest Service to improve and enlarge the Bear Cat Hollow Cooperative Habitat Project, up by Gene Rush WMA this is a 3 phase project. Plans are to clean several areas and replant native grasses and plants. To enlarge the lake area for more recreational opportunities. To remove old fence materials and make land more suitable for wildlife habitat. Phase I work to start sometime in June 2010 and go thru May of 2011. If you

would like to help with this project please contact us at AWF. Also AWF is co-sponsor with “Collaboration of the Art” a state wide contest for K-12 grade students in Arkansas, competition for Photographic Essay, Painting, Drawing, or Collage Art. State wide art contest will be held at River Front Park in Little Rock on May 14, 2010, please try to come and support the youth art contest. Also AWF held a workshop on Forests and Carbon Sequestration, “Carbon Footprint” and how to get involved at Arkansas Tech University on April 1. We had a diverse group of 45 people attend. Speaker were Dr. Nick Brown from NWF and U of A Fayetteville, Dick Kempka VP for Equator LLC, Joel Levin VP Climate Action Reserve. Sponsored by NWF, AWF, YCWF and PEW Charitable Trust. To learn more go to www.climateactionreserve.org AWF appreciates your support and contribution to issues that concern fish, wildlife, and our natural resources in Arkansas. AWF wants to be your voice, let us know what you think arkwf@sbcglobal.net

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010 - 3

Arkansas Forests – A Treasured Resource

out and get-out” philosophy of the time. In some cases, buildings were moved on railcars down the track to the next logging site where they were unloaded to provide houses for a new community. During this period of time, there was Arkansas’s forests provide a diversity buffalo, black bear, deer, and cougar to a wide very little thought given to how logging of important benefits to include wildlife variety of birds and fish”. The state contained was adversely impacting other resources habitat, recreational opportunities, watershed vast stands of virgin pine and hardwood when (water, wildlife, fisheries, etc.). A general protection and aesthetic values, not to mention in 1541, the Spanish explorer Hernando de history of Arkansas forests from 1600-1988 products produced through timber harvest Soto first touched ground in Arkansas near reveals many changes. From pre-European like wood fiber used in paper products, the present Mississippi River town of Helena. settlement to the late 1800’s, the abundant furniture and houses. Wildlife biologists have The first settlement began in 1686 at timber was used primarily for shelter and fuel found that through active management which Arkansas Post, a few miles inland from the for heating and cooking; occasionally land is planned such as timber harvest to include Mississippi River. Early settlers used the was cleared for farming. thinning, group selection or even a removal abundant timber primarily for shelter and The ‘Big Cut’ era occurred in Arkansas cut as well as the use of prescribed fire, fuel for heating and cooking. Occasionally from 1890 to 1920. As the resource dwindled in the South some eyes turned to the Pacific forests can be more healthy and diverse while the land was cleared for farming. providing important habitat for many rare Some pioneers began cutting timber Northwest for a new source of timber, or unique species. Because of the complex commercially as early as 1826 and Arkansas’ whereas others stayed in the South and nature of forests and the plants and animals first steam-powered sawmill was believed applied newly developed forest management that live there, one size fits all management to have began operations in Helena at concepts to the remaining lands. about this time. In 1883, Arkansas and The creation of the Arkansas Forestry simply doesn’t work. Arkansas has now 17.2 million acres of Missouri lumber manufacturers organized Commission in 1931 helped control the fires forest land. The forests within the state are the first trade association in the South. In that yearly destroyed millions of acres of divided into three principal regions: the some regions, such as the Ozark-Ouachita timberland in the State. Lumber production loblolly, short-leaf pine of the West Gulf mountain regions, white and red oaks were was suppressed during the Depression, but with the advent of World War II, production Coastal Plain and Ouachita Mountains; the cut for barrel staves and wagon stock. mixed short-leaf hardwoods of the Ozark When timber supplies in the Northern began to increase again. During the 1950’s, Mountains; and the bottomland hardwoods United States began to dwindle, eyes turned sawmills became fewer in number but larger of the alluvial plains of eastern Arkansas. toward the South for a new source of timber in size, whereas pulp mills increased in Three national forests (the Ozark-St. Francis to meet the demands of the growing country. number and size. Forest area decreased during NF’s and the Ouachita NF) have a total of 2.3 The initial era of timber cutting in Arkansas the 1960’s and 1970’s but began increasing began in the 1890’s and lasted up to 1920. again in the 1980’s. During this era, the first million acres. It would be hard to imagine Arkansas As local timber supplies declined, land national forest in the South was established in without forests. The forests of today have been speculators and lumber company “millmen” Arkansas. The Arkansas National Forest was to a large extent shaped by the actions of man. came to Arkansas from the North looking for established in 1907 in west-central Arkansas To better understand this, one should look at cheap timberland. The 1876 revision of the and was later renamed the Ouachita National the history of Arkansas and particularly the Southern Homestead Law of 1866 aided land Forest in 1926. Areas in southeast Oklahoma speculators in their purchase of millions of were added later under the administration of history of forest management through time. forested acres in Arkansas. Large tracts of President Theodore Roosevelt. timber lands came under single ownership by In 1908, the Ozark National Forest was History of Arkansas Hernando Desoto was the first European sawmill operators or timber companies and created in northwest Arkansas. Federally to visit the land that would become Arkansas the push to harvest the great timber resource unappropriated public lands made up a vast portion of these forests, but some taxin 1541, which had already been occupied of Arkansas began. by Native Americans for some 11,000 years. By 1909, there were two dozen big delinquent lands were added as well as forest Marquette and Joliet followed in 1673 and sawmills in Arkansas. During these years of lands cut over by lumber companies and later in 1682 LaSalle claimed possession of the peak production, forested area was reduced purchased by the federal government. A third territory in the name of France. The first from 32 million to 22 million acres within national forest, the St. Francis, was created permanent European settlement in what is the state. The amount of lumber produced in 1960 along the southern end of Crowley’s now Arkansas was established by Henri ranged from 79 million board feet in 1869 to Ridge in east Arkansas. Today, these forests DeTonti in 1686 at Arkansas Post. In 1803, 2 billion board feet in 1909 when Arkansas cover nearly 2.3 million acres within the state. the United States purchased the Louisiana ranked fifth nationally in lumber production. This initial period of exploitation severely Territory (including Arkansas) from France Lack of an adequate railroad system to depleted Arkansas forest resources. Timber for $15 million, bringing Arkansas for the transport timber to sawmills hindered initial was viewed as a never-ending resource. As efforts to harvest much of the State’s timber. timber became scarcer in the South, many first time under the U.S. flag. In 1819, the Arkansas Territory was In some areas, navigable streams and rivers companies’ turned to the Pacific Northwest. organized and Arkansas was admitted to the were used to float logs downstream to Whereas some lumber companies moved sawmills or railroad depots. As the demand for west in search of virgin timber, others stayed Union as a state in 1836. wood products increased, timber companies and applied forest management concepts often built their own railroads. Whole towns to the remaining resources. The science of Forest History The early inhabitants of Arkansas lived in sprang up to serve communities of loggers, Forestry was coming of age and reforestation an area that was about 95 percent forested. mill workers, and railroad workers. As timber techniques were being studied and improved Early explorers described Arkansas as in an area was depleted, these company upon. At this same time, other resource areas “teeming with all kinds of wildlife from towns often relocated, exemplifying the “cut- such as wildlife, fisheries and water quality

were beginning to play a valuable role in the future of timber management within the state. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas State Forestry Commission have been instrumental in shaping the direction of timber management in the state. Federal and State assistance programs have helped to convert millions of acres of idle land into productive timberland. Programs such as the Agriculture Conservation Program (ACP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and the Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) have paid funds to private landowners to help defray the cost of planting trees and managing the timber on their land. Under new programs, such as the CRP, many acres of land cleared in the 1960’s and 1970’s in the Arkansas Delta are now being reforested. Did you know Statewide today, there are 18,778,660 acres of forest land representing approximately 56% of the total land base. Of this, 27% is pine, 17% is mixed hardwood and pine, 39% is upland oak-hickory forests, and the remaining 16% are bottomland species including some oak, cypress, cottonwood, and elm. Total forest acreage in the state has increased by 6.5% since 1988. Private landowners including farmers, ranchers, and other individuals own over 58% of the forest land in the state and many actively manage their lands with the help of the Arkansas Forestry Commission as well as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. National Forests account for 12.4% (2.3 million acres) of Arkansas’s total forested acreage. Arkansas’s National Forests include 189 miles of rivers, more than 3,526 acres of lakes and reservoirs, 2,653 miles of fishable streams, and 926 miles of recreational trails. Forest resource companies own or lease 25% of the state’s forest land. Forests are always changing with trees dying because of disease, drought, bug infestations, fire or storms while young trees begin to grow taking their place. Forests are always changing and this is as it should be. There are those who believe the forest is “perfect” as it is now so they wish to preserve what they now have. Time and change wait for no one and preservation of a forest is simply not possible. Ice storms, bug infestations, tornados, fires, drought, or even age affect how long a tree will survive. It is wise to understand that the future health of the forest and the plants and animals that live there will depend on wise management actions made over time. We are very fortunate in Arkansas to have the forests we have and hope for their future looks bright. Article written by Ralph Odegard, retired wildlife biologist.

4 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010

The 2010 NWF Annual Meeting By Steven Bender; Regional Representative, National Wildlife Federation

This year marked the 74th Annual Meeting of the National Wildlife Federation and to celebrate that landmark NWF decided to do something special. Instead of a typical meeting, we decided to host a live webcast entitled, Be Out There. At this event NWF was able to entice some wonderful speakers to the podium to talk about kids and the importance of getting them outdoors. Speakers included Acting Deputy Surgeon General David Rutstein, M.D., as well as taped remarks from Governors Mark Parkinson of Kansas, Secretary of the Interior, Kent Salazar and Missouri’s Governor and First Lady Nixon. In addition, there was a fantastic panel discussion led by NWF Board member and Forensic Psychiatrist Lise Van Sustreren, M.D. The panel was focused on strategies to “combat the indoor child” with lively remarks and discussion by all members of the panel. Before and after the webscast

there were workshops hosted by NWF staff and led by NWF staff and NWF affiliates including the Association of Northwest Steelheaders (OR), the Delaware Nature Society, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. Overall, the webcast was a great success with the only hiccups coming when the remote microphones decided to give out. But the problems were handled with calm action. There were several groups that congregated around the country in order to view the webcast and discuss with those attending the need for action to get kids outdoors. One such meeting was held here in Arkansas, however there were some major technical difficulties and the group was unable to view the webcast. However, that group did have discussions about what can be done in Arkansas and intend to have follow-up including starting a listserve so that individuals can communicate and discuss steps that can be taken to form a coalition to get kids outdoors. The need to get kids outdoors is an important issue that needs to be addressed

NEED CAPTION FOR THIS PHOTO (WHO’S IN IT?) IN ORDER, LEFT TO RIGHT.

soon and on many fronts. Kids spend nearly seven hours a day in front of some form of electronic media and this number is increasing. Childhood obesity is at the point of epidemic. Kids are less healthy, less active and therefore in danger of becoming less healthy than their parents. We are taught that every generation becomes healthier because of medical breakthroughs and better care; however that may not be the case any longer. States like Kansas, Maryland and Missouri have all taken executive action to bring state agencies and non-profits together to create plans designed to ensure that kids have more

opportunities to get outdoors and experience unstructured play that will not only make them healthier but also make them more able to learn. This is critical for the development of young minds during the grade school years. The National Wildlife Federation and the Arkansas Wildlife Federation are both committed to finding ways to get kids outdoors and forming partnerships that will facilitate opportunities. To get involve you can contact the AWF and find out more about their programs or go to http://nwf.org/GetOutside.aspx to find out more about the work that NWF is doing to help kids be out there.

National Wildlife Federation Annual Meeting By Jim Wood, AWF Representative April 8-10, myself as AWF Representative along with Alternate Gayne Schmidt, attended the National Wildlife Federation 2010 Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott Hotel in Houston. Theme of this 74th Annual Meeting was “Be out There Connecting Children and the Outdoors.” NWF is launching a campaign to get kids outside and reconnected with the natural world through a “National Summit on Children and the Outdoors” and which include concurrently holding state satellite

summits at sites across the US. At the state level, several state affiliates and partners are working with governors’ offices to develop state strategic plans to reconnect children with the outdoors. At the federal level several campaigns have been launched in Congress to secure funding and create policy solutions to connect children with the outdoors, including the Dept. of Interior’s Youth Careers in Nature program, the First Lady’s “Lets Move” childhood obesity initiative, the No Child Left Inside Act, along with other environmental education legislation.

Ten policy resolutions were passed. AWF co-sponsored with Env. Advocates of NY a Resolution addressing Hydraulic Fracturing gas drilling in shale formations now taking place in AR Fayetteville Shale, as well as in New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. Much the same violation problems we’ve experienced in AR, regarding ADEQ issuing no-discharge gas drilling fluid disposal permits for locations that tests have revealed actually result in discharges to waters of the State, is occurring elsewhere. There is notable concern about gas drillers being allowed

to treat the chemical content of hydraulic fracturing drilling fluids as trade secrets not available to the affected public. Annual Meeting agendas include splitting the US into eight regions for sharing Roundtable Discussions about issue concerns in each state. Our region includes AR, LA, MO, OK and TX. OK no longer has a state affiliate. This years National Conservation Award for Special Achievement went to Chris Madson, Cheyenne, WY who is Editor of Wyoming Wildlife, the State Game & Fish magazine, and Jim Range from Craig, MT. North Carolina WF was awarded Affiliate of the Year recognition. A special program focused upon recognizing NWF and State affiliate leaders that have passed away over the last year, and which included our own Ralph Gillham. Forty of us delegates attended the Astros vs. Phillies Friday night game, $37 cost of a ticket to sit in the left field foul line area. A remark was made that Houston is now the fourth largest US city, and I must say, air service is great, but it’s another big city where those of us raised in AR would not choose to live. And a short visit serves to renew my appreciation for Yell County and those things we often take for granted that make “AR the Natural State”.

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010 - 5

Catch & Release:

What you can do to help

Lake Dardanelle State Park is the proud home of the one of a kind Tournament Fishing Weigh- in Pavilion. Our tournament facility has become a major stop on many national tournament trails, as well as being a great resource that local fishing clubs use to hold their events. Each year up to 40 tournaments can go across the pavilion’s stage. All of this activity sometimes raises concerns among both fishermen and non-fishing spectators about what happens to the fish that are caught during all these tournaments. While a single tournament may not have a significant impact on a fish population, collectively they are part of the total angling impact sustained by a fishery. That is where I come in. I am the Aquarist at Lake Dardanelle State Park, and it is my job to provide catch and release services for the tournaments held at the weigh in pavilion. Ethical practices and protection of natural resources are very important to all Arkansas State Parks and a successful catch and release program is part of how we accomplish our conservation goals here at Lake Dardanelle. I use my knowledge as a biologist in conjunction with our state of the art facilities to do my very best to insure that as many fish as possible make it back into suitable habitat in the lake. I work very hard to achieve this goal, but the truth is that the fate of a tournament caught fish is often determined by its treatment long before it reaches my hands.

This is where you come in. When you are fishing on Lake Dardanelle, or any body of water, there are simple things you can do to maximize the survival of the fish you catch when they are returned to the water. First: when you hook a fish land it as quickly as possible. Playing a fish out causes a lot of stress that makes it harder for the

Upcoming Events A Peek at the Creek: Crooked Creek Ecosystem

An Advanced Project WILD Educator Workshop

LOCATION: Fred Berry Conservation EducationCenter 851 Conservation Lane, Yellville, AR 72687 Wed-Thurs, June 23-24, 2010

fish to recover later. Make sure to always handle fish with wet hands and never let them flop around on the deck of your boat or the ground. Handling fish with dry hands or letting them bang around damages their scales and protective slime coat, which opens the way for disease. Second: Keep it cool. Many tournaments are held in the summertime when it is hot. Cool water holds more oxygen and slows fish metabolism down much better than warm water, which helps to reduce stress. Carry ice with you to cool your live well water down about ten degrees below the temperature of the water the fish came out of. Small blocks of ice or water frozen in jugs lasts longer than chip or cubed ice. Also make sure to change out the water in your live well every couple of hours to reduce the buildup of harmful wastes the fish give off. Third: Treat your water. Treating live well water helps reduce stress and allows the fish to use less energy trying to regulate its body processes. This can be done using one of many commercial products that are on the market, or you can use non-iodized salt at a rate of 1/3 cup to five gallons of water to achieve a good result. Don’t forget to replace the salt when you change the water! Finally: Minimize time out of water during weigh in. The small amount of water in a fish bag doesn’t hold much oxygen, really only a couple of minutes worth, so time is of the essence. Get your fish weighed and take a picture of that trophy post haste so the fish can get back into some water as soon as possible. Simple practices such as these can go a long way towards ensuring that the hawg you just caught will live to fight another day. Public perception of bass fishing is important to the acceptance of the sport we love, so please join me and all the other people and organizations that support catch and release, and help us put em back alive.

Experience free-flowing, scenic Crooked Creek in the heart of the Ozarks as you delve into the ecology of the stream and its surrounding terrain. Educators and biologists representing each of the sponsoring agencies will provide hands-on instruction in areas of their expertise. • Watersheds

• Amphibians and Reptiles

• Riparian Buffer Zones

• Fish and Macroinvertebrate Sampling

• Bats, Butterflies, and Botany

Participants will receive free books, posters, and lesson materials! COST: $40 (to cover the cost of food) Lunch and an evening fish fry will be provided on Tuesday. Light morning snacks and Lunch will be provided on Thursday. Limited to 20 participants, so register early! Minimum Registration is 15. Upon completion, participants will receive 12 hours of Professional Development credit. For more information about the workshop and other teacher training opportunities at the Fred Berry Conservation EducationCenter call (870) 449-3484. Sponsored by theArkansas Game and Fish Commission, in Cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, and the Arkansas Forestry Association

6 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010

Arkansas Audubon Society

2010 Halberg Ecology Camps Where Young People Learn About Natural Science

What is it?

Two one-week sleepover camps that offer young people an opportunity for hands-on study of the natural environment in Arkansas’ beautiful Ouachita Mountains. They will learn about mammals, snakes, birds, insects, geology, botany, aquatic biology, and much more. The professional staff of 16 includes a graduate nurse and a lifeguard. Students sleep in dormitories, and an adult is stationed in each cabin.

Why is this camp important?

Children will have an unforgettable outdoor experience that can provide lifelong appreciation and understanding of the natural environment.

Who may attend?

Any person 11 or 12 years old interested in learning about the outdoors. In each of two sessions, 50 junior students will be enrolled. And there is opportunity for more: 24 students are invited back to a second year senior camp. And 12 senior students are invited to a third year advanced ecology camp at Mt. Eagle near Clinton.

When and where will it be held?

Session one of the 2010 Halberg Ecology Camp will begin Sunday, June 13 and end Friday, June 18; session two will begin Sunday, June 20 and end Friday, June 25. Both sessions will be held at Camp Clearfork, in the Ouachita National Forest, on U. S. Highway 270 two miles west of Crystal Springs. It is the responsibility of the parents to bring children to the camp and pick them up after camp is over.

Upcoming Events cont.

International Migratory Bird Day

A Celebration of our most Watchable Wildlife A full day of fun, “birdy” activities for the whole family!

What does it cost?

Each junior student pays $275 to attend the camp for the week. This money goes toward the cost of room, board, and insurance. The Arkansas Audubon Society provides the remainder of the $400-plus needed for each student. Some partial and full scholarships are available from local organizations and tuition assistance is available in case of need. Anyone in need of tuition assistance must fill out an application. Each camper receives a field guide and a T-shirt.

What about recreation?

Camp Clearfork has some unique recreational opportunities. Everyone may participate in team sports, swimming, fishinghiking, and canoeing.

Download an application blank from www.arbirds.org/ or fill out and return this slip to/email AAS HalbergEcology Camp 2705 N. Fillmore, Little Rock, AR 72207 501-663-9380, efulton114@sbcglobal.net.

DATE: Saturday, May 8, 2010 TIME: 9:00a.m.-4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center 602 President Clinton Avenue Little Rock AR, 72201

This event is FREE to the public! Activities Include: 9:00: Birding the River Trail (age 8 to adult) 9:00: Circle Time (4 - 8 year-olds) 10:00: Beginner's Bird Origami (age 5 to adult) 11:00: Birding By Ear (age 8 to adult) 12:00: Beginner's Bird Origami (age 5 to adult) 1:00: Migration Mysteries..how do they do it? (age 8 to adult) 1:00: Migration Madness Game (age 8 to adult)

Name (please print) __________________________________________Phone _______________________

2:00: Hummingbirds! (age 8 to adult) 3:00: Make-a-Hummingbird Feeder (age 5 to adult) (be sure to bring an empty plastic bottle)

Address _____________________________________________City________________________________

State_____ Zip ______________ mail________________________________________________________

3:30: Migration Madness Game (age 8 to adult) For more information about this event and future activities at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center call 501-907-0636 OR visit www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com. Sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Age at time of camp_____(must be 11 or 12)

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010 - 7

Dardanelle’s Arbor Day / Earth Day celebration In April 1820, acting Arkansas Gov. Robert Crittenden and Black Fox of the Cherokee Nation signed a treaty under an oak tree in Dardanelle, bringing peace between the white man and the Osage, Cherokee and Quapaw tribes, said Wayne Shewmake, a member of the Dardanelle Tree Advisory Board. The historic tree, now known as “The Council Oak,” still stands in the eponymous park on North Front Street in Dardanelle. It’s one of many notable trees in Dardanelle that prompted residents to apply for Tree City status through the National Arbor Day Foundation’s, Tree City USAprogram. Dardanelle has, fulfill its final requirement for the designation with an Arbor Day celebration, and has been recognized as “Tree City USA” and has placed signs on locations coming into Dardanelle to acknowledging this designation. “Dardanelle is all about trees,” said Mayor Carolyn McGee, who delivered a proclamation as part of the day’s activities. The Dardanelle Tree Advisory Board will assist Dardanelle Elementary School students in planting 2 Redbud trees in front of their school at 2:30 p.m., and 1 p.m. Board members will help Dardanelle High School Environmental and Spatial Technology Lab (EAST) students plant a native Tulip tree, at the Council Oaks City Park. “We need to work on educating our children to understand the importance of trees and the part they play in everyone’s lives. Trees give us the clean air we breathe, they provide lumber to build homes, and they provide food and shelter for wildlife all very important to a healthy environment. Did you know the oldest tree is over 7000 years old and is a California Redwood? An average size tree can produce enough oxygen in one year to support a family of 4 with could clean air.” Dardanelle has one nationally recognized record tree and three state recognized record trees more than most cities in Arkansas. The Tree City USA program “provides direction, technical assistance, public attention and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in towns and cities that more than 120 million

Environmental Education in Public Schools? By Wayne Shewmake, AWF President

Americans call home,” according to the National Arbor Day Foundation Web site (www.arborday.org). The benefits of being named a Tree City “include creating a framework for action, education, a positive public image and citizen pride.” To become a Tree City, Shewmake said “a city has to fulfill a set of requirements set by the National Arbor Foundation, which sponsors the Tree City USA program in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.” The requirements for each city include a tree advisory board, a community tree ordinance and a community forestry program, all of which Dardanelle has. Observing Arbor Day is the only requirement left to fulfill for Dardanelle to maintain it’s recognition as 48th Tree City in Arkansas. The Dardanelle Tree Advisory Board as well as the Dardanelle Garden Club, the Yell County Wildlife Federation and other organizations were all instrumental in the process, Shewmake added. In addition to Mayor McGee’s proclamation at the both the elementary school’s event, members of the Dardanelle High School EAST lab will be leading Arbor Day activities at the elementary school, including discussions, coloring and giving each student

a tree seedling to take home to plant. These pine tree seedlings were donated by Donald Mobley of Clarksville. Terry Laughinghouse the Elementary School principal said “that the school children will name the trees that are planted to show ownership, and care for them.” Over 650+ elementary children came out to observe the planting of the trees, in front of there school. Sandy Williams, who has been the EAST lab facilitator at Dardanelle High School for nine years, said “that both observing Arbor Day and becoming a Tree City are important for Dardanelle.” “Honestly, I just think that if our children can appreciate our Earth, and can appreciate our environment that extends from understanding Arbor Day, we have done something wonderful for them,” Williams said. We would like to thank Arkansas Forestry Commission, Green Bay Forestry Division, Dardanelle Elementary School, EAST Lab, Dardanelle Tree Committee, Donald Mobley of Clarksville, Arkansas Wildlife Federation President Wayne Shewmake, and Mayor Carlyon McGee for there help with this program, and it’s success in educating our children on Arbor Day / Earth Day. Wayne Shewmake President AWF

The current Arkansas K-8 Science Curriculum Framework contains student learning expectations related to the environment at all grade levels. At the high school level Environmental Sciences is available as a science elective. Arkansans are fortunate to have ready access to diverse spaces such as: forests, farms, freshwater ecosystems, parks, aquariums, caves, and nature centers which can serve as experimental learning environments. The Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) has started the Youth Conservation Clubs to help address and use these outdoor resources in the education of our state’s students. Arkansas has a variety of state and local agencies as well as non-profit organizations that provide environmental education programs for teachers and students. Why does Arkansas need an environmental literacy plan? No Child Left Inside Legislation (if passed) will provide federal grants for teacher training and environmental education programs. Only those states with environmental literacy plans will be eligible for this funding. Regardless of the status of this federal legislation, the health of Arkansas’s future depends on citizens making informed choices about environmental issues such as water use, air quality, and land development. According to Steve “WILD MAN” Wilson, Public Affairs Coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission says “The future of our fish, wildlife and other natural resources is directly dependent on how well future generations understand the importance of their environments. Whether they hunt, fish, or just enjoy watching wildlife an environmentally literate public is a must in helping keep the Natural State natural.” Special thanks for the information of this article go to the Arkansas Environmental Education Association, Arkansas Department of Education, Rob Beadel, Director of Forestry Education for the Arkansas Forestry Association, Kevin Beaumont and Cathy Mackey, Science Specialist for the Arkansas Department of Education, and Jim Reynolds, Science Instructor Lavaca High School and Host of “Into the Outdoors” on ESPN Sports Radio 96.3.

8 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2010

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10 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010

Trumpeter Swan Restoration Prior to the settlement of Iowa, trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) nested throughout the state. However, wetland drainage and unregulated hunting of trumpeters soon brought their demise. Until 1998, the last wild nesting trumpeter swan in Iowa occurred in 1883 on the Twin Lakes Wildlife Area southwest of Belmond, Iowa in HancockCounty. In 1998, three cygnets hatched from a wild nesting trumpeter pair in Dubuque County. This pair hatched 5 in 1999 and 5 again in 2000. In 2000, a second pair nested on a Winnebago County Conservation Board wetland (Russ Tract at Thorpe Park) 7 miles west of Forest City. This pair had 5 eggs. Unfortunately none hatched. We did , however, add a 6th egg and it hatched providing this pair with a young cygnet to help bond the pair to the wetland nest site. Trumpeter swans were first given nationwide protection in 1918 when the United States, Canada, and Mexico signed the International Migratory Bird Treaty. A nationwide swan count in the early 1930‚Äôs showed that only 69 existed in the continental United States with all those occurring in Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Montana. In 1993 the Iowa Department of Natural Resources developed a plan to restore trumpeter swans back to the state. Our goals are to: (1) establish 15 wild nesting pairs back to the state by the year 2003 and (2) use the swans to promote the many values of wetlands not only for wildlife habitat but for water quality and flood reduction. Iowa swans are being obtained from zoos, private propagators, other state swan projects, and any other sources that might have swans available. We are also establishing flightless breeder pairs at appropriate sites, the young of which will be allowed free flight. To date, 50 breeding pair partnership sites are established. All trumpeter swans released inIowa will be marked with plastic green and red neck collars and leg bands as well as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bands. The plastic neck and leg bands are marked with alpha letter F, H, P, or J and numbers 00 through 99. We are trying to obtain as much out-side funding as possible and we are the fortunate recipients of $143,000 In memory of David A. and Robert Luglan Sampson, formerly of Webster City. Numerous individuals, organizations, and corporations have contributed significant smaller dollar amounts. Considerable soft match in-kind contributions have also been made and are estimated at over $250,000. Table 12.1 and Fig 12.1 show the trumpeter swans released in Iowasince 1994. After three years of migration observations, most Iowa swans that migrate some distance are wintering in northeast and east centralKansas and northwest and west-central Missouri. One Iowa trumpeter swan did winter as far south as Oklahoma during the winter of 1998-99, and one swan wintered near Heber Springs, Arkansas in 1999-2000. If swans can find open water many of them will remain throughout the state of Iowa. Migration movements ‚Äúout of that norm‚Äù, included 3 swans released at Union Slough NWR that migrated to and wintered in southeastColorado near Ft Lyon. Two of these were observed at Monticello,Minnesota in the spring of 1997. The straight-line round trip mileage for these birds is over 1300 miles.

A review of swan sightings indicates that over the last 5 years most areas of state are now seeing swans at sometime during the year. This is another indication that the restoration effort, although slow, is moving forward.

Trumpeter Swan FAQs Trumpeter Swans are increasing in Arkansas, and they are the focus of a multi-agency experimental program in parts of the state apart from little Magness Lake just east of Heber Springs, where they have been wintering since the early 1990s. Some questions and answers from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission:

1) Are Trumpeter Swans an endangered species? In the 1960's, when the Federal Endangered Species Act came into being, the Trumpeter Swan was considered for this list. At about the same time, a nesting population of about 2,000 Trumpeters was discovered in Alaska. The species was then taken off the consideration list. However, various states list the Trumpeter as either state-threatened or state-endangered. 2) What is a male swan called, a female swan? A male is called a Cob. The female is called a Pen and the young of the year are called Cygnets.

During 2000, 34 of our partnership pairs produced 118 young. Six additional nests failed to hatch and about 3 dozen of the 118 young have died of various mortality causes. Unless we have unfortunate luck, we should be able to release nearly 80 swans during the spring of 2001. The DNR is excited about what the future holds for trumpeter swan in the state. Known mortality to date includes the following: 14 have died in powerline collisions, 21 were shot, 2 of apparent malnutrition, and 9 unknown causes. Several other mortalities have likely occurred from completely unknown causes as we have not had any observations of many unmarked swans. Mortality rates are somewhat higher than anticipated and will likely slow our trumpeter swan restoration efforts. A major milestone was reached in 1998, 1999, and again in 2000, when the first and second free-flying trumpeters nested in Iowa since 1883. Four free flying females have bonded mated with 4 captive/pinioned males and have produced eggs. Besides these we apparently have several pairs of Iowa swans nesting in southern Minnesota (one near Mankato, Minnesota is touted being the Minnesota DNR‚Äôs southern most production) and at least one Iowa bird, a male, is part of a nesting pair on the north shore of Lake Ontario. We are hopeful that 2001 may add 3 or 4 additional free-flying nesting pairs of swans to the state. As you may have gathered, the Iowa DNR's restoration efforts are not complete, nor are they a go it alone effort. The continued success of this restoration depends upon the generousity and commitment of volunteers and concerned citizens that value the swans and their habitat. These involved and caring citizens range from school children to waterfowl hunters. In 1994, the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Committee was formed to assist the DNR's efforts by providing educational opportunities, raising funds, and publishing a newsletter about Iowa's swans. The committee is open to all with an interest in swan and wetland restoration, and we hope that you will consider teaming with the committee to "Trumpet the Cause for Wetlands".

– Trumpeter Swan Restoration Committee

3) What do Trumpeter Swans eat? Adult swans eat aquatic vegetation, including the leaves, seeds, and roots of many types of pond weeds. In captivity, swans will eat corn and other grains provided. Wild swans have also adapted to field feeding, eating left over grains and vegetables that have been harvested by farmers.

4) How many eggs do Trumpeter Swans lay? They lay, on the average, three to eight eggs. Only one clutch of eggs is laid per year. The swans build their nests out of stems and leaves from plants such as cattails and sedges. Trumpeters often nest on top of muskrat or beaver lodges.

5) How big are Trumpeter Swans? They are the largest waterfowl in North America, weighing 25 to 30 pounds. Wing span is about 8 feet. In comparison, the giant subspecies of Canada geese living in Arkansas weigh about 12 pounds. Snow geese weigh about 7 pounds.

6) Where can I see Trumpeter Swans in Arkansas? The established viewing area is at Magness Lake, a small oxbow off the Little Red River east of Heber Springs. Drive east on Arkansas Highway 110 from its intersection with Arkansas Highways 5 and 25 just east of Heber Springs. Go 3.9 miles from the intersection to Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, marked with a white sign. Turn left on Hays Road, a paved county road. Magness Lake is about a half-mile down this road, and a gravel parking area is at an S curve in the road.

For those that couldn't make it, this is a picture of the Trumpeter Swan release at Holla Bend NWR today. We had a good crowd there and released 16 young Trumpeter Swans, it was well worth your time. –Wayne Shewmake

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010 - 11

The Red Tailed Hawk By Martha Gillham, reprint from March 1972

I don’t want to be boring with my tales of Evening Grosbeaks, but they make up the greater number of the birds at my feeders right now. For me 1973 has been a banner year as far as the Grosbeaks are concerned. A good-sized flock, 20-25, has been in the yard every day now for over two months. And I found that the towhee hadn’t left and was still under the hedge in the back yard. He has stayed over a month. That’s the first time for me to have a towhee stay any length of time. I was all torn up over the mocker’s chasing the Grosbeaks (they seem to warrant it), but after a week of fun and frolic, he let them come back to the feeder. I’m sure the members of the flock change from time to time with some of the birds moving on to new and different feeders in town. However, I know that at least three Grosbeaks have stayed here the entire time, because each one has a distinguishing feature. I feel like I know them, and I check every day to see that they come in. One is a bright yellow male with a fringe of white feathers just under his black cowl that sets him apart from the other males. Another is a female

whose tail feathers are spread like a fan. Her rudder mechanism must be locked, because I have never seen her tail folded. Then there is a male with a crippled left leg. So I know that some northerners have spent the winter in Dardanelle. If you think driving on the Interstate gets monotonous, try playing “Count the Hawks”. It’s fun; any number can play; make your own rules. Recently our family drove to Humboldt, Tennessee, and we counted hawks coming and going. You will be surprised at the number of large hawks that are perched on fence posts, on highway signs, on tree limbs, and on telephone poles. Nearly all the hawks we saw were facing the road, so I couldn’t see their backs or upper tails, and at 75 mph, it’s somewhat difficult to positively identify these winter visitors. However, the chances are pretty good that they are Redtailed hawks. I’m sure that most of the birds I saw were the same species. The greatest concentration is in the Morrilton and Lonoke areas. The red-tailed hawk has long rounded wings measuring a little over four feet from tip to tip and a rather short tail. When the

Items & Ideas For Deer Management Gary Bush, AWF Board Director

1) Obtain an aerial photo of the property and adjacent lands. Recent photos are available from the Highway department, assessor’s office, or the FSA (Farm Service Agency). Some aerial photos are available on the internet at terraserver.com, msn.com or Google Earth. Laminate the photo and put a foam board backing on it. This will serve as a working visual aid from year to year. Crop rotation and timber harvests can be noted using erasable markers. Game will change patterns depending on cover, wind and food locations. Consider the 1,000 acres around you as a management area. Use the aerial photos in conjunction with topographical maps (available through the United States Geological Survey, ie USGS) to identify the terrain. In addition, you may want to get a soil survey book(free) from the FSA. These are by county and can give some insight about the terrain and current soil conditions of the areas under management. A soil survey map is very beneficial in swamp or bottomland areas. Also, each type of soil will contain a description of its characteristics. A topographical map in a flat swampy area may not reflect subtle rises in elevation. A soil survey map will reflect different soils that generally are higher in elevation and can be key in the identification of funnels, food or travel areas. 2) Fertilize the timber and natural summer time foods (weed patches, honeysuckle, etc.). This will boost mast production on acorn bearing trees. In addition, the browse and the mast will taste better to the deer. Also, use the soil survey map and a plant identification guide to locate good natural foods

hawk turns while soaring, you can see the red coloring. Some of the hawks are dark, and others have a great amount of white. Most that I saw had light breasts. I did see a different one that was gliding low over a field, and I was able to see the white rump patch of the Marsh Hawk. The red-tailed hawk circles high in the sky scanning the ground for any movement of his next meal, most likely a mouse or rat. Redtails have been called “living mousetraps”. Just as I predicted, the Cedar Waxwing flock increased to nearly 200 birds. They stayed around for 10 days, and completely stripped the three hollies, the three haws, and the cherry laurel. They believe in starting at the top, because that’s the way they strip a tree or bush. They eat their way down. The afternoon that they worked in the large holly tree in the front yard, they were completely mad, flying wildly about every time they were disturbed. Seven birds had crashed into the window before I closed the draperies. Only one was killed. Once a flock flew across the street and four were killed by a car. I had a bad day. The mockingbird was so outnumbered that he didn’t even try to defend his holly tree. In fact, I haven’t seen that mocker since the day the waxwings attacked. I hope he is the one I see in the back yard now.

for deer. Contact the county Agriculture Extension Office for information and assistance. The FSA office or a local farmer can lead you to this resource. Make sure to soil test before fertilization. 3) Increase browse availability. Deer feed on acorns or crops but this is a limited food source. Deer are creatures of the edge and tend to feed on what is growing from four feet high to the ground. This can be done by small timber harvests around the edge of the woods, selective timber cutting abroad, mowing existing browse or tilling right-of-ways every few years. The creation of browse will increase the amount of food for game and will also increase the carrying capacity of the land. Periodic tilling( disking) of overgrown or set aside fields throughout the spring and summer months promotes new growth of natural foods. This is often a low cost but high production of food availability. Where possible, controlled burning of certain types of terrain is also beneficial in the creation of browse and cover for game. 4) Establish good mineral licks with a least one lick for every 80-100 acres. Using a three pound coffee can as a measure put in the following: one part stock (regular) salt, two parts mineral and vitamin mix( HY-PHOS 12% CAN BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE TRACE MINERAL SALT IF YOU WANT TO GO WITH A LOWER SODIUM MIX, THIS IS PROBABLY BETTER OR A GOOD BEEF MINERAL MIX WITH VITAMINS AND ESSENTIAL MINERALS IS PROBABLY BEST) and one part di-calcium phosphate ( this is sometimes called HYPHOS in less concentrated forms; however the pure form is approximately 19 % phosphorus and 21 % calcium). This will increase fawn birth weight and boost antler development. The

Investigations and surveys have proved that 55 percent of the red-tail’s diet is comprised of rats and mice. This hawk almost never bothers poultry. It is tragic that hawks have such a bad name, when, in reality, the red-tail is so beneficial to the farmer and the small game hunter. Hawks have an important role in keeping the rodent population under control. If this fails, the rodents could possibly overrun the country, destroy crops, and eliminate our ground nesting birds such as the Bob White. I’m afraid they are trouble, and we are too. In the March 24, 1890 issue of the Arkansas Gazette, this little article appeared. “The English sparrow has made his appearance in Little Rock and he comes, not to spend the summer, but to make this city his perm anent residence. Where he came from nobody knows. He as first noticed a short time ago and seems to prefer the western part of the city. But in a year from now Little Rock will have a million sparrows and not single friend. Those who are aquainted with him say that he noisy, pugnacious, untidy and completely resistant to any atempts to make him move on.” How true, How true.

di-calcium phosphate increases lactation and keeps the game healthy. Deer spend the first three years of life growing bone mass. Increasing the birth weight “jump starts” the process. Encourage your neighbors to do the same and everyone will benefit. Add additional salt if use is not noted within a couple of weeks. The di-calcium phosphate is bitter and extra salt will offset the taste. In areas that are already rich in phosphorus such as bottom land soils calcium carbonate can be used instead of di-calcium phosphate, however, the di-cal is better all around. 5) Establish cool and warm weather food plots. You want plant food plots that provide high levels of protein in warmer months and high levels of carbohydrates in winter. When summer crops play-out and the acorns are gone deer will need nutritional food. Ladino clover is a favorite and will grow good for several years with proper lime and fertilization. It is higher in protein than other clovers and will grow good in moist conditions. Deer also like turnips, canola (rape), hairy vetch, wheat and oats. Use all available ground that will not be flooded or put in seasonal crops or pasture. Plots should be large enough to prevent over grazing. Place them where deer feel secure and a bad neighbor can’t poach them. Plots serve three purposes, surveying the population, attracting deer for harvest and supplemental food during high stress periods. The majority of people plant food plots to hunt over them but the plots are more important for holding deer on your property and creating a quality herd. Late winter and before spring green-up is a very stressful time for deer. This is also a critical time for pregnant does especially those carrying buck fawns. Story continued on page 12...

12 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010 ...Continued from page 11 Research has indicated that the antler base (pedicle) of a buck develops during the third month of a doe’s pregnancy. If the doe is not well nourished during this time the buck fawn will not have good horns despite genetics. In some cases under-nourished does abort during this time. This is where the long-term benefits of food plots and minerals are seen. 6) Provide supplemental feed during high stress periods and antler development stages. Make sure that this does not interfere with local game laws during hunting periods or it is prohibited because of high deer density. It is important to remember that this is a way of GETTING THE GAME A COMPLETE DIET. This can be accomplished in several ways. Timed feeders provide an easy and low impact way of providing deer with additional food. Pick locations that deer feel safe and away from a bad neighbor. Remember to provide foods that are high in carbohydrates in the winter and high in protein during warmer months. The method of supplemental feeding has the highest potential when placed adjacent to or in established food plot locations. This brings the deer to the plot area for other browsing and helps provide a balanced diet. This is also very beneficial for bucks during the antler development stage. Choose feeds that are low in sodium but rich in minerals and protein. Several people develop their own mix with a variety of food and mineral supplements. Many people feed corn but is does not contain all of the essential amino acids necessary for complete nutrition but can be mixed with a variety of

other grains to make supplemental feeding more economical. The following is a list of good nutritional supplements: Stabilized Rice Bran with Calcium Carbonate. Alfalfa pellets(USUALLY FED IN THE SUMMER MONTHS DURING ANTLER GROWING PHASES AND MIXED WITH OTHER FEED); HY-PHOS( this contains several trace minerals and vitamins without a high salt content); DiCalcium Phosphate or Calcium Carbonate(Usually bitter and best when mixed with other supplements, feeds or salt. These are just a few and experimentation may be necessary to get the desired results. 7) Make a sanctuary. Create or designate a place(s) big enough for deer to hide and don’t hunt it. Do not go into these areas throughout the year except to replenish mineral licks established in the sanctuaries. Create cover that protects the deer from hunters and the weather. Mature bucks tend to like cover that hides their bodies from sight but they can see over. This type of cover is referred to as screening cover. The deer can peek over it but you can’t get a clear view through it. Thick brush patches or small stands of evergreens (CRP plantings) are great for this. This type of cover may be adjacent to your property already. Mature bucks need a safe and secure area to hide during daylight hours that is free from human activity. This is essential to holding mature deer on your land. 8) Minimize human activity. Limit or restrict scouting activities to off-season only. As early fall approaches, usually mid September, bachelor groups of bucks begin to disburse and begin pre-rut activity. Too much human activity

such as repeated scouting or the use of ATVs throughout the property may push mature bucks off the land or make them completely nocturnal. Stay away from food plots and stands except to hunt and this will increase the odds of encountering mature deer. 9) Do not hunt if conditions are not favorable for the location(s). Be knowledgeable of the prevailing winds in your area and place stand locations on the downwind sides of travel corridors or food plot locations. Restrict or limit the number of stands on the property and do not hunt them if the wind is not to your advantage. Remember to practice good scent control in addition to playing the wind. This is essential when pursuing mature deer. 10) Survey the herd and control the harvest. Encourage neighbors to do the same or find out what their objectives are. Establish a long-term plan or goals for management. Set rules for people to follow and keep records of deer sightings and harvest. Mississippi has implemented quality deer management rules to increase age structure. Arkansas has the three-point rule and some counties in Missouri have a four point rule (at least 4 points on one side of the rack) but some people are more restrictive. If overpopulation is a concern, take more does when necessary. Harvest the oldest and largest does first. They tend to breed earlier and have two female offspring. The objective is to increase the age class of the bucks available for harvest and balance to buck/doe ratio closer to 1:1.

In Memorium

AWF would like to thank the following for their donation to the Ralph Gillham and Garner Jones memorials. Keri Jones

Bob Ritchie

Mike Wilson

B&G Oysters

Bruce Singleton Ft. Smith, AR

Jim Wood

Dardanelle, AR

Shirley Jones

Christina Huntington

Thomas Mosier

Dorchester, Mass

Boston, Mass

Ft. Smith, AR

Little Rock, AR

Memphis, TN

Jacksonville, AR

Huntsville, AR

Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010 - 13

Plant as your life depended on it:

By David Moulder

This is a quote taken from a native plant group that believes that the native fauna relies on the flora that we plant and use in our garden. Are we changing the structure of our environment with all the exotic and sometimes invasive species that we bring to our landscape? Are we sacrificing our native landscape for a few bigger blooms and a longer blooming period? What impact do we have on the environment? These are some questions that many people all over the country are asking. I do not know, but I would have to believe that anytime you change one thing in nature it has a domino effect to change others, I am sure some changes are good, and some people think that kudzu , privet , and Chinese tallow trees are great plants. These plants have had a direct influence on the reduction of native plants, invasive means to me taking control of an area. In just about every magazine that promotes bringing nature to our landscape are promoting non-native and sometimes invasive plants. In the March issue of Birds and Blooms a group of registered cultivars of plants nothing native are named as the 2010 hot new plants. Their propaganda is that these “hot plants” blooms longer, bigger, and are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. In the same issue the author of Backyard Wilderness an article that talks about using native plants for wildlife, was asked this question. What’s your favorite fragrant flower? His reply was the Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii a plant from China or Japan. Beside all the excellent reasons for planting native plants such as their beauty, low maintenance, and promotion of a sense of place, native plants should be the standard plants of the landscape for many reasons. A wide diversity of native plants and wildlife are essential to our health and our survival. The most vital reason is that native plants provide valuable pollinators with food and places to reproduce. We need these pollinators to help us produce food crops. In the next articles I will give you some examples of native plants that can and should be used in the landscape. It only sounds right The Natural State should use Native Plants.

2010 Corps Reform Membership Meeting Washington, DC By Jim Wood, Rep. AWF

Currently consisting of 180 non government, non profit groups scattered across the US, Corps Reform Network delegates met in their Annual Meeting March 14-16, 2010 in Washington, DC. No federal agency continues to impact wetland loss as does the Corps of Engineers through their CWA Sec. 404 dredge and fill permitting actions. Need to improve water resource management in AR has been around over the past century, but was jump started with a 1995 Yell County WF resolution to AWF which was modified and submitted by AWF Rep. Ralph Gillham to NWF at the1996 annual meeting in West Palm Beach, FL. The Network began formally with a 2001 organizational meeting in Potomac, Maryland with a Steering Committee to develop Principles and Procedures. The Network web site is www.corpsreform.org. Story continued on page 15...

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Arkansas Out-Of-Doors is the official publication of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, a 72-year-old private, nonprofit, hunting, fishing, and conservation organization dedicated to promoting the wise stewardship of our natural resources. It is a newsprint tabloid publication that is published 6 times per year for the following issues: Jan.-Feb., March-April, May-June, July-Aug., Sept.-Oct., Nov.-Dec. The publication contains information about hunting, fishing and other outdoor-oriented activities. It also contains articles about conservation. It is mailed near the end of the first month of each issue date to approximately 4500 AWF members and it has an estimated readership of 13,500 to 17,500 people each issue. Those who read this publication enjoy the great outdoor, and they are interested in conservation. Circle the issue in which the ad is to run: January – February issue, reserve space by Jan. 1. Cameraready art due Jan. 5. Mailing date near the end of January. March – April issue, reserve space by March 1, Camera-ready due by March 5. Mailing date near the end of March. May-June issue, reserve space by May 1. Camera-ready art due by May 5. Mailing date near the end of May. July-August issue, reserve space by July 1. Camera-ready art due by July 5. Mailing date near the end of July. September-October issue, reserve space by Sept. 1, Camera-ready are due by Sept. 5. Mailing date near the end of September. NovemberDecember issue, reserve space by Nov. 1. Camera-ready art due by November 5. Mailing date near the end of November. Advertising layout and space: Advertising may send a slick or a black and white copy of a previous ad, a negative for black and white ads, a color key and four-color separations for color ads, or ads may be sent on a disk on CD (PDF, JPEG or EPS) to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. We utilize 90-line screen, right reading, emulsion down. The AWF can assist in making the ad for the client. Depending on amount of time to layout ad, there may be additional fees for this. Black and White Advertising rate. Please circle the choices for size and prices. Centerfold Full page (10 inches wide by 11.5 inches tall) Half page (10 inches wide by 6 inches tall) One-third page (4 inches wide by 10 inches tall) One-fourth page (4 inches wide by 7 inches tall) Business card (3.5 inches by 2 inches)

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14 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010

March/April 2010 ISSN0884-9145 POSTMASTER: Send form 3579 to: 9700 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite I-2, Little Rock, Ark. 72227

Arkansas Wildlife Federation Officers and Board of Directors August 31, 2009 to September 1, 2010

Arkansas Out-of-Doors

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ARKANSAS WILDLIFE FEDERATION Arkansas Out-of-Doors is published 6 times per year by Arkansas Wildlife Federation, 9700 Rodney Parham Rd., Suite I-2, Little Rock, AR 72227. Third Class postage paid at Russellville, AR and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Arkansas Out-ofDoors, 9700 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite I-2, Little Rock, AR 72227, or call 501-224-9200. This is the official publication of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. Printed matter includes hunting and fishing news, sporting information, articles on pertinent legislation, with special emphasis on environment and pollution problems. All Arkansas Wildlife Federation members are entitled to receive one copy of each issue of AOOD for one year. Permission is granted to reprint any news article or item printed in Arkansas Out-Of-Doors with credit, please. Editor ��Craig Woodson

Executive Committee President: Wayne Shewmake, Dardanelle First Vice President: Jimmy Witt, Dardanelle Second Vice President: Jimmy Reynolds, Greenwood Secretary: Lucien Gillham, Sherwood Treasurer: Larry Hillyard, Dardanelle Member-at-Large: Jim Wood, Dardanelle Gayne Preller Schmidt, Augusta Board of Directors At Large Dr. John T. Ahrens, Mountain Home Fred Berry, Yellville Vickers Fuqua, Texarkana, Texas Robert Leasure, Bradford Dr. Charles Logan, Little Rock Scott Tabor, Little Rock Regional Directors and Alternatives District 1: Barry Wood, Trumann District 1 Alternate: Mike Roach, Trumann District 2: Pete Hardy, Lexa District 2 Alternate: Patti Duchene, Augusta District 3: Melissa Reynolds, Greenwood District 4: Vacant District 4 Alternate: Mike Young, Texarkana, Texas District 5: Debbie Doss, Conway District 6: Neil Galloway, Stuttgart District 7: Craig Mobley, Magnolia

Layout/Design ��Chris Zimmerman ZimCreative

President Emeritus and First Lady Emeritus: Bob and Rae Apple, Dardanelle

Views and opinions, unless specifically stated, do not necessarily represent the positions of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

National Wildlife Federation Delegates: Jim Wood, Dardanelle Alternate: Gayne Preller Schmidt, Augusta

Deadline Information: Unless other arrangements are made with the editor, copy for club news, features, columns and advertising must be in the Arkansas Wildlife Federation office by the close of business (noon) on the 20th of the month preceding publication. Thank you for your cooperation.

Affiliate Clubs: Arkansas Trappers Association Cindy Bass, Sec/Treas ECHO Kevin and Cindy Pride Little River Bottoms Chapter, Arkansas Wildlife Federation

Vickers Fuqua, President, Trumann Mike Young, Secretary & Treasurer, Trumann River Valley Wildlife Federation Jim Reynolds, Greenwood Save Our Streams: Kent Viers, Lonsdale St. Francis Lake Association Mike Roach, Trumann Wattensaw Bowhunters Association Jim Holloway, Hazen Westark Wildlife G. David Matlock, Fort Smith White River Conservancy Gayne Preller Schmidt, Augusta Yell County Wildlife Federation Wayne Shewmake, Dardanelle Youth Conservation Club of Mansfield High School Sponsors: Tracey Sadoski and Bryan McKay, Mansfield Youth Conservation Club of Lavaca High School Sponsor: Jimmy Reynoods, Lavaca Arkansas Wildlife Federation Staff Craig Woodson Office Manager Arkansas Wildlife Federation Address: 9108 Rodney Parham Road Suite 101 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 Office: 501-224-9200 Cell: 501-658-3901

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Arkansas Out-of-Doors • March/April 2010 - 15 ...Continued from page 13 AR member groups include AR Nature Alliance, AR Wildlife Federation, Audubon AR, Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, Ecological Conservation Org., Friends of North Fork & White River, Ozark Society, River Valley Wildlife Fed. and Yell Co. Wildlife Fed.. November 2007, after five years of battling Congress to include four Reform provisions in the 2007 Water Resources Development Act, through bi-partisan leadership of Sen. McCain and Feingold, Congress overrode Pres. Bush veto. And provisions pushed by CRN to revise Principles & Guidelines, Mitigation, and Independent External Peer Review became law. We failed in getting review and prioritization of the now $60 billion Corps authorized but unfunded project backlog. March 16 Ken Kopocis, Senior Council for House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee discussed status of implementing new WRDA ‘07 provisions. Ms Jo-Ellen Darcy, Asst. Sec. for Civil Works COE, discussed her role in implementing these new ’07 provisions, of which the Presidents Council on Environmental Quality revision of P&G’s and Independent External Peer Review has been recently completed--almost 3 years in the making, shows how government drags along. When you see IEPR being applied to Pine Mtn. Dam/Lee Creek study, it came about through these CRN efforts. Got questions, please let me know at jrmiajim@centurylink.net

Enlisting the minimum 10 students To form a Youth Conservation Club Youth Conservation Club Name – ATU F&W Society School Name -_________________________________City – Russellville 1-2010 Adult Sponsor: Assistant Professor of Wildlife Biology Name: Lisa Webb Address: 1701 N. Boulder Ave., 72801 Phone: (479) 356-2018 (Membership List: Will need $5 per Email: ewebb2@atu.edu member for membership dues.)

1. Jared Schluterman

Paris

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2. Jonathan Sloan

Paron

72122

3. Sim Barrow

Dover

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4. Micah Tindall

Mtn. Home

72653

5. Carl Harris

London

72847

6. Joel White

Russellville

72802

7. Brady Fletcher

Hot Springs

71913

8. Brent Taylor

Searcy

72143

9. Stuart Brasel

Russellville

72801

10. James Gregory

Russellville

72801

11. Clay Spikes

Russellville

72801

12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 21. 23 24. 25. arkwf@sbcglobal.net – Craig Woodson, Office Manager – Ph # 501-224-9200 AWF, 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, Ar. 72205

16 - Arkansas Out-of-Doors â&#x20AC;˘ March/April 2010

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Arkansas Wildlife Federation 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101 Little Rock, AR 72205

Arkansas Wildlife Federation

9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101 Little Rock, AR 72205

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Arkansas Wildlife Federation 9108 Rodney Parham Rd. Suite 101, Little Rock, AR 72205