Archive for April, 2009

Idaho: Mandatory Bumperstickers for Boats, Really?

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Idaho boaters are in for an interesting requirement this season. It looks like fishing, kayaking, sailing – essentially all water recreation — just got a little harder as, according Idaho Fish and Game, a new state law requires the owner of any boat and any non-motorized vessel to buy and display an Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker.

The sticker is required to legally launch and operate your vessel in Idaho. Only inflatable, non-motorized vessels less than 10 feet long are exempt, says Fish and Game.

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WDFW: “Big” Season Opener

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

“An improved average catch rate and some bigger fish made cool, windy weather tolerable for thousands of anglers during the April 25 Washington lowland lake fishing season opener,” writes the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in a recent press release.

A WDFW biologist said the weather kept some people indoors, so the boat ramps were not as busy for the opener. He added that there were some pretty good catch rates and nice-sized fish caught despite the below average turnout.

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Teddy’s National Park

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Looking for a great place to take a summer vacation? Try North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

As Montana native Rita Forsythe writes, “You should plan on visiting [the park] to explore its rich cultural history and biological diversity.” In her article, she continues to divulge a number of tips for visiting the national park.

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LEDs to replace Incandescents and CFLs, for good.

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Well, it’s finally time to say goodbye to your incandescent bulbs. At least, that’s what Leds America says. According to a recent press release, a new “breakthrough” technology to replace incandescent bulbs has been developed. They’re calling it the LCC-LED Cluster Chip — and it’s the driving force behind the company’s product: the Led-O bulb.

Compared to a standard 100-watt bulb, a 10-watt Led-O bulb will produce the same amount of light while saving 90% of the energy. The Led-O will save 50% compared to a CFL, not to mention it does so without emitting UV light or using mercury. Additionally, the new technology also allows the lights to be dimmable.

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ODFW: Controlled hunt deadline draws near

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) limits the number of hunters for certain big game hunts (some deer and elk hunts, all pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat hunts) for game management purposes and to enhance the hunting experience. Applications for these hunts are due by May 15 every year; a random computer drawing occurs in June and hunters are notified about results by June 20.

Hunters can apply by mail, license agent, ODFW office, or online (new this year). All controlled hunt applications are $4.50. Shipping and handling fees may apply.

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Washington: Toxic Algae Closes Lakes

Friday, April 24th, 2009

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife released an advisory regarding trout season’s opening day on Saturday, April 25. The press release advised anglers that Jefferson County Public Health and Washington State Parks have closed public access to Anderson Lake in Jefferson County due to the presence of toxic algae.

WDFW asserts that Jefferson County Public Health has determined that algae blooms in Anderson Lake are producing a dangerous neurotoxin, which poses a risk to public health.

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Reinhart Pond: Free Fishing!

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Youngsters, grab your fishing gear! The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) invites you to its free youth fishing event on Saturday, May 2 at Reinhart Pond in Grant Pass from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

As a part of ODFW’s Youth Angling Enhancement Program, the event is co-sponsored by Crater Bass Club and ODFW, who will provide staff, fishing equipment, and angling instruction. ODFW says they are stocking 600 legal-sized rainbow trout especially for this event.

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LEDs Replace Fluorescent Tubes

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

LEDs America, Inc. announced its “real alternative” to fluorescent lighting last month. The new Led-O™ LED tubes, which the company says are both energy-saving and safe, use 40 to 70-percent less energy and last six times as long as fluorescent bulbs. Dubbed ”eco-friendly”, the LED tubes do not contain mercury or emit infrared or ultraviolet radiation.

“Up until now, most LEDs only put out 800 to 1,200 Lumens. Led-O tubes give off 2,000 to 2,400 Lumens,” says Michael Conner of LEDs America, Inc. He added that even with the increased light output, the tubes remain cool to the touch.

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