The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule in the Federal Register on March 22 officially adding the bighead carp to the federal injurious wildlife list. The listing means it is illegal under the Lacey Act to import or to transport live bighead carp, including viable eggs or hybrids of the species, across state lines, except by permit for zoological, education, medical or scientific purposes.
Under the Lacey Act, an injurious wildlife listing means the species has been demonstrated to be harmful to either the health and welfare of humans, interests of forestry, agriculture, or horticulture or the welfare and survival of wildlife or the resources wildlife depend upon. The penalty for violating the Lacey Act is up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine for an individual, or a $10,000 fine for an organization.

Curbing interstate transport of live bighead carp promotes the federal government’s goal of preventing the carp’s spread into new lakes and rivers in the United States, where it can have devastating effects on native species. The Service listed other Asian carps (the black, silver and largescale silver carps) as injurious wildlife in 2007.

Bighead carp were imported from eastern China to Arkansas in the 1970s to improve water quality in aquaculture ponds and sewage treatment lagoons. The fish, which can grow to 60 or more pounds, have since spread through the Mississippi River basin and have been collected as far north as Lake Pepin in Minnesota.

Because of their large size and abundance, bighead carp routinely out-compete native fish for food. If bighead carp enter the Great Lakes and become established, they potentially threaten the 1.5 million jobs and $62 billion in wages connected to the Great Lakes.

For more information on how the Service is working with partners to control Asian carp, visit www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/asian-carp.html

New firewood rules at DNR sites

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission approved a new policy to manage firewood use at state properties and also set in motion a proposal to make it a permanent rule.

The two-step approach will allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement the change this year while the proposed permanent measure works its way through the normal nine- to 12-month rulemaking process, including a public comment period. The intent of both steps is to protect resources on state properties against the spread of emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, Asian long-horned beetle and other pests and pathogens transported in infected firewood.

Effective immediately, visitors will be allowed to bring firewood to DNR properties only under certain circumstances. Bundled firewood must have a USDA or Indiana state certification compliance stamp, be purchased from an on-site concessionaire or the DNR property or be kiln-dried construction lumber. An exception allows visitors to bring uncertified firewood so long as the bark is removed before entering the DNR property.

Family fishing program each month

“Family Learn to Fish Day” workshops will be offered on the third Saturday of most months at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, beginning with the first which was held March 19.

The workshops, which run from 9 a.m.-noon, offer families the chance to learn to fish, both in a classroom and while fishing on Delaware Lake, aided by expert instructors. The DNR’s Go FishIN program provides fishing gear and bait. All workshop fishing is catch-and-release.

The required advance registration or more information is available by e-mailing nrec@dnr.IN.gov or calling 317-562-1338.

Individuals and family members who participate in the Family Learn to Fish Day workshop in April may be able to enjoy the 700 rainbow trout stocked in Delaware Lake in late March as part of a DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife effort to increase urban fishing opportunities. The seven-acre lake offers good shoreline fishing access and ADA fishing facilities.

Daniels receives national conservation award
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels was recognized recently by the national conservation organization Ducks Unlimited for “making land conservation a top priority and for preserving thousands of invaluable acres across the state for future generations.”

The governor received the 2011 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award at the Ducks Unlimited annual breakfast during the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Kansas City, Mo. Daniels was the only state leader to receive an award this year.

“The nation’s leading conservation organization has taken note that we are breaking all records for protecting our natural beauty,” said Daniels. “The satisfaction really comes from knowing that future generations of Hoosiers will be able to enjoy these outdoor spaces in a more pristine character than they are today.”

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Jack Spaulding may contact him by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.