LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Beginning the first weekend of May each year, residents and visitors alike prepare to savor the flavors of Lake County produce and farm-fresh products as the Lake County Farmers' Finest certified farmers’ market opens for the 2016 season at Steele Wines, located at 4350 Thomas Drive in Kelseyville.
The Tuesday Morning Market opened Tuesday, May 3, and the Saturday Market opened on Saturday, May 7. Both markets are open from 8:30 am to noon.
From eggs and honey, which are available locally year-round, to plant starts, lettuce, strawberries, broccoli, beets, cauliflower, perennial plants, onions and more, will be available at the farmers' market held at Steele Wines.
As spring ends and summer begins, more summer produce, such as corn, peppers, beans, tomatoes, peaches and world-famous Lake County Mountain Pears, soon will be available.
To assist local families in purchasing fresh, wholesome, and locally-grown produce directly from farmers, the Lake County Farmers' Finest markets accept CalFresh/EBT and via a program called Market Match, the markets will double your dollars allowing CalFresh recipients to access even more fresh local produce.
According to the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), farmers today get less than 10 cents of the retail food dollar.
Local farmers who sell directly to consumers cut out the many middlemen and get full retail price for their food – which means farm families can afford to stay on the farm here in Lake County, doing the work they love, and residents can help to ensure a local food supply and keep local tax dollars within the county.
Market manager Cornelia Sieber-Davis said, “We excited to begin the farmers’ market season in Lake County. Our farmers and vendors work hard to produce high-quality delicious produce and we’re proud to be able to provide it to the community. Tell a friend and come join us this week and every week through October.”
Join Lake County Farmers’ Finest on Facebook or visit the organization online at www.lakecountyfarmersfinest.org .
Agriculture
- Carrie Wilson
California Outdoors: Falconry hunting from a vehicle, cleaning Dungeness crab, nesting turkeys, harvesting barnacles
Falconry road hunting from a moving vehicle?
Question: Is it legal or illegal to release a hawk or falcon (pursuant to a falconry license) from a moving vehicle to take game or non-game species?
I am wondering if falconry road hunting would fall under the same illegal pursuit law that applies to hunting with firearms and archery under section 251. (Harris H., Modesto)
Answer: Yes, your assumption is correct. It would be illegal for a licensed falconer to release hawks or falcons from a moving vehicle because the law states, “No person shall pursue, drive, herd or take any bird or mammal from any type of motor-driven air or land vehicles, motorboat, airboat, sailboat or snowmobile” (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 251.)
When can Dungeness crabs be cleaned?
Question: I know abalone and lobster have restrictions on retaining whole animals until consumption, but I can’t find any restriction in the regulations on cleaning Dungeness crab.
I know many boil and serve Dungeness crab whole. However, I find it easier to “back” the crab by cracking the shell into two pieces and removing the organs. Then I boil only the meat parts.
When can I legally clean the crab? On the boat, back at the dock at a fish cleaning station, when I am home or after boiling? Thanks. (Dave C.)
Answer: Like with other finfish and shellfish with minimum size requirements, you must maintain the crab in a condition to where it can be identified and measured to ensure it meets any minimum size limit.
Crabs possessed on a boat must be kept in such condition that the size and species may be determined (Fish and Game Code, sections 5508-5509). There is no requirement once ashore.
Remember, the definition of “Fish” includes wild fish, mollusk, crustacean (crabs), invertebrate, amphibian, or part, spawn or ovum of any of those animals (FGC section 45).
Therefore, while on a boat, you can clean the crab by removing the viscera whenever you like but must maintain the crab in a condition where it can be identified and measured across the back to ensure compliance with the size limit.
Where are all of the nesting turkeys?
Question: I know this is the courtship and nesting season for turkeys and that they roost in trees at night, but where do they nest and for how long? I’m seeing lots of toms right now but not many hens and have not found any sitting on nests.
How soon before the newly hatched chicks will be out and on their own? Thanks for any insight. (Dwayne J.)
Answer: In most areas, nests can be found in a shallow dirt depression surrounded by moderately woody vegetation that conceals the nest.
Hens look for locations close to food and water and with ample cover to safely conceal the hen and her poults (chicks) once hatched.
Hens are very leery of predators, such as coyotes and fox, but do leave the nest unattended for brief periods to feed and drink.
Hens will lay a clutch of 10 to 12 eggs during a two-week period, usually laying one egg per day. She will incubate her eggs for about 28 days, occasionally turning and rearranging them, until they are ready to hatch.
A newly hatched flock must be ready to leave the nest to feed within 12 to 24 hours. Poults eat insects, berries and seeds while adults will eat anything from acorns and berries to insects and small reptiles. Turkeys usually feed in early morning and in the afternoon.
For more information on wild turkeys, please check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) hunting Web site at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting and the National Wild Turkey Federation Web site at www.nwtf.org .
Can barnacles be harvested?
Question: I live in San Luis Obispo County and read the fishing regulations where it says barnacles cannot be harvested in the intertidal area.
What about other non-intertidal areas, such as piers, jetties, etc.? I thought I read somewhere that the limit was five pounds. (Michael H.)
Answer: The applicable regulation (CCR Title 14, section 29.05) does not allow collection of barnacles “in any tidepool or other areas between the high tide mark (defined as Mean Higher High Tide) and 1,000 feet seaward and lateral to the low tide mark (defined as Mean Lower Low Water).”
If you can find barnacles offshore more than 1,000 feet beyond the low tide mark, by law you may take them.
If you found barnacles more than 1,000 feet beyond the low tide mark and wanted to take them, you would be limited to 35 barnacles per day/in possession, again per section 29.05.
There is no 5-pound limit for barnacles (you may be thinking of the 10 pound limit for mussels).
Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced Friday that the annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels gathered along the California coast will begin May 1, 2016.
This quarantine applies to all species of mussels sport-harvested along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries.
“The quarantine is in place to protect the public against poisoning that can lead to severe illness, including coma and death,” said Smith. “It is critical that the public honor the quarantine because the toxins found in mussels have no known antidotes and they are not reliably destroyed by cooking.”
This quarantine is intended to prevent paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and domoic acid poisoning (DAP) in people who might otherwise consume sport-harvested mussels.
Both of these toxins are linked to plankton consumed by filter-feeding animals such as bivalve shellfish, including mussels and clams. The majority of human cases of PSP illnesses occur between spring and fall.
Commercially harvested shellfish are not included in the annual quarantine because all commercial shellfish harvesters in California are certified by CDPH and are subject to strict testing requirements to ensure all oysters, clams and mussels entering the marketplace are free of toxins.
Early symptoms of PSP include tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes of eating toxic shellfish.
These symptoms are typically followed by a loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.
The Dec. 9, 2015, health advisory warning consumers not to eat recreationally harvested razor clams from Humboldt and Del Norte counties remains in effect due to continued high levels of domoic acid.
Symptoms of DAP, also known as amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood.
In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness.
These symptoms disappear completely within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience difficulty breathing, confusion, disorientation, seizures, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma and death.
More information about the quarantine, PSP and DAP can be found on the CDPH Annual Mussel Quarantine - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Web page at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/MusselQuarantineFAQ.aspx .
For updated information on quarantines and shellfish toxins call the CDPH Biotoxin Information Line at 1-800-553-4133.
- Carrie Wilson
California Outdoors: Bow hunting for spring turkeys, bringing a speargun into California, live rodents as fishing bait
Bow hunting for spring turkeys?
Question: I am interested in bow hunting for turkeys this year but have some questions.
Last week I saw a flock of hens and jakes on the side of a highway and I got to wondering if it’s legal to hunt off the side of a highway.
I know we can’t shoot across a highway, but exactly how many yards or feet away does a bow hunter have to be? (Rafael O.)
Answer: It is unlawful to discharge a firearm or release an arrow or crossbow bolt over or across any public road or other established way open to the public in an unsafe and reckless manner (Fish and Game Code, section 3004(b)). Definitions for road and roadway can be found in the California Vehicle Code, sections 527 and 530.
In addition, most counties have ordinances setting the distance from a public roadway that one must be to lawfully discharge a firearm.
Many counties require 150 feet, but this distance varies and you will have to check with the appropriate county’s sheriff’s department to determine the legal distance.
It is always unlawful to negligently discharge a firearm, and the discharge of a firearm from or upon a public road or highway is prohibited (California Penal Code, section 374c).
Bringing a speargun into California
Question: I am coming to California from Australia for a diving holiday and wish to bring my own gear, including a spear gun.
Do you know what the rules are about bringing one through U.S. customs? (Edward C.)
Answer: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) does not regulate the importation of dive gear, including spear guns.
You should check with the Transportation Security Administration ( www.tsa.gov ) and U.S. Customs ( www.cpb.gov ) to see if they have any special provisions you must follow.
Live rodents as fishing bait?
Question: I have seen several videos about using live “feeder” mice and rats for bass and trout fishing and was wondering whether they are legal to fish with here in California.
I wasn’t able to find any regulations talking about using live mice or rats. If not acceptable to use as a live bait, can they be used if dead/frozen? (Anonymous, Sacramento)
Answer: No. The freshwater fishing regulations do not list mammals as acceptable bait options, so rodents may not be used (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 4.00.)
Hunting sandhill cranes?
Question: Does California have any type of hunting opportunities for Sandhill cranes?
I have seen a couple of videos in which the hunters state that the meat is great and some say it tastes like steak.
I tried to research any regulations for them but wasn’t able to come up with anything. Can you please let me know if they can be hunted here? (Jose G.)
Answer: While some states do authorize the take of sandhill cranes during waterfowl season, there are currently no hunting opportunities for sandhill cranes in California.
Kangaroo product ban?
Question: I am the owner of a store that sells kangaroo hide boots and other products made of kangaroo leather.
I read in the news that California recently re-instated a ban on the import and sale of kangaroo products.
Is this true and if so, what should retailers like me know about the ban? (Anonymous)
Answer: You are correct. The ban on kangaroo products went back into effect Jan. 1, 2016. California Penal Code section 653o prohibits the importation, possession with intent to sell, and sale of any parts of specified animals, including kangaroos.
Some common retail products made from kangaroo leather are boots, belts, wallets and soccer cleats.
As you know, California retailers are responsible for knowing the laws and regulations of the state of California and must take the necessary efforts to ensure they do not possess kangaroo products with the intent to sell.
Penal Code section 653o may be enforced by any peace officer in the state, including police officers, sheriff deputies, and wildlife officers.
A person who violates section 653o is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 and up to six months in jail for each violation.
Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at
- Carrie Wilson
California Outdoors: Harvesting sea urchins before abalone start time, number of turkeys per year, hunter update email
Harvesting sea urchins before abalone start time
Question: My question is about the requirement that abalone may not be taken before 8 a.m.
This year there are a few good minus tides that bottom out before 8 a.m.
Is it legal to be on the abalone grounds to harvest sea urchins prior to 8 a.m., and then go abalone picking after 8 a.m.? (Paul N., San Francisco)
Answer: You can go out before 8 a.m. to harvest urchins, but you cannot take any action that will assist in your later take of abalone.
For example, you may not search for abalone or mark the location of any abalone that you encounter while taking urchins.
If you choose to dive before 8 a.m., don’t be surprised if you are questioned by a warden.
If your activities appear to a warden to be taking or searching for abalone before 8 a.m., then you can be cited.
What to do with inedible harvested non-game animals?
Question: I know that it is illegal to waste harvested game animals, but what about non-edible, non-game animals (such as jackrabbits, rock doves, coyotes, etc.)?
What are the legal/ethical guidelines on what to do with these harvested animals? Should they be buried, left in the field, trashed or something else? (Bill S., Rancho Cucamonga)
Answer: Jackrabbits are small game, and if someone is going to kill them recreationally, then they should be used. They certainly are edible and many people hunt them for consumption.
There is no standard way to dispose of legally taken non-game mammals. Some non-game animals like crows require retrieval while others don’t. If they are a species that does not require retrieval, ethically, it is up to the individual.
Hunters are encouraged to fully utilize all harvested wildlife. However, even if it is a non-game species where retrieval is not required by law, hunters should still make every effort to properly dispose of it.
To just let animals lay where they’ve fallen without retrieval or attempts to properly dispose of them reflects badly on the image of those of us who are conscientious and ethical hunters.
Combination of sabiki rig and drop shot rig
Question: I often go sport fishing around Santa Cruz with my kayak.
I would like to catch live fish with a sabiki rig with multiple hooks, then use them with a drop shot rig with two hooks to catch rockfish, cabezon, greenling, lingcod and halibut.
Is this allowed? (Kota T.)
Answer: Yes, you can use a fishing rod with multiple hooks as long as you don’t take or possess a species which has a more restrictive method of take than the general gear restrictions (e.g., rockfish, cabezon, greenling, lingcod or salmon).
If you happen to catch one of these species while using more than two hooks on your line, you must release the fish.
You are limited to no more than one line and two hooks when fishing for rockfish, cabezon, greenling and lingcod, or if these species are in possession.
Once you begin fishing for the species that have hook restrictions, you will want to stow the sabiki rig so that it clearly is not in use.
How many turkeys per year?
Question: Can you legally harvest five birds a year by taking three bearded birds during the spring season and two birds during the fall season, or does the three bird limit apply to a full calendar year? (Pete R.)
Answer: You can legally harvest five turkeys in a year but can never possess more than three at one time.
As long as you are eating your game regularly, you should not have an issue so be sure to consume or gift your spring birds before the fall season.
Hunter update email from CDFW?
Question: My friend recently received an interesting “hunter update” email directly from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) encouraging her to buy a license and go turkey hunting.
Although I already have my hunting and fishing licenses, I am interested in receiving updates from CDFW.
How do I get on this mailing list? (Monica B.)
Answer: The email your friend received is part of a larger effort by CDFW to increase outreach and education to California hunters and anglers.
In order to receive these updates, reminders and other useful information from the department, you need to update your CDFW license profile on our Web site and provide us with your email address and communication preferences.
To sign-up, visit our online licenses sales page at https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales/ and click “Customer Login/Register” then “Edit Customer Profile.”
If you are a new CDFW customer making your first license purchase online or from a license agent, you will be asked for your email address and communication preferences while creating your profile.
Any personal information collected will never be disclosed, made available to others or used for any purpose other than as specified at the time it was collected, except with the written consent of the subject of the information or as otherwise permitted by law or regulation.
Fish and Game Code, section 1050.6 and California Government Code, section 11015.5 prohibit CDFW from selling or sharing your information with any third party.
Purchasing your licenses, tags and report cards online is easier than ever and now comes with the added benefit of timely updates and information from CDFW.
Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fairgrounds is hosting a Channel/Bushnell rainwater harvesting clinic on Saturday, April 16.
The clinic will begin at 1 p.m. in the Little Theater building at the fairgrounds, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport.
Expert in this area is Guy Giordanengo, who will be on hand for questions and offering solutions for multiple applications including residential, commercial and government projects.
There is no cost for this clinic.
Every gardener knows that a successful growing season requires a lot of water.
However, with droughts hitting numerous parts of the United States, meeting those water demands to ensure that a garden is productive and flowers are flourishing can be a costly operation.
The Channel/Bushnell rain barrel provides an easy way to collect, store, and irrigate with the free water running off of your roof.
Bushman rainwater harvesting tanks were designed with the customer in mind by offering aesthetically pleasing styles and colors.
Bushman rainwater harvesting tanks are available in several slimline, round and low profile configurations.
For more information, call the fairgrounds at 707-263-6181.
How to resolve AdBlock issue? LCNews
Award winning journalism on the shores of Clear Lake.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |