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Recreation
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- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Q: What’s the best time to see wildlife at Elkhorn Slough in Monterey County?
A: There isn’t a bad time to visit the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve if you want to see wildlife! Year-round, migratory birds from hummingbirds to willets pass through the slough to stop or rest and feed on this California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) property. As part of the Pacific Flyway, tens of thousands of birds migrate through Elkhorn Slough each year. All told, more than 340 species of birds have been identified in and around the slough!
Additionally, there are more than 100 southern sea otters residing at Elkhorn Slough. They are often abundant during the fall. During spring, you can see large groups of California sea lions and hundreds of harbor seals loafing along the shore. Elkhorn Slough also features six miles of hiking trails traversing salt marsh habitats, oak forests, and grasslands.
The key to visiting Elkhorn Slough is choosing how you want to visit and then making plans. Call (831) 728-2822 or go to elkhornslough.org to plan your visit. The reserve is open year-round Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available on CDFW’s website.
Band-tailed pigeons
Q: What can the public do to help reduce the spread of avian trichomonosis in band-tailed pigeons?
A: Population numbers for band-tailed pigeons in California are relatively stable. However, we remain active in our conservation efforts — especially considering a novel form of avian trichomonosis that was discovered in 2013. The disease, caused by a flagellated protozoan (e.g. a microbe with a tail), causes abnormal growth in pigeons’ throats which can prevent them from eating and breathing. Avian trichomonosis can be passed from parents to their young during feeding and at water or mineral sites where pigeons congregate. Band-tailed pigeons are especially vulnerable during winter when they congregate at feeders in large flocks.
Residents can help by planting native plant species like coffeeberry, Christmasberry and madrone on their properties. Oak trees are also a good landscape choice because band-tailed pigeons consume a lot of acorns. By planting native species, residents can attract birds and allow for natural foraging with a lower probability of infection. If residents install bird feeders, baths or fountains they should be sanitized often or contain a filtering mechanism.
Read more about band-tailed pigeon conservation efforts on CDFW’s website.
Youth hunting
Q: I’m 17 years old and have my hunter education certification and license. Is it legal for me to hunt by myself with a rifle or shotgun, without adult supervision?
A: For the most part, yes, it is legal, except for a few apprentice hunts that CDFW hosts which require an adult chaperone. Pay attention to the hunt details if you are applying to different apprentice hunts, also known as junior hunts. If there are such restrictions, it will be noted in the application information.
We’re happy that you have taken the time and have the interest to pass your hunter education course and take up hunting. Although you are legally permitted to hunt on your own, we encourage you to go out with experienced hunters and soak up everything they have to teach you. There are many skills you need to develop – everything from hunting methods, to game care to cooking techniques. The fastest way to learn is to spend time with others who already have the expertise. And as you progress through your education, gain experience and develop confidence as a hunter, we hope you’ll encourage your friends to do the same. Maybe one day you can be their mentor.
- Details
- Written by: Editor
The free event will take place at the park’s visitor center.
The featured story will be “My Monster and Me.”
Read a story together on the StoryWalk trail and bring a picnic to enjoy in the park. The trail is less than a quarter of a mile in length.
All ages are welcome.
Clear Lake State Park is located at 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.
For more information call 530-538-2200.
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- Written by: Mendocino National Forest
The public will be able to review and comment on the forest’s preliminary grant application beginning Mar. 8 through May 2, 2022.
The funds will be used to enhance and manage off-highway vehicle, or OHV, motorized recreation on National Forest System lands.
The grant proposal supports law enforcement activities such as public information and education, enforcement and resource protection as well as ground operations like maintaining trails and equipment, operating water systems and monitoring trail conditions over 247 miles of designated OHV trails.
“Public participation is an important component of the grant proposal process,” said Forest Engineer Shannon Pozas.
“We appreciate the support we receive which enables us to continue managing an extensive OHV motorized recreation program for generations to come.”
The forest will submit its preliminary grant application to the OHMVR by Mar. 7, and the proposal will be available for public review on Mar. 8 at https://olga.ohv.parks.ca.gov/egrams_ohmvr/user/home.aspx.
Information about the California California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division program is available at https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/.
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will hold its annual Salmon Information Meeting via webinar on Wednesday, March 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The public meeting will feature the outlook for this year’s sport and commercial ocean salmon fisheries, in addition to a review of last year’s salmon fisheries and spawning escapement.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on potential fishing seasons to a panel of fishery managers, scientists and industry representatives who will be directly involved in the upcoming Pacific Fishery Management Council, or PFMC, meetings in March and April.
The 2022 Salmon Information Meeting marks the beginning of a two-month long public process used to develop annual sport and commercial ocean salmon fishing regulations.
The process involves collaborative negotiations between West Coast states, federal agencies, tribal co-managers, and stakeholders interested in salmon fishery management and conservation.
Public input will help California representatives develop a range of recommended season alternatives at the March 8 to 14 PFMC meeting. Final season regulations will be adopted at the PFMC’s April 6-13 meeting.
Meeting details, handouts and instructions on how to join the webinar will be published on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon webpage in advance of the event.