Recreation
- Details
- Written by: CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Monarch butterflies
Q: What is CDFW’s role in helping conserve monarch butterflies?
A: The Western population of migratory monarch butterflies has seen staggering declines over the past 20 years, from over 4 million in the 1980s to fewer than 2,000 individuals in the most recent census conducted in winter 2020-21. In California, monarchs are designated by CDFW as a terrestrial invertebrate of conservation concern and as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
To help kick-start recovery efforts, CDFW is enhancing over 1,700 acres of our properties throughout the state, with funding received to support the Governor’s Biodiversity Initiative as well as the Wildlife Conservation Board. Monarch caterpillars can only use milkweed as their host plant; therefore, we are focusing on creating breeding habitat by planting regionally appropriate milkweed species.
Western monarchs overwinter in groves of trees along the California coast, migrating to breeding sites throughout the west in the spring. CDFW is also adding flowering plants which provide the nectar that helps fuel this long-distance migration.
Because they are highly mobile, monarchs are widespread in the state: present in urban, natural and agricultural areas. We need an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to help save the species in the west. While it is prohibited to remove monarchs from the wild in California, there are many ways for the public to get involved in recovery efforts.
We encourage planting native milkweed species and native flowering plants, especially those that bloom in the early-spring or late fall. You can also contribute to community science projects Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper and the Western Monarch Count to help researchers gather data that can inform our conservation decisions.
Non-lead ammo waiver
Q: I’m a long-time hunter who has transitioned to using nonlead ammunition. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, there’s a nationwide shortage right now. I’m trying to find simple .30-06 nonlead ammo, and it doesn’t seem to be available anywhere. Someone told me that the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s director could waive the non-lead ammo requirement. Is that a possibility for the upcoming big game seasons? (Brad)
A: We share your frustration because yes, nonlead ammunition is difficult to find, especially right now. However, the director for California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) does not have the authority you are asking about.
California Fish and Game Code section 3004.5 (j)(1) authorizes CDFW’s director to temporarily suspend the nonlead requirement for a specific hunting season and caliber upon a finding by the director that nonlead ammunition of a specific caliber is not commercially available from any manufacturer because of federal prohibitions relating to armor-piercing ammunition pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code.
When AB 711 was enacted, the law that required implementation of the nonlead ammunition requirement for hunting, there was concern that the ammunition met the definition of armor piercing due to its design. That concern turned out to be legally unfounded, but regardless, that provision of the law does not apply to your stated concern.
So where does that leave us as big game hunters? As the big game seasons approach, ammunition manufacturers tend to ramp up production of ammunition needed for hunting and there should be some available by that time.
However, you should continue to periodically check your local stores for it. Whenever and wherever you look for nonlead hunting ammunition and they don’t have it, we advise you to notify the staff of what you need to make sure it remains a priority for them.
For more information see CDFW’s Non-Lead Ammunition and Certified Non-Lead Ammunition webpages.
Sidearms while hunting
Q: My friends and I are planning a turkey and pig hunt in Madera County, D7. Can I carry a sidearm with lead ammo? Two of my friends won’t be hunting—can they carry sidearms?
A: As you may know, nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California. Prohibition on the use of lead ammunition for taking wildlife is covered in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, section 250.1(c).
The regulation does not prohibit the possession of concealable firearms containing lead ammunition provided the firearm is possessed for personal protection and is not used to take or assist in the take of wildlife.
It’s important to note that with the exception of ammunition for concealable firearms possessed for personal protection, hunters may not possess lead ammunition along with a firearm capable of firing that ammunition when nonlead ammunition is required. With regard to your friends, they may carry a sidearm as long as neither is a felon or otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms, per California Penal Code Section 29800.
Finally, note that this response only addresses CDFW laws specific to the hunting scenario you described. Be sure to familiarize yourself with general firearm laws related to concealed weapons, transportation, storage, etc.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The North State Modified Series, or NSMS, presented by Protect the Harvest, is proud to announce that its 2021 racing schedule will begin on April 17 at Shasta Speedway in Anderson.
The series will be joined by all the local Shasta Speedway classes and will feature the O’Reilly Auto Parts 60 lap feature event as well as the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash.
After Shasta the series ventures south to the Madera Speedway on May 8 to join the Madera Late Models and Jr. Late Models, the Madera Hobby Stocks, Toyota Sedans/MST, and Madera Mini Stocks. This is “Ladies Night’ where all ladies will get in free. As of now a limited number of spectators will be allowed in the grandstands.
At the second event in Madera on Aug. 7, track promoter Kenny Shepherd expects to be able to host more “fans in the stands.”
NSMS will then venture north to Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka on June 5 for the first of two events.
Redwood Acres Raceway is a 3/8-mile paved oval, the largest track on the NSMS tour. The second race in Eureka, the “Dale Baldwin Challenge” will be the richest event in the history of the series with $5,000 going to the winner of the 60 lap event, presented by McMurray and Sons Roofing.
That race will take place on Sept. 25 in conjunction with a 150 lap open-comp late model race.
NSMS will be back at Shasta Speedway on June 19 to be a part of the Shasta County Fair celebration. Joining the race card that night will be the Nor-Cal Pro-4 Modifieds.
Only one race is on the 2021 schedule in the month of July and that will be at Stockton 99 Speedway for the 2nd annual Bob Lehman Classic.
This will be an all open-wheel event featuring the North State Modifieds, Gun Slinger Winged Sprint Cars, NCMA Non-Wing Sprint Cars, Winged Supermodifieds, BCRA Midgets, Vintage BCRA Midgets, and Nor Cal Pro 4 Modifieds. It will also be Stockton’s Tom Manning Memorial event.
The NSMS season concludes at Shasta Speedway on Oct. 9 for the sixth annual Lloyd Burton “Against the Wind” Modified Challenge, sponsored by Mort Houston and the Burton Family.
Protect the Harvest will once again be the title sponsor of the North State Modified Series. Lucas Oil will fund a tow-money program for the drivers to help with the high cost of travel.
Other sponsors of the series are Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Scribner Plastics, Franks Radios, O’Reilly Auto Parts, McMurray and Sons Roofing, and Mark and Sharon Baldwin.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The timber harvest plans are Bear Gulch No. 2, Parlin 17, Chamberlain Confluence, Red Tail, Caspar 500 and Soda Gulch.
Areas where timber operations are occurring will be closed beginning immediately until Nov. 15.
Maps and information regarding the closure have been posted in locations near the timber harvest plans. Area closure is for public and worker safety during timber operations.
This notice is in accordance with Section 1438 and 1439, Title 14, California Code of Regulations.
For additional information, including a map of Jackson Demonstration State Forest, visit www.fire.ca.gov or contact the forest office at 802 N. Main St. in Fort Bragg or 707-964-5674.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest staff are seeking input on a proposal to reforest and improve safety around a campground heavily impacted by the 2020 August Complex wildfire.
The Hammerhorn Campground Restoration and Salvage Project would entail removing dead and dying trees around the campground and vicinity roads, as well as preparing and replanting sites not likely to regenerate to previously forested conditions because of high tree mortality.
Mendocino officials issued a letter Friday requesting feedback on the proposed project.
Comments citing specific concerns that are submitted during the comment period allow the commenter legal standing to object to the final decision whether to proceed with the project.
Comments are due by Monday, May 10.
The Hammerhorn Campground is located about 17 miles northwest of Covelo and is adjacent to the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.
The campground and surrounding area experienced high severity wildfire during the August Complex, resulting in 75 percent or greater tree mortality and vegetation loss.
Dead and fire-damaged trees on up to 250 acres of the campground would be made available for sale through a stewardship agreement, allowing proceeds to be directed back to the area’s rehabilitation.
No actions are proposed within the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.
While trees presenting hazards to campers and motorists will be the primary focus, patches of high tree mortality within the 250-acre project area could also be logged to make room for future replanting.
A percentage of trees, including those dead, suitable for forest propagation or wildlife habitat will be retained.
A more detailed project description and maps can be found online at https://go.usa.gov/xH2cK.
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