Wildlife News Related Information - Archive Search Oct. 8, 2010 - Public Advisories - Arizona Outdoor Calendar - Call for Comments

* Fishing regulation proposals coming before commission * Deadline to apply for Arizona spring hunts looms * Anticipated release of Mexican wolves delayed until 2011 * Injured warriors use for therapy during Silver Creek opening * Black-tailed prairie dogs gaining foothold in historical range of southern Arizona * Public meetings, open houses on elk and pronghorn hunt recommendations * Volunteers still needed for October ferret spotlighting effort * Information on Proposition 109 – “right to hunt and fish” constitutional amendment * 2010 Western CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup set for Oct. 16-26 * Public’s assistance sought to solve two elk poachings in northern Arizona * U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks input on red squirrel captive breeding and ocelot recovery programs * Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Open House is Nov. 20-21

Fishing regulation proposals coming before commission Becker Lake could be turned into a blue ribbon fishery

Turning Becker Lake into a blue ribbon fishery and tweaking the slot limit at Lees Ferry (photo below) are two of the proposed fishing regulation changes for 2011-12 being considered by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission during the Saturday, Oct. 9 portion of its Oct. 8-9 meeting in Phoenix.

The meeting begins at 8 a.m. at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters located on 5000 W. Carefree Highway (1.5 miles west of Interstate 17).

You can also view the meeting via the Internet at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.

The Game and Fish Department is proposing to change Becker Lake to catch-and-release- only year round with artificial lure and fly only with a single barbless hook.

“Becker Lake has the best potential in the White Mountains for becoming a catch-and- release blue ribbon trout fishery. This productive lake has the potential to grow over 18-inch rainbow trout consistently if no harvest occurs,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. Young pointed out that Becker is typically one of the few lakes in the White Mountains that can be ice-free for most of the winter.

“Becker doesn’t winter or summer kill, it is accessible year around, and water levels are fairly stable,” Young said.

There are eight trout lakes, and the Little Colorado River, within a one-hour drive that allow bait fishing and have no special regulations, providing ample opportunity for anglers desiring to harvest trout and not use restrictive gear.

“The development of a true blue ribbon trout fishery at Becker Lake will provide an economic benefit to the local communities by attracting anglers from throughout the southwest as well as expand the diversity of angling opportunities in the White Mountain area,” Young said.

The commission is also considering a proposal to modify the slot limit at Lees Ferry from 12-inch maximum to a 14-inch maximum to allow greater harvest of the smaller trout and hopefully avoid or limit population crashes when food resources are limited, for whatever reason.

The current regulation for Lees Ferry is trout over 12 inches may not be possessed. The limit is four trout per day and eight trout in possession; and lure only; barbless hooks only.

Since 1991, Lees Ferry has experienced a dramatic increase and then a collapse in trout abundance at times. “The cyclic nature of rainbow trout abundance indicates that rainbow trout in this reach of the Colorado River naturally over recruit and are food limited,” Young said.

Population modeling shows that an increase in legal harvest will not harm the fishery.

“In addition, anglers have stated that it is virtually impossible to capture fish less than 12 inches,” Young said. “Department biologists can see no biological reason to limit the harvest of rainbow trout by imposing a legal length shorter than the vulnerable trout that anglers are capturing in this popular sport fishery.”

The proposal would also allow the unlimited harvest of sport-fish other than rainbow trout (such as brown trout) and redefining river stretches below the Paria Riffle to assist with native fish recovery efforts.

Other proposed regulation changes before the commission include:

* Reducing the daily bag and possession limit of catfish to four at Redondo Pond (aka Yuma Lakes) and reducing the trout limit to four as well. * Changing the daily bag and possession limit on Pena Blanca Lake near Nogales to no harvest of largemouth bass until Dec. 31, 2012. The lake was completely drained this past year and is on the comeback trail. * Closing Ash Creek along with Marijillda Creek and its tributaries (Mt. Graham) to fishing until a fishable population of native Gila trout is established. * Closing approximately 13 miles of Bonita Creek in Graham County to fishing as part of an effort to re-establish native fish populations in this remote creek that receives minimal angling pressure. * Opening Snake Creek in the White Mountains to angling.

A full discussion of these proposed changes can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/fishregscomments.

Deadline to apply for Arizona spring hunts looms Paper applications due by 7 p.m. Oct. 12; No online application system available

Sportsmen, women and children with visions of hunting a strutting turkey, a javelina unique to the southwest, a secretive black bear, or that once-in-a-lifetime buffalo have until Tuesday, Oct. 12 by 7 p.m. (MST) to submit a paper application to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for the annual spring drawing. To apply, applicants will need the 2011 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Buffalo and Bear Hunt Draw Information booklet and application form that are available at more than 300 license dealers statewide, at Game and Fish offices, or by downloading them from www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Remember, postmarks don’t count, so if you haven’t yet mailed your application, Game and Fish officials recommend hand-delivering it to any of the seven department offices (Phoenix, Mesa, Flagstaff, Pinetop, Kingman, Tucson and Yuma) prior to the 7 p. m. Oct. 12 deadline. As a reminder, Monday, Oct. 11 is Columbus Day, and all department offices are closed.

Keep in mind that there is no online application system available.

Tips for an error-free application

* License – a 2011 hunting license is required to apply for 2011 spring hunts * Hunt choice(s) – use the four-digit hunt numbers to apply (first column on the left of the regulations) * Signature – each applicant (A through D) must sign the application * Payment – check, money order or cashier’s check (no credit card or cash) * Youth – youth rates only apply to juniors-only hunts (higher rate applies if putting in for general hunts or a combination of juniors-only and general on the same application)

Youth hunters

Javelina, turkey, buffalo and bear are all big game species. Young hunters 10-13 are required to complete an Arizona-certified hunter education course before the hunt. For details, visit www.azgfd.gov/education and select the hunter education link for information on classroom and online programs.

Also for new hunters are two mentored javelina camps and three turkey camps. These free camps, hosted by experienced sportsmen, offer field assistance, hunting instruction and food, providing a great place for families to start learning about hunting. Visit www.azgfd.gov/draw under the “Mentored Hunting & Juniors-only Events 2010-11 Season” information box on the right side of the page for more information.

Other season dates and calendar reminders

* Commission meetings – Oct. 8-9 (fishing regulations), Dec. 3-4 (elk/pronghorn regulations) * Mountain zone general waterfowl season – Oct. 8 to Jan. 16, 2011 (restrictions apply) * Hunt recommendations – public meetings begin Oct. 13, open houses start Nov. 23 (elk/ pronghorn regulations – see article in this newsletter) * Late season dove – Nov. 19 through Jan. 2, 2011 * State furlough – Nov. 26 (all Game and Fish offices closed) * Mearns’ quail season – Nov. 26 through Feb. 6, 2011 * Elk and pronghorn application deadline – anticipated second Tuesday, February 2011

For more information about hunting and the big game draw process, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds to operate. Wildlife conservation and management of the state’s game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through a user-pay, user-benefit system. Funding from the direct sale of hunting licenses, fishing licenses, big game tags and matching funds from the Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment, remain the primary funding source for managing Arizona’s wildlife.

Anticipated release of Mexican wolves delayed until 2011

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), along with the Arizona Game and Fish Department announced on Oct. 7 that the planned release of Mexican wolves into the Apache National Forest of the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area will be postponed until sometime in 2011.

The Service, after coordinating with its partners in the Mexican wolf recovery program in Arizona and New Mexico, determined that a release at this time would not be possible. After concerns were expressed by some of the partners the Service decided to step back and assess those considerations. The Service determined that additional time to plan and prepare for the release is needed to ensure the best possible outcome.

“We were hoping that a release this fall would signal our continued commitment to a successful recovery program, but the timing must be right for the wolves to have the very best chance for survival,” said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Southwest Region. “Although we have been working with our partners, we haven’t completed all of the necessary coordination and work, and in keeping faith with our commitments to our partners, and especially to the wolves, it became clear that the time isn’t right.”

“I believe that Dr. Tuggle made the right decision in delaying this release until conditions are optimum,” said Larry Voyles, director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “We will continue to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service and our other partners to find common ground and ensure the success of this important program.”

“We will continue our efforts on the ground, and the coordination with our partners, until we determine the most favorable time for their release and we’ll move forward then,” said Tuggle.

Injured warriors use fly fishing for therapy during Silver Creek opening

With a slight chuckle, Mike Rodriguez quietly spoke the magic words “Fish On!” as he found himself locked in a smiling struggle with a 5-plus-pound rainbow trout during the opening day of the seasonal fishery at Silver Creek in the White Mountains.

Long minutes later and with the help of veteran fishing instructor Bill Larson, the racing rainbow was finally landed. It didn’t seem possible, but Mike’s smile seemed to broaden as he gingerly held the shimmering big ‘bow for a quick photo moment before gently releasing it back into the creek.

It’s catch-and-release, barbless hook only at Silver Creek – no bait and no keeping is allowed from Oct. 1 to March 31. The only thing you don’t release here is memories – there’s no limit on those.

Mike and six others from Ft. Huachuca were participating in Project Healing Waters and caught plenty of memories on opening day, including the sound of elk bugling in the surrounding pinion-juniper forest. Mike had gone through the rehabilitation in the Healing Waters program after being injured in Korea during field exercises. Now he is one of the program volunteers assisting others to overcome their injuries by the curative powers of fly fishing.

Mike has been medically discharged from the Army, but his wife is currently serving in Afghanistan. Prior to eight months ago, Mike had never fly fished. Now it’s a passion in his life.

“Is that another one on? Mike’s sure got the touch today,” said Robin Marsett, who coordinates the Healing Waters Program under the sponsorship of the Old Pueblo Chapter of in Tucson.

Robin explained that Project Healing Waters is a national program dedicated to physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and education and outings. Visit www.projecthealingwaters.org for more on the program.

At Silver Creek on Oct. 1, there was no lack of instructors, impromptu or otherwise, to help these recovering warriors who have helped defend our country. It added a nice red-white-and-blue dimension to opening day for this seasonable catch-and-release, barbless-hook-only fishery near Show Low.

Over the years, the opening has become an informal gathering to celebrate trout fishing, especially with fly rod in hand on a near-perfect autumn day.

Later on this particular opening morning the Ft. Huachuca contingent also helped with netting trout out of the raceway and then stocking them into the few miles of stream near the Silver Creek Hatchery.

It’s catch-and-release because no more fish will be stocked this season – it’s pretty much a one- time deal at the start of the season for this unique fishery.

Silver Creek is unique because it is spring fed with a constant water temperature, which means this stream does not ice up during winter. However, anglers are sometimes treated to being able to stand in freshly fallen snow while catching rainbows and native Apache trout in the free-flowing creek.

Black-tailed prairie dogs gaining foothold in historical range of southern Arizona

Just two years after being reintroduced to the state after nearly a 50-year absence, black-tailed prairie dogs are showing positive signs of re-establishing themselves across part of their historical range in southern Arizona.

Monitoring studies indicate that the animals are breeding at both of the reintroduction sites, with at least 16 pups observed this spring. Now, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Bureau of Land Management furthered the effort to repopulate the species with the release on Oct. 7 of 119 prairie dogs at a third site in the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area near Sonoita.

"Black-tailed prairie dogs are a critical keystone species in Arizona, meaning that they play an important role in maintaining the grassland habitat and balancing the ecosystem,” said Bill Van Pelt, the program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The effort to bring the species back to Arizona is part of a national and international conservation program aimed at reviving the black-tailed prairie dog enough that it does not end up on the endangered species list.”

As part of the latest release, the University of Arizona placed ear tags and fur dye on all of the animals as part of a study on survivorship.

“The Bureau of Land Management has been very pleased with the progress made in reintroducing black-tailed prairie dogs to southeastern Arizona,” says BLM Assistant Field Manger Cindy Alvarez. “The bureau’s goal for the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area is to restore this ecosystem to its native grassland habitat, and establishing a healthy population of these prairie dogs will help us achieve this objective.”

The animals used to re-establish black-tailed prairie dogs in Arizona are chosen based on their similar genetics to the population that previously existed in the state.

Acclimation cages are used to prevent the animals from dispersing too quickly upon release and to allow them to adjust to their new environment. In time, the animals will burrow themselves out of the acclimation cages and be free to establish an underground network of tunnels.

The black-tailed prairie dog program is supported by the Heritage Fund, a voter- passed initiative that provides funding for wildlife conservation through Arizona Lottery revenue.

Black-tailed prairie dogs are one of Arizona's two native prairie dog species. The other species, which is found in northern Arizona, is the Gunnison’s prairie dog. Historically, the black-tailed prairie dog was the most widely distributed of the five prairie dog species and were commonly found in southeastern Arizona. Human-related factors, including poisoning and habitat fragmentation, greatly reduced their numbers range-wide over the last 150 years.

The species provides many benefits to the habitat where they live. Their burrows allow water to penetrate the ground and return to the watershed or aquifer. The animals’ foraging habits increase plant species diversity and the nutritional value of the plants for other foraging animals. Their colonies have also historically served as fire breaks.

Public meetings, open houses on elk and pronghorn hunt recommendations

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting four public meetings followed by six open houses across the state to meet with constituents about developing the 2011 hunt recommendations for pronghorn antelope, elk and population management hunts.

Four regions will be providing details about elk and pronghorn antelope populations within their jurisdiction. Constituents interested in a particular Game Management Unit can attend the public meeting in that region to discuss the management direction.

“This is a great chance to see how the hunt guidelines shape the hunt recommendation packages,” said Brian Wakeling, chief of game management for the department. “The public forums allow us to meet with sportsmen and discuss the direction for the recommendations based on survey data, harvest rates and the hunt guidelines. Regional personnel will be discussing whether we are considering changing harvest prescriptions and why. It’s a great way to get informed and to have your concerns addressed as hunt recommendations are developed.”

The public forums are hosted at four of the six Game and Fish Department regional offices by wildlife biologists that are involved in the hunt recommendation process.

The public forum dates, times and locations are:

* Wednesday, Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road * Monday, Oct. 18, 6-8 p.m. – Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive * Wednesday, Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m. – Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road * Tuesday, Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m. – Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.

The final proposed draft of the elk and pronghorn hunt recommendations, to be presented to the Game and Fish Commission, will be made available for public review at six regional informational open houses. No formal presentation will be made. However, a knowledgeable staff person will be available to discuss regional hunt recommendations.

Open house dates, times and locations are:

* Tuesday, Nov. 23, 3-5 p.m. – Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. * Tuesday, Nov. 23, 3-5 p.m. – Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road * Monday, Nov. 29, 3-5 p.m. – Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St. * Tuesday, Nov. 30, 3-5 p.m. – Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road * Thursday, Dec. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road * Thursday, Dec. 2, 3-5 p.m. – Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive

A PDF version of the 2011 hunt recommendations for elk, pronghorn antelope, and population management hunts will be available for review at the Game and Fish Department's website beginning Saturday, Nov. 20 at www.azgfd. gov/huntguidelines.

Three times each year, the department makes recommendations to the commission regarding the management of game species for the annual hunting and trapping regulations (fall, spring, and elk and pronghorn hunt), which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas, and hunt permit-tag allocations based on the framework of the hunt guidelines set by the commission every two years. These recommendations are in accordance with the hunt guideline package, which is effective for hunts from the fall of 2010 through the spring of 2012.

The final recommendations are anticipated to be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for consideration during its Dec. 3-4 meeting in Phoenix at the Game and Fish headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17). The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission under commission agenda.

Volunteers still needed for October ferret spotlighting effort Black-footed ferret recovery depends on public involvement

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is still seeking volunteers for the Oct. 21-25 black-footed ferret fall spotlighting effort.

The Oct. 22-23 dates are full, but additional people are needed on Oct. 21 and 24-25.

“The weekends usually fill up first for obvious reasons, but we need some folks with a flexible schedule to help on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights,” said Jeff Pebworth, wildlife program manager at the Game and Fish Kingman office. “It is critical we get enough volunteers in the field for this effort.

“We don’t have the personnel available to fully staff these spotlighting events and the program’s continued success depends on people remaining involved.”

Spotlighting is how Game and Fish monitors the population of this small, endangered predator. Black-footed ferrets are strictly nocturnal, so spotlighting from dusk-to-dawn is the required method for surveying.

Twice thought to be extinct, a small population of black-footed ferrets was discovered in 1981. A mere 18 were left when captive breeding efforts began in 1985. In 1996, Arizona’s Aubrey Valley (outside Seligman) was selected as a reintroduction site.

The reintroduction of these rare animals in Arizona was possible because of the state’s Heritage Fund which, when matched with federal dollars, accounts for the project’s funding.

Pebworth added that without the voter-approved initiative, which provides money through the Arizona Lottery, this effort would not have been possible.

Spotlighting is not easy, and Pebworth acknowledges that volunteers earn the right to brag about their participation in the recovery of this animal.

Volunteers must be able to stay attentive from sunset-to-sunrise, be able to carry up to 30 pounds while backpack-spotlighting for two-hour durations, and they must be willing to learn how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS).

Individuals can volunteer for one or more dates. A parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18.

“It can be difficult, but it is rewarding,” Pebworth said. “This is an animal few people have ever encountered.”

Those wishing to volunteer, or needing more information, should e-mail [email protected] by Oct. 15 with “October Spotlighting” in the subject line. Individuals should indicate which night(s) they are available to help; include a first and last name, a contact number, and if anyone else will be attending with them.

Additional information will be sent following contact, including meeting location and times.

Volunteers should also note any of the following equipment they can bring: GPS, clipboard, backpack (to carry a 30- pound battery), headlamp, pen, compass, binoculars, walkie-talkies, 4x4 vehicle (please list passenger capacity), compass, spotlight (that can plug into a cigarette lighter), or a cordless rechargeable spotlight.

It can be cool during the October event, so individuals need to dress appropriately.

“Spotlighting is a critical component to this reintroduction,” Pebworth said. “It is the only method in place to monitor the population and volunteers play a huge role in this recovery effort.”

Information on Proposition 109 – “right to hunt and fish” constitutional amendment

One of the propositions facing Arizona voters on the Nov. 2, 2010 election ballot is Proposition 109, which, if passed, would amend the state’s constitution to make hunting and fishing a constitutional right in Arizona.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department and its employees are precluded by law from advocating for or against state ballot propositions while on state time or using state resources. The Game and Fish Commission, as the policy-setting board overseeing the department, is not under the same legal restriction and may take a position or advocate on one side or the other.

Due to public interest regarding Proposition 109, the department is providing the link below to information about the proposition contained in the 2010 “Ballot Propositions and Judicial Performance Review Publicity Pamphlet” posted on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website. This information includes the text of the proposed amendment, analysis by the Arizona Legislative Council, and arguments “for” and “against” the proposition that have been submitted by different individuals and organizations.

To view information about Proposition 109, visit www.azsos.gov/election/2010/info/PubPamphlet/english/Prop109.htm.

Oil up your M-1: 2010 Western CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup set for Oct. 16-26

Oil up your vintage M-1 Garand or carbine, it’s time to think about high-power rifle shooting “Western Style” at the 2010 Western CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix on Oct. 16-24.

This competition entails using vintage military rifles. For instance, there are matches for Springfield Rifle, M-1 Garand, M- 1 Carbine, a vintage sniper test match, and a vintage military rifle match.

All interested shooters, including new shooters, experienced competitors, recreation-oriented shooters and national championship contenders, are invited to participate in these unique, national-level competitions.

For more information, visit www.odcmp.com/Competitions/WesternGames.

All competition, clinics and special activities take place at the Ben Avery Activity Center, High Power Range or Small Bore Range. The CMP and Creedmoor Sports of Oceanside, California, together with the Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Association, will host the matches and festivities.

Public’s assistance sought to solve two elk poachings in northern Arizona

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s assistance in finding the individual or individuals responsible for illegally killing two bull elk in separate incidents near Clints Well (37 miles north of Payson) in September.

The first poaching occurred sometime over the Labor Day weekend, just before the legal archery season. The bull elk was killed near the junction of Forest Roads 96 and 321, about eight miles east of Clints Well, in Game Management Unit 5A on the Coconino National Forest. After the animal was killed, only the head and a small portion of meat were removed. The rest of the animal was left to waste.

The second poaching occurred around Sept. 18 or 19. The bull elk was shot with a rifle off Highway 87, about four miles north of Clints Well. The subjects in this case removed the head and some major portions of meat, including the shoulders and hind quarters. The rest of the animal was left to waste. The only hunting season open at the time of the poaching was archery elk.

“We’re asking the public for any information they might have in helping us solve either of these cases,” says Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Someone may have been scouting in the area and seen or heard something, but may be apprehensive to come forward. We want to encourage them to contact the Operation Game Thief Hotline and help us catch the poachers.”

Anyone with information about either of these incidents can call the department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,500 in each case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s). All calls may remain confidential upon request.

To learn more about Operation Game Thief, visit www.azgfd.gov/thief.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks input on red squirrel captive breeding program and ocelot recovery plan

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking public input on two items: a plan under consideration to conduct a pilot captive breeding program for the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel at the Phoenix Zoo’s Conservation Center, and a draft revised ocelot recovery plan.

Mount Graham red squirrel captive breeding program

The 10-year captive breeding pilot project would develop captive husbandry, rearing, and breeding methods for the Mount Graham red squirrel, as well as techniques for releasing squirrels into the wild. The project is being considered per a recommendation by the multi-agency Mount Graham Red Squirrel Recovery Team, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coronado National Forest, Arizona Game and Fish Department, University of Arizona, Native American tribes and others.

A captive breeding program would establish a population of squirrels outside of its native range on Mount Graham that could serve as a buffer in the event of future wildfire within the habitat in the Pinaleño Mountains or other causes of catastrophic decline of Mount Graham red squirrels in the wild.

Starting as early as fall 2010, up to 16 Mount Graham red squirrels would be captured and transported to the Phoenix Zoo Conservation and Science Center where a rearing facility has been established. Offspring born at the Conservation Center would eventually be returned to selected locations on the mountain utilizing different release techniques to determine which of those provide for the greatest survival of repatriated squirrels.

Mount Graham red squirrels occur only in the Pinaleño Mountains in southeastern Arizona and population numbers have dropped to between 200 and 350 animals. They are threatened by habitat loss due to native and exotic forest insect infestations, large-scale wildfires, human factors like development, and loss or reduction of food sources.

Comments are being accepted through Oct. 12, 2010, on a draft environmental assessment for the project. To view the draft environmental assessment, or for more information on submitting comments, visit www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ arizona/Mount.htm.

Ocelot recovery plan

The USFWS is also seeking public comment on a draft revision of the ocelot recovery plan that was originally developed in 1990.

While this draft revision of the recovery plan considers the ocelot throughout its range, its major focus is on two cross- border areas, one in southern Texas and the other in southeast Arizona. The ocelot was listed as an endangered species in 1972 under the authority of the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969.

Written comments and new information on the status of the ocelot throughout its range must be received by the Service by Oct. 25, 2010, and will be used to assist in finalizing the revised recovery plan. To view an electronic copy of the draft revised recovery plan, visit www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Library/. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/ southwest/docs/2010NROcelotdRP8-24-10.pdf.

Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Open House is Nov. 20-21

Join the Arizona Game and Fish Department at its Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Open House and learn about the state’s native wildlife and other conservation education programs the department offers.

This free event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20 and Sunday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at the center’s facility located just west of I-17 at Pinnacle Peak Road. The event will feature:

* Live wildlife education programs * Self-guided tours of the facility * An opportunity to learn about fishing and casting * Boating law and safety information * Hunter education program information

Through support from the Heritage Fund, the wildlife center cares for more than 1,000 sick and injured native wildlife every year, and provides wildlife education to local schools and outreach to community groups. aste all stories here

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