Monofilament Mania: Wisconsin Sea Grant Donates Fishing Line Recycling Bins to St. Louis River Alliance

By Marie Zhuikov

With all the work going on to restore habitat in the St. Louis River Estuary, organizations would be remiss if they didn’t also address a man-made killer that lurks there: monofilament fishing line. That’s just what the St. Louis River Alliance of Duluth, Minn., is doing.

Wildlife can get caught and tangled in discarded or lost fishing line, sometimes leading to death. This spring, the Alliance began a program to install monofilament recycling bins at public boat landings along the estuary in Duluth and Superior, Wis. They sent out a call for cooperation and support to several local organizations, and organized adult and youth groups to participate in an “Adopt-A-Bin” program.

Wisconsin Sea Grant heeded the call by offering six bins that were donated by the NOAA Marine Debris Program a few years ago. The bins look more like small ship smokestacks than boxes. They are comprised of wide white PVC pipe tubing with a curved opening on top. Bill Majewski with the Alliance outfitted the tubes with a special wooden door that keeps birds from using the bins for nesting and deters people from throwing trash inside. The organization also created “Reel in and Recycle” stickers to let boat landing visitors know what the bins are for.

The donated bins were installed by Jill DiDomenico of the Alliance and her homegrown work crew (her children) in Superior last week. Anglers will notice them at Loon’s Foot Landing, Arrowhead Pier, Billings Park, and on Barker’s Island at the public boat launch, the dock by the Wisconsin Sea Grant/Lake Superior Reserve office, and the fishing pier along the Osaugie Trail on the mainland across from the office.

If you find discarded fishing line at any of these sites, please look for the bin and do your part to keep the estuary clean!

Tackling the Problem of Ghost Nets

Using money from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Wisconsin Sea Grant partners to educate commercial and tribal fishermen about the dangers of unmoored gill nets in Lake Superior--and what to do when they become entangled in one.

Full Story Click Here

Source: UW Sea Grant Institution

Tips for boating safety during the early fishing season

MADISON - With low water temperatures statewide and many northern Wisconsin waters still thawing, boating safety officials are encouraging anglers to take special precautions to make sure they stay safe on their early season fishing trips, recreation safety officials say.

Water temperatures in southern Wisconsin lakes were reported in the 40- and 50-degree ranges and anglers were still ice fishing in the Woodruff area the last weekend in April.

Roy Zellmer, conservation warden and boating safety administrator with the Department of Natural Resources, says that such conditions mean that anglers who fall into the water or have their boat flip will have less time to get to safety because hypothermia sets in quickly.

Hypothermia can occur when the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees. "The loss of body heat results in loss of dexterity, loss of consciousness and eventually loss of life," Zellmer says. "Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air."

Click here to watch Boating Safety Hypothermia

View more boating safety videos on our recreation safety playlist.

Zellmer encourages anglers to check in with local bait shops to find out what water temperature and ice conditions are and to follow these boating safety tips.

• Equip and inspect your boat before hitting the water.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. You can float without using energy and they cover part of your body thereby providing some protection from the cold water.
• Make sure you travel at the safe speed for your water conditions and surroundings - and that includes other vessels on the water around you.
• Avoid alcohol. Most hospitalized hypothermia cases involve alcohol. Alcohol impairs judgment and inhibits the body's normal shivering trigger denying the body its most effective heat producing response.
• Stay low in the boat, don't stand or move around unless necessary. Capsizing and falling overboard is often due to a victim losing balance or tripping over equipment in the boat. Never allow passengers to ride on gunwales or seatbacks or outside of protective railings, including the front of a pontoon boat. A sudden turn, stop or start could cause a fall overboard.
• Do not overload a boat.
• Avoid sudden changes in boat speed which can allow the stern wake to overtake and swamp the boat.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Plan what to do if you should fall in. If you know you are about to fall into cold water, cover your face with your hands to avoid gasping water into your lungs. Get back in the boat if possible; if not, get as much of your body out of the water as possible. See professional medical care as soon as possible.

  If someone is not able to get back in a boat, they should limit body movement, and not swim unless they can reach a nearby boat or floating object. Swimming lowers body temperature and even good swimmers can drown in cold water, he says.

  Instead, Zellmer says people should "assume the heat-escape-lessening-position" (H.E.L.P.). Begin by crossing your ankles, then cross your arms over your chest, draw your knees to your chest, lean back and try to relax.

  "We would like to make 2014 the safest boating season ever. We can do it if everyone follows safe boating practices," Zellmer says.

  For more information search the DNR website for "boat safety."

Michigan conservation officers offer safe boating tips for National Safe Boating Week May 17-23

As the weather warms up and thoughts turn to summer recreation in Michigan, boating comes to the minds of many Michigan residents and visitors. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' conservation officers remind Michigan residents to practice safety when boating.

May 17-23 is National Safe Boating Week, an effort to remind people to follow some boating safety tips. The DNR encourages Michigan residents and visitors to:

• Wear a life jacket - more than 80 percent of drowning accidents in the United States are due to people not wearing their life jackets. In Michigan, anyone less than 6 years of age must wear a life jacket when on the open deck of any vessel. But wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) is recommended for everyone.
• Make sure your boat is properly equipped and your equipment is in good working order. In addition to all legally required equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers, always carry a first-aid kit, nautical charts and an anchor. Make sure your navigation lights are working properly.
• Avoid drinking alcohol - nearly half of all boating accidents involve alcohol. Studies show that passengers are 10 times more likely to fall overboard when they have consumed alcohol.
• File a float plan. Always let a family member or friend on shore know the who, what, when and where of your trip - and when you are expected back. Give them phone numbers for the local sheriff or U.S. Coast Guard in the event you don't return when expected.
• Maintain a sharp lookout. Stay alert for other boats, swimmers, skiers and objects in the water. This is especially true when operating in crowded waterways, at night and during conditions of restricted visibility.
• Carry a marine radio or cell phone. Be prepared to call for help in case you are involved in an accident, your boat becomes disabled or you otherwise need assistance. Program the phone numbers for the county sheriff or U.S. Coast Guard in your cell phone. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, but be aware that there are often gaps in coverage on the water.

“We also recommend a boating safety course for anyone who plans on taking to the water in a boat or on a personal watercraft,” said Lt. Andrew Turner, who manages the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s recreational safety program. “Boating safety classes are offered at different locations around the state and online, making it convenient and affordable.”

For more information on boating safety, including who is required to take a boating safety class, go to www.michigan.gov/boating.

For more information on safe boating, visit the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Resource Center at www.uscgboating.org.

Kids Fishing Clinic held at Greenfield Park

Report by Rich Hehn from the Great Lakes Sport Fishermen of Milwaukee regarding the Kids Fishing Clinic on April 13^th.

It was a slow day at Greenfield Park.  The temperature was 34 degrees at 9am with snow showers on and off until noon.  We had several fish caught, 2 rainbows, a small bass, and a perch that measured about 8".  We had 31 kids show up.  The guys from the Milwaukee Casting Club were the heroes, doing the outdoor part of the clinic in miserable conditions.  The kids and the Casting Club guys enjoyed the hot beverages, and chili that went with the usual hot dogs. Our “kitchen crew” did their usual good job. We had 13 volunteers from GLSF, and a reported 9 more volunteers from the Casting Club. We had no new kids from 2:00- 2:40, so we started shut down, and cleared the building at 2:55.  I had one guy bring his young son to the house this morning to pick up the rod and reel combo he won in the raffle/give away.  The kid was around 4 years old, and was really excited to get his prize.

Hope everyone else had a good time too. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with the event next year.

                   

Thank you to the Great Lakes Sport Fishermen of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Casting Club for their participation in this event.

The event was Sponsored in cooperation with the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations; Milwaukee, Racine, Washington and Waukesha County Parks; Hunger Task Force Fish Hatchery; and the Department of Natural Resources.

Friends of the Mill Pond and Oak Creek Watercourse, Inc.

Photos we received from Friends of the Mill Pond and Oak Creek Watercourse, Inc. who also participated in the Kids Fishing Clinics on April 13th.

 

29th Annual Kids’ Fishing Clinics a Success

The 29^th Annual Kids Fishing Clinics were held last Saturday, April 13 at various locations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. The free fishing instructions were provided to children 15 years and younger and taught by members of local fishing clubs.

Instructions included Fishing Techniques, Equipment Use, Knot Tying, Safety, Fish Identification and some kids even got to catch some fish.

Locations included: Milwaukee County

Brown Deer Park, 7835 N. Green Bay Rd. Hosted by: Okauchee Fishing Club

Greenfield Park, 2028 S. 124th St. Hosted by: Great Lakes Sports Fishermen; Milwaukee Casting Club

Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave. Hosted by: Lunkers Unlimited

McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave. Hosted by: Southside Sportsmen’s Club

McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51st Blvd. Hosted by: Badger Fisherman’s League

Mitchell Park, 2200 W. Pierce St. Hosted by: Bay View Rod and Gun Club

Oak Creek Parkway, Oak Creek Pkwy. and Mill Rd., South Milwaukee Hosted by: Friends of the Oak Creek Millpond

Scout Lake Park, 5902 W. Loomis Rd. Hosted by: Walleyes Unlimited, USA

Sheridan Park, 4800 S. Lake Dr. Hosted by: South Milwaukee 1400 Fishing & Hunting Club

Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St. Hosted by: EB Garner’s Fishing Club

Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave. Hosted by: Wisconsin Fishing Club

Racine County

Quarry Lake Park, 3800 Northwestern Ave. Hosted by: Salmon Unlimited

Sheboygan County

Kohler- Andrae State Park, 1020 Beach Park Lane Hosted by: Great Lakes Sports Fishermen - Sheboygan County Chapter

Washington County

Sandy Knoll Park, 2064 Wallace Lake Rd., West Bend Hosted by: Trout Unlimited Southeast Chapter; West Bend Kiwanis Early Risers

Waukesha County

Fox Brook Park, 2925 N. Barker Rd. Hosted by: Wern Valley Sportsmen’s Club

Menomonee Park/Lannon Quarry, W220 N7884 Townline Road, Menomonee Falls. Hosted by: Wisconsin House Outdoorsmen

Muskego Park, S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego Hosted by: Women’s Hunting and Sporting Association

The event was Sponsored in cooperation with the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations; Milwaukee, Racine, Washington and Waukesha County Parks; Hunger Task Force Fish Hatchery; and the Department of Natural Resources.

Drought conditions worsen in southern half of Wisconsin

50 counties now at increased fire danger levels

MADISON – The continued lack of significant rainfall in the southern half of Wisconsin has increased drought conditions and raised the fire danger to extreme, very high or high in 50 southern and central counties.

The lack of rain is lowering water levels on streams and rivers, making navigation more difficult and increasing the number of fish kills. There have been reports of private wells going dry, and some municipalities are placing restrictions on water use. The hot temperatures and low water levels are increasing the risk of blue-green algae outbreaks and concentrating waterfowl in areas that have been known to have outbreaks of botulism.

“The drought is affecting everyone – with farm crops in jeopardy, fire danger, and well impacts, and more,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp. “DNR is doing everything it can to share information and expedite approvals for wells and pumping when we can without endangering the long term health of natural resources. Our hearts go out to people struggling with the dry conditions.”

The Department of Natural Resources has launched a new Web page intended to help the public find drought-related DNR information and assistance. People can go to dnr.wi.gov and search for the keyword “drought.”

Fire conditions

Fire danger levels as of July 17 were at extreme in 25 southern counties and very high or high in another 25 central counties. DNR fire control officials have been responding to 10 to 15 fires a day, and since June 1 there have been more than 275 fires. A 40-acre fire closed a westbound lane of Interstate 90-94 Monday. An Army National Guard helicopter assisted in fire suppressing the fire with water drops.

“With these tinder dry conditions, equipment caused fires have become the number one cause of fires, mostly with hot vehicle exhaust systems or farm equipment,” says Trent Marty, DNR fire prevention director.

Emergency burning restrictions remain in place in all or parts of 19 counties. The restrictions prohibit any outdoor burning -- outside of fire rings in campgrounds -- smoking outdoors or disposal of ash or charcoal. In addition, even campfires within fire rings have been banned at four state park and forest properties including Southern and Lapham Peak units of Kettle Moraine State Forest, Richard Bong State Recreation Area and Big Foot Beach State Park. Park officials caution that without rain soon, the fire prohibitions may be expanded to other properties.

Water concerns

DNR officials are receiving and reviewing applications for emergency permits to pump water for crop irrigation from lakes and rivers. DNR is approving permits for irrigation from lakes and rivers where the withdrawal will not have a negative impact on fisheries or other aquatic life or on other users of the waterway.

The agency has been receiving six to 10 applications a day for new high capacity wells for irrigating crops and is approving the applications where the new wells will not have a negative impact on other private wells. To date there have been numerous reports of private wells going dry, but as of yet no reports of municipal wells going dry.

State dam safety officials are notifying dam operators of their responsibility to maintain a minimal flow of water below dams, as some operators have reportedly begun to hold water back to maintain water levels on lakes, flowages and impoundments.

“Dam operators need to ensure they maintain minimal flow from their dams to ensure fish health and to ensure there is adequate flow for the dilution of wastewater from municipal treatment plants and other industries and operations downstream,” said Bill Sturtevant, state dam safety engineer.

Fish kills

State fisheries biologists have entered more than 31 verified fish kills since the beginning of June, with more being investigated.

“The earlier fish kills were primarily due to low water levels resulting in low dissolved oxygen levels,” says Paul Cunningham, DNR fisheries habitat coordinator, “but lately we’ve seen more thermal-related fish kills. The water has just gotten too hot for many of our cold-water species like northern pike.”

Fisheries biologists have started to deny some applications for chemical control of aquatic weeds, because of the additional stress the control may have on fish populations.

Beach and swimming concerns

The hot, dry weather is fueling excessive algae growth as the increased water temperature speeds up cell growth and division. Blue-green algae, which are found naturally in Wisconsin lakes and can produce toxins that pose a health threat to people, animal and pets, are becoming a problem in waters with a history of blooms, like Lake Winnebago and Tainter/Menomin lakes, but are in places where blooms are normally not a problem, DNR water leaders report.

DNR staff are fielding more calls on the algae Cladophora from property owners and beachgoers all along the Lake Michigan coast, says Steve Galarneau, who directs the DNR Office of the Great Lakes. The algae, naturally found in Lake Michigan, breaks off from the rocks on the lake bottom and washes ashore, where it smells and looks foul as the algae and aquatic life it carries decompose.

Zebra mussels and quagga mussels proliferating in Lake Michigan are helping create the conditions for more of the algae to grow, along with the warm water temperatures and sunny skies. “Cladophora has been a problem for decades. There are good blocks of time and bad blocks of time during a year, and this is a particularly bad period of time,” he says. “We empathize with people concerned about how it looks and smells. We encourage people to avoid swimming through cladophora or coming in contact with the algae that’s washed ashore because it may harbor harmful bacteria.”

Boating safety

With low water levels on lakes and rivers (USGS Wisconsint streamflow) (exit DNR), boaters need to be especially cautious of navigational hazards that may not have been apparent with higher water levels. Stumps and sand and rock bars may all be closer to the surface, especially on river systems. The Rock and Wisconsin rivers in particular are very low and navigation is difficult in some stretches.

Wildlife health concerns

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff have collected approximately 50 dead birds, primarily mallards, wood ducks and teal as well as pelicans, shore birds, and great blue herons on the northern end of Horicon Marsh. Specimens have been submitted to the National Wildlife Heath Center for confirmation, but officials highly suspect that botulism is the cause. They will be conducting daily monitoring of other state and federal wildlife areas where botulism has caused waterfowl deaths in the past.

Boat Safety Saturday: Boat check, classes may save insurance costs -- and lives

Tomorrow is Boat Safety Saturday in Dane County. Boaters will learn key safety tips that will help keep water trips safe and fun -- and also possibly save boat owners insurance dollars.

A team of boat experts from the Department of Natural Resources, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and several fire departments from Madison, McFarland, Maple Bluff and Middleton will be making the rounds to boat landings to visit with boaters about their vessel equipment, safety classes and the importance of always wearing a life jacket.

It’s all part of National Safe Boating Week, which starts Saturday and leads in the Memorial Day weekend.

The participating agencies will have their equipment on display for you to enjoy. As time allows, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering free vessel safety checks for trailered boats only. Some insurance companies offer discounts on vessels certified by such inspections. Others give discounts for boaters who complete certified boat safety classes. Ask your company!

The schedule for Saturday’s safe boating kick-off is:

• 8 to 9:30 a.m. – Babcock Park boat landing, US Highway 51 in McFarland
• 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Olin Park boat landing, John Nolen Drive in Madison
• Noon to 2 p.m. – Warner Park boat landing, Northport Drive in Madison

Of the 23 boating fatalities in Wisconsin last year, 13 were due to drowning and none of the victims was properly wearing a life jacket. From 2007 – 2011, there were 67 people who drowned in boating incidents in Wisconsin and 91 percent of them were not wearing life jackets.

Please stay safe as you enjoy Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers. Get your boat checked, take a class and always wear your life jacket. New styles are comfortable! “The belief you will be able to get the jacket on as you fall over the boat’s side for whatever reason is unrealistic,” DNR Boating Law Administrator Roy Zellmer says. For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov and search boat.

Ice Fishing & Safety by Jerry Opicka - Dec. 12

Dec. 12 - Jerry Opicka, panfishing expert, past WFC president, “Ice Fishing & Safety.”  Learn ice fishing hot spots, equipment, baits that work, safety, techniques, how to read ice, 7 p.m.  FREE!  Big Dog Pub & Grill, formerly Yester Years Pub and Grill, 9427 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, 414-476-9055. Contact: Cliff Schulz, President, (414) 453-9913, LindaESchulz@WI.RR.com.  Fishing reports, fishing equipment raffle, plus hot food is available.  New members are always welcome.

Have a great holiday fishing season,
Larry Van Veghel

WFC, Media Director & Secretary and
WCSFO, Media Director & Secretary

Boat and ATV safety

June 13- The Wisconsin Fishing Club, Ltd. speaker is: Kyle Drake from the DNR will give a presentation on “Boat and ATV Safety.”  FREE! 7 p.m. Yester Years Pub and Grill, 9427 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, 414-476-9055.  Contact: Cliff Schulz, President, LindaESchulz@WI.RR.com. (414) 453-9913, . Fishing reports, a fishing equipment raffle, plus hot food and free pool are available. New members are welcome.

Have a great fishing season,
Larry Van Veghel

WFC, Media Director & Secretary and
WCSFO, Media Director & Secretary
414-769-6846

Public Hearing - relating to the establishment of a slow-no-wake zone on the “narrows” of the Wisconsin Dells

June 22 - Pursuant to §§ 23.28(3), 227.11(2)(a), 227.24 Wis. Stats., interpreting § 28.28(3) Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on revision to ch. NR 45, relating to the establishment of a slow-no-wake zone on the “narrows” of the Wisconsin Dells. at 5 p.m. at the Kilbourn Public Library, 620 Elm Street, Wisconsin Dells. This emergency order took effect on May 15, 2010. This provision prohibits motorboats from going faster than slow-no-wake, defined as the minimum speed required to maintain steerage, on an approximately 0.7 mile long stretch of the Wisconsin River at the Dells of the Wisconsin River state natural area. Currently, no fixed speed limit exists on this stretch of the Wisconsin River other than “reasonable and prudent speed” and the general laws that regulate 1) speed of personal watercraft in the vicinity of other boats, and 2) the speed of boats towing persons within defined distances of anchored and occupied boats. This regulation is intended to improve public safety and help minimize user conflicts. In the last few years, the conservation warden for the area has received a number of complaints from boat operators regarding the user conflict of high speed recreational boats operating close to the larger and less maneuverable boat tours. Accidents and near misses have been documented in this stretch of the river. This rule is also being advanced as a permanent rule which was authorized on March 16, 2010, but will not be promulgated in time for this summer’s heavy use season. In order to minimize the potential for accidents during the 2010 season, this is being advanced as an emergency rule. There are four commercial enterprises that operate boat tours in the Upper Dells on the Wisconsin river; two run both traditional tour (cruise) boats and jet boats, one runs exclusively jet boats and one only operates a tour/dinner boats. When contacted by the department, all the tour boat operators said their normal practice is to go slowly through the area anyway, so there would be no impact to them on their scheduling. They expressed support for a slow-no-wake regulation because their ability to navigate is often jeopardized by recreational watercraft attempting to jump the wakes of their boats or trying to maneuver around the larger boats at high speed. The distance of the slow-no-wake area is approximately 3,700 linear feet. The proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate, may be viewed on the Wisconsin Administrative Rules or may be obtained free of charge by contacting Kathryn Fitzgerald, Kathryn.fitzgerald@wisconsin.gov , or by calling (608) 267-2764. Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before June 25, 2010. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, fax, E-mail or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Written comments and any questions on the proposed rule should be submitted to: by Kathryn Fitzgerald, Wisconsin DNR, LF/6, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921, Kathryn.fitzgerald@wisconsin.gov , or by calling (608) 267-2764. For more information contact Conservation Warden Barbara Wolf, (608) 273-6277.

ICE FISHERMEN BE AWARE OF DRUNKS ON SNOWMOBILES OR ATV’S

By: L.A. Van Veghel

Ice anglers know that they must be aware of speeding snowmobilers who go from tavern to tavern and sometimes from tavern to tavern on a series of lakes and then unsafely speed on ice that is sometimes too thin for these heavy yet small vehicles. Some, but certainly not all, snowmobilers hit speeds to 70 mph on ice where there are open water limits of 40 mph. Snowmobilers have been known to run over ice anglers' tip-ups. I've even had an ice sailboat do that to me on Nagawicka Lake.

Drivers' licenses should be required for operating any powered vehicle that hits those unsafe on bumpy ice speeds where ice pedestrians are on the ice in droves. Drunk people are not supposed to drive cars or trucks. The same should be mandatory for ATV'ers and for snowmobilers. Members of safe-minded, quality snowmobile clubs are given bad vibes by these drunks.

Ice anglers who get drunk and have snowmobiles or ATV's can be equally obnoxious and unsafe, both for their lives and for the lives if other people. Doing doughnuts around their own tip-ups as I've witnessed on Little Green Lake both meant these people caught no pike, and it meant others around them couldn't catch fish due to these drunks' ice cacophony. These people were both unsafe and completely rude. Getting drunk does not mean these irresponsible people own the lakes. Yet, who wants to confront a violent drunk at the time of the obnoxious behavior? Anglers go fishing to get away from this kind of stuff.

Why do we have to put up with these adults who are irresponsible drunks? Let's start giving them "dui" tickets. Drunk driving is drunk driving. Recklessness is recklessness. Fools are fools. Abuse is abuse. Have a happy new year and watch out for ALL drunk drivers.

MILWAUKEE FISHING EXAMINER as printed on the WISN-TV website.

DNR issues ice warning for aerated lakes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warns ice anglers, snowmobilers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when going onto any lake covered or partially covered with ice, especially those that feature aeration systems.

“Open water areas created by aeration systems can shift or change shapes depending on weather conditions,” said Marilyn Danks, DNR aquatic biologist. “Leaks may develop in air lines creating other areas of weak ice or open water.”

About 285 Minnesota lakes will have aeration systems operating this winter. Private hatchery operators also use aeration systems, usually on small lakes without public accesses.

Aeration systems generally operate from the time lakes freeze until ice break-up in the spring. They help prevent winterkill of fish, but they also create areas of open water and thin ice, which are significant hazards.

Both “Thin Ice” and Warning” signs are used to identify aerated lakes. The person who applies for a permit is required to maintain “Warning” signs at all commonly used access points to the lake. This sign warns people approaching the lake that an aeration system is in operation and to use extreme caution.

“Thin Ice” signs are used to mark the perimeter of the thin ice and open water area. These signs are diamond shaped with an orange border and white background with the warning “Thin Ice” in bold print. It is the permittee’s responsibility to post and maintain “Thin Ice” signs at 100-foot intervals. Some municipalities may have ordinances which prohibit entering into the marked area and/or prohibit the night use of motorized vehicles on lakes with aeration systems in operation. These local regulations are often posted at accesses where they apply.

Aeration systems are inspected for safety and compliance with regulations by permittees and DNR personnel.

For more information call a regional fisheries office or the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll free 888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

The following is a list of lakes that will likely have aeration systems in operation this winter.
When there are lakes in the county with the same name as the aerated lake, the nearest town is shown in brackets. Names in parentheses are alternate lake names. Those names followed by an asterisk are newly aerated lakes.

REGION 1 (NORTHWEST)

COUNTY: LAKE BECKER: Big Cormorant, Bijou, Eunice, Fifteen, Island, Little Cormorant, Melissa, Sallie, Wolf.BELTRAMI: Ewert’s Pond.CASS: Leech.CLAY: Blue Eagle, Lake Fifteen.CLEARWATER: Pine.DOUGLAS: Aldrich.HUBBARD: Petite, Wolf.MARSHALL: Unnamed [Florian Reservoir].OTTER TAIL: Adley, Big McDonald, Fish (Parkers Prairie), Fish (Pelican Rapids), Lida, Lizzie, Marion, Pelican, Perch, Pete, Tamarac, West McDonald.POLK: Badger, Cable, Maple.POPE: Johanna, Signalness.STEVENS: Hattie, North and South Baker.WADENA: Stocking.

REGION II (NORTHEAST)

AITKIN: Cedar (McGrath).CASS: Eagle, George*, Loon, Meadow.CROW WING: Nisswa.LAKE: Superior (Marinas).ST. LOUIS: Colby.

REGION III (CENTRAL)

ANOKA: Centerville, Coon, Crooked, Golden, Ham, Martin, Moore (East), Peltier, Shack Eddy, Spring.CARVER: Eagle, Oak, Susan.CROW WING: Platte.DAKOTA: Alimagnet, Birch Pond, Blackhawk, Bur Oaks, Carlson, Cliff, East Thomas, Farquar, Fish, Gun Club, Hay, Heine, LeMay, Manor, Marion, Pickeral, Rebecca [Hastings], Roger’s,Schwanz, Thomas, Thompson.GOODHUE: Pottery Pond [Red Wing].HENNEPIN: Arrowhead, Bass, Crystal, Gleason, Hadley, Hyland, Indianhead, Mitchell, Penn (Lower Penn), Powderhorn, Rebecca [Maple Plain], Red Rock, Rice, Round, Snelling, Sweeney-Twin, Wirth, Wolfe.KANABEC: Knife.MORRISON: Alexander, Shamineau.RAMSEY: Beaver, Bennett, Como, Island, Loeb, Otter, Owasso, Pleasant, Silver (East Silver), Silver (Columbia Heights), Shoreview Community Center Pond, Vadnais, Willow.SCOTT: Cedar, Cleary, Crystal, Lakefront Park Pond, Legends, McColl, McMahon (Carls), Murphy, O’Dowd, Thole.SHERBURNE: Ann [Becker], Birch, Fremont, Unnamed [Fawn].STEARNS: Becker, Black Oak, Dullinger, Marie (Maria) [Kimball].WASHINGTON: Battle Creek (Mud) [Woodbury], Benz, Cloverdale, Goose, MacDonald, Pine Tree, St. Croix River, Sand, Shields.WINONA: Winona.WRIGHT: Augusta, Crawford, Dean, Little Waverly, Louisa, Mink, Somers.

REGION IV (SOUTH)BIG STONE: Artichoke, East Toqua, Long Tom.BLUE EARTH: Crystal, Ida, Loon [Lake Crystal], Lura, Mills.BROWN: Clear, Hanska, Sleepy Eye.COTTONWOOD: Bean, Bingham, Cottonwood, Double [North and South basins], Mountain [Mountain Lake].COTTONWOOD/MURRAY: Talcott.FARIBAULT: Rice.FREEBORN: Albert Lea, Fountain, Morin.JACKSON: Clear [Jackson], Independence, Little Spirit, Loon [Jackson], Pearl, Round.KANDIYOHI: East Solomon, Elizabeth, Foot, Long, Mud (Monongalia) [New London], Nest, Ringo [Spicer], Swenson [Pennock], Unnamed [Tadd], Unnamed [Upper], Wakanda, Willmar.LESUEUR: Clear [Lexington], Gorman, Greenleaf, Mabel [Kilkenny], Scotch, Silver [Elysian].LINCOLN: Benton, Dead Coon, Hendricks, Shaokatan, Stay (East Stay).LYON: Clear, Cottonwood, East Goose, East Twin, Lady Slipper, Rock, School Grove, West Twin, Yankton.MARTIN: Big Twin, Budd, Buffalo, Cedar, Fish [Trimont], George, Sisseton.MCLEOD: Marion, Swan [Silver Lake], Winsted.MEEKER: Star, Thompson.MURRAY: Bloody, Buffalo [Currie], Corabelle, Currant, First (South) Fulda, Lime, Louisa, Sarah,Shetek, Wilson (North & South Basins).NOBLES: East Graham, Indian, Kinbrae, Okabena, Ocheda, West Graham.PIPESTONE: Split Rock.RICE: Circle, Cody.SIBLEY: Silver [Henderson].STEELE: Kohlmeier.WASECA: Elysian, Loon [Waseca].WATONWAN: Fedji, Kansas, St. James.YELLOW MEDICINE: Tyson, Wood.

Note: The same conditions hold true in Wisconsin when it comes to Lakes and aerators, please use caution when going on any water body during the winter season. Check with the locals in those areas.

Top 10 ice safety tips for 2010

MADISON –Hard water fishing will soon be here and state recreation safety wardens offer their top 10 safety tips to make sure the first trip of the season isn’t the last.

“Ice is always unpredictable, and that’s particularly true during Wisconsin’s first cold snap and early in the ice fishing season,” says Todd Schaller, the Department of Natural Resources recreation safety chief.

Learn ice safety precautions, follow them -- and educate your children about the dangers associated with frozen ponds, lakes and rivers, he says.

Schaller offers these other tips for staying safe this season:

• Contact local sport shops to ask about ice conditions on the lake or river you want to fish.
• Do not go out alone, carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
• Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss; take extra mittens or gloves so you always have a dry pair.
• Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
• Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
• Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
• Do not travel in unfamiliar areas or at night.
• Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have current that can thin the ice.
• Look for clear ice. Clear ice is generally stronger than ice with air bubbles in it or with snow on it.
• Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water and may be an obstruction you may hit with a car, truck or snowmobile.

At Yellowstone Lake State Park: DNR to hold boating safety course starting July 24

BLANCHARDVILLE – The Department of Natural Resources is offering a boating safety class at Yellowstone Lake State Park beginning Friday night July 24.

Classes will run from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on July 24 and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. Participants will meet at the Yellowstone Lake State Park Shop. A hands-on boating course will be held on Saturday, July 25, with boats to be provided.

Participants will receive a boating safety certificate upon completing the course. State law requires persons born on or after Jan 1, 1989 and at least 16 years old to have a boating safety certificate to operate a boat. Children age 12 to 15 must either have a certificate or an adult on board while operating a boat.

The class, which costs $10, will be led by DNR conservation warden Jeff King, Darlington. Interested persons are encouraged to pre-register by calling warden King at 608-482-2263.

DNR offers water safety tips for holiday weekend

People are heading to the beaches, lakes and pools around Minnesota looking for a little relief from soaring summer temperatures and humidity.

Unfortunately, as cool and refreshing as it may look, water can be a killer.

“Many people are ready for some fun in the water,” said Tim Smalley, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) boat and water safety specialist. “But people need to remember that even though water is fun, it can be deadly to the careless or clueless.”

The DNR offers these tips to help make it a safer summer in Minnesota:

• Wear your life vest when boating. Most boat-related drownings happen to people who can swim, but aren’t wearing life vests at the time of the accident.
• If you are going to watch fireworks from your boat, make sure your running lights are working before you leave the dock. Switch them on at sunset. There are collisions every year after fireworks shows because a boater didn’t check their lights before dark.
• Drowning is often silent, occurs within minutes, and often when help is nearby. Don’t bury your head in a book at the beach or pool when children are near the water. Watch them the whole time. Children can slip away and escape your notice - and they are unable to cry out for help while they are drowning.
• Take swimming lessons and make sure your children do too. Many local parks and recreation departments, community schools and the American Red Cross offer swimming lessons, even for adults.
• Don’t swim from a boat anchored in deep water without a life vest no matter how good of a swimmer you think you are.
• Swim with a buddy. Even adults can get into trouble in the water and if no one is there to help, drowning can be the outcome.
• Swim in a designated swimming area with lifeguards whenever possible and do not swim outside the swimming area markers.
• Don’t rely on plastic arm “floaties,” inner tubes or water toys to save your child’s life.
• Those items may deflate and can slip off. The only flotation device your child should be using is a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest. Recently-approved child’s models include bathing suits with built in life vests.
• Know how to rescue a drowning person without putting yourself at risk. Throw a floating object or extend something like a paddle, towel or other item to the victim, so if they start to pull you in, you can release it to try another form of rescue. Only attempt a swimming rescue if you are properly trained in lifesaving techniques.
• Call 911 in an emergency. You can always cancel your call if it turns out to be a false alarm.
• If a person has been totally submerged in water and then recovered, insist they seek medical attention. A small amount of inhaled impure water can cause severe lung infections and even death if untreated.
• Learn child and adult CPR.
• Alcohol and water don’t mix. Booze and beer are two of the greatest dangers while swimming or boating. And never drink alcohol while supervising children.

For more tips on boat and water safety, call the DNR at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367; or e-mail boatandwater@dnr.state.mn.us.

New ‘move-over’ law for boaters effective July 1

A new Minnesota law requiring boaters to stay clear of enforcement watercraft with their emergency lights flashing goes into effect on July 1. The so-called move-over law is intended to provide the same protection for watercraft enforcement officers as similar laws do for police, State Patrol and other emergency response personnel.

The new law states, “When approaching and passing a law enforcement watercraft with its emergency lights activated, the operator of a watercraft must safely move the watercraft away from the law enforcement watercraft and maintain a slow-no wake speed while within 150 feet of the law enforcement watercraft.”

“Waves generated by other boats speeding nearby makes it difficult and dangerous for emergency responders in watercraft. They must be able to render aid safely to an injured victim in the water and perform their other enforcement duties,” said DNR Enforcement Chief, Col. Jim Konrad. “The move-over law will help ensure the safety of officers and the boaters they contact.”

Minnesota DNR teams with Dairy Queen to reward safe young boaters

Minnesota kids wearing life jackets while boating this summer will not only be staying safe, but also could be rewarded with an ice cream treat.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has partnered with Dairy Queen to provide a PFD Panda Award certificate to youngsters who are observed by conservation officers (CO) wearing a life jacket while boating. The certificate includes a tear-off coupon that entitles the child to a free cone or cheeseburger from participating Dairy Queen restaurants.

“We at International Dairy Queen are excited with the idea,” said Ryan Hassebroek, regional marketing manager for the Minnesota-based company. “We thought this was a great way to encourage children to wear their life jackets and we hope that safe boating behavior continues right through adulthood.”

Currently more than 96 percent of children now wear a life jacket while boating in Minnesota, according to recent studies conducted by the DNR. That’s an increase from about 47 percent in 1984.

The PFD Panda Award certificate was created by the DNR after a CO suggested there be a reward for children he saw wearing their life jacket. PFD Panda is the DNR’s mascot that encourages kids to boat safely. PFD refers to personal flotation device, the official name given to life jackets.

“We’ve had the PFD Panda Award for almost 20 years,” Smalley said, “but we thought it would be a nice addition to give kids a cool treat to go along with the cool award for wearing their life jackets.”

DNR COs report that children have called them over to their family’s boat so they can earn the life jacket award. One child said to his friend who had come along, “See, I told ya you get ice cream for wearing your life jacket.”

Several other government agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, now use the PFD Panda character for its boating safety promotional campaigns. However, Minnesota is the only state to use the PFD Panda Award. “It’s been a wonderful tool to educate youngsters about boating and water safety,” Smalley said. “We know it’s working, and thank Dairy Queen for stepping up to help with this important campaign.”

Minnesota county sheriff’s water patrol deputies also distribute the DNR’s PFD Panda certificates to children.

Enforcement of boating under the influence’ laws to intensify weekend of June 26-28

Wisconsin to participate in

"Operation Dry Water" nationwide effort

MADISON -- Recreational boaters should think twice before drinking a cold beer the weekend of June 26-28 as Department of Natural Resources conservation wardens and municipal boat patrol officers plan to step up enforcement of impaired operator laws as part of a national coordinated effort known as “Operation Dry Water.”

Wardens and patrol officers will be out in force looking for boat operators whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of 0.08 percent. Boater education also will be part of the national effort in addition to the increased patrols.

“We want people to be safe and have fun while boating,” said Todd Schaller, DNR Recreation Enforcement and Education Section Chief, of the overall goal of the national effort. “But alcohol use has become the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents. We recommend boaters avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at all times. We will have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs on our waters.”

Schaller said alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time, and can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications. In 2008, alcohol and drug use were involved in 35 percent of the boating fatalities in Wisconsin.

Impaired boaters caught this weekend can expect penalties to be severe. They will include fines, jail and possible impoundment of boats.

“There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence,” Schaller said. “But we'd much rather arrest someone than to have to tell their friends and family they're never coming back.”

Operation Dry Water is a joint program of the Department of Natural Resources, municipal patrols, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the U.S. Coast Guard. More information is available at [www.operationdrywater.org] and on the boating safety pages of the DNR Web site.