Friday, 19 April 2024

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Recreation

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LOWER LAKE, Calif. — Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association invites community members to join them for a guided nature walk on Saturday, April 13, at 8:30 a.m.

The April nature walk will be led by Henry Bornstein, a volunteer State Parks Docent and Certified California Naturalist.

The route taken on the walk will depend on the condition of the trails.

The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will last between one and a half and two hours.

There is no charge for the guided nature walks and parking is free for those attending.

No pets are permitted on the park trails.

Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Everyone is invited to take a walk in the park and experience the benefits of getting out into nature for some healthy exercise.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.
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The 2022 Trout Opener in Mono County. Courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Is this year’s trout opener in the eastern Sierra Nevada likely to be impacted by weather?

Q: Is this year’s trout opener in the eastern Sierra Nevada likely to be impacted by weather, like it was last year?

A: CDFW is not expecting the same weather conditions that made the 2023 opener virtually impossible to experience. A year ago, it was a record snowpack that made many lakes and streams inaccessible.

Though the Sierra Nevada mountains still received plenty of snow in 2024, the snow isn’t nearly as dense, and temperatures in the valley have been warmer. Crowley Lake, which is known for excellent trout fishing at nearly 7,000 feet, never completely froze in 2024. That milder weather also allowed CDFW to reach and stock almost all our usual stocking locations this year.

By the way, the trout opener is always the last Saturday in April, which this year is April 27.

Wild turkey taste and texture

Q: How different is the taste and texture of wild turkey compared to store-bought turkey?

A: This is an excellent time to explore this question, with the popular spring wild turkey hunts about to begin. One recent national survey showed wild turkey as the third most popular wild game species, following deer and other small game.

It’s probably not surprising to learn that the taste and texture of a wild turkey compared to a domestic (store-bought) turkey is quite different. That’s due to wild turkeys having more developed muscles than turkeys raised on a farm where physical activity is limited. A wild turkey also has less fat and will end up drier after cooking. It’s important to prepare the wild turkey properly and understand when the cooking is finished.

Dan Skalos isn’t just a 10-year employee at CDFW who currently oversees the department’s upland game and waterfowl programs, which include turkey, he’s a serious cooking hobbyist who is happy to share his best tips for successful wild turkey preparation.

Because wild turkey can be tougher at the time of consumption, a good brine is necessary according to Skalos. Brine is a mixture of water and salt, which helps with flavoring and increasing moisture. Skalos suggests a brine treatment of at least two days, and a basic mixture that includes one gallon of water and a cup of salt.

But his preferred recipe involves far more ingredients like brown sugar, vegetable stock and candied ginger just to name a few items. After all that, his final tip involves time and temperature. Because an overcooked wild turkey can become too dry if it reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit, Skalos said it’s important to have a meat thermometer in use, and to make sure the bird is removed from the oven promptly when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For wild turkey and other wild game recipes visit California’s Wild Kitchen.

Wildlife rehabilitation facilities

Q: What role do wildlife rehabilitation facilities play in bringing care to injured animals?

A: Wildlife rehabilitation facilities serve an incredibly valuable role in the care of wildlife that are sick, injured or orphaned. Between 100 and 125 thousand animals are treated annually at facilities that are licensed by CDFW. There are more than 80 permitted facilities, and roughly 500 satellite facilities that are permitted under the primary permittee. Satellite facilities assist with neonate (less than four weeks of age) care for round the clock feeding or preparing an animal for release.

Birds are the most common form of wildlife to be seen by rehabbers in California, followed by mammals, and then reptiles and amphibians.

Rehabilitation facilities are a great help to CDFW when it comes to learning about disease outbreaks. They might see a large number of sick animals from a particular area, which can alert CDFW to a possible disease outbreak.

The CDFW website contains a county-by-county list of these wildlife rehabilitation facilities that includes information on which species they’re able to accept. If you come across a sick or injured animal do not drop it off at one of the locations, without notifying an employee and given directions on what to do.

It can be costly operating a wildlife rehabilitation facility. For a single large bear, food alone can reach costs of over $1,000 a month.

Information on how to make tax deductible donations is available at CDFW tax donation.
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UPPER LAKE, Calif. — Starting the week of March 18, visitor services at the Upper Lake District Office will have limited hours for March and April due to staffing.

The office will be closed from March 21 to 27, April 4 to 10, April 18 to 26, and May 2 to 3.

It’s recommended that visitors call the office at 707-275-2361 ahead of their visit to make sure they are open.
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California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers at the Peace Officer’s Memorial. Courtesy photo.

How many wildlife officers or wardens have died in the line of duty?

Q: The annual Peace Officer’s Memorial ceremony is happening soon. How many wildlife officers or wardens have died in the line of duty?

A: While the memorial contains more than 1,600 names of California officers who died in the line of duty, 16 of those names belong to wildlife officers. The first death (Bert Blanchard) came in 1913 in Contra Costa County. The most recent were two officers who died in 1984. They were Lt. Robert Flynt, killed in a vehicle accident in El Centro, and Lt. Roy Reed, killed in an accident while pursuing another vehicle near Bakersfield. Two officers died in the same 1916 investigation of fishing violations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Raymond Heacock and Richard Squires.

The California Peace Officers’ Memorial Monument is located in Sacramento on State Capitol grounds. Ceremonies to honor fallen officers happen each year in the first week of May. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962. Ceremonies have taken place in Sacramento since 1977.

This year’s remembrance takes place over two days with a candlelight vigil happening Sunday, May 5, starting at 8:30 pm. The enrollment ceremony (to unveil the names of 2023 fallen officers) happens the next morning, May 6, beginning at 10:30. The enrollment ceremony is a ticketed event for designated family members and guests. Additional seating is provided so all may view the ceremony on an adjacent large-screen television.

Fishing tournaments

Q: A friend was telling me about fishing tournaments in California. How can I get involved?

A: Hundreds of fishing tournaments and contests are scheduled in California for the rest of 2024. You can search the type of contest, location, date and sponsor name at Fishing Contests. Please make sure to be in touch with the sponsor organization to register, since CDFW does not host these events.

Most of the contests target black bass, but some involve other species such as trout, kokanee and striped bass. Contests take place all year, but most occur in the spring, summer and fall. Diamond Valley Lake (Riverside County), Clear Lake (Lake County) and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are among the most popular locations for anglers to compete against each other. Fishing is mostly from motorized boats, but there is a growing popularity for the shore-based and kayak contests.

“Many people enjoy fishing for the chance to be alone in nature. It’s their time away from the busy parts of our lives,” said Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor Flower Moye. “Fishing contests can give people that same feeling, but also provide a space for camaraderie and healthy competition. They offer folks another way to enjoy the sport. In fact, some people get into fishing because of the tournament scene.”

Since 1975, CDFW has required tournament organizers to have permits for their events. The regulation enables the department to ensure responsible use of resources. CDFW does not make money from the contests. Usual fishing regulations apply meaning winners are determined not by the number of fish caught, but by the weight or length.

A full explanation of CDFW contests, tournaments and derbies is available at Fishing Contests, Tournaments and Derbies.

Raccoon visits

Q: With so much discussion about human-wildlife conflicts, can something be done about nuisance raccoons in my neighborhood?

A: Raccoons are found throughout most of the state (except alpine and desert regions) and are lured by the same attractants that bring other wildlife to our communities: pet food and trash. Their diverse diet also includes fruit, nuts, birds, eggs and small mammals.

But raccoons also present a potential health issue for humans because of their droppings. Raccoons are known to carry a number of internal parasites, including Baylisascaris procynois, a roundworm found in racoons. Infection spread can happen to both humans and pets when contact is made with raccoon feces.

Raccoons often leave their droppings in the same spot, often called raccoon latrines. Cleaning a latrine should be done carefully, while wearing disposable rubber gloves and rubber boots. Gently shovel or scoop the droppings into a heavy-duty garbage bag, then clean and disinfect the clothing and tools thoroughly.

As with other wildlife, humans can play a big role in preventing conflict. Remove access to any sources of food, including garbage and pet food. Clear brush, cover sandboxes, remove any fruit on the ground from fruit trees, and cut back branches that hang over a roof. Also, be sure your pets are properly vaccinated to mitigate this threat.

Extensive information on the behavior of raccoons and the risk they prevent is at Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Raccoons.
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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or CDFW, is pleased to announce the launch of the CDFW License App for mobile devices.

The new application allows residents and nonresidents to display California sport fishing licenses and validations on their mobile phones and other mobile devices in lieu of a physical license.

Users may also download and view various CDFW online resources, including hunting and fishing regulations booklets, the Fish Planting Schedule and access the Online License Sales and Services website.

Users can download the application on their mobile devices through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or by accessing the direct download links from CDFW’s License App webpage.

Following the successful rollout of the CDFW License App, hunting licenses and related hunting validations will be added to the mobile display options as early as mid-2024.

“We sometimes think progress moves too slowly, but the Department of Fish and Wildlife has moved full-speed ahead in making fishing licenses valid for 365 days and has modernized the licensing process by going digital,” said Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), author of the original legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 817, responsible for the change to a 365-day license and mobile licensing display. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner in implementing this new process. I look forward to CDFW’s goal of growing its digital footprint in other licensing areas.”

Wood’s AB 817, introduced in 2021, was widely embraced throughout the fishing community by national and statewide Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) advocates, conservation organizations and CDFW.

The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL), which works to protect the interests of recreational saltwater anglers and healthy marine habitats, also supported the legislation.

“The CDFW License App represents the culmination of efforts that will benefit license holders for many years,” said Wayne Kotow, executive director of CCA CAL.

Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division, said, “Wildlife officers expect the app will provide additional opportunities for the angling public to have their licenses conveniently in possession when checked.”

The rollout of the CDFW Licensing App aligns with the goals of CDFW’s R3 initiative to transform hunting and fishing barriers into opportunities.

This app will allow California anglers to easily obtain, access and display their sport fishing licenses on their mobile devices, providing a convenient and paperless solution that promotes responsible fishing practices, ensures compliance with regulations, and enhances overall fishing experiences for individuals in both urban and remote areas.

More information about the app and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the CDFW’s License App webpage, which includes video tutorials covering the app’s various functionalities.
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LOWER LAKE, Calif.— The next monthly guided nature walk at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will be held on Saturday, March 9, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The March nature walk will be led by Roberta Lyons, a volunteer State Parks docent and president of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, or AMIA.

The route taken on the walk will depend on the condition of the trails. The hike should last between 1½ and 2 hours.

Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard. The walk will begin at 8:30am. Sturdy shoes, a hat and water are also suggested.

There is no charge for the guided nature walk and parking is free for those attending.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.

For more information about the guided walk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-995-2658.

Upcoming Calendar

20Apr
04.20.2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Earth Day Celebration
Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center
20Apr
04.20.2024 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Boatique Wines Stand-up Comedy Night
25Apr
04.25.2024 1:30 pm - 7:30 pm
FireScape Mendocino workshop
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Northshore Ready Fest
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
27Apr
04.27.2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Inaugural Team Trivia Challenge
5May
05.05.2024
Cinco de Mayo
6May
05.06.2024 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Senior Summit
12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day

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