DNR news releases, Jan. 13, 2014

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources header

MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #3                                                                              Jan. 13, 2014
All news releases are available in the DNR’s website newsroom at www.mndnr.gov/news.
Follow the DNR on Twitter @mndnr.

IN THIS ISSUE
Roberts to lead Walk-In Access program into new phase
DNR, NWTF mentored youth turkey applications due Feb. 18
License available for rough fish removal in Martin, Watonwan counties
License available for rough fish removal in Otter Tail County
Outdoor News offers savings for license buyers, youth hunters
Question of the week: wildland firefighter


DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Roberts to lead Walk-In Access program into new phase

Jesse Roberts has been named coordinator of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Walk-In Access program.

Walk-In Access provides public access to private land and pays landowners by the acre to allow hunting access from Sept. 1 to May 31. The program was introduced in 2011 and has completed its three-year pilot phase. The DNR is exploring how to continue the program beyond current funding, which extends into 2016.  

“We have been very happy with our first three years,” Roberts said. “In 2013, the program offered hunters 20,000 acres of land across 26 western Minnesota counties.  We have gotten a lot of positive feedback from both landowners and hunters.”

New in 2013, Walk-In Access users were required to purchase an access validation for $3. This helped DNR quantify how many hunters were using Walk-In Access land. A cross-section of those users will be sent a survey this month to learn more about their interests and desires with the Walk-In Access program.  That information will be used to help guide the future direction of Walk-In Access.

Roberts will work 75 percent on the Walk-In Access program and 25 percent in his previous role as Outdoor Heritage Fund program administrator for DNR’s southern region. He has previously held positions with the Minnesota Conservation Corps as the statewide operations manager and statewide flood recovery coordinator. He has also worked for Milwaukee Community Service Corps and Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Roberts replaces Marybeth Block, who has accepted a new role coordinating implementation of the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan. The Prairie Conservation Plan focuses efforts on grassland habitats where federal agencies, state agencies and the state’s most active conservation organizations are cooperatively working to protect, restore and manage this endangered ecosystem. The plan identifies core conservation areas and creates a vision of a connected landscape from Canada to Iowa.

For more information on Walk-In Access, visit www.mndnr.gov/walkin.  For more information on the Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan, visit www.mndnr.gov/prairieplan. 

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NOTE: Image of Jesse Roberts attached.

 


DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  Jan. 13, 2014

DNR, NWTF mentored youth turkey applications due Feb. 18

First-time youth turkey hunters ages 12 to 17 have the chance to go afield this spring and learn from an experienced National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.

Applications, maps and general information for the wild turkey hunt are available online at www.mndnr.gov/youthturkey. Application deadline is midnight on Monday, Feb. 18. If there are more applications than available mentors, participants will be selected in a random lottery.

“Novice turkey hunters and their guardian will learn life-long outdoor skills and how to be a responsible hunter,” said Mike Kurre, DNR mentoring program coordinator. “These NWTF volunteers want to share their many years of chasing toms and help new hunters connect to the outdoors. All they ask for in return is a smile or a high five.”

This is the 12th consecutive year the DNR and the NWTF have cooperated to provide opportunities for first-time youth turkey hunters. More than 2,200 youth have been introduced to this unique hunting experience since spring youth turkey hunts began in 2002.

Hunts will occur Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, which is the second weekend of the regular wild turkey season. Hunters and their mentors will be matched with a NWTF volunteer coach, who must accompany both the youth and parent/guardian throughout the entire hunt.

To be eligible, a youth hunter must be age 12 to 17 on or before Saturday, April 26; have a valid firearms safety certificate; and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program is for inexperienced turkey hunters only.

Hunters and their mentors will be assigned a NWTF volunteer coach, who must accompany both the youth and parent/guardian throughout the entire hunt.

Participation in the hunts is only restricted by the number volunteers and private lands that are available. Anyone interested in providing quality turkey hunting land for the mentored youth hunts should contact a NWTF chapter online at www.nwtfmn.org/Home/ChapterListings.

Beginning this year, all youth age 17 and younger by April 16 can purchase a youth turkey license over the counter to hunt all time periods across the entire state. Youth no longer need to select a time period or permit area.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           Jan. 13, 2014

License available for rough fish removal in Martin, Watonwan counties

People interested in applying for the commercial fishing license that allows the removal of rough fish from lakes and streams in northwestern Martin and Watonwan counties should contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources by Friday, Feb. 7.

An application to transfer the license was filed, triggering the legal requirement that the DNR notify the public of a change in status and accept applications from other qualified individuals who want to apply for the license.

Applicants should have experience with seines and hoop nets as well as transporting large quantities of fish. The license holder is considered a commercial operator and is responsible for the marketing and, if necessary, lawful disposal of fish harvested under terms of the license.

More information is available by contacting Neil Vanderbosch, DNR commercial fisheries program consultant. Inquires may be made via postal mail to Vanderbosch at 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minn., 55155 4020; 651-259 5178; or email at neil.vanderbosch@state.mn.us.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       Jan. 13, 2014

License available for rough fish removal in Otter Tail County

People interested in applying for the commercial fishing license that allows the removal of rough fish from lakes and streams in northwestern Otter Tail County should contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources by Friday, Jan. 31.

An application to transfer the license was filed, triggering the legal requirement that the DNR notify the public of a change in status and accept applications from other qualified individuals who want to apply for the license.

Applicants should have experience with seines and hoop nets as well as transporting large quantities of fish. The license holder is considered a commercial operator and is responsible for the marketing and, if necessary, lawful disposal of fish harvested under terms of the license.

More information is available by contacting Neil Vanderbosch, DNR commercial fisheries program consultant. Inquires may be made via postal mail to Vanderbosch at 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minn., 55155 4020; 651-259 5178; or email at neil.vanderbosch@state.mn.us.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        Jan. 13, 2014

Outdoor News offers savings for license buyers, youth hunters

Anglers and youth hunters are eligible for special savings from Minnesota Outdoor News.

Minnesota residents who purchase a lifetime angling or sports licenses between now and March 30 or a 2104 fishing or sports license from Feb. 18-March 30 receive a $5 discount when ordering the “The MN Best of Cuffs & Collars, Vol. 1” from Outdoor News.

Youth ages 11-17 who complete a firearms safety or advanced hunter education course from February through June or July through October can receive a free, three-month junior subscription to Minnesota Outdoor News.

“Outdoor News is a go-to source for outdoor enthusiasts,” said Jenifer Wical, customer enhancement manager for the Department of Natural Resources. “This partnership is a great offer that extends DNR’s appreciation to those who contribute to fish and wildlife conservation through their license purchases.”

To sign up for the discounts, visit www.mndnr.gov/outdoornews.

“This new partnership with the DNR made sense,” said Evy Gebhardt, sales and marketing director for Minnesota Outdoor News. “For us, it’s a way to provide an additional value to Minnesota’s new youth hunters and devoted anglers.”

Fishing and hunting licenses effective during the 2014 license year can be purchased beginning Tuesday, Feb. 18. Licenses are available at any agent, online at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense and at 866- 665-4236. A lifetime license application form is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/lifetime/residents/index.html.

Individuals can purchase lifetime licenses for themselves or as a gift.

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DNR QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Q: What skills and education do I need to be a DNR wildland firefighter?

A: DNR wildland firefighters must have approved training (see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/training for required courses and schedules) and pass a physical fitness test at the moderate level. Basic wildland firefighter training includes three classroom/field courses, generally offered in early spring and again in the summer, and two self-study courses. 

The DNR employs two types of firefighters: emergency/intermittent positions and seasonal positions. The intermittent positions (smokechasers, fire lead response, fire technicians) are hired directly by DNR area forestry offices for regular, short-term work during high fire danger periods in the spring and fall. Smokechasers are most often local residents. Desirable skills and qualities include mechanical ability, drivers’ license and a willingness to work long hours under difficult conditions. Seasonal wildland fire and prescribed fire positions (natural resource lead fire response, natural resource technician, and general laborer) are posted on the state employment website at: www.careers.state.mn.us.

Federal agency wildland firefighter jobs are posted at www.usajobs.gov.

-Jean Goad, information officer, Minnesota Interagency Fire Center