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May 29, 2005
— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans sweeping changes to hunting, fishing and camping in the 261-mile Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Here's a summary.
HUNTING AND FISHING
-Add six new no-hunting zones, bringing the number of no-hunting
zones to 13.
-Increase number of areas closed to waterfowl hunting from 15 to
21.
-Add new waterfowl sanctuaries near McGregor, Iowa, and Savanna,
Ill.
-All closed areas except Lake Onalaska would be closed to
on-the-water fishing and motorized watercraft from Oct. 1 to the
end of the respective state's duck season.
-Starting in 2006, limit each hunter to 25 shotshells during
waterfowl season. Hunters must maintain 100 yards between each
other.
-Establish a managed waterfowl hunting area on Lake Onalaska.
The number of hunters would be limited through a random drawing and
permits.
-Phase out the use of permanent hunting blinds around the
Savanna, Ill., area.
-Issue special permits for fishing tournaments.
RECREATION
-Starting in 2007, camping and overnight mooring would be
limited to islands and shorelines that border the main channel.
-All campers must have an approved marine onboard toilet or a
human waste disposal system for each person.
-Entering or staying in the refuge while under the influence of
alcohol, defined as a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent, would be
prohibited.
-The refuge manager or district managers may restrict beaches as
no-alcohol or day-only.
-Explore user fees for beachgoers.
-Starting in spring 2006, establish 16 electric motor-only areas
on the refuge, encompassing 14,498 acres. A 5 mph speed limit would
be in effect in those areas.
-Add 10 new no-wake zones in 2006, bringing the total to 12.
-Starting in 2007, all dogs must be on a leash between March and
June. The rest of the year, dogs can be free only when they're at
least 100 yards from roads, trails, rest areas and boat landings,
and within sight and earshot of their handlers. Dogs hunting or
retrieving are exempt from the regulations.
LANSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
-Resurvey and post the refuge boundary by 2020.
-Acquire 1,000 acres of land per year to complete the refuge's
1987 master plan.
-Protect bluffs through easements or fee-title acquisitions.
-Nominate the refuge as a Wetland of International Importance.
-Increase control of invasive species. Achieve a 10 percent
reduction in acres affected by 2010.
-Complete drawdowns on all refuge pools during the growing
season by 2020. Lowering water levels leads to more vegetation,
and, in turn, more food and cover for fish and wildlife.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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