News and Almanac

SAMPLE FISHING FREE ON JUNE 8-9

Residents and visitors to Missouri can get free samples of the state's fishing, thanks to a proclamation, recently signed by Gov. Mel Carnahan, designating June 8 and June 9 as Free Fishing Days.

Fishing and trout permits and area daily fishing tags are not required, but all other regulations remain in effect.

Free Fishing Days are a part of National Fishing Week, a time to emphasize fishing and to encourage others to experience the excitement and satisfaction the sport offers.

The Honorary "Chaircat" of the 1996 National Fishing Week is Garfield, the cartoon cat drawn by Jim Davis. Garfield encourages all to "Eat, Sleep, Go Fishing!"

FAMILY FISHING FAIRs PLANNED IN ST. LOUIS

Beginning and experienced anglers can wet a line in one of two family fishing fairs planned for June 8 in the St. Louis area.

The 1996 Family Fishing Fair will be held at Forest Park, Carondelet and Fairgrounds lakes from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event features prizes, pony rides and plenty of fishing, with free bait and loaner rods for those who need them.

The 10th Annual St. Louis Post-Dispatch Family Fishing Fair will take place at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area's Lake #34 from 8 a.m to noon on the same day.

Stations include fish preparation, carp fishing, a casting range, bass fishing and more. Other attractions include concessions, face painting and children's fish print art.

For more information about either event, call the St. Louis Metro Office at (314) 821-1571.

KEELBOAT RETRACES LEWIS AND CLARK TRIP

The Lewis and Clark Discovery Expedition 1996 will visit a number of Missouri towns as it retraces Lewis and Clark's celebrated voyage of discovery.

This full-scale reproduction of the original keelboat used by the famous explorers will visit Jefferson City May 29-31, Hartsburg June 1, Lupus June 2, Rocheport June 4, Boonville June 8-9, Glascow June 11, Brunswick June 13, Lexington June 18-19, Fort Osage June 22-23, Liberty June 25, Kansas City June 26, Parkville June 28, Weston/Leavenworth July 1, Atchison July 4 and St. Joseph July 6.

For information about the voyage, call Kevin Kipp at (314) 946-4599 or Sue Schneider at (314) 947-2348.

TREE JAMBOREE SET

The Missouri Arborist Association will hold its Midwestern Annual Jamboree from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 22 at Loose Park in Kansas City.

Anyone involved in tree care, competitive climbing or related fields will enjoy this family oriented event, which includes climbing competitions and fun events, such as axe throws and a chain saw toss. Lunch will be served on site.

For more information contact Jim Martin at (816) 325-7557.

PARTNERS IN FLIGHT AIMS TO SAVE BIRDS

The Conservation Department is helping support the efforts of Partners in Flight, an international organization dedicated to providing adequate habitat to non-game birds throughout the country.

Partners in Flight, whose membership is made of private individuals and representatives of groups, state and federal agencies, academia and industry, was formed in 1991 to address the widespread decline in neotropical migrants and recently expanded its interests to all non-game land birds, including forest songbirds.

The Conservation Department is providing office space, equipment and clerical support for Jane Fitzgerald, Partners in Flight regional coordinator, who has been working on conservation plans for Missouri and 11 other states. Membership in Partners in Flight is open to anyone. To learn more about the organization and its conservation plan, call Jane Fitzgerald at (573) 751-4115, ext. 263.

TREESCAPE AWARDS APPLICATIONS DUE

Applications are due Aug. 1 for the 1996 Governor's Town Treescape Awards competition.

One award is given annually in each of 12 categories for outstanding tree planting projects on public or private property that improve communities or, if not within city limits, the surrounding area.

For a brochure describing the competition and an application, write Treescape Awards, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102-0180, or call (573) 751-4115, ext. 298.

EXHIBIT TRACES MERAMEC VALLEY

Track 12,000 years of human habitation in the Meramec River Valley at the "People on the Land" exhibit housed in the Joseph H. Bascom Manor House on the Missouri Botanical Garden's Shaw Arboretum grounds.

The exhibit features artifacts, dioramas and informational panels. Visitors can listen to stories told by witness characters, including Native Americans, a fur trapper and a sharecropper.

Shaw Arboretum, a natural area that includes 14 miles of hiking trails and a wildflower garden, is located 35 miles southwest of St. Louis, just off Highway 44 at the Gray Summit Exit. For more information call the visitor center at (314) 451-3512.

GET CONSERVATIONIST ON AUDIO-CASSETTES

The Conservationist on audio cassette will be available monthly by paid subscription beginning August 1.

A one year subscription costs $30 for anyone in the continental United States. The cassettes will continue to be available for free loan through participating Missouri public libraries and Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Send your name, street address, city, state, zip and phone number to Media Library, Conservation Department, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. For more information call Media Library at (573) 751-4115, ext. 205.

GOOD ETHICS LEAD TO SAFER BOATING

More boaters on Missouri waters will lead to conflicts, collisions and casualties, unless boaters become more cautious and considerate.

The Izaak Walton League of America suggests that boaters adhere to all laws and to a set of personal boating ethics, which include the following:

• Wear PFDs, especially non-swimmers and children.
• Stay sober.
• Learn "Rules of the Road" and obey signs and markers.
• Respect other people.
• Don't pollute or litter.
• Keep your boat shipshape.
• Don't hazard bad weather.
• Tell others where you are going and when you expect to return.