On Wednesday morning, Aug. 5, the California Fish and Game Commission will decide whether to implement a statewide or partial ban on bobcat trapping. Regulations are being promulgated as a result of the signing of the Bobcat Protection Act of 2013, a bill composed of watered-down legislation originally proposed by Democratic Assemblyman Richard Bloom of Santa Monica.

When Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill back in 2013, he encouraged the legislature to work with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to secure funding to take inventory of the state’s bobcat population for future management decisions. Neither the legislature nor the Department has made an attempt to fulfill the request.

Both ban options are riddled with flawed logic – a clear indication of the commission’s lack of interest in conducting new studies, as suggested by Brown, that would help the state formulate a scientific management strategy that fits the current bobcat population’s needs.

“The consideration of a partial or outright ban on bobcat trapping is entirely inappropriate and unwarranted,” said Josh Brones, Coordinator of Government Affairs for western operations for the Sportsman’s Alliance. “Either option is inconsistent with the intent and mandate of the legislature, the intent of the governor, the availability of technology to ensure compliance with the law, and the value of science to inform the commission’s responsibility to conserve our natural resources and provide recreational opportunities for all Californians.” Read more

The Department of Natural Resources invites educators looking for a fun way to integrate Michigan’s unique flora and fauna into their curriculum, while still meeting the required educational standards, to explore some of the DNR’s free educational opportunities.

New this year, for 9th- through 12th-grade educators, is the Elk University – Educating Tomorrow’s Wildlife Managers program. Elk University is a semester-style curriculum, developed to meet educational standards while touching on Michigan history, forest management, elk biology, wildlife disease and social considerations for wildlife management. Students will learn about how the DNR manages and maintains a healthy elk herd for current and future generations.

Beginning its second year, A Year in the Life of a Michigan Black Bear is available to 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade educators. Throughout the school year, students will learn about the life cycle of the Michigan black bear and general black bear biology and behavior, as well as how the DNR manages and maintains a healthy black bear population. Over the school year, students also will get to “follow” a bear through its seasonal movements by using actual data points from a radio-collared Michigan black bear.

The deadline to sign up for the black bear education program for the 2015/16 school year has been extended through Sept. 1 to coincide with the Elk University registration deadline.

To sign up and learn more about these and other DNR wildlife education and outreach opportunities, please visit www.michigan.gov/wildlife and click on the “Education” button.

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GW:  Interesting how the Obama administration has been reluctant to investigate Planned Parenthood for selling baby parts, but we’ll pursue anyone selling wild game in any manner.

Three residents from Kent County and another from Chippewa County have been arrested on charges related to buying and selling wildlife, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced. The arrests are the result of a multiyear investigation by the DNR’s Special Investigations Unit.

The complaint originated from information gathered from confidential informants who were concerned about the illegal trade in black bear parts.

“Individuals soliciting for the purchase of black bear parts creates a market for the illegal parts and provides a financial incentive for poachers to take the animals during closed seasons, in excess of established limits and by unlawful methods,” said DNR Detective Lt. Jason Haines, who heads the investigative unit. “There is a black market for black bear parts in Asia, where the parts are used for medicinal purposes.”

In all, 11 misdemeanors were charged among the three male, and one female, defendants.

Each of the charges carries a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail, plus $1,500 reimbursement for each animal illegally purchased. Read more

August is national Tree Check Month, which makes it a great time for Michiganders and travelers alike to be on the lookout for invasive, destructive pests threatening the state’s forest landscape. The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Quality and Natural Resources, along with the U.S Department of Agriculture, are asking people to take time out this month to examine trees for signs of Asian longhorned beetle, a highly destructive invasive pest.

Take just 10 minutes this month to check trees around homes for Asian longhorned beetle or any signs of the damage it causes. Out for a stroll? Look for signs around the neighborhood, at local parks and favorite recreation spots. Early detection and response are vital to protecting Michigan’s trees.

Adult Asian longhorned beetles are distinctively large, ranging from three-quarters of an inch to 1 and one-half inches in length, not including their long antennae. The beetles are shiny black, with random white blotches or spots, and their antennae have alternating black and white segments. They have six legs that can be black or partly blue, with blue coloration sometimes extending to their feet. Read more

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host the 19th annual Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Festival Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2, at Bay City State Recreation Area. The 2016 Michigan Duck Hunters Association Michigan Duck Stamp Competition and the 2015 Michigan Duck and Goose Calling Contest will be held during this event. Read more