A total of $5.5 million was allocated to dozens of wildlife-related projects at the recent annual Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Endangered Species Mitigation Fund meeting on April 23.

The Endangered Species Mitigation Fund was created in 1997 to direct funds toward species and projects that will proactively help to prevent Endangered Species Act listings in Utah. The Utah Wildlife Action Plan identifies species and habitats that are in need of conservation attention and further helps prioritize funding decisions.

“Proactive conservation helps keep Utah’s native species healthy,” DWR Assistant Habitat Section Chief Paul Thompson said. “Healthy populations don’t need protection under the Endangered Species Act, which in turn keeps management decisions at the state level and reduces additional federal oversight and economic restrictions that can come with Endangered Species Act listings.”

Roughly 60 projects will be funded by the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund over the next fiscal year (from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025). The $5.5 million is an increase from past years, due to an additional $2 million in funding that was approved by the Utah Legislature during the 2024 legislative session. Read more

On the hunt for morels, fiddlehead ferns, and ramps

By Jim Edlund

Another winter has departed from the Upper Midwestern landscape. Stream trout season is open; turkeys are gobbling; crappies have moved into shallow bays; and thousands upon thousands are chasing willing walleyes on rivers.

I can remember learning as a kid that blooming lilacs and oak leaves the size of a squirrel’s ear signaled two springtime activities: shallow-water crappie fishing and morel mushroom hunting.

With a bead on the weather, you know it’s morel hunting time when night-time temps are consistent in the high 40s to low 50s at night with daytime temps in the 60s, occasional rain, and a return to soil temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees.

If you’ve never hunted morel mushrooms, it’s a great excuse to explore the woods and waters. And it’s hard to put a price tag on potential bounty, although fresh morel mushrooms can fetch between $20 to $100 a pound depending on availability.

At the same time you’re hunting morels, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble into delicate fiddlehead ferns and wild ramps, especially near streams and creeks. Read more

At its 16th annual Capital Conservation Awards Dinner, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership proudly celebrated the conservation achievements of Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and Fresh Tracks host Randy Newberg.

The gala event was co-hosted by Rue Mapp, CEO and founder of Outdoor Afro, and Ryan “Cal” Callaghan, director of conservation at MeatEater —at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled this year to be presenting our 2024 awards to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congressman Bruce Westerman, and hunter, public land advocate, and host of Fresh Tracks, Randy Newberg,” said Becky Humphries, TRCP interim president and CEO. “Representatives Dingell and Westerman have been instrumental in clinching legislative victories for habitat, access, and conservation funding that will impact hunting and fishing opportunities for years to come. Our event is also a fitting way to celebrate a deeply appreciated champion in conservation, Randy Newberg, who has been part of this community for many years.” Read more

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated $294,714 for a dozen conservation and hunting heritage projects in Missouri and Arkansas. RMEF supplied $80,556 which leveraged $217,158* in partner dollars.

Projects range from planting forage, restoring wildlife habitat and funding for research monitoring elk population dynamics to supporting youth outdoor programs.

“These dollars benefit growing elk populations and the enhanced habitat they need in both states,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “We’re also pleased to bolster youth archery and recreational shooting teams and other outdoor activities and events.” Read more

Mossy Oak has released their third annual wild turkey conservation stamp, a collectible stamp in which all proceeds go directly to wild turkey conservation projects around the country.

After an enthusiastic and successful response to the first two stamps, the 2022 and 2023 stamps, Mossy Oak has been able to use the funds raised from those stamps to support research and projects such as groundbreaking and crucial LPDV research, hen survival, nesting selection and success, poult rearing, and general habitat improvement and putting more prescriptive fire on the landscape.

The 2024 Mossy Oak Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp features a painting by infamous wildlife painter Ryan Kirby entitled “Bottomland Bachelors, ” in which three longbeards walk through a sundrenched patch of woods. Read more

Join MI Birds Friday, April 26, at noon for “Demystifying Michigan’s Wetland Wonders Webinar: St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area.”

This free lunch-hour webinar is an excellent opportunity to learn about one of the best places in Michigan to experience the wonders of spring bird migration. In all, more than 400 bird species are expected to return or travel through our state this season!

St. Clair Flats is one of Michigan’s Wetland Wonders, an Audubon Important Bird Area and a coastal priority area where Audubon Great Lakes is working to restore the region’s wetlands for birds and people. Learn about the conservation work being done to help protect the St. Clair Flats and vulnerable bird species like the black tern that rely on it to thrive. Discover which birds visit the area during migration and how to take advantage of the area’s outdoor recreation activities. Read more

Leaving venomous reptiles alone reduces risk of being bitten

With more people getting outdoors to take advantage of the state’s warm, spring weather, it’s important to keep in mind that 13 species of rattlesnakes also call Arizona home.

Depending on location, the species that are encountered most often are the Western diamondback, sidewinder, Mojave, and black-tailed rattlesnakes.

“Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state, and we can all celebrate that amazing biodiversity,” said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

In warm desert areas, rattlesnakes are most active from March through October. During the spring, it’s not uncommon for rattlesnakes to be out during daylight hours. As the days become increasingly hot, though, usually around early May, rattlesnakes tend to move around more at night.

April is typically an active month for rattlesnakes, as they are coming out of hibernation. Read more