CNBNEWS Hunting and Fishing: Invasive Species, Repeal Gun Rationing, Sedge Island
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Help Control Aquatic Invasive Species
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is requesting anglers and boaters to do their part to halt the spread of aquatic invasive species have made their way into New Jersey waters. Plants like Eurasian water milfoil, hydrilla, didymo (rock snot) and water chestnut choke once thriving waterways. Invasive fish such as the snakehead, flathead catfish, and Asian swamp eel can outcompete other fish, including native species and prized recreational fish, for food and available habitat.
A new page has been posted on the division's website with information about the effects of these invaders, how to identify them and precautions to take to combat the problem. To learn more, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/aquatic_invasives.htm .
- Criminals do not buy firearms from licensed firearm dealers (FFL’s), who are required to clear a purchaser through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
- Firearm dealers are required to report to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) and state or local law enforcement officials any person who buys more than one handgun in a five-day period.
- Under the federal law, interstate handgun sales have been prohibited since 1968.
Sedge Island Student Field Experience
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ will conduct two 1-week residential summer sessions for motivated students to explore New Jersey's salt marsh environment at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center in 2012. Session one will be held June 28-July 2, 2012 and the second session will be held July 30-August 3, 2012. Each session is open to students entering grades 7 to 9 in the fall 2012 school year.
Students will stay at the "Sedge House," which is a renovated duck-hunting lodge located in Barnegat Bay in New Jersey's only Marine Conservation Zone. Using the house as their "home base," they will use kayaks and a variety of gear and scientific equipment to study the bay's ecosystem under the guidance of Fish and Wildlife and Conserve Wildlife Foundation biologists.
The shallow water surrounding Sedge Island serves as a nursery for abundant marine life including invertebrates, blue claw crabs, hard clams, and fish. The island also provides nesting and resting sites for many species of birds, and is located within the Atlantic Flyway ensuring exciting birding year-round. Students will see and examine much of this wildlife, as they literally immerse themselves in their environment.
Students will also learn about sustainability, stewardship and the history of the region during their field experience by participating in traditional Barnegat Bay activities such as fishing, crabbing and clamming. Living this conservation lifestyle provides a unique perspective and understanding of NJ's natural resources and issues affecting the bay.
The cost is $425 and includes all meals, equipment and instruction. Space is limited and applicants will go through a competitive application process. Applications are due by March 31.
Interested parents and students are encouraged to learn more by attending an Open House to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 at the Island Beach State Park Interpretive Center in Seaside Park, NJ. This is a great opportunity to meet the instructors and ask any questions you may have.
For more information about the Sedge Island Summer Field Experience and how to apply visithttp://www.njfishandwildlife.com/sedge.htm or contact Karen Leskie at 609-748-4347 or[email protected] .
