Post by Steve Sutton on Jun 4, 2010 21:00:12 GMT -5
RARE FUNGUS COULD INFECT KANSAS BATS
Posted: 02 Jun 2010 03:02 PM PDT
Newly-discovered fungus may cause white nose syndrome; Oklahoma bat infected
PRATT — In light of the recent discovery of a bat in Oklahoma harboring the fungus Geomyces destructans, chances are that the fungus will also show up in Kansas bats. This newly discovered fungus may cause white nose syndrome (WNS), which has resulted in high mortality rates (some exceeding 90 percent) in bat populations in the eastern United States.
WNS was first identified in New York in 2006 and was blamed in part for deaths of over-wintering cave bats. The origin of the fungus associated with WNS is unknown, but it is thought to have caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of bats across the eastern United States over the past three years. It was recently discovered infecting several bat colonies in eastern Missouri.
The infected bat found in Woodward County, Okla., on May 3 was collected outside of a bat cave located approximately 25 miles from the Kansas state line. It is believed this fungus infects roosting bats in their wintering areas, causing them to become active and use up fat reserves before they normally emerge. The actual cause of death is not known, and researchers believe the increased growth of the fungus is a symptom of bats in poor health possibly due to secondary microbial pathogens and environmental contaminants.
Transmission of the disease is believed to be bat-to-bat contact. However, precautions should been taken to minimize the potential for other transmission modes. Anyone visiting caves is advised to wear clean clothes and boots and use clean gear to avoid the possibility of spreading the fungus from cave to cave.
Approximately 800 caves are known in Kansas, and although most are small and located on private land, some do harbor bats. There are 15 species of bats in Kansas, including the gray myotis of extreme southeastern Kansas, which is on the federal endangered species list. The pallid and Townsend’s big-eared bats are on the state’s Species In Need of Conservation list. The infected bat found in Oklahoma was a cave myotis, the first of this species to be found infected. Pallid, Townsend’s big-eared and cave myotis bats are found in the Red Hills region of southcentral Kansas. The cave myotis is the most common and occurs in the largest colonies.
A possible outbreak of WNS in cave myotis poses a serious threat to this species and possibly others in Kansas. Currently there is no known method to stop the spread. Bats are beneficial because they eat enormous quantities of insects during their nightly feeding flights. There has been no threat identified to humans from G. destructans or the WNS disease.
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NRCS ANNOUNCES LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN INITIATIVE
Posted: 02 Jun 2010 03:00 PM PDT
Applications accepted through June 25
SALINA--Eric B. Banks, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas, announced that applications for participation in a national lesser prairie chicken habitat improvement initiative will be accepted through June 25, 2010. This initiative will also promote the overall health of grazing lands and the long-term sustainability of Kansas ranching operations. Kansas has received a $750,000 allocation for this initiative.
“Our intent,†said Banks, “is to target technical and financial assistance on expired CRP fields that are to be maintained in permanent cover and use them for grazing.â€
In addition, financial assistance would be offered to establish and maintain permanent vegetation enhancing lesser prairie chicken habitat on cropland and grazing lands in 34 targeted counties: Barber, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Gove, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Rush, Pratt, Scott, Seward, Sherman, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, and Wichita.
“Many of the expired CRP acres are large fields feasible to graze, but they lack fencing, water development, and grazing plans,†said Banks.
Through this initiative, landowners would be provided the opportunity to retain the cover established through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and NRCS would assist them transitioning this cover to managed grazing lands. Financial assistance for conservation practices, such as fencing, water development and others would be available to aid in developing and enhancing the existing cover.
“This initiative is also available to help address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers who are interested in improving lesser prairie chicken habitat on their land," said Banks. "In Kansas, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers will receive a higher payment rate for conservation practices related to this initiative.â€
In addition to Kansas, four other states, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, have significant expiring CRP acreage and have counties with populations of lesser prairie chickens. These states are also taking part in this initiative.
For more information go to the Kansas NRCS web page at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/lepc or contact your local NRCS field office. NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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GOVERNOR DECLARES JUNE “GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH”
Posted: 02 Jun 2010 02:56 PM PDT
Proclamation highlights benefits of outdoor recreation
TOPEKA -- Gov. Mark Parkinson wants Kansans to get out and have some fun. To this end, Parkinson recently proclaimed June “Great Outdoors Month.†His proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Kansas citizens have a proud tradition of both safeguarding the environment and enjoying the outdoors; and
WHEREAS, A clean and sustainable environment contributes to our quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation promotes health, fitness, and environmental awareness; and
WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation is an ideal way to exercise and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends; and
WHEREAS, It is up to all of us to maintain and enhance our legacy of environmental stewardship and enjoyment of the great outdoors; and
WHEREAS, It is our duty to leave a well-tended legacy to those who will follow us.
“Now, therefore, I, Mark Parkinson, Governor of the State of Kansas, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Great Outdoors Month and June 12, 2010 as Great Outdoors Day in Kansas and urge all citizens to join in this observance by taking the time to enjoy our state’s various state parks and outdoor activities, to share them with family and friends, and to make outdoor activities a regular part of their lives.â€
There may not be a better time to be outside, enjoying Kansas state parks. Each state park selects two Free Park Entrance Days and many schedule them in June, but trail rides, kids fishing derbies and fishing tournaments, and music make June special at Kansas state parks. And many parks boast historical or geological attributes that are fascinating anytime.
The popular Country Stampede, featuring three days of live music at Tuttle Creek State Park, is the largest June event and will take place June 24-27. In addition, June 5-6 are Free Fishing Days statewide, and June 5 is National Trails Day. Other events will be featured, depending on the park. Many are educational and all make visiting Kansas state parks more fun. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.
Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.
The following is a list of events for June:
June 4-10 — Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue & Retirement Trail Ride at Perry State Park;
June 5 —Y Bar H Outpost & Pet Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
June 5 — National Trails Day and Free Park Entrance Day at Cross Timbers State Park;
June 5 — National Trails Day at Fall River State Park;
June 5 — OK Kids Day at Fall River State Park;
June 6 — kids fishing derby at Lovewell State Park;
June 12-13 —Free Park Entrance Days at Cedar Bluff State Park;
June 12-13 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
June 12-13 — Catch For a Cause Fishing Festival at Hillsdale State Park;
June 12 — kids instructional shooting clinic at Tuttle Creek State Park's Fancy Creek Shooting Range;
June 12-14 — Hooves of Heaven horseback trail ride at Cedar Bluff State Park;
June 12 — Poker Run Watercraft Race at Cedar Bluff State Park;
June 12 –– the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita will host Walk With Wildlife
June 17-20 — Eastern Kansas Arabian Horse Association trail ride at Hillsdale State Park;
June 19 — Kansas Bowfishing Classic tournament at Eisenhower State Park;
June 19 — Kansas Draft Horse Association horse pull and demonstration at El Dorado State Park;
June 19 — OK Kids Day at Wilson State Park;
June 20 — Free Park Entrance Day at Hillsdale State Park;
June 20 — OK Kids Day at Hillsdale State Park;
June 24-27 — Country Stampede music festival at Tuttle Creek State Park; and
June 24-27 — Miami County Cancer Foundation trail ride, dinner, auction and dance at Hillsdale State Park
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks offers 25 state parks, five nature centers, more than 40 state fishing lakes, and 100 wildlife areas for Kansans to enjoy and explore during the Great Outdoors Month. For more information on Kansas Department and Wildlife and Parks, visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us.
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LEFTOVER NONRESIDENT DEER PERMITS AVAILABLE JUNE 15
Posted: 02 Jun 2010 02:53 PM PDT
More than 4,000 leftover permits available to nonresidents
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that 4,016 nonresident deer permits are still available for the 2010 season. These are permits that were not taken in the April nonresident application period. They are Whitetail Either-Sex permits (hunter designates equipment/season choice, as well as one adjacent unit, at time of purchase) and will be sold, first come, first served, to any nonresident who does not possess a 2010 permit. Leftover permits go on sale June 15 at 12:01 a.m., online at the KDWP website (www.kdwp.state.ks.us). Those who don’t have access to a computer may call the Licensing Section at 620-672-0728, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The following deer management units have leftover Nonresident Whitetail Either-Sex Deer permits: Unit 6 — 257; Unit 7 — 40; Unit 8 — 333; Unit 9 — 313; Unit 10 — 747; Unit 11 — 632; Unit 12 — 381; Unit 13 — 384; Unit 14 — 558; Unit 15 — 132; Unit 16 — 183; and Unit 18 — 56.
Hunters who purchase a leftover permit will lose any preference points they may have accumulated. Applicants who were successful in the nonresident drawing may not purchase a leftover permit. In addition to a nonresident deer permit, hunters are also required to purchase a nonresident hunting license.
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Posted: 02 Jun 2010 03:02 PM PDT
Newly-discovered fungus may cause white nose syndrome; Oklahoma bat infected
PRATT — In light of the recent discovery of a bat in Oklahoma harboring the fungus Geomyces destructans, chances are that the fungus will also show up in Kansas bats. This newly discovered fungus may cause white nose syndrome (WNS), which has resulted in high mortality rates (some exceeding 90 percent) in bat populations in the eastern United States.
WNS was first identified in New York in 2006 and was blamed in part for deaths of over-wintering cave bats. The origin of the fungus associated with WNS is unknown, but it is thought to have caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of bats across the eastern United States over the past three years. It was recently discovered infecting several bat colonies in eastern Missouri.
The infected bat found in Woodward County, Okla., on May 3 was collected outside of a bat cave located approximately 25 miles from the Kansas state line. It is believed this fungus infects roosting bats in their wintering areas, causing them to become active and use up fat reserves before they normally emerge. The actual cause of death is not known, and researchers believe the increased growth of the fungus is a symptom of bats in poor health possibly due to secondary microbial pathogens and environmental contaminants.
Transmission of the disease is believed to be bat-to-bat contact. However, precautions should been taken to minimize the potential for other transmission modes. Anyone visiting caves is advised to wear clean clothes and boots and use clean gear to avoid the possibility of spreading the fungus from cave to cave.
Approximately 800 caves are known in Kansas, and although most are small and located on private land, some do harbor bats. There are 15 species of bats in Kansas, including the gray myotis of extreme southeastern Kansas, which is on the federal endangered species list. The pallid and Townsend’s big-eared bats are on the state’s Species In Need of Conservation list. The infected bat found in Oklahoma was a cave myotis, the first of this species to be found infected. Pallid, Townsend’s big-eared and cave myotis bats are found in the Red Hills region of southcentral Kansas. The cave myotis is the most common and occurs in the largest colonies.
A possible outbreak of WNS in cave myotis poses a serious threat to this species and possibly others in Kansas. Currently there is no known method to stop the spread. Bats are beneficial because they eat enormous quantities of insects during their nightly feeding flights. There has been no threat identified to humans from G. destructans or the WNS disease.
-30-
NRCS ANNOUNCES LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN INITIATIVE
Posted: 02 Jun 2010 03:00 PM PDT
Applications accepted through June 25
SALINA--Eric B. Banks, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas, announced that applications for participation in a national lesser prairie chicken habitat improvement initiative will be accepted through June 25, 2010. This initiative will also promote the overall health of grazing lands and the long-term sustainability of Kansas ranching operations. Kansas has received a $750,000 allocation for this initiative.
“Our intent,†said Banks, “is to target technical and financial assistance on expired CRP fields that are to be maintained in permanent cover and use them for grazing.â€
In addition, financial assistance would be offered to establish and maintain permanent vegetation enhancing lesser prairie chicken habitat on cropland and grazing lands in 34 targeted counties: Barber, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Gove, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Rush, Pratt, Scott, Seward, Sherman, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, and Wichita.
“Many of the expired CRP acres are large fields feasible to graze, but they lack fencing, water development, and grazing plans,†said Banks.
Through this initiative, landowners would be provided the opportunity to retain the cover established through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and NRCS would assist them transitioning this cover to managed grazing lands. Financial assistance for conservation practices, such as fencing, water development and others would be available to aid in developing and enhancing the existing cover.
“This initiative is also available to help address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers who are interested in improving lesser prairie chicken habitat on their land," said Banks. "In Kansas, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers will receive a higher payment rate for conservation practices related to this initiative.â€
In addition to Kansas, four other states, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, have significant expiring CRP acreage and have counties with populations of lesser prairie chickens. These states are also taking part in this initiative.
For more information go to the Kansas NRCS web page at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/lepc or contact your local NRCS field office. NRCS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
-30-
GOVERNOR DECLARES JUNE “GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH”
Posted: 02 Jun 2010 02:56 PM PDT
Proclamation highlights benefits of outdoor recreation
TOPEKA -- Gov. Mark Parkinson wants Kansans to get out and have some fun. To this end, Parkinson recently proclaimed June “Great Outdoors Month.†His proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Kansas citizens have a proud tradition of both safeguarding the environment and enjoying the outdoors; and
WHEREAS, A clean and sustainable environment contributes to our quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation promotes health, fitness, and environmental awareness; and
WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation is an ideal way to exercise and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends; and
WHEREAS, It is up to all of us to maintain and enhance our legacy of environmental stewardship and enjoyment of the great outdoors; and
WHEREAS, It is our duty to leave a well-tended legacy to those who will follow us.
“Now, therefore, I, Mark Parkinson, Governor of the State of Kansas, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Great Outdoors Month and June 12, 2010 as Great Outdoors Day in Kansas and urge all citizens to join in this observance by taking the time to enjoy our state’s various state parks and outdoor activities, to share them with family and friends, and to make outdoor activities a regular part of their lives.â€
There may not be a better time to be outside, enjoying Kansas state parks. Each state park selects two Free Park Entrance Days and many schedule them in June, but trail rides, kids fishing derbies and fishing tournaments, and music make June special at Kansas state parks. And many parks boast historical or geological attributes that are fascinating anytime.
The popular Country Stampede, featuring three days of live music at Tuttle Creek State Park, is the largest June event and will take place June 24-27. In addition, June 5-6 are Free Fishing Days statewide, and June 5 is National Trails Day. Other events will be featured, depending on the park. Many are educational and all make visiting Kansas state parks more fun. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.
Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.
The following is a list of events for June:
June 4-10 — Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue & Retirement Trail Ride at Perry State Park;
June 5 —Y Bar H Outpost & Pet Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
June 5 — National Trails Day and Free Park Entrance Day at Cross Timbers State Park;
June 5 — National Trails Day at Fall River State Park;
June 5 — OK Kids Day at Fall River State Park;
June 6 — kids fishing derby at Lovewell State Park;
June 12-13 —Free Park Entrance Days at Cedar Bluff State Park;
June 12-13 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
June 12-13 — Catch For a Cause Fishing Festival at Hillsdale State Park;
June 12 — kids instructional shooting clinic at Tuttle Creek State Park's Fancy Creek Shooting Range;
June 12-14 — Hooves of Heaven horseback trail ride at Cedar Bluff State Park;
June 12 — Poker Run Watercraft Race at Cedar Bluff State Park;
June 12 –– the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita will host Walk With Wildlife
June 17-20 — Eastern Kansas Arabian Horse Association trail ride at Hillsdale State Park;
June 19 — Kansas Bowfishing Classic tournament at Eisenhower State Park;
June 19 — Kansas Draft Horse Association horse pull and demonstration at El Dorado State Park;
June 19 — OK Kids Day at Wilson State Park;
June 20 — Free Park Entrance Day at Hillsdale State Park;
June 20 — OK Kids Day at Hillsdale State Park;
June 24-27 — Country Stampede music festival at Tuttle Creek State Park; and
June 24-27 — Miami County Cancer Foundation trail ride, dinner, auction and dance at Hillsdale State Park
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks offers 25 state parks, five nature centers, more than 40 state fishing lakes, and 100 wildlife areas for Kansans to enjoy and explore during the Great Outdoors Month. For more information on Kansas Department and Wildlife and Parks, visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us.
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LEFTOVER NONRESIDENT DEER PERMITS AVAILABLE JUNE 15
Posted: 02 Jun 2010 02:53 PM PDT
More than 4,000 leftover permits available to nonresidents
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that 4,016 nonresident deer permits are still available for the 2010 season. These are permits that were not taken in the April nonresident application period. They are Whitetail Either-Sex permits (hunter designates equipment/season choice, as well as one adjacent unit, at time of purchase) and will be sold, first come, first served, to any nonresident who does not possess a 2010 permit. Leftover permits go on sale June 15 at 12:01 a.m., online at the KDWP website (www.kdwp.state.ks.us). Those who don’t have access to a computer may call the Licensing Section at 620-672-0728, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The following deer management units have leftover Nonresident Whitetail Either-Sex Deer permits: Unit 6 — 257; Unit 7 — 40; Unit 8 — 333; Unit 9 — 313; Unit 10 — 747; Unit 11 — 632; Unit 12 — 381; Unit 13 — 384; Unit 14 — 558; Unit 15 — 132; Unit 16 — 183; and Unit 18 — 56.
Hunters who purchase a leftover permit will lose any preference points they may have accumulated. Applicants who were successful in the nonresident drawing may not purchase a leftover permit. In addition to a nonresident deer permit, hunters are also required to purchase a nonresident hunting license.
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