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January 10, 2008

Commentary
Interior agencies agree man-made water
sources not precluded from public lands

By JIM MATTHEWS
Outdoor News Service

Federal land-use agencies agreed in December “that man-made water developments are not precluded where they are deemed to be necessary.”
Hunter-conservation groups are celebrating the clarification letter from the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and signed by directors of the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.
The letter makes it clear to federal land managers across the nation that there is nothing in any of their policies or management criteria that preclude such activities.
“The policies of all these agencies allow habitat manipulation, including man-made water developments, under certain condition,” said the joint USFWS, BLM and NPS letter.
Safari Club International took a leading role in battling with the National Park Service over the removal of historic ranching windmills in the Mojave National Preserve which provided critical water for wildlife. SCI and conservation groups across the West have been facing increasing resistance from federal agencies in efforts to restore or enhance water sources for wildlife, and some managers -- like on the Mojave Preserve -- actually removed man-made water believing it violated park service policy.
But rather than sue the agencies, SCI has been working with state wildlife agencies and other conservation groups to persuade the federal land managers to adopt consistent and clear policies, allowing them to work in concert with state game agencies.
After all this prodding and a thorough review of existing policy, the federal agencies all agreed there was noting in their policies or current environmental law that precluded water developments that benefit wildlife.
“Our hope is this will facilitate our working in a more cooperative fashion in order to maintain and restore wildlife water developments,” said Anna Seidman, chief litigation council for SCI in Washington, D.C. “Not always, but sometimes in the past we hit a brick wall and they’d say our hands are tied (because of agency policy).
“I’ve very optimistic this will help open some doors,” said Seidman.
Since Mary Martin left the Mojave Preserve as superintendent, leveler heads have prevailed over water issues. In fact, this month will mark the beginning of a comprehensive water study that will restore water at some of the historic windmill sites on the preserve and document the impact on wildlife, focusing mostly on deer.
The clarification letter doesn’t mean water developments can be placed at whim, and points out that agency policy and environmental laws must be followed. But if there is a defined need for the water, the agencies and conservation groups can work within policy and legal guidelines to add water -- just as state wildlife agencies have done for years.
“Since 2003, SCI has pushed the Department of the Interior to acknowledge the benefits of water developments,” said Dennis Anderson, SCI president who is based in Orange County. “These agencies have often denied the value of these structures. This letter marks a significant milestone for those who truly understand wildlife conservation and management. SCI will continue to play a role in demonstrating and defending the importance of these structures.”
While the letter is an important step, the only problem is in defining what “need” and “necessary” might mean to people who are diametrically opposed to added water. Within in the national park service, and to a lesser extent the other agencies, there is an ingrained belief that National Park Service ground is to be managed in the most natural way possible. In their minds, there might never be a “need” for added water, even if all of the science points out the positive impacts for wildlife.
The fundamental problem is still one of attitude. A letter from the Department of Interior agency heads won’t change that, but it’s a step in the right direction. The simple fact is that National Park Service ground, especially in Southern California where the human impact on the environment is so great, needs to be used to its fullest potential to mitigate for all the negative impacts elsewhere. If by the mere addition of some man-made water sources we can improve desert wildlife population numbers across the board, agency managers need to get their minds around that concept.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JANUARY 12 SCBS WILDLIFE DRINKER REPAIR: The Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep will be coordinating a wildlife drinker installation project, Saturday, Jan. 12 on the new “West 40” drinker. Volunteers are needed. Contact Gary Thomas at 909-981-5487 or via e-mail at g.cranky@version.net.
JANUARY 12 BALD EAGLE CENSUS: Volunteers are needed for the winter census of bald eagles at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake, and Lake Hemet on Saturday, January 12. Counts are conducted the same day and same times at all four waters. Volunteers need to bring binoculars, a watch, and wear warm clothes. For more information about eagle counts, please call Marc Stamer with the San Bernardino National Forest in Big Bear at 909-382-2828 to count at Arrowhead or Big Bear; Heidi Sellers at the San Jacinto Ranger Station at 909-382-2945 to count at Lake Hemet; or Rick Reisenhoffer at 760-389-2281 to count at Lake Silverwood. Other count dates this winter are Feb. 9 and March 8.
JANUARY 12-13 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Other dates for 2008 classes are Feb. 9-10, Mar. 29-30, April 19-20, May 17-18, June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
JANUARY 14 SCBS WILDLIFE DRINKER REPAIR: The Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep will be coordinating a wildlife drinker repair project, Monday, Jan. 14 on the “Bee Jay” drinker. Volunteers are needed. Contact Gary Thomas at 909-981-5487 or via e-mail at g.cranky@version.net.
JANUARY 17 SCBS WILDLIFE DRINKER REPAIR: The Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep will be installing a water monitor on the “Old Dad” drinker Thursday, Jan. 17. Volunteers are needed. Contact Gary Thomas at 909-981-5487 or via e-mail at g.cranky@version.net.
JANUARY 25 HEAVYWEIGH BASS CLASSIC TOURNAMENT: The Heavyweight Bass Classic will be held Friday, Jan. 25 at Casitas Lake to determine the best of the big bass anglers. The event is limited to 50 anglers with a $200 entry fee and the winner takes all -- not to mention having bragging rights at the best big bass angler in the country. For more information, contact Ron Cervenka, P.O. Box 800342, Santa Clarita, CA 91380 or e-mail socalteams@hotmail.com.
JAN 25-26 JHO PHEASANT HUNT: Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors is having a pheasant shoot at Raahauge’s Pheasant Club Jan 25-26 in Norco. There will be a barbecue-potluck and campout Friday night and shoot Saturday. Non-shooters and family/friends are welcome. Adults $75 for three pheasants or five chukar. Youth 17 and under $60 for same package. Call 877-721-7515 or visit
http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/index.php?showforum=1 for more info.
JANUARY 26 SCBS WILDLIFE DRINKER REPAIR: The Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep will be installing a water monitor on the “Paiute” drinker on Saturday, Jan. 26. Volunteers are needed. Contact Gary Thomas at 909-981-5487 or via e-mail at g.cranky@version.net.
FEBRUARY 8 IMPERIAL VALLEY FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The Imperial Valley Friends of the NRA will have its annual fund-raising dinner beginning 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8, at the Swiss Club, 1585 E. Worthington Road, Holtville. Tickets are $50 per person. Contact Jeff Mercer at 760-337-3030 or via e-mail at jeff.mercer@gcinc.com.
FEBRUARY 9 CWA INLAND EMPIRE SHOOT: The California waterfowl Association will be having its Inland Empire Shoot and Lunch fund-raiser beginning 7 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 9 at Mike Raahauge’s Shooting Enterprises, 14995 River Road, Corona. Cost is $60 per shooter, $25 per shooter, $300 per squad. Contact Frank Moore at 714-803-7374, Debbie Davis at 909-730-7730, or log on to www.calwaterfowl.org.
FEBRUARY 9 BALD EAGLE CENSUS: Volunteers are needed for the winter census of bald eagles at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake, and Lake Hemet on Saturday, February 9. Counts are conducted the same day and same times at all four waters. Volunteers need to bring binoculars, a watch, and wear warm clothes. For more information about eagle counts, please call Marc Stamer with the San Bernardino National Forest in Big Bear at 909-382-2828 to count at Arrowhead or Big Bear; Heidi Sellers at the San Jacinto Ranger Station at 909-382-2945 to count at Lake Hemet; or Rick Reisenhoffer at 760-389-2281 to count at Lake Silverwood. The last of these winter counts is March 8.
FEBRUARY 9-10 CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON COURSE: A 16-hour California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course is being offered by Firearms Training Associates at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises this Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $180 per person. This course meets the state requirement for 16 hours of training to qualify for a CCW. Other dates for 2008 classes are Mar. 29-30, April 19-20, May 17-18, June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, and Dec. 6-7. Contact FTA at 714-701-9918 or 877-544-4867. The web site is www.ftatv.com.
FEBRUARY 15 CWA SAN DIEGO COUNTY DINNER: The California Waterfowl Association’s San Diego County Chapter will have its annual fund-raising dinner beginning 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15 at the Elks’ Club, 1400 E. Washington, El Cajon. Cost is $65 per person, $95 per couple. Contact John Howard at 619-440-8319, Tom Homen at 209-587-0886, or log on to www.calwaterfowl.org.
FEBRUARY 16 HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The 2008 class date schedule is Mar. 8, Apr. 5, May 3, June 21, July 12, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 24, 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
FEBRUARY 16-17 WATER-FOR-WILDLIFE WORK PROJECT: The Mojave Preserve Water-for-Wildlife Volunteer Group will have a guzzler repair project and campout in the Cedar Canyon area of the Mojave National Preserve Feb. 16-17. Repairs will be made to two small game guzzlers and a final coat of Merlex applied to a third drinker. Everyone should bring camping gear, water, firewood, food, and gloves. Next project dates are March 14-15, April 11-13, May 16-18. For more information and directions to the camp site, contact Cliff McDonald at 760-326-2935 or via e-mail at bigmc@citlink.net.
MARCH 2 SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS BIGHORN SHEEP COUNT: Volunteers are needed for the annual bighorn sheep count in the San Gabriel Mountains. Conducted jointly by the Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, and several conservation groups, the comprehensive count relies on ground-based volunteers throughout the range and government crews in helicopter. The count provides the agencies with accurate population data on the sheep to help management. There is a mandatory orientation meeting on March 1 for all volunteers. For information and to volunteer, call the Lytle Creek Ranger Station at 909-382-2851.
MARCH 5-9 FRED HALL LONG BEACH SHOW: The Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Boat, and Travel Show will be held March 5-9 at the Long Beach Convention Center. This is the West Coast’s granddaddy of sportsman’s shows filling the convention center with exhibitors. Admission to the Hall Show is $15 for adults and kids are free. For more information, go to www.fredhall.com or call 805-389-3339.
MARCH 7 WEST VALLEY FRIENDS OF NRA FUND-RAISER: The West Valley Friends of the NRA will have its annual banquet beginning 6 p.m., Friday, March 7, at the Rancho Cucamonga Community Center. Speaker will be Chuck Michel, one of the leading firearm attorneys in California. This banquet is normally in the fall, so mark the calendar. Contact Steve Gomez at (909) 560-6000 or via e-mail at westvalleyfnra@aol.com.
MARCH 8 BALD EAGLE CENSUS: Volunteers are needed for the winter census of bald eagles at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake, and Lake Hemet on Saturday, March 8. Counts are conducted the same day and same times at all four waters. Volunteers need to bring binoculars, a watch, and wear warm clothes. For more information about eagle counts, please call Marc Stamer with the San Bernardino National Forest in Big Bear at 909-382-2828 to count at Arrowhead or Big Bear; Heidi Sellers at the San Jacinto Ranger Station at 909-382-2945 to count at Lake Hemet; or Rick Reisenhoffer at 760-389-2281 to count at Lake Silverwood.
MARCH 14-16 WATER-FOR-WILDLIFE WORK PROJECT: The Mojave Preserve Water-for-Wildlife Volunteer Group will have a guzzler repair project in the Cima area of the Mojave National Preserve March 14-16. Five guzzlers and two springs are scheduled for repair and restoration. Food will be provided two evenings and two mornings, but everyone should bring camping gear, water, firewood, food or lunch and snacks, and gloves. Next project dates are April 11-13 and May 16-18. For more information and directions to the camp site, contact Cliff McDonald at 760-326-2935 or via e-mail at bigmc@citlink.net.
MARCH 26-30 FRED HALL DEL MAR SHOW: The Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Boat, and Travel Show will be held March 26-30 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The companion show to the Long Beach event, this is the largest sportsman’s show in San Diego County. Admission to the Hall Show is $15 for adults and kids are free. For more information, go to www.fredhall.com or call 805-389-3339.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. At the December meeting a free trip to Palmas de Cortez in Baja will be given away. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or steve@sdchilds.com. Web site: www.csvca.com.
CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at it’s clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at idpamike@yahoo.com.
CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or fish_90605@yahoo.com.
CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or m_r_cross@yahoo.com.
HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Contact John Rose at 760-247-5966.
HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or incareal@juno.com.
NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or mhitis1@yahoo.com or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or coyote@jps.net.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER):The High Desert Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club, 16699 Stoddard Wells Rd., Victorville. Contact Dave Recce at 760-956-7092 or Dave Halbrook at 760-553-2794.
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER):The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-841-2100 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or prendergasts@netzero.com.
PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County meet 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Denny's restaurant, 7490 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Contact Bob Peters via e-mail at bpi1@ca.rr.com or Don Jamroz at donjamroz@aol.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Cruz Garcia at 760-949-6334 or fathercruz@verizon.net.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse (located at the entrance to Riverview Golf Course) in Santa Ana. Contact Craig Riedel at 714-282-1194 or criedel@mflex.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Prado Olympic Shooting Park, 17501 Pomona Rincon Road, Chino (one block west of Euclid, just off the 71 freeway). Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or gibbent@gte.net. Web site: www.quriverside.com.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at davidpreddy@cox.net or visit www.sdqu.org.
QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or sgvqu@onebox.com.
REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Lance Cochrane at 909-919-4309 or Ray Gauthier at 951-785-4986. Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or sssarmi@sbcglobal.net.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or crowshot1@cox.net or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or mtnhigh5@excite.com.
TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or TCSPresident2006@yahoo.com.
TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

[Want your event or club listed here? Send the information to Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007 or e-mail it to odwriter@earthlink.net. Following the style used above for events and clubs makes our life easier and increases the likelihood of it being included here.]

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