Latest news with #andParks
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Mississippi invites artists for Wild Turkey Stamp artwork
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) announced the creation of the first-ever Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp, aimed at enhancing management, habitat, and research for wild turkeys. The Wild Turkey Stamp, which is expected to launch for the 2025 spring turkey season, is the result of a multi-year legislative effort by hunters, conservation partners, and land managers and marks a major step forward for conservation. According to MDWFP, the initiative will provide a dedicated funding stream to support wild turkey populations and the habitats they depend on. When will applications open for 2025 Public Waters alligator season in Mississippi? 'Our state is a special place for turkey hunting,' said MDWFP Executive Director Lynn Posey. 'The Wild Turkey Stamp ensures Mississippi will remain at the forefront of turkey conservation for future generations. We appreciate our legislature, conservation partners, and the public who helped make this happen.' As part of its inaugural kickoff campaign, the MDWFP would like to invite Mississippi-based artists, ages 15 and up, to submit original artwork to be featured as the first-ever state Wild Turkey Stamp. Submissions should depict the Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris silvestris gallopavo) in a natural, Mississippi setting. The winning artist will receive a monetary gift, publicity and media recognition throughout MDWFP's social media channels, email blasts, and a spotlight in the Mississippi Outdoors Magazine. To learn more, click here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MDWFP stresses life jacket safety after boating citations over Memorial Day weekend
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) concluded its enforcement effort during the Memorial Day weekend. MDWFP Conservation Officers encountered more than 3,600 boaters statewide, ensuring safety and compliance of those enjoying Mississippi's beautiful waterways. Mississippi residents in 11 counties eligible for disaster unemployment aid During this period, officers issued 315 total citations. Of these, 32 were related to personal flotation devices (PFDs), 33 were drug and alcohol related, and 28 involved reckless operation of a vessel. Officers also made seven arrests for boating under the influence. Compared to Memorial Day weekend in previous years, officials said total citations were down, with the most significant decrease being in personal flotation devices. As summer recreational activities on Mississippi's waters increase, MDWFP reminds all boaters of critical safety requirements: Every vessel must carry one wearable USCG-approved PFD, also known as a life jacket, for each person on board. Ensure PFDs are in good and serviceable condition. Have appropriately sized PFDs for everyone aboard the vessel. Keep PFDs readily accessible in case of an emergency. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
South Dakota campgrounds see strong start to season
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — With summer-like temperatures heating up the spring season, the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) said they are seeing a great start to the camping season, with many campers out in the state's parks. Voters choose Duffy, Kelly for SF school board Communications Manager with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, Nick Harrington, said the warmer weather is one aspect they can thank for the increase in campers throughout the state. 'That warm weather has put campers in the parks that there is no other way to put it, and that has been great to see, it almost felt like a fake summer, that kind of came that last week of April and a little bit of May,' Harrington said. Harrington said South Dakota hosts 62 parks and recreation areas with around 30 to 40 of those parks offering ideal camping locations. The total number of parks included 13 state parks and 43 recreation areas. 'I think people saw that forecast, people are out camping and that's just really cool, especially for me to see, you know, we have, you know, 50 to 100 sites available depending on the size of the park,' Harrington said. 'When we checked back Monday morning, pretty much every single one of them or close to was filled.' Harrington added that parks have seen higher visitation than in previous springs they have had. 'Folks have been out, the campers are out of winterization. The parks have been, I'm not going to say full, but I'm going to say there's been significantly higher visitation than we've seen just based on some of those past springs that we've had,' Harrington said. Harrington said that the visitation to a lot of the state's campgrounds has been significantly higher than in previous years. 'Overall, when we look at the visitation, we are tracking pretty up. I think we're a couple percentage points up from where we are granted small sample size because that's going to vary by the year and we're not truly into the peak camping season,' Harrington said. 'But when you look at 2022, 2023, and 2024, we've seen gradual 1-3% increases in camping visitation as a whole.' Harrington said the state parks and recreation areas typically see a 90-day reservation window and they have seen most of their campgrounds and recreation sites stay full, adding they have seen most of their reservations heading into Memorial Day weekend as well as Father's Day weekend. 'Right now, as we stand, we're looking pretty full for Memorial Day, I would anticipate that when you factor in the last-minute pickups and maybe some last-minute cancellations,' Harrington said. 'I would say the vast majority of our parks are probably going to be 95% to 100% capacity.' He said that residents from in and outside of the state make up the total number of campers. 'So, if you look at somewhere like Custer State Park, we're going to have 20% residents, 80% non-residents, vice versa, a couple of those smaller, I refer to them as hidden gem park, that's going to be a lot of those locals that know this is a great place to get outside town and enjoy a quiet park. It depends on how you like to stay. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials lament disturbing change at popular wildlife refuge: 'It's going to take time to really build that back up'
Droughts in Montana have made lake water levels so low that they are affecting bird migration patterns. Birds must find other places to stop along their routes, and local tourism has been impacted. What's happening? As KRTV reported, North Central Montana's Freezeout Lake is a popular birdwatching spot because it's a migratory pit stop. Swans, geese, and other waterfowl commonly stop at Freezeout Lake while traveling north to the Canadian and Alaskan Arctic. This pattern typically draws hundreds of spectators to watch the flocks descend upon the lake. But with water levels so low, wildlife experts expect far fewer birds. "So far, this year the snow pack's a little better; it's still below average," said Brent Lonner, a wildlife biologist for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. "It's better than last year, but it's going to take time to really build that back up. So, when folks do come out this year, if you do, you'll notice that especially the north part of the main part of Freezeout is fairly dry." Why are low lake levels important? Low lake levels impact fish populations by reducing their habitats and forcing them to move to less optimal waters. They also impact bird migration patterns. Low water levels can increase shoreline erosion via sediment transport changes, too. Other impacts of low lake levels are reduced recreational opportunities, less hydroelectric power generation, and a drop in tourism, which negatively affects local economies. Lake levels directly result from the changing global climate and prolonged droughts. However, some communities are finding hope in lake levels rising back up to normal after droughts end or due to conservation efforts. Encouraging examples include Eagle Lake and Lake Shasta in Northern California and Lake Mead between Nevada and Arizona. What's being done to support migratory birds? In Montana, local authorities remind Freezeout Lake visitors that they need a conservation license to view the migratory birds and attend the Wild Wings Festival. The festival features a weekend of free events, educational programs, and guided tours. Requiring a license to attend helps control the number of people in the area and conserve state lands. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In other places, conservation efforts are being implemented to help mitigate the impacts of low lake levels on migratory birds. Wetland drought relief programs, habitat restoration grants, and water supply programs are collaborative efforts that help protect bird populations in changing environments. As an individual, you can help protect migratory birds by following park rules when you visit birdwatching spots and other natural areas. Always stay a safe distance from birds and all wildlife to leave them and their remaining habitats undisturbed. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mississippi's Bear Week aims to educate about black bears
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) announced the return of Bear Week. Taking place April 27, 2025 until May 3, 2025, Bear Week aims to educate the public on facts, research, and science related to black bear management in Mississippi. Vicksburg police warn of wildlife as Mississippi River rises As Mississippi's black bear population continues to grow, officials said understanding bear behavior and adopting BearWise habits is essential. Through a week of engaging content, interactive activities, and educational resources, MDWFP will provide Mississippians with the tools they need to better understand the dynamics of the Mississippi black bear population and how to live responsibly alongside them. 'Mississippi's black bear population is growing, and it is more important than ever for the public to understand how to safely coexist with these animals,' said Anthony Ballard, MDWFP Black Bear Program Coordinator. 'Bear Week provides an opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures while taking proactive steps to ensure a future where both bears and people can thrive.' Throughout the week, MDWFP will share educational videos, social media challenges, expert interviews, and fun, interactive content designed to make learning about black bears accessible and engaging for all ages. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
