Outdoors Notebook: LAKES Act would benefit Corps-managed lands

Jan. 12—WASHINGTON — Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., is among the lawmakers who have introduced a bill to improve outdoor recreation facilities at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed areas, according to a news release from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

The

Lake Access Keeping Economies Strong (LAKES) Act

seeks to better equip the Corps to meet the increased demand for outdoor recreation access while growing the economic footprint of the outdoor industry in communities across the United States, the TRCP said.

Sponsors of the bill in the House are Reps. Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas; Steve Womack, R-Arkansas; and Jared Huffman, D-California. Joining Cramer in introducing the Senate version of the bill was Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico.

The LAKES Act would:

* Revitalize local outdoor recreation areas managed by the Corps by ensuring that 80% of fees collected on-site will stay in the community.

* Foster public-private partnerships with nonprofits to boost community engagement.

* Fund infrastructure upgrades for safer and more enjoyable outdoor experiences.

* Drive economic growth for surrounding communities by meeting the demand for increased outdoor recreation through a commitment to conservation and sustainable management.

"The prioritization of public recreation access and the outdoor economy is a win for local communities and sportsmen and sportswomen alike," Becky Humphries, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said in a statement. "We applaud Reps. Westerman, Womack and Huffman and Sens. Heinrich and Cramer for their leadership on the LAKES Act. It is much-needed legislation that will bolster local economies by providing more resources to outdoor recreation through improved public access, climate resiliency and infrastructure."

Other supporters of the LAKES Act include the American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Public Lands Alliance and International Game Fish Association. — staff report

ST. PAUL — With Minnesota's Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend coming up Saturday, Jan. 13, through Monday, Jan. 15, the Department of Natural Resources is advising anglers to put safety first as they make plans.

Ice is unsafe in much of the state, including in the metro area, where there is still open water on some lakes. Other areas, especially in northern Minnesota, have more ice and some ice fishing opportunities, the DNR said.

During the three-day weekend Jan. 13-15, any Minnesota resident can go fishing for free if fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don't need fishing licenses any time of the year.

Also a helpful reminder when taking kids out for outdoor fun: There are other activities that can be part of the plan in addition to fishing. The Minnesota DNR is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 75 state parks and recreation areas on Jan. 15 during Free Park Day. With this year's unusual weather, there are many winter park activities that don't require snow or ice, such as birding, winter hiking, nature photography, and having a campfire with hot chocolate and s'mores.

For general information on fishing and fishing regulations, visit the

DNR fishing page. — staff report

BISMARCK — Anyone born after 1961 and is age 12 or older must take an

in-person or home study

-certified hunter education course before they can get a firearm or bowhunting license in North Dakota, the Game and Fish Department said in a reminder.

Understanding this, especially if you have your sights set on hunting next fall, now is not the time to drag your feet, the department said. Most in-person courses are from January through May.

Individuals interested in taking a hunter education class in 2024 must click the education link on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

To register

for a class, click on "enroll" next to the specific class, and follow the simple instructions. Personal information is required. Classes are listed by city and can also be sorted by start date. Classes will be added throughout the year as they become finalized.

People interested in receiving a notice by email or text message when a class is added can click on the

"subscribe to news and alerts"

link below the news section on the Game and Fish home page. Check the box labeled "hunter education" under the education program updates.

Youth must turn 12 during the calendar year to take the home study course, and age 11 during the calendar year to take the traditional in-person class. — staff report

BISMARCK — The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's annual Earth Day Patch Contest is, in part, an effort to heighten awareness of the environment in North Dakota and beyond, the department said in a news release.

Students who participate will develop a patch design using five colors incorporating an aspect of Earth Day such as environmental awareness, respect for the Earth, water quality, wildlife or habitat conservation in North Dakota.

The contest is open to students in grades K-12. Winners are chosen from three grade categories: K-4, 5-8 and 9-12. Each winner will receive an outdoor kit, which includes a pair of binoculars and field guides. The grand prize patch design winner is chosen from one of the three winning age categories.

In addition, the grand prize winner will have their design displayed on the recognition patch, be featured in North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine and on the Game and Fish website. Contest entry deadline is March 1.

Details about the contest

can be found on the department's website at gf.nd.gov. For additional information, contact Sherry Niesar, Earth Day Patch Contest coordinator, at (701) 527-3714 or email sniesar@nd.gov. — staff report