OUTDOOR BRIEFS

FREE INFORMATION

NDOW to have tag application workshop

Hunters who want to learn more about Nevada's big game management programs and the tag application process can get what they are looking for at a free tag application workshop hosted by the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday in Room 4401 of the Grant Sawyer Building, 555 E. Washington Ave.

NDOW representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the tag allocation process and explain where hunters can find harvest data, draw odds and other information that can help in the application process. Reservations are not required, but interested parties can call 486-5127, ext. 3501 for more information.

CULMINATION OF EFFORT

Youth release baby trout into local parks

Lorenzi Park, at 3333 W. Washington Ave., features a pond that attracts the attention of local youth such as Gibson Middle school students Tyler Brown and Brandon Stiltz. These young men were visiting Lorenzi Park when they were invited to assist the Nevada Department of Wildlife in releasing more than 100 rainbow trout into the pond. They were joined by Las Vegas second grader Kelly Rios.

The released trout were actually one-inch fry that were raised from eggs as part of the NDOW Trout in the Classroom Program, which involved 50 schools in Clark, Nye and Lincoln counties. During the past week, students in participating schools released thousands of trout fry into Southern Nevada waters. The releases are the culmination of a six-week effort by students, teachers and NDOW staff who watched over the hatching, development and the release of the little rainbow trout.

Schools received their eggs the first week of February. way for fourth through sixth graders to learn about life cycles, as well as how small changes in an environment can affect these fish. Trout are a great indicator species of how healthy streams and lakes are, and the least little change, such as pollutants, can drastically affect the fish," said Ivy Santee NDOW angler education coordinator in Southern Nevada.

Some of the fry that have been released into Lake Mead have been seen months later at the size of approximately four inches. However, the Trout in the Classroom Program is not a stocking program. It is all about education.

"I wish we had this kind of thing in our school to learn about life science, this is really cool," said Brown, who is 12.

To find out more about the NDOW Trout in the Classroom program visit www.ndow,org, or contact Santee at 486-5127, ext. 3503.

ANGLER EDUCATION

Free fly-fishing class scheduled for April 5

The Nevada Department of Wildlife will be having a free fly-fishing class on April 5.

This introductory course is set up in two parts. The first part will begin at 8 a.m. in the conference room at the NDOW office located at 4747 Vegas Drive. The second portion is a hands-on learning experience and will take place at Floyd Lamb Park beginning at noon. The class will cover basics such as knot tying, terminology, essential equipment and casting skills.

For more information and registration contact Ivy Santee, 486-5127, ext 3503. Registration begins Monday.

UNDERSTANDING EVENTS

Agreement seeks to help livestock, wildlife

Nevada's rangeland is an open playground for wildlife viewing, hunting, and other recreationists. It is also a workplace for ranchers: sheep, cattle, and goats dine there. A new agreement among the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the University of Nevada, Reno outlines goals toward understanding "disease events," such as major wildlife die-offs, and toward effective rangeland management to benefit both livestock and wildlife.

"Domestic livestock and wildlife both benefit the economy of Nevada and are important to the cultural heritage of the state," said Ken Mayer, NDOW's director. "All three agencies recognize, however, the risk of disease transmission when there is contact between domestic livestock and wildlife," he continued.

Collaborative research is a component of the recent Memorandum of Understanding, which focuses on bighorn sheep populations. Possibly because of their isolated populations, bighorn sheep may be particularly susceptible to pathogens. "We're looking to understand the factors that influence the risk of disease transmission, and to establish mutually beneficial practices," said Dr. Phil LaRussa, state veterinarian with NDOA.

"All parties will actively participate in collaborative research, explained Dr. David Thain, state extension veterinarian at the university. "Science-based information can be used to improve disease management for the mutual benefit of producers and the wildlife resource."