12-Month Fishing Licenses
A state legislative effort is underway to direct the CDFW to sell annual fishing licenses good for a period of 12 consecutive months, rather than for the remainder of the calendar year. Assembly Bill 986 has been introduced by Assembly Member James Gallagher, R-Chico, to implement the policy for sport-fishing licenses and is under legislative review. In addition to the license period change, AB-986 reduces some license fees for veterans and for the Sport Fishing Report Card. In many past sessions, such efforts have failed to make it through the legislative process. AB-986 is supported by various wildlife organizations. The CDFW has not taken a position on the measure.
Bond Legislation for Parks, Water
Kicking off an annual debate, state lawmakers have introduced various bills to sell bonds to pay for purchasing property for parks and water-related projects. Last year, a similar debate over Assembly Bill 2444 would have raised $3.5 billion in bond funds, but the measure stalled on the Senate floor. This year, Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella, introduced Assembly Bill 18, which is similar to the last year’s measure. It would fund new parks, trails and greenways, rural open space, fisheries projects, habitat protection, and projects by local government agencies. AB-18, which would ask voters on the June 5, 2018 ballot to approve $3.1 billion in bonds, was approved by the Assembly and now moves to the Senate. Senate Bill 5, a more extensive companion measure for $3 billion in bond funding, is also under review. SB-5 is supported by 150 conservation groups, including California Trout. There is no opposition listed in legislative analysis documents.
Kickstarter Drive for Eel River Film
Documentary film producers have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $25,000 to finish a new movie about the Eel River. Executive producer Jeff Thompson said the funding is needed to pay for final production work on the full-length film, called A River’s Last Chance, which tells the story of salmon, timber, marijuana, and wine along the North Coast river.
Thompson and his crew have been working on the film for the past 14 months. “We hope to build support and enthusiasm for progressive and balanced management solutions on the Eel coinciding with California legalization of marijuana and an upcoming dam relicensing program,” said Thompson. For more information or to provide support, go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1653029036/a-rivers-last-chance.
Crisis on the Kings River
A just-released report called A River in Crisis documents the extensive problems on the lower Kings River. The 70-page report, which describes the status of the 13-mile stretch of the Kings from Pine Flat Dam to Highway 180, says that the fish population has plummeted. “In 1973 the trout population was 1,500 trout per mile. The 1984 population study found 435 ‘wild’ trout per mile. That dropped to six ‘wild’ trout per mile in 2015.” The report was written as part of the Kings River Fisheries Management Program. For more information, go to http://www.krfmp.org.
It’s Rattlesnake Time
State fish and wildlife officials have warned that with warm spring and summer weather, rattlesnakes will be out and about. “Rattlesnakes are widespread in California and are found in a variety of habitats throughout the state from coastal to desert,” says the CDFW. “They may also turn up around homes and yards in brushy areas and under wood piles. Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes will likely retreat if given room or not deliberately provoked or threatened. Most bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidently touched by someone walking or climbing. Most bites occur between April and October, when rattlesnakes and humans are most active.” The following precautions can be taken to reduce the likelihood of an encounter with a rattler.
Be aware of when and where rattlesnakes may be encountered. Like all reptiles, rattlesnakes are sensitive to the ambient temperature and will adjust their behavior accordingly. After a cold or cool night, they will attempt to raise their body temperature by basking in the sun midmorning. To prevent overheating during the hot days of the spring and summer, they will become more active at dawn, dusk, or night.
Wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through brushy, wild areas. Startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively. Children should not wear flip-flops while playing outdoors in snake country.
When hiking, stick to well-used trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds, and underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. Step on logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use. Be careful when stepping over doorsteps, as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings, where they are protected on one side.
Never grab “sticks” or “ branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.
Carry a cell phone, hike with a companion who can assist in an emergency, and make sure that family or friends know where you are going and when you will be checking in.
Do not handle a freshly killed snake, because it can still inject venom.
Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone.
Leash your dog when hiking in snake country. Dogs are at increased risk of being bitten due to holding their nose to the ground while investigating the outdoors. Speak to your veterinarian about canine rattlesnake vaccines and what to do if your pet is bitten.
Here is what to do in the event of a snake bite: stay calm, but act quickly. Remove watches, rings, and anything else that may constrict swelling. Transport the victim to the nearest medical facility.
Here is what not to do after a rattlesnake bite. Don’t apply a tourniquet. Don’t pack the bite area in ice. Don’t cut the wound with a knife or razor. Don’t use your mouth to suck out the venom. And don’t let the victim drink alcohol.
More information about rattlesnakes can be found from the CDFW at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CWHR/Life-History-and-Range and from University of California Integrative Pest Management at snakeinfo.html. For snakebite first-aid information, call the California Poison Control System at (800) 222-1222.
