NEWS & NOTES—Life Jackets Float- You Don’t, 2005 Spring Trout Stocking, April Outdoorswomen Workshop, Upcoming Meetings, Calendar of Events

Life Jackets Float, You Don’t—Though many lakes and ponds have yet to shed their winter ice, rivers are swelling with flood waters and the boating season is just around the corner. The majority of boating fatalities in Massachusetts involve small boats. In over 80% of recreational boating fatalities the victims were not wearing lifejackets. If you are in a canoe or kayak, you are required by law to be wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) through May 15. After May 15, you aren't required to wear a PFD, but must have it in the craft with you. The Environmental Police Office can write a $50 ticket for violating this law. Sign up for a Boating Safety class scheduled by the Environmental Police Boat Safety Bureau For course schedules, see the following web page: www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dle/COURSELIST.HTM or contact the Environmental Police Boating Safety Bureau at 617/727-8760.

2005 Spring Trout Stocking--MassWildlife stocking trucks are making their spring runs to selected lakes and ponds in the northeast, southeast and central regions of the state. Bay State anglers can look forward to 572,200 brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout being stocked this spring. More than 286,000 rainbow trout average over 14 inches in length. All fish produced at MassWildlife hatcheries will be stocked as snow, ice and mud conditions abate, allowing the 2-ton District tank trucks access to waterways. Weekly reports are posted each Friday on the MassWildlife website(www.MassWildlife.org).  Anglers may also call the nearest District office: Western 413/447-9789; Valley 413/323-7632; Central 508/835-3607; Northeast 978/263-4347 or Southeast 508/759-3406. Don't forget to introduce a kid or adult to fishing!

April Outdoorswomen Workshops—The Massachusetts Becoming an Outdoorswoman Program (BOW) is offering two workshops in April. These workshops are open to women 18 and older who want to try out new outdoor skills in a supportive environment.  The first workshop is a Turkey Hunting Seminar and Hunt held at Devens (Ayer/Harvard).  Participants may sign up for just the seminar on April 24 or the hunt on May 2 or both. Participants who have not taken a previous BOW turkey hunt seminar must sign up for the seminar in order to hunt. Registration materials are posted on the MassWildlife website and can also be faxed. Call Sue Fritze at 508/792-7270x131.  On April 30, a Shooting Sports Day will be held at the Smith and Wesson Facility in Springfield.  Skill sessions will include riflery, shotgun and handgun handling and shooting.  Registration  materials for the Shooting Sports workshop will be available in early April.

Upcoming Meetings—The next Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting is scheduled for 1 PM on April 22 at the MassWildlife Valley District office, 341 East Street (off Rte 9) in Belchertown.  For directions, call 413/323-7632.  The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet on May 12, 1:30PM - 4:30PM at the Westboro Field Headquarters on North Drive off Rte 135 in Westborough.  For directions, call 508/792-7270.

Calendar of Events—Check www.mass.gov/masswildlife  for weekly updates to the MassWildlife Calendar

March 30—Black Bears in Northampton— This program will be presented at 7:00 PM, in the Little Theater at Northampton High School.  The presenter will be MassWildlife Biologist David Fuller. He will address the rising black bear population in the area and show how to decrease bear-human interactions in city backyards. Sponsored by the Northampton Wildlife Committee and other local conservation groups and city councilors. For more information, call Monica Jakuc 413/584-3017

March 30--The Fisher in Massachusetts, Easthampton. Join MassWildlife Biologist Trina Moruzzi who will talk about the life history, myths and behavior of the fisher, our largest member of the weasel family. Held at MassAudubon's Arcadia Sanctuary. For pre-registration call the Sanctuary at 413/584-3009.

April 1--Beaver in Massachusetts, Shelburne -- Join Trina Moruzzi, MassWildlife Biologist as she talks about this industrious aquatic mammal. Trina will cover information on beaver natural history and options if there is a nuisance issue developing on your property. Held at the Fellowship Hall, on Mohawk Rd in Shelburne at 7PM.

April 4, 11, 25, May 2-- Basic Freshwater Fishing Class, Shrewsbury--Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free clinic co-sponsored by the Shrewsbury Park and Recreation Department will be held at the Spring Streeet School 7:00-8:00 PM. Equipment is not required.MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic. For more information, contact Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation Department at 508/841-8339.

April 7, 14, 28, May 5-- Basic Freshwater Fishing Class, Lexington--Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free clinic is co-sponsored by the Lexington Recreation Department 6:30-8:30 PM. Equipment is available. MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic. For more information, contact Al Knod-781/933-6644.

April 19, 20, 21, May 7-- Basic Freshwater Fishing Class, Newton--Open to any beginning anglers of all ages, this free clinic is co-sponsored by the Newton Recreation Department will be held at Nahantant Park in the afternoon from 1:00-3:00 PM. (9-12 on May 7) Equipment is available. MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic. For more information, contact Newton Recreation Department at 617/332-2686.