NEWS for May 24, 2004

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WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN COLUMBIA, GREENVILLE[/url]

Everyone who has concerns about wildlife and conservation will want to attend meetings set for May 25 in West Columbia and May 27 in Greenville to gather public input on the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan, which will guide conservation of many wildlife species in South Carolina for the next decade.

"This is an opportunity for people who are interested in wildlife and conservation to voice their concerns," said Anna Huckabee, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife biologist coordinating the plan in South Carolina, "and a chance for your concerns to be addressed in the state's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan. This will help the DNR and others produce the plan, which could potentially bring millions of federal dollars to South Carolina to help protect and manage wildlife in the state."

The meetings will be held 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 at Midlands Technical College, Airport Campus, Room 116, 1260 Lexington Drive in West Columbia; and 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 27 at Furman University in the conference room of the University Center by the lake, 3300 Poinsett Highway in Greenville.

The South Carolina DNR is in the process of writing a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan as part of the requirement for the State Wildlife Grants program instituted by the federal government, required to receive millions of federal dollars for wildlife in the state. More information on the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan planning process can be found on the DNR Web site [url "http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/"][#0000ff]www.dnr.state.sc.us[/#0000ff][/url] under the link "State Wildlife Grants" or by calling the Columbia DNR office at (803) 734-5534.

The West Columbia and Greenville meetings are part of a statewide series of meetings. Two meetings were held earlier in Charleston and Florence. The dates and locations for subsequent scheduled meetings (locations to be announced) are Aug. 31, Sept. 7, Sept. 14 and Sept. 21.

Individuals who work in a wildlife-related field have long recognized the need for a permanent funding source for wildlife conservation. Traditional funding sources tend to focus on hunted species like deer and turkey without addressing such species as reptiles, amphibians, songbirds, insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and freshwater and marine fish. The Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan will address these species.

"We know that about one-third of South Carolina's vertebrate species and their associated habitats are in trouble," Huckabee said. "Our biologists, scientists, conservation partners and neighboring states are in the process of identifying these species most in need of management, the problems these species face, and are working together to define strategies that we all can agree upon once the implementation phase begins, after the plan is completed and approved. That is why we are looking for public input on the plan."

- Written by Greg Lucas -
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NEWS RELEASE #04-105 May 24, 2004 DNR News (803) 734-3950

PREDATOR BEETLES RELEASED IN JOCASSEE TO BATTLE HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGIDS[/url]

About 2,500 predator beetles were released May 7 in the Laurel Fork Creek drainage area of Jocassee Gorges near the Foothills Trail in Pickens County. These insects feed on hemlock woolly adelgids, which have been decimating Eastern hemlock populations along the East Coast.

[url "http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/news/img/hwa33.jpg"][/url] The team that released the predator beetles was a cooperative partnership made up of representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, S.C. Forestry Commission and S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR manages the Jocassee Gorges property in Pickens and Oconee counties. The predator beetles, which can cost up to $5 apiece, were reared in a private lab in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Forest Service furnished them to DNR at no charge. The predator beetles are native to Japan and feed on adelgids there. These beetles are not the common ladybug that sometimes mass around homes-the predator beetle released in Jocassee Gorges is about a tenth the size of the well-known ladybug and never leaves the forest.


[url "http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/news/img/predbeet.jpg"][/url] "This is an important first step in helping to control hemlock woolly adelgids in Jocassee Gorges," said Rusty Rhea, an entomologist with the U.S. Forest Service based in Asheville, N.C. "It's not a silver bullet or a cure-all by any means. These predator beetles will never eliminate the adelgids, but rather they can slow the adelgids' spread and give the trees a fighting chance."


[url "http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/news/img/hwa01.jpg"][/url] Hemlock woolly adelgids have been in the United States since 1924. A native of Asia, it recently moved rapidly into the Southern Appalachians and decimated the Eastern hemlock in areas like Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The adelgids cannot fly and spread by the immature "crawler" life stage. These small immature adelgids crawl, are blown in winds or are possibly spread by songbirds. By feeding on the internal portions of young twigs, the hemlock woolly adelgid retards or prevents tree growth. This causes needles to discolor from deep green to grayish green, and to drop prematurely. The loss of new shoots and needles seriously impairs tree health. Defoliation and tree death can occur within five to seven years of initial infestation.


Foresters and scientists say that unless the hemlock woolly adelgid is controlled, it could prove as devastating to hemlocks in the forest as American chestnut blight. Chestnut blight was introduced into the United States in 1900 and virtually wiped out the dominant tree in the Southern Appalachians by 1950. Chemical control of the hemlock woolly adelgid is possible in urban settings, but biological control of the adelgid is the only real option in the forest.

[url "http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/news/img/hemlmtn2.jpg"][/url] The shade of Eastern hemlocks is vitally important in cooling Jocassee Gorges trout waters. Although systematic surveys are not yet complete, the hemlock woolly adelgid has been found in many areas of the 44,000-acre Jocassee Gorges lands.


Demand for the predator beetles far exceeds demand, and several new labs are gearing up for production this year. Clemson University has begun production of the predator beetles, and a few public and private labs will produce about a half-million or so this year, to be distributed among 13 Eastern states that have infestations. Clemson University has one of the best production units for the predatory beetles.

- Written by Greg Lucas -
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BOATING, WATER SAFETY URGED DURING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND[/url]

State natural resources officials urge boating and water safety during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest water sports periods of the year and a time when the risk of serious, if not fatal, accidents is at its highest.

Boating safety laws will be strictly enforced, said Major Alvin Taylor with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Boating Safety Enforcement and Education office in Charleston. "We urge all boaters and water sports enthusiasts to be safety conscious during the Memorial Day weekend, use lifesaving equipment, obey the law and stay aware at all times of others in and around the water," Taylor said. "Remember to wear your lifejacket while boating and enjoying water sports this Memorial Day weekend and all summer long."

Already this year, three people have died in boating accidents in South Carolina and several swimming fatalities have been reported to DNR. Last year 33 people died in 141 boating accidents on state waters. Obeying boating laws and rules should keep most boaters safe and out of trouble:

State law requires boating safety training for anyone younger than 16 who wants to operate a boat or personal watercraft with an engine 15-horsepower or greater without being accompanied by an adult. For questions concerning this requirement or boater education courses contact, DNR's Boating Education offices at 1-800-277-4301, (803) 734-3995 in Columbia or (843) 953-9302 in Charleston.

Any person younger than 12 in a boat less than 16 feet long must wear a personal flotation device. Anyone on a personal watercraft, which includes Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners and others, must wear a Coast Guard-approved flotation device; they cannot be operated after sunset or before sunrise; and they must be equipped with self-circling or lanyard-type engine cutoffs. No vessel may operate in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of an anchored vessel, dock, pier or person in the water, or within 100 yards of the Atlantic Ocean coastline. No one may jump the wake of another vessel within 200 feet of the vessel creating the wake.

When towing a water skier or person on a floating device, a boat must have an observer onboard or the vessel must be equipped with wide-angled mirrors. A sound-producing device, such as a horn or whistle, is required on all boats. Fire extinguishers are required on most boats.

It is against the law, and extremely dangerous, to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In South Carolina, individuals involved in an accident that causes a death or serious injury faces an implied consent alcohol test and serious penalties with a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and $25,000 fine. On the water, the effects of alcohol or drugs are magnified by the elements of sun, wind and wave action. Alcohol also impairs coordination of arm and leg movements, slows response to emergency situations and makes it difficult for boat operators to scan the horizon.

Boat operators are also reminded that wearable personal floatation devices (PFDs or life jackets) are required for each person onboard. On boats 16 feet and longer throwable devices, such as flotation cushions, are required in addition to wearable devices. Life jackets must properly fit each individual, whether child or adult, and be serviceable without tears, holes or other damage or wear that would decrease the effectiveness of the device. More than 90 percent of all boating fatalities could be prevented with the proper use of life jackets.

Boating accidents resulting in the loss of life, loss of consciousness, personal injury requiring medical treatment or property damage in excess of $500 must be reported to the Department of Natural Resources. Failure to report an accident can result in a maximum fine of $100 for each violation.

Report boating accidents or emergencies to the DNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431. This number can also be used to report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator.

For a copy of South Carolina's Boating Regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses or to obtain a free float plan form contact the DNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301; (843) 953-9302 in Charleston or (803) 734-3995 in Columbia, or visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.sc.us/etc/boating.html.
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NEW PUBLIC ACCESS BOAT RAMP OPENS ON LANCASTER RESERVOIR[/url]

A newly constructed public boat landing was dedicated Friday, May 14 at the Lancaster Reservoir public fishing lake in Lancaster. It opened for public use on Saturday, May 15.

[url "http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/news/img/lanclake.jpg"][/url] The new boat landing, located on US 521-Business route in Lancaster, was constructed at a cost of $15,000 with Lancaster County Water Recreation Funds, as requested and approved by the Lancaster County Legislative Delegation. Water Recreation Funds are derived from a portion of the state gas tax.


Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Mac Watson, coordinator of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State Lakes Program, thanked the Lancaster County Legislative Delegation for its support. He also acknowledged the valuable assistance of the S.C. Department of Transportation for providing heavy equipment and heavy equipment operators for construction and completion of the project. "Thanks to the contribution of the state Department of Transportation, we saved thousands of dollars on the construction costs and were able to complete the project within our $15,000 budget," Watson said.

[url "http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/news/img/lanclak2.jpg"][/url] State Sen. Greg Gregory of Lancaster also spoke at the dedication: "The Lancaster Reservoir public landing project is a great collaborative effort that will benefit anglers, sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts from Lancaster and surrounding communities in the region," Gregory said. "Anglers can now enjoy safe, convenient access to the reservoir, a popular fishing spot for many years." Other members of the Lancaster County Legislative Delegation include Sen. Vincent A. Sheheen of Camden and House members Eldridge Emory of Lancaster and Jimmy Neil of Kershaw.

The 62-acre Lancaster Reservoir is one of 18 public fishing lakes managed by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources in the state. The lake is open on Thursday and Saturday to small boats and boats with electric motors. No gas-powered boats are allowed. The federal Sport Fish Restoration program, which derives its revenue from a small excise tax on fishing equipment, funds maintenance and management activities on the reservoir.

Lancaster Reservoir was entered into the DNR State Lakes program in 2003. Prior to that, the Lancaster Water and Sewer Commission managed the lake.

Annually, more than 90,000 anglers use the DNR Public Fishing Lakes for recreational sport fishing. To receive more information on the DNR Public Fishing Lakes program, write DNR Public Fishing Lakes, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202 or call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia. A listing of the lakes and regulations can be found on the DNR Web site at [url "http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/"][#0000ff]www.dnr.state.sc.us[/#0000ff][/url].
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