Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 103
The wonderful thing about living in Arizona is that we have such a range of altitudes and ecosystems. When it's too cold up north, we can mess around in the desert, and when the desert is broiling, we can either keep cool at one of the desert reservoirs or head up to higher altitudes and enjoy cooler weather. We enjoyed an unseasonably cool and wonderful May, but now that June and July are here, the summer weather has fully set in. So here are my picks of the top ten ways to enjoy the summer out... Full story
The State Parks in Arizona provide many opportunities for campers. Sue Black, executive director, said, "Come out and visit your State Parks ..., whether it's for a day trip or a weekend adventure." Although there are many things you can experience at a State Park, here is a list of some fun things to do with your family: • Waterskiing at Lyman Lake State Park (St. Johns) • Camping under the Stars at Alamo Lake State Park (Wenden) • Swimming at Slide Rock State Park (Sedona) • Cave Tours a... Full story
In her article that features ten places to "Beat the Heat" during an Arizona summer, Margie Anderson notes that one of her favorites is Prescott and nearby Watson Lake. She says that although this lake has fewer trees -- and therefore less shade -- than the area's Lynx Lake, the boulders are spectacular. If only just to see them, Anderson recommends a trip to Watson Lake. Also, readers may want to add to their summer enjoyment by four-wheeling the Mingus Mountains or fishing, hiking, swimming... Full story
PHOENIX -- A heads up to those wanting to fish from shore at Bartlett Lake. Rattlesnake fishing pier in Rattlesnake Cove is closed after a weld broke earlier this week. The pier will remain closed to the public until necessary repairs can be determined. There is no estimate of how quickly the repairs can be completed to ensure the pier is safe to use again. The U.S. Forest Service is working on a solution and asks for your patience.... Full story
Yesterday, Monday June 22nd at approximately 12:34pm Maricopa Fire crews responded to a reported working house fire. Upon arrival, fire crews noticed a working fire to the rear of the structure. Fire crews were quick in there attack to extinguish the fire and isolate the fire to the back patio of the home. All occupants made it out of the home safely with one suffering some minor smoke inhalation. This individual was treated on scene by medical crews of the Maricopa Fire Department and didn't... Full story
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - An analysis of 2014 recreational boating accidents shows that drought makes boating riskier, according to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways. Recreational boating accident statistics collected by DBW show that although the total number of reported boating accidents in the state fell slightly from 2013 to 2014, drought conditions persisting throughout the state bring additional risks. "As water levels drop, underwater hazards become more prevalent,"... Full story
Washington, D.C. – June 17, 2015 – Engine manufacturers from across the recreational boating industry have identified biobutanol as a suitable and safe alternative biofuel to ethanol, a controversial biofuel due to its damaging effects on numerous types of engines, including those that power recreational boats. For the past five years, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) under the direction and guidance of the U.S. Department of... Full story
Washington, D.C. – June 18, 2015 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced today is official endorsement of Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation (BASC), a new intuitive online advocacy system that allows fishing enthusiasts to write, call, or tweet their legislators through prewritten engagements online. The official BASC site launch was announced on June 1 by B.A.S.S. “Bass Anglers for Saltwater Conservation is an important tool for anglers nationwide, not just bass... Full story
OLYMPIA - A groundbreaking celebration is scheduled June 30 to mark the start of a two-year construction project in the Skagit River Delta that will support salmon recovery, protect farmland, and improve access to a popular bird-watching destination. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is sponsoring the event, which will begin at 1 p.m. at the Fir Island Farm Reserve unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area. Following a brief ceremony, WDFW project manager Jenna Friebel will lead a... Full story
Action: Reopens Lake Tapps to fishing. Effective dates: June 20, 2015. Species affected: All fish. Location: Lake Tapps (Pierce County). Reason for action: Water levels are high enough to allow safe access to the lake. Information contact: Tara Livingood, WDFW area fish biologist, (360) 628-4223.... Full story
Action: Close to fishing the Sol Duc River from 200 feet downstream of the hatchery outfall creek upstream to the concrete pump station at the Sol Duc Hatchery. Effective Dates: June 18, 2015, until further notice. Species affected: All species Location: Sol Duc River, from 200 feet downstream of the Sol Duc Hatchery outfall creek upstream to the concrete pump station at the Sol Duc Hatchery. Reason for action: Low water is causing a delay in migration past the hatchery, resulting in greater... Full story
VANCOUVER, Wash. - State fishery managers have scheduled a public meeting Thursday (June 25) in Vancouver to discuss changes in the way the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is managing this year's return of hatchery steelhead to the Kalama River. The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at WDFW's Region 5 office at 2108 Grand Blvd. With summer-run steelhead now moving into the river in increasing numbers, fishery managers are taking action to reduce the number of hatchery... Full story
OLYMPIA - The arrival of hot, dry weather, combined with drought conditions, has prompted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to restrict fires and other activities effective immediately on agency-managed lands in eastern Washington. Clay Sprague, manager of the WDFW Lands Division, said the department is taking steps to reduce fire risk in its wildlife areas and access areas several weeks earlier than it did last year. The emergency order now in effect prohibits: " Fires or ca... Full story
PHOENIX -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comment on draft proposed hunt guidelines for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 hunting seasons. The guidelines were developed based on input received through written public comment and information gathered at 10 public meetings conducted statewide. The guidelines can be viewed on the department’s website at http://azgfdportal.az.gov/hunting/guidelines. Comments on the guidelines may be submitted through July 31 to AZGam... Full story
PHOENIX – As the deadline draws near to enter the 10th annual "Arizona Big Game Super Raffle," the Arizona Game and Fish Department is receiving inquiries about what the raffle is and how it works. The raffle is conducted by a nonprofit entity to raise money for wildlife conservation efforts. A volunteer board of directors, comprised of representatives from sponsoring organizations, oversees the operation of the raffle. Here's how it works: The Arizona Game and Fish Commission awards the A... Full story
AZGFD encourages off-highway vehicle operators, passengers to ride safely PHOENIX - With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, many Arizona residents and visitors are planning to hop on their off highway vehicle (OHV). Before hitting the trail, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds operators and passengers to do so safely and responsibly by following these 10 tips: Always wear a helmet. Whether riding in a side-by-side utility-type vehicle (UTV), all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or dirt bike, all... Full story
Largemouth bass fishing is a great bet at Bartlett Lake, and the dropshot technique using plastic worms is usually the most reliable method of catching these fish. Before heading out, see a video shot at Bartlett Lake with local semiprofessional angler Gary Senft on how to fish a dropshot rig using Bobber Stoppers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35ATjA3DL4g&feature=youtu.be THE REEL DEAL Let's get right to some recommended Fourth of July weekend fishing waters, starting with the high country:... Full story
PHOENIX -- Campfire and smoking restrictions on the Tonto National Forest have been lifted, effective at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 2. The fire restrictions, which covered the entire forest, are no longer needed because fire danger has been reduced by increased moisture and humidity from the annual monsoon season. “Although campfires and smoking will now be allowed throughout the forest, please continue to do your part to prevent wildfires,” said Acting Tonto National Forest Fire Staff Duane Tew... Full story
PHOENIX – Kurt R. Davis is the new chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Davis will lead the five-member commission for the 2015-16 fiscal year, which began July 1. Each commissioner serves a five-year term, staggered. Commissioners customarily serve as chairman during their final year. Davis replaces Robert E. Mansell, who will continue to serve on the commission until his successor is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. The commission oversees the A... Full story
CHINO VALLEY, Ariz. – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking information about the poaching of a pregnant mule deer in Game Management Unit 19A, east of Chino Valley. Game and Fish officers are continuing to investigate the crime, and the department’s Operation Game Thief program is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. On June 29, Game and Fish received a call regarding a dead doe. On June 30, officers found where the carcass had... Full story
Last week, the EPA held the only public forum on its proposal to raise the ethanol levels in our fuel supply. It was held in the heart of corn country, and no surprise it was decidedly a one-sided debate. Governor Jay Nixon (MO) energizes hundreds of Pro-Ethanol Supporters at EPA Hearing (Credit: AgWired). Of the more than 250 testifying participants, all but a dozen were for increasing the amount of ethanol - even beyond the EPA's proposal! Our voices will be drowned out if we don't take... Full story
Well, the BEST place to do that is right here at Bartlett Lake! Located right in the heart of the Tonto National Forest, Bartlett Lake is the second largest lake in the Phoenix Metro Valley area, with boatable surface area of 2,815 acres - bigger than Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake, combined! To make things even better, rent a ski boat or a pontoon boat! Bartlett Lake Marina offers everything you need to enjoy a day boating, skiing, camping or just relaxing under the warm Arizona sun. With a full... Full story
DENVER- Camping in Colorado offers scenic views, solitude and escape. Joining in the Great American Campout June 27 to Sept. 7 means raising funds for wildlife too. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, charged with perpetuating the wildlife resources of the state, also provides a variety of places to enjoy camping whether it is a first-time experience or one of many this year at Colorado State Parks. "Colorado's 42 state parks are as diverse as the state itself, and offer something for everyone," said C... Full story
(Morristown) – The Fourth of July is quickly approaching! Pack up the kids, neighbors and friends and make plans to witness one of the finest firework displays in the Valley at Lake Pleasant Regional Park on Friday, July 3rd! Better yet, make it a memorable day by adding activities such as boating, a refreshing dip in the lake or a picnic under a shaded ramada to your schedule. Later in the day, you can pick out a piece of prime real estate along the shoreline to view the one-of-a-kind l... Full story
Grand Canyon, Ariz. –Starting July 1st, Grand Canyon National Park’s Trail Crew will begin repairs to the trail and staircase between the train depot and the El Tovar Hotel. During the repairs, crews will close the trail and staircase, but walkers will be able to reach the Rim Trail and the El Tovar Hotel via a clearly marked detour. The detour is accessible by wheelchair and strollers, although the detour is long, and a steady uphill climb. For visitors arriving on the Grand Canyon Rai... Full story