Vegetation valuable to a fishery

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is fielding a number of inquiries from lakefront property owners on how to eliminate shoreline weeds.

Scott Elstad, aquatic habitat supervisor, said he understands why lot owners would want to clear vegetation, but he stresses how important it is to the fishery.

"We discourage controlling vegetation on a mass scale because it hurts the food chain," Elstad said. "Vegetation provides cover and conceals invertebrates, which in turn provide food for small fish species. If you knock out the base of the food chain, the big fish will disappear."

When attempting to eliminate aquatic vegetation, Elstad recommends removal of a smaller portion, just enough to get a boat in or out, or clearing out a small area to swim.

A mechanical approach, such as raking out the weeds or using equipment to till down the area, is suggested.

However, if chemical herbicides are pursued by the cabin owner, permission must first be received from the North Dakota Department of Health, and that requires a 28-day notice.

"Several chemicals are available for control, but that can get expensive," Elstad said. "The area will have to be chemically treated two to three times a year every year, because plants will invade again. You also have to be aware of other issues with chemicals, such as consequences with farming practices or recreational activities."

Wildlife photo contest changes

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest is getting a facelift.

The department will feature more participant photographs in North Dakota Outdoors in categories for nongame and game species, as well as plants-insects.

For information, contact Patrick T. Isakson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, N.D. 58501-5095, or e-mail pisakson@nd.gov. Submission deadline is Sept. 30.

OHV courses scheduled

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is offering several Off-Highway Vehicle safety certification classes during July.

The classes educate youth ages 12-16 in the proper operational methods.

Individuals in the age bracket are required by North Dakota law to have an OHV safety certificate in order to operate an OHV on public land if they do not possess a valid driver's license or learner's permit.

The cost of the class is $20 per student (the exception is hands-on classes, which are $30) and the classes are approximately four hours in length.

Scheduled classes are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 16 at the Hettinger Research Center. This is a hands-on class and participants are encouraged to bring their own ATV (no dirt bikes).

Other classes are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 28, Rugby, Ottertail Power Co.; and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. July 30, Jamestown, R&B Motor Sports.

To register, call 701-328-5357, or for more information, go to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department Web site at www.parkrec.nd.gov/recreation/ohv/index.html.

Gun club's trap league standings

Divison standings after week seven of the Capital City Gun Club summer trap league.

WINCHESTER DIVISION: 1. Lonesome Dove 14; 2. Johnsen Trailer Sales 9; 3. Dakota Refigeration 7; 4. Dakota Fire Insurance 4; 5. Tesoro 4; 6. A & G Auto Mart 4.

REMINGTON DIVISION: 1. Cardinal Insurance 11; 2. O.K. Tire 10; 3. Full Chokers 8; 4. Hardwood Creations 5; 5. Grant County State Bank 5; 6. Bartlett and West 3.

BROWNING DIVISION: 1 Cedric Theel Toyota 9; 2. Knife River 8; 3. MDU 7; 4. RMEF 7; 5 Mud Ducks 6; 6. Dakota, Missouri Valley and Western 5.

SAVAGE DIVISION: 1. Sportsman Bar 9; 2. Brandt's Blasters 9; 3 Healthways 8; 4. Leingang's 7; 5. Energy T ech Systems 6; 6. First Steps/Magnum 3.