Vol. 8 No. 5 February 20106 Fish Lines / February 2010 Tonservation Briefs Partnerships are...

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http://www.fws.gov/midwest/alpena/index.htm

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/carterville.pdf

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/greenbay.pdf

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/ludington.pdf

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/marquette/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/LaCrosseFishHealthCenter/


http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ironriver/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/JordanRiver/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/neosho/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/pendills.pdf

2 Fish Lines / February 2010 Table of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of Tontents

To view other issues of “Fish Lines,” visit our website at:http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/fishlines.htm

Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Program - Midwest Region

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Removal of Balmoral DamBalmoral Dam, located on Mill Creek near the town of Muscoda, Wis., wassuccessfully removed in the fall of 2009.BY LOUISE MAULDIN, LA CROSSE FWCO

Fish, Fish Everywhere; 300K and CountingCrews from the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office HabitatAssessment and Monitoring Program have captured 296,899 fish since theinception of the program in 2005.BY ANDY STAROSTKA, COLUMBIA FWCO

Parasite Excites BiologistsParasite Excites BiologistsParasite Excites BiologistsParasite Excites BiologistsParasite Excites BiologistsBY SARAH BAUER, LA CROSSE

FHC

Project leader Norm Heil of theWarm Springs Fish Health Center(FHC) in Region 4 contacted the LaCrosse FHC about identifying amonogenetic parasite found onAtlantic sturgeon. La Crosse staffwas enthusiastic about this rareopportunity because many of themare interested in parasiology, and itprovided a chance to examine aparasite not commonly seen. Theparasite was stained, mounted andidentified to be Nitschia sturionis byBecky Lasee, project leader at theLa Crosse office. N. sturionis is amember of the Capsalidae and one ofthe largest species (13-14 mm long),making it sometimes mistaken for aleech. Due to size and it’’’’’s directlifecycle, this parasite can havedisastrous effects on fish in aqua-culture.

The Mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plantsand their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The vision of the Service’s Fisheries Program is working with partners to restore and maintain fish and other aquaticresources at self-sustaining levels and to support Federal mitigation programs for the benefit of the American public.Implementing this vision will help the Fisheries Program do more for aquatic resources and the people who value and dependon them through enhanced partnerships, scientific integrity, and a balanced approach to conservation.

-USFWS/BeckyLaseeThe parasite Nitschia sturioniswas identified by staff from the LaCrosse Fish Health Center.

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/fisheries/library/fishlines.htm

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40 Y40 Y40 Y40 Y40 Years of Going Green Tears of Going Green Tears of Going Green Tears of Going Green Tears of Going Green Together in La Crosse!ogether in La Crosse!ogether in La Crosse!ogether in La Crosse!ogether in La Crosse!BY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCO

Fish Disease Short CourseFish Disease Short CourseFish Disease Short CourseFish Disease Short CourseFish Disease Short CourseBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHC

The Risk Paid Off – Missouri Natural ResourcesThe Risk Paid Off – Missouri Natural ResourcesThe Risk Paid Off – Missouri Natural ResourcesThe Risk Paid Off – Missouri Natural ResourcesThe Risk Paid Off – Missouri Natural ResourcesConference a Big Success!Conference a Big Success!Conference a Big Success!Conference a Big Success!Conference a Big Success!BY JOANNE GRADYBY JOANNE GRADYBY JOANNE GRADYBY JOANNE GRADYBY JOANNE GRADY, COLUMBIA FWCO, COLUMBIA FWCO, COLUMBIA FWCO, COLUMBIA FWCO, COLUMBIA FWCO

Annual Fish Health Inspections at National FishAnnual Fish Health Inspections at National FishAnnual Fish Health Inspections at National FishAnnual Fish Health Inspections at National FishAnnual Fish Health Inspections at National FishHatcheriesHatcheriesHatcheriesHatcheriesHatcheriesBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHC

Seneca Lake Wild EggsSeneca Lake Wild EggsSeneca Lake Wild EggsSeneca Lake Wild EggsSeneca Lake Wild EggsBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

WWWWWestern Fisheries Research Center Hosts QPCRestern Fisheries Research Center Hosts QPCRestern Fisheries Research Center Hosts QPCRestern Fisheries Research Center Hosts QPCRestern Fisheries Research Center Hosts QPCRWWWWWorkshoporkshoporkshoporkshoporkshopBY RBY RBY RBY RBY RYYYYYAN KAAN KAAN KAAN KAAN KATONA, LA CROSSE FHCTONA, LA CROSSE FHCTONA, LA CROSSE FHCTONA, LA CROSSE FHCTONA, LA CROSSE FHC

Genoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionGenoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionGenoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionGenoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionGenoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionProtocol at the La Crosse FHCProtocol at the La Crosse FHCProtocol at the La Crosse FHCProtocol at the La Crosse FHCProtocol at the La Crosse FHCBY JENNIFER BAILEYBY JENNIFER BAILEYBY JENNIFER BAILEYBY JENNIFER BAILEYBY JENNIFER BAILEY, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH

Genoa NFH Aquarium makes a Road TGenoa NFH Aquarium makes a Road TGenoa NFH Aquarium makes a Road TGenoa NFH Aquarium makes a Road TGenoa NFH Aquarium makes a Road TripripripripripBY JIM LUOMA, GENOA NFHBY JIM LUOMA, GENOA NFHBY JIM LUOMA, GENOA NFHBY JIM LUOMA, GENOA NFHBY JIM LUOMA, GENOA NFH

Federal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ with Winding RiversFederal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ with Winding RiversFederal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ with Winding RiversFederal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ with Winding RiversFederal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ with Winding RiversLibrary System & ‘Dive’ into the 2010 SummerLibrary System & ‘Dive’ into the 2010 SummerLibrary System & ‘Dive’ into the 2010 SummerLibrary System & ‘Dive’ into the 2010 SummerLibrary System & ‘Dive’ into the 2010 SummerReading ProgramReading ProgramReading ProgramReading ProgramReading ProgramBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCO

La Crosse FWCO assists the Upper MississippiLa Crosse FWCO assists the Upper MississippiLa Crosse FWCO assists the Upper MississippiLa Crosse FWCO assists the Upper MississippiLa Crosse FWCO assists the Upper MississippiRiver National Wildlife and Fish RefugeRiver National Wildlife and Fish RefugeRiver National Wildlife and Fish RefugeRiver National Wildlife and Fish RefugeRiver National Wildlife and Fish RefugeBY SCOTT YESS. LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS. LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS. LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS. LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS. LA CROSSE FWCO

And the winner is … Acipenseriformes?And the winner is … Acipenseriformes?And the winner is … Acipenseriformes?And the winner is … Acipenseriformes?And the winner is … Acipenseriformes?BY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCO

Fall Lake TFall Lake TFall Lake TFall Lake TFall Lake Trout Assessment at Six Fathom Bankrout Assessment at Six Fathom Bankrout Assessment at Six Fathom Bankrout Assessment at Six Fathom Bankrout Assessment at Six Fathom BankBY ANJANETTE BOWEN, ALPENA FWCOBY ANJANETTE BOWEN, ALPENA FWCOBY ANJANETTE BOWEN, ALPENA FWCOBY ANJANETTE BOWEN, ALPENA FWCOBY ANJANETTE BOWEN, ALPENA FWCO

La Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonLa Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonLa Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonLa Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonLa Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonBY SARAH BAUER, LACROSSE FHCBY SARAH BAUER, LACROSSE FHCBY SARAH BAUER, LACROSSE FHCBY SARAH BAUER, LACROSSE FHCBY SARAH BAUER, LACROSSE FHC

Search & Destroy Asian Carp MissionSearch & Destroy Asian Carp MissionSearch & Destroy Asian Carp MissionSearch & Destroy Asian Carp MissionSearch & Destroy Asian Carp MissionBY ANN RUNSTROM, LA CROSSE FWCOBY ANN RUNSTROM, LA CROSSE FWCOBY ANN RUNSTROM, LA CROSSE FWCOBY ANN RUNSTROM, LA CROSSE FWCOBY ANN RUNSTROM, LA CROSSE FWCO

What do YWhat do YWhat do YWhat do YWhat do You want to be When You want to be When You want to be When You want to be When You want to be When You Grow Up?ou Grow Up?ou Grow Up?ou Grow Up?ou Grow Up?BY JOANNE GRADY & BRIAN ELKINGTON, COLUMBIABY JOANNE GRADY & BRIAN ELKINGTON, COLUMBIABY JOANNE GRADY & BRIAN ELKINGTON, COLUMBIABY JOANNE GRADY & BRIAN ELKINGTON, COLUMBIABY JOANNE GRADY & BRIAN ELKINGTON, COLUMBIAFWCOFWCOFWCOFWCOFWCO

VVVVVolunteer’olunteer’olunteer’olunteer’olunteer’s Dedication Pays Offs Dedication Pays Offs Dedication Pays Offs Dedication Pays Offs Dedication Pays OffBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

Osage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingOsage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingOsage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingOsage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingOsage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingBY TRACY HILL, COLUMBIA FWCOBY TRACY HILL, COLUMBIA FWCOBY TRACY HILL, COLUMBIA FWCOBY TRACY HILL, COLUMBIA FWCOBY TRACY HILL, COLUMBIA FWCO

Congressional ActionsMidwest Region Fisheries DivisionsFisheries ContactsFish Tails

Fish Lines is produced by the Fisheries andAquatic Resources Program, Region 3, U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service, Ft. Snelling, Minne-sota. Items included are selected frommonthly reports submitted by Region 3fisheries offices. Photos included are used bypermission and may be copyrighted.

Equal opportunity to participate in, andbenefit from programs and activities of theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available toall individuals regardless of race, color,national origin, sex, age, disability, religion,sexual orientation, status as a parent andgenetic information. For information contactthe U.S. Department of Interior, Office forEqual Opportunity, 1849 C Street N.W.,Washington, DC 20240

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Printed on 30% Recycled by Fiber Weight Paper

Conservation Briefs 6-16...................................................................

2010 Vol. 8 No. 5

ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTORMike Weimer

To submit suggestions or comments, [email protected]

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Midwest RegionFisheries & Aquatic Resources Program1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling, MN 55111

Phone: 612/713-5111

-USFWSLori Criger samples stream water from abeaver pond in the Traverse River during a2009 lampricide treatment.

mailto:[email protected]

















4 Fish Lines / February 2010 Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

Removal of Balmoral DamRemoval of Balmoral DamRemoval of Balmoral DamRemoval of Balmoral DamRemoval of Balmoral DamBY LOUISE MAULDIN, LA CROSSE FWCO

For further info about the La Crosse FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/

-Clark Diaz, Inc.The Balmoral Dam on Mill Creek in Richland County, Wisconsin, was removedin the Fall of 2009.

Jewell and Associates Engineers, Inc.After dam removal, the Balmoral Dam site was stabilized. This dam removal project waspartially funded through the National Fish Passage Program and also contributes to goalsand objectives of the Driftless Area Restoration Effort.

Balmoral Dam, located on Mill Creek near the town ofMuscoda, Wisconsin was successfully removed in the fall of2009, reconnecting over 92 miles of stream to the lower

Wisconsin River. Mill Creek is a 29.7 mile long stream of which theupper 14.3 miles of the stream is classified as a cold water class IItrout fishery and the lower 15.5 miles, a warm water sport fishery.Balmoral Dam was approximately 21 ft high and constructed in 1922

to generate power forthe local feed mill

and theMuscodacommunity.Hydroelec-tricity atthis run ofthe riverdam wasfinally discontinued in 1992. The dam impoundedroughly 42 acres which was used primarily for recre-ational purposes. Over the years the mill pond siltedin considerably, almost to the point of extinction. Thisled to poor habitat conditions for plants, fish andwildlife. It also contributed to poor water quality in

the downstream reach of the dam. The dam itself was failing and was considered a public safety hazard. TheVillage of Muscoda, owner of the dam, filed with the state of Wisconsin to abandon its rights to operate thedam and impound water in 2007. Project partners, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,the Village of Muscoda, Jewell and Associates Engineering, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, andUniversity of Wisconsin Extension, all worked several years towards final removal of the dam.

Prior to having final plans approved to removethe dam, summer flooding in 2008 damaged thesecondary spillway and washed out a section ofthe highway downstream of the dam. Theproject was able to begin in July 2009 andconsisted of removing the dam and its auxillarystructures, restoring the stream channel in theimmediate project area, armoring the streambanks, and planting vegetation. Partiallyfunded through the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService National Fish Passage Program, thisfish passage project improved natural streamflows and increased access to much neededspawning, feeding, nursery and overwinteringhabitats by smallmouth bass, sauger, walleye,trout, white and yellow bass, and other nativefish species in the watershed.

5Fish Lines / February 2010Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

Fish, Fish Everywhere;Fish, Fish Everywhere;Fish, Fish Everywhere;Fish, Fish Everywhere;Fish, Fish Everywhere;300K and Counting300K and Counting300K and Counting300K and Counting300K and Counting

BY ANDY STAROSTKA, COLUMBIA FWCO

Crews from the Columbia Fish and WildlifeConservation Office (FWCO) Habitat Assess-ment and Monitoring Program (HAMP) have

captured 296,899 fish since the inception of the pro-gram in 2005. If all these fish captured were placedend to end, they would stretch over 9.86 miles. Morethan a third of these fish were captured during the2007 field season when 109,043 fish were handled.The majority of these fish are small young-of-the-year(YOY) – the age group this project is intended toanswer questions about. Sturgeon and native largeriver chub species are of particular interest to thisprogram. Sixty-five pallid sturgeon, 9,417 shovelnose

sturgeonand

1,139 unidentified (YOY) sturgeon have been cap-tured. This constitutes one of the largest YOY stur-geon data sets from the Missouri River. Native chubsare thought to be important prey of the endangeredpallid sturgeon and we have captured 59,838 to date.2007 was a banner year for YOY fish and this led tothe highest annual catch for the program to date.More than a third (37,297 to be exact) of the 2007catch was YOY catfish. These catches combined withFor further info about the Columbia FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

-USFWS/ColbyWrasseThese young-of-the-year sturgeon are a few of the thousands of sturgeon captured in the lower MissouriRiver while sampling for the Habitat Assessment and Monitoring Program (HAMP). To date, 65 pallid sturgeonhave been identified during HAMP assessments.

high temperatures and humidity led to some veryexhausted and sore-fingered field personnel.

HAMP was created to evaluate shallow water habitatin the channelized portion of the Missouri River.Shallow, slow moving areas were once abundant andhave largely been lost due to changes to the river fornavigation and flood control. This program’s primaryobjective is to determine habitat use of YOY andsmall bodied fishes as it relates to shallow waterhabitat to guide habitat restoration efforts by theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Along with capturinga lot of fish, HAMP crews have collected depth, watervelocity and substrate information and have classifiedhabitats associated with these fish. For example, theyrecord whether a sample was collected in association

with a dike, whether that dike was notched,whether there was a sandbar associated

with the sample, and whether largewoody debris or aquatic vegeta-tion was present. This informa-tion will allow identification ofhabitat types and other measur-able physical features that areassociated with a species orgroup of fishes so that appropri-ate habitat can be created.

The dynamic and complex natureof large river ecosystems make itdifficult to understand all theimportant factors that drive fishyear class strength and fish

communities. As HAMP crews collect more data inthe future, this substantial data base will improve ourunderstanding of large river ecosystems, restorationefforts and the needs of the species that call the riverhome.

These results will lead to our vision in leadership inscience to recover an endangered species and protectsensitive communities.



















6 Fish Lines / February 2010 Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Partnerships are essential for effectivefisheries conservation. Many agencies,organizations, and private individuals areinvolved in fisheries conservation andmanagement, but no one can do it alone.Together, these stakeholders combineefforts and expertise to tackle challengesfacing fisheries conservation. The successof these partnerships will depend onstrong, two-way communications andaccountability.

Partnerships and Accountability

Mark your calendars now for the 2010 La Crosse Earth Monthcelebration hosted by the La Crosse Earth Week Coalition

(LEWC)! The LEWC is a group of public, private and nonprofit organiza-tions working together to improve the quality of the environment in theUpper Mississippi River Valley. This year’s theme, “40 Years of GoingGreen Together,” is an invitation to all sectors of the La Crosse community – from public, private and nonprofitorganizations to individuals – to celebrate Earth Day’s 40th anniversary by seeking ways to reduce our impacton the environment – not only during Earth Month, but throughout 2010 and beyond.

The La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) is a proud partner in this celebration andencourages La Crosse community members to participate in LEWC-organized activities throughout April. The

2010 La Crosse Earth Month celebration will kick off with procla-mations from Mayor Matt Harter and County Board Chair SteveDoyle, officially designating April as “Earth Month” in both the Cityand the County of La Crosse. Scheduled activities during “Earth Month” include: a demonstra-tion of sustainable food systems for urban communities by Will Allen,founder of Growing Power, Inc. and a 2008 MacArthur Fellowaward recipient; an “Earth Day” concert and “Sacred Ground” talkby Native American musician Bill Miller, a three-time GrammyAward winner and former La Crosse resident; a Greens, Eggs, andCheese Gala; a Green Rock Fest; a Green Film Festival; a GreenExpo; sustainable farm tours; Green Homes tours; “Pull the Plug”Day; various “green” events for children, and much more! On Saturday, April 24, La Crosse FWCO staff will participate inan Earth Fair held at the Three Rivers Waldorf School to highlightseveral environmentally conscious partnership programs it hasrecently helped to establish in the La Crosse community, includingmeans to safely dispose of unwanted medications, prevent therelease of unwanted pet fish into public waters, and connect childrenwith nature and the outdoors. Visit the La Crosse FWCO web site for more information onthese programs. Better yet, visit www.greenlacrosse.com for acomplete list of Earth Month events, partners and sponsors. Hopeto see you “Going Green Together in La Crosse” this April!

40 Y40 Y40 Y40 Y40 Years of Going Green Tears of Going Green Tears of Going Green Tears of Going Green Tears of Going Green Togetherogetherogetherogetherogetherin La Crosse!in La Crosse!in La Crosse!in La Crosse!in La Crosse!

BY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCO

Fish Disease Short CourseFish Disease Short CourseFish Disease Short CourseFish Disease Short CourseFish Disease Short CourseBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHC

-La Crosse Earth WeekThe La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is aproud partner in the La Crosse, Wisc. community’s EarthMonth celebration, with “green” activities scheduledthroughout April.For further info about the La Crosse FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/

During the week of February 8, the La CrosseFish Health Center (FHC) taught its semi-annual

“Introduction to Fish Health” course. The class is alsocommonly referred to as the short course. The shortcourse is taught in cooperation with the NationalConservation Training Center (NCTC). Federalemployees from Regions 2, 3, 5 and 6, in addition tostate agency employees participated this year. Stu-dents had a wide range of careers including hatchery,

fish health and fisheries management experience, andadministrative work. All of the course instructorswere employees of the La Crosse FHC. There werealso guest speakers from the U.S. Geological SurveyUpper Midwest Environmental Science Center(UMESC), La Crosse Fish and Wildlife ConservationOffice, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife andFish Refuge and Genoa National Fish Hatchery.

www.greenlacrosse.com

7Fish Lines / February 2010Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Partnerships and Accountability

The Risk Paid Off The Risk Paid Off The Risk Paid Off The Risk Paid Off The Risk Paid Off – Missouri Natural Missouri Natural Missouri Natural Missouri Natural Missouri NaturalResources Conference a Big Success!Resources Conference a Big Success!Resources Conference a Big Success!Resources Conference a Big Success!Resources Conference a Big Success!

BY JOANNE GRADY, COLUMBIA FWCO

Branch Chief of Fish Conservation Joanne Gradyfrom the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Office (FWCO) served the Missouri Chapter of theAmerican Fisheries Society (AFS) as the workshopchair for the annual Missouri Natural ResourcesConference. Joanne coordinated with AndrewBranson and Doug Novinger of the Missouri Depart-ment of Conservation to develop the workshopagenda. The theme of this year’s event was “Purpose-ful Risk Taking: Making Decisions in Dynamic Times.”The planning committee felt it was appropriate inlight of numerous funding cuts, retirements, and staffand program cuts throughout many of the naturalresources agencies and organizations during thiscurrent economic crisis. In fact, there was someconcern that for the first time in the conference’shistory we would be paying a penalty fee to the hoteldue to an expected drop in attendance caused bycurrent economic conditions.

But this was not the case! In fact, the 2010 confer-ence boasted the second highest attendance level inrecent years. The workshops committee was creditedin the post-conference meeting with helping to createthis success with a great selection of conferencesessions. We had been tasked with the goal of diversi-fying the speakers and topics at this year’s event in aneffort to increase attendance.

I am happy and proud to say that the Region 3Fish and Wildlife Service staff came through to helpus meet this challenge! Invasive species coordinatorMike Hoff of the Fisheries program spoke about riskassessments in a session about invasive species.

The course was divided into lecture and labora-tory, with lectures in the morning and “hands on”laboratory sessions in the afternoon. The class wasinstructed on many fish health topics such as fishanatomy, disease signs, bacteriology, virology, parasi-tology, nutritional problems and proper disinfectiontechniques. In the lectures, the students also workedon chemical dosage calculations and situational fishhealth problems. Guest speakers spoke on the investi-gational new animal drug (INAD) process, egg disin-fection techniques, a study dealing with disinfectiontechniques to eliminate the virus Viral HemorrhagicSepticemia (VHS), and invasive species. Participantsalso toured the facilities at the UMESC.

Students took information from lecture materialand applied it in a laboratory setting. In the lab, anorientation was given on proper microscope use.Students then worked on their necropsy techniqueswith different species of fish. On the second day,parasite searches were conducted on fish collectedfrom the Mississippi River.

The introduction to this microscopic world isalways an eye opening experience. On day three andfour of the laboratory sessions, participants workedon bacterial unknowns, biochemical testing, stainingbacterial samples, screening viral unknowns, and anexercise displaying the dangers of random antibiotictreatments. The course ran Monday thru Friday andwill be taught again in February 2012.

Charlie Scott of the Columbia Ecological ServicesField Office (ES FO) represented the Fish and Wild-life Service on a panel of agency leaders to discussresource challenges in Missouri. Dave Mosby ofColumbia ES FO organized and moderated a sessionabout the impacts of lead in the Big River watershed.Andy Roberts and John Weber were also speakers.In addition, Rick Hansen of the Columbia ES FO andI developed a session about fish passage impacts andthe Niangua darter. This session highlighted lowwater crossings we’ve helped to replace and datashowing that darters are moving past these sites!

A session about identifying and conserving aquaticnatural areas included a presentation by Ken Lubinksi(U.S. Geological Survey) who is the coordinator of theFishers and Farmers Partnership. This session willbe vital to our ongoing discussions about the NationalFish Habitat Action Plan, Strategic Habitat Conser-vation and Landscape Conservation Cooperatives,and where we prioritize aquatics spending in thisstate.

This annual meeting is organized and sponsored bythe Missouri Chapter of the American FisheriesSociety, the Missouri Chapter of the Society ofAmerican Foresters, Missouri Chapter of the WildlifeSociety and the Show-Me Chapter of the Soil andWater Conservation Society. The responsibility forhosting the meeting rotates through the four societ-ies. The event includes nationally recognized plenaryspeakers, scientific papers, educational workshops,professional society annual meetings, social gather-ings, an awards evening and an exhibits hall.

For further info about the La Crosse FHC: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/LaCrosseFishHealthCenter/

For further info about the Columbia FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/






















The Fisheries Program maintains andimplements a comprehensive set of toolsand activities to conserve and manageself-sustaining populations of native fishand other aquatic resources. These toolsand activities are linked to managementand recovery plans that help achieverestoration and recovery goals, providerecreational benefits, and addressFederal trust responsibilities. Soundscience, effective partnerships, andcareful planning and evaluation areintegral to conservation andmanagement efforts.

Aquatic Species Conservation and Management

Annual Fish Health Inspections atAnnual Fish Health Inspections atAnnual Fish Health Inspections atAnnual Fish Health Inspections atAnnual Fish Health Inspections atNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish Hatcheries

BY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHC

In February, staff from the La Crosse Fish HealthCenter (FHC) began spring inspections at the

National Fish Hatcheries (NFH). Eric Leis and CoreyPuzach completed the Iron River NFH inspectionwhile Ryan Katona and Ken Phillips completed theJordan River NFH inspection. Inspections are essen-tial to ensure that disease-free fish are released inthe wild, transferred to other hatcheries or used asbrood fish for future egg sources. Inspections areperformed on each “lot” of fish (fish of the same age,

-USFWS/CoryPuzachEric Leis shows off a healthy adult lake trout from the Iron River National FishHatchery.

from the sameegg source andcultured in thesame watersupply). The LaCrosse FHCsampled a totalof 515 fish atIron River NFH and 490 fish at Jordan River NFHfor select viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogensduring the inspection.

A kidney swab was taken to screen for the bacte-rial pathogens Aeromonas salmonicida, Yersiniaruckeri and Edwardsiella ictaluri. A second kidneysample was taken to be later screened forRenibacterium salmoninarum, a causative agent ofBacterial Kidney Disease. Next, kidney and spleensamples were collected for virology samples. Theviruses screened for include Infectious PancreaticNecrosis, Oncorhynchus Masou Viruses, Viral Hemor-rhagic Septicemia, Infectious Hematopoietic NecrosisVirus and Cutthroat Trout Virus. In addition, theheads of 60 young lake trout were removed andprocessed for Myxobolus cerebralis, more commonlyreferred to as whirling disease. This consists ofcooking, crushing and digesting the heads to removesoft tissues. The samples are transported to the LaCrosse FHC where they are analyzed in the labora-tory. Results may take up to 45 days to be finalized.


Seneca Lake WSeneca Lake WSeneca Lake WSeneca Lake WSeneca Lake Wild Eggsild Eggsild Eggsild Eggsild EggsBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery (NFH)welcomed their newest arrivals on January 19, as

our Seneca Lake strain of lake trout eggs hatched.The next day, the sac fry were moved to indoor tanks,where they will remain until June. In June, the fishwill be moved to outdoor raceways. Again this year,instead of using creek water, well water is being used.

Well water runs at a constant 45°. Due to complica-tions last year, we were unable to use strictly wellwater, which is a warmer and cleaner water supply.Well water will help boost the growth of the sac fryand get them on a healthy track for becoming nextyear’s production fish in support of the lake troutrehabilitation program.

For further info about the Pendills Creek NFH/Sullivan Creek NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/pendills.pdf




And the winner is And the winner is And the winner is And the winner is And the winner is …Acipenseriformes?Acipenseriformes?Acipenseriformes?Acipenseriformes?Acipenseriformes?

BY MARK STEINGRAEBER, LA CROSSE FWCO

Did you happen to be one of millions of televisionviewers around the globe who recently watched

the Academy Awards? Did you hear a host announceAcipenseriformes a winner? No? I didn’t either.Though I couldn’t help but hope that one day in thefuture, members of this taxonomic order of ancientfish will be widely recognized as winners in theirstruggle to survive, despite the fact that their roetypically commands a ‘king’s ransom’ when cured withsalt and sold as caviar.

Looking back just a bit further in time, it seemssomewhat peculiar that here in the frozen Midwest, Ireceived an unexpected phone call while at work onFebruary 11 from a woman in southern California.Speaking with a strange accent, she asked me whatCITES permits were required to conduct legitimateinternational trade in paddlefish caviar, an increas-ingly popular and less costly domestic substitute formost sturgeon caviars. As a biologist with no previousexperience in fielding a regulatory question like this,and feeling just a bit out of my league, I quicklyconsulted a special agent with an office down the hallwho recommended the woman contact a Fish andWildlife Service wildlife inspector in the Los Angelesarea for more detailed information.

Whether it is beluga sturgeon from the CaspianSea, Atlantic sturgeon on the east coast, lake stur-

geon in the Great Lakes or paddlefish in Midwesternrivers, a network of Fish and Wildlife Service person-nel from Washington D.C. to the Port of Los Angelesto the National Forensics Laboratory, as well manyothers in field and regional office locations around thecountry, all play diverse supporting roles to protectand conserve sturgeon and paddlefish populations on aglobal scale.

So the next time you hear that caviar is beingserved as an appetizer at the post-Oscar awardcelebrations, remember the cast of unseen extrascomprised of hundreds of dedicated Fish and WildlifeService employees who help make this possible. And ifyou happen to be one of them, remember to take abow… you’ve earned it!

-USFWS imagesFish classified in the Order Acipenseriformes, such as the paddlefish in the leftimage and sturgeon in the right image, supply most of the worldwide demandfor caviar.


Fall Lake TFall Lake TFall Lake TFall Lake TFall Lake Trout Assessment at Sixrout Assessment at Sixrout Assessment at Sixrout Assessment at Sixrout Assessment at SixFathom BankFathom BankFathom BankFathom BankFathom Bank

BY ANJANETTE BOWEN, ALPENA FWCO

Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(FWCO) has been conducting fall lake trout

spawning surveys at two offshore reefs since 1993-Six Fathom Bank and Yankee Reef. Both of thesereefs are located in the central part of Lake Huronand have the preferred habitat, honeycomb limestonerock, of spawning lake trout. Alpena FWCO attemptsto conduct a spawning survey annually at both reefs;however, the weather during the fall can be quitechallenging with gale force winds and high seas, whichmay not provide an opportunity for Alpena FWCO tosample one or both reefs. As a result, each year thepriority reef alternates in the event that two fallcruises are not possible.

This year, survey efforts proved to be quitechallenging due to weather. The priority reef in 2009was Six Fathom Bank which is located about 40 milesoffshore of Alpena, Mich. The M/V Spencer F. Bairdarrived in Alpena on October 14. Due to consecutivedays of gale force winds and high seas, the staff fromthe Alpena FWCO had to wait nearly two weeks toconduct the lake trout spawning survey. On October27, the vessel finally cast lines and departed for SixFathom Bank. On board the Spencer F. Baird was thevessel crew which consisted of captain Michael Perry,marine engineer Robert Bergstrum, seamen fisher-men David Bohn along with the assessment crewwhich consisted of John Johnston, Scott Koproski andAdam Kowalski.






















La Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonLa Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonLa Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonLa Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonLa Crosse FHC Monitors SturgeonBY SARAH BAUER, LACROSSE FHC

Opening day of lake sturgeon spearing from theLake Winnebago system occurred on February

13th. Dave Wedan, Eric Leis and Sarah Bauer of theLa Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office andLa Crosse Fish Health Center (FHC) traveled toOshkosh, Wis. to take fish health samples from stur-geon. Twenty-two lake sturgeon were sampled forbacterial and viral pathogens of concern. The LaCrosse FHC has been monitoring the health of LakeWinnebago sturgeon for the past 10 years and notarget pathogens have been detected. This is veryimportant considering that Viral Hemorrhagic Septi-cemia was isolated from Lake Winnebago in 2007.Laboratory results of this year’s fish health samplingare still pending. -USFWS

A fish health biologist checks a harvested lake sturgeon for an internal tag at aWisconsin Department of Natural Resources registration station.


Three 400’ gangs of gill nets were deployed on SixFathom Bank. Each gang consisted of one 100’ panelof 4.5", 5.0", 5.5" and 6.0" stretch mesh and was fishedfor one night. The effort and sites have been stan-dardized at Six Fathom Bank since the inception ofthis survey in 1993. In total, 113 lake trout werecaptured between the three sites, marking the thirdhighest catch since implementing this survey. Morenotable is that over 27% (31 wild fish) of the total lake

trout catch were unclipped fish (presumable wild),which is the second highest catch of unclipped fish atSix Fathom Bank. Catch per effort (CPE) of unclippedlake trout in 2006, 2007 and 2009 are 21.4, 28.2 and27.4 respectively. The increase in wild fish encouragesstaff and further justifies the Fish and WildlifeService’s efforts to rehabilitate lake trout populationsin Lake Huron.

For further info about the Alpena FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/alpena/index.htm



Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic invasive species are one of themost significant threats to fish andwildlife and their habitats. Local andregional economies are severely affectedwith control costs exceeding $123 billionannually. The Fisheries Program hasfocused its efforts on preventingintroductions of new aquatic invasivespecies, detecting and monitoring newand established invasives, controllingestablished invasives, providing coordi-nation and technical assistance toorganizations that respond to invasivespecies problems, and developingcomprehensive, integrated plans to fightaquatic invasive species.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Search & Destroy Asian Carp MissionSearch & Destroy Asian Carp MissionSearch & Destroy Asian Carp MissionSearch & Destroy Asian Carp MissionSearch & Destroy Asian Carp MissionBY ANN RUNSTROM, LA CROSSE FWCO

The La Crosse Fish and Wildlife ConservationOffice (FWCO) teamed up other Fish and Wildlife

Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resourcessampling crews led by the Carterville FWCO tocapture Asian carp in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship

Canal nearCicero duringthe week ofFebruary 15.DNA evidencecollected byNotre Damesuggests thatAsian carp haveadvanced up-stream of theelectric barrierbuilt to stop them, and may be dangerously close toinvading Lake Michigan through the canal. Thisparticular reach of the canal is long and large, con-taminated by chemicals and sewage. Everywherealong the canal there are signs posted that read “Thiswater is not suitable for wading, swimming, jet skiingor any human body contact.” Sampling here at anytime of year is never pleasant. Sampling in Februaryadds the additional factor of dealing with cold tem-peratures; however, perhaps it keeps the smell down,and it might aid in congregating fish near sites ofwarm water effluent such as sewage treatment plantoutfalls. Despite the negative aspects of the entireproject, the crews kept a positive attitude and gavetheir best effort for this mission. No Asian carp werecollected during the week.

-USFWSFish and Wildlife Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources crewswork togehter to launch their boats on the snow covered ramp in preparationfor the Asian carp “Search and Destroy” mission on the Chicago Sanitary andShip Canal.

-USFWSBiologists Brad Rogers and Heidi Keuler haul in common carp from a gill net setwhile searching for invasive Asian carp.

-USFWSScott Yess and Heidi Keuler hold a goldfish captured while sampling theChicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.






















As the population in the United Statescontinues to grow, the potential foradverse impacts on aquatic resources,including habitat will increase. At thesame time, demands for responsible,quality recreational fishing experienceswill also increase. The Service has along tradition of providingopportunities for public enjoyment ofaquatic resources through recreationalfishing, habitat restoration, andeducation programs and throughmitigating impacts of Federal waterprojects. The Service also recognizesthat some aquatic habitats have beenirreversibly altered by human activity(i.e. - dam building). To compensate forthese significant changes in habitat andlost fishing opportunities, managersoften introduce non-native specieswhen native species can no longersurvive in the altered habitat.

Public Use

La Crosse FWCO assists the UpperLa Crosse FWCO assists the UpperLa Crosse FWCO assists the UpperLa Crosse FWCO assists the UpperLa Crosse FWCO assists the UpperMississippi River National WMississippi River National WMississippi River National WMississippi River National WMississippi River National Wildlifeildlifeildlifeildlifeildlifeand Fish Refugeand Fish Refugeand Fish Refugeand Fish Refugeand Fish Refuge

BY SCOTT YESS. LA CROSSE FWCO

La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) staff workedat the Annual Ice Fishing Clinic which was sponsored by the Winona

District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Ref-uge. The event took place on Lake Winona in front of the Lake ParkLodge in Winona, Minn. Approximately 60 kids between the ages of 6 and13 participated in ice fishing, fish identification and minor regulationsactivity. Children first learned how to safely ice fish and the benefits ofcertain types of warm clothing. Children were then split into groups witha group leader and went ice fishing for about an hour before heading infor a lunch. While inside the Lake Park Lodge, children were able to “icefish” through a table for about 15 different species of cutout fish images.

Children identi-fied them, mea-sured them, and decided if the “fish” could be legallykept. Gummy worms were given as prizes for partici-pating in the activity. Children were also able toconstruct their own ice fishing bucket. After lunch, the kids headed back outside to fishfor another hour or two. Children had the opportunityto try fishing in and outside of several different kindsof ice fishing shanties. At the end of the day, prizessuch as augers, ice fishing poles and fishing tacklewere raffled off. Every participant went home happybecause everyone received something to take homesuch as a photo of themselves, sunglasses, key chains,etc. This public outreach event was a great way forthe Fish and Wildlife Service to give something backto the community in which they work in and for thepublic to learn about natural resources benefitsprovided from the Fish and Wildlife Service activities.

Federal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ withFederal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ withFederal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ withFederal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ withFederal Agencies ‘Hook Up’ withWWWWWinding Rivers Library System &inding Rivers Library System &inding Rivers Library System &inding Rivers Library System &inding Rivers Library System &‘Dive’ into the 2010 Summer Reading‘Dive’ into the 2010 Summer Reading‘Dive’ into the 2010 Summer Reading‘Dive’ into the 2010 Summer Reading‘Dive’ into the 2010 Summer ReadingProgramProgramProgramProgramProgram

BY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCO

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Fish andWildlife Service are no strangers to “Connecting

Children with Nature.” Randy Hines from the USGSUpper Mississippi Environmental Sciences Center(UMESC) and Heidi Keuler from the La Crosse Fishand Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) teamed upto assist approximately 40 librarians from the Wind-ing Rivers Library System (WRLS) during theirsummer 2010 reading kickoff workshop titled, “Make

-USFWSAbout 60 kids between the ages of 6-13 participated in ice fishing and fishidentification at the Annual Ice Fishing Clinic held on the Upper MississippiRiver National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.


a Splash…Read.” Librarians and biologists hope thatconnecting children with nature will stimulate childrenand their families not only get outside, but to alsoread more. The WRLS covers 39 libraries in Buffalo, Jackson,Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau and Vernoncounties in Wisconsin. On February 25, library staff“checked out” what biologists from the two agencieshad to offer and say about planning summer angling


Public Use

programs for children. Resources provided includedwebsites, curriculum or activity guides, angling equip-ment, available staff to provide angling education forfamilies, Fishing for Fun Backpacks, information onlocal outdoor events, mussel and fish identificationbooks and much more. Librarians received presenta-tions from Randy and Heidi as well as a tour of

UMESC to show how biologists work with aquaticresources. Not only did librarians walk away withmany valuable resources and information, but the twoagencies “hooked” some keeper information as well.Check out the WRLS website for more shared infor-mation: www.wrlsweb.org/SLP2010.htm.


Genoa NFH Aquarium makes a RoadGenoa NFH Aquarium makes a RoadGenoa NFH Aquarium makes a RoadGenoa NFH Aquarium makes a RoadGenoa NFH Aquarium makes a RoadTTTTTripripripriprip

BY JIM LUOMA, GENOA NFH

The Genoa National Fish Hatchery (NFH) set uptheir aquarium with fish and mussels that are

found in the Upper Mississippi River basin for publicviewing by sportsmen and women, children and allother attendees at the 33rd annual La Crosse Boat,Sports and Travel Show.

The show is an annual event held at the La CrosseCenter in La Crosse, Wis. where many local busi-nesses display their products or services and othercommunity groups and organizations can educate theattendees on their respective organizational missions.

The local Fish and Wildlife Service offices includ-ing the Genoa NFH, La Crosse Fish and WildlifeConservation Office and La Crosse Fish HealthCenter staffed a booth at the show from February 11-14. Over 1,600 persons passed through the booth areaand were able to ask questions to Fish and WildlifeService personnel, view display materials includingmaps, pamphlets, fish mounts and to view live fish andmussels.

Fish that were brought to the show includedrainbow and brook trout, walleye, small and large-mouth bass, catfish and lake sturgeon. Mussels thatmade a showing included the black sandshell, plainpocketbook and hickorynut.

The Genoa NFH along with other Fish and Wild-life Service offices view outreach events such as thisas an excellent opportunity to show and educate thepublic on their missions and on how this agency isdedicated to public service of conserving and protect-ing America’s natural resources for the continuingbenefit of the American people.

-USFWSGenoa National Fish Hatchery provided a stocked aquarium for the Fisheriesdisplay at the 33rd Annual La Crosse Boat, Sports and Travel Show.

For further info about the Genoa NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/


www.wrlsweb.org/SLP2010.htm




















Science and technology form thefoundation of successful fish and aquaticresource conservation and are used tostructure and implement monitoringand evaluation programs that arecritical to determine the success ofmanagement actions. The Service iscommitted to following establishedprinciples of sound science.

Leadership in Science and Technology

Genoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionGenoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionGenoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionGenoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionGenoa NFH Biologists Present Egg DisinfectionProtocol at the La Crosse FHCProtocol at the La Crosse FHCProtocol at the La Crosse FHCProtocol at the La Crosse FHCProtocol at the La Crosse FHC

BY JENNIFER BAILEY, GENOA NFH

Project Leader Doug Aloisi and biologist JennyBailey of the Genoa National Fish Hatchery

(NFH) were invited to present the hatchery’s WildEgg Disinfection Protocol and the hatchery’sBiosecurity Plan and Hazard Analysis and CriticalControl Point plans at the La Crosse Fish HealthCenter’s (FHC) Introduction to Fish Health 2010class. The La Crosse FHC provides the classthrough the National Conservation Training Center(NCTC). Other locations for Introduction to FishHealth are Bozeman, Montana, and NCTC.

Aloisi and Bailey served on a panel of presentersaddressing topics that affect fish health includingexotic and invasive species, emerging diseases andnew research on preventing and eliminating fishpathogens in cultured fishes. Other presentersincluded Corey Puzach and Ken Phillips of the LaCrosse FHC, Calvin Geri of the Upper MississippiRiver National Wildlife and Fish Refuge – La CrosseDistrict, Heidi Keuhler of the La Crosse Fish andWildlife Conservation Office, Maren Tuttle-Lau of

WWWWWestern Fisheries Research Centerestern Fisheries Research Centerestern Fisheries Research Centerestern Fisheries Research Centerestern Fisheries Research CenterHosts QPCR WHosts QPCR WHosts QPCR WHosts QPCR WHosts QPCR Workshoporkshoporkshoporkshoporkshop

BY RYAN KATONA, LA CROSSE FHC

In February, Ryan Katona of the La Crosse FishHealth Center (FHC) attended the qPCR work-

shop for fish health diagnostics in Seattle, Wash. Theworkshop was primarily held to further validate theRenibacterium salmoninarum qPCR assay, but manytopics were discussed over the three days. Topics included qPCR trouble shooting, how todevelop your own qPCR assay, current qPCR assaysof other fish pathogens and other topics. This was avery informative workshop that helped further ourunderstanding of qPCR assays and how to properlyinterpret the results.

the UpperMidwest Envi-ronmentalScience Center(UMESC).Presentations such as this are important for increas-ing awareness of factors affecting fish health and forsafeguarding hatchery and wild fish populations fromdisease.

Research conducted jointly between the Fish andWildlife Service and UMESC has shown the methodsdescribed by Aloisi and Bailey to be safe and effectivein eliminating Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus.The egg disinfection and bio-security protocols de-scribed have been used for several years by the Fishand Wildlife Service to safeguard hatcheries frombacterial and viral infection. Tools offered in all of theday’s presentations help prevent the spread of inva-sive and exotic species, reduce risks of fish diseasesand help fish culturists provide the healthiest fishpossible to conservation programs.

For further info about the Genoa NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/

-USFWS/RyanKatonaA typical quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)



Loss and alteration of aquatic habitatsare principal factors in the decline ofnative fish and other aquatic resourcesand the loss of biodiversity. Seventypercent of the Nation’s rivers havealtered flows, and 50 percent ofwaterways fail to meet minimumbiological criteria.

Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management

Osage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingOsage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingOsage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingOsage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingOsage River Lock and Dam #1 MeetingBY TRACY HILL, COLUMBIA FWCO

Project Leader Tracy Hill accompanied EcologicalServices Field Supervisor Charlie Scott to

Jefferson City MO, for a meeting with the MissouriDepartment of Conservation and Missouri Depart-ment of Natural Resources regarding Lock and Dam#1 on the Osage River. The purpose for the meetingwas for the Fish and Wildlife Service to presentpotential funding options available to stabilize andprovide fish passage at the structure.

Several funding options were presented withadvantages and disadvantages of each option dis-cussed. All groups involved in the meeting agreed thatthey would like to see fish passage provided at thestructure which has the potential to benefit manynative riverine species. Discussions will continue asthe agencies work together to provide fish passage atthis structure.























The Fisheries Program relies on a broadrange of professionals to accomplish itsmission: biologists, managers,administrators, clerks, animalcaretakers, and maintenance workers.Without their skills and dedication, theFisheries Program cannot succeed.Employees must be trained, equippedand supported in order to perform theirjobs safely, often under demandingenvironmental conditions, and to keepcurrent with the constantly expandingscience of fish and aquatic resourcemanagement and conservation.

Workforce Management

VVVVVolunteer’olunteer’olunteer’olunteer’olunteer’s Dedication Pays Offs Dedication Pays Offs Dedication Pays Offs Dedication Pays Offs Dedication Pays OffBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

Randy Obermiller of Traverse City, Mich. hasworked as a volunteer in two different federal

hatcheries taking him from Michigan to Maine and

What do YWhat do YWhat do YWhat do YWhat do You want to be When You want to be When You want to be When You want to be When You want to be When YouououououGrow Up?Grow Up?Grow Up?Grow Up?Grow Up?

BY JOANNE GRADY & BRIAN ELKINGTON, COLUMBIA FWCO

I’ll never forget a comment J.C. Bryant made uponhis retirement from the Fish and Wildlife Service.

As he was leaving as manager of the Big MuddyNational Fish & Wildlife Refuge, he said “I can’tbelieve my career is over. I still haven’t figured outwhat I want to be when I grow up!”

Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(FWCO) biologists Brian Elkington and Joanne Gradyspent three Thursday afternoons in February tryingto help local middle school students answer this veryquestion. Career Week is an annual event in theColumbia Public School system. Our biologists havebeen offering the Fish and Wildlife Service as acareer choice for several years. Students are pre-sented with professionals in various job fields duringtheir elective courses. I spoke with students in the Spanish and Frenchclasses. I was able to dust off my own school-ageFrench to greet the class and open my presentation. Ialso shared a session at Gentry Middle School with alocal city council person. While students had somequestions about the Fish and Wildlife Service andendangered species, they couldn’t get over the idea

back again. AtGreen LakeNational FishHatchery(NFH), locatedin Ellsworth,Maine, he helpedwith the Atlanticsalmon restora-tion/recoveryprogram for the Gulf of Maine. Then for the past sixyears, Randy has volunteered at Pendills Creek NFHhelping with the Great Lakes rehabilitation of laketrout. He has now come to join us permanently as ournew biological science technician. Randy started hisnew position on February 28th, but as he alreadyknows the ins and outs of hatchery life, has settledright in. Welcome home Randy!

-USFWSRandy Obermiller has worked as a volunteer at the Pendills Creek National FishHatchery over the last six years and was recently selected to be the station’sbiological technician.For further info about the Pendills Creek NFH/Sullivan Creek NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/pendills.pdf

that our local city council members are unpaid! Wewere both public servants, but a pay check wasattached to my job!

Brian shared his sessions at Smithton MiddleSchool with our local Fire Department and at LangeMiddle School with the human resources manager forour local Bass Pro Shops. In both cases, the studentswere interested in our work but really perked upwhen they saw some of the gear we use and fish wecatch. Although competing with the local fire depart-ment for a 7th graders attention can be tricky, Brianthinks the Fish and Wildlife Service held its own and,in the end, the students were the real winners thatday!

Several of the students were intrigued to learnthat we hire high school students every summerthrough the city’s C.A.R.E. program. I expect a fewof them to submit applications for this program in thecoming years. We’ll continue to work with the Colum-bia Public Schools and Columbia Parks and Recre-ation Department to offer youth these opportunitiesto learn about the Fish and Wildlife Service andnatural resource careers.


17Fish Lines / February 2010

Congressional Actions

Tongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional Actions

Source is http://www.gpoaccess.gov/bills/index.htmlSearched database by keyword = “fish”

S. 1214 (is) TS. 1214 (is) TS. 1214 (is) TS. 1214 (is) TS. 1214 (is) To conserve fish and aquatic communities in the Unitedo conserve fish and aquatic communities in the Unitedo conserve fish and aquatic communities in the Unitedo conserve fish and aquatic communities in the Unitedo conserve fish and aquatic communities in the UnitedStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forother purposes. [Introduced in Senate]other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]

H.R. 2565 (ih) TH.R. 2565 (ih) TH.R. 2565 (ih) TH.R. 2565 (ih) TH.R. 2565 (ih) To conserve fish and aquatic communities in the Unitedo conserve fish and aquatic communities in the Unitedo conserve fish and aquatic communities in the Unitedo conserve fish and aquatic communities in the Unitedo conserve fish and aquatic communities in the UnitedStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toStates through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, toimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forimprove the quality of life for the people of the United States, and forother purposes. [Introduced in House]other purposes. [Introduced in House]other purposes. [Introduced in House]other purposes. [Introduced in House]other purposes. [Introduced in House]

S. 2870 (is) TS. 2870 (is) TS. 2870 (is) TS. 2870 (is) TS. 2870 (is) To establish uniform administrative and enforcemento establish uniform administrative and enforcemento establish uniform administrative and enforcemento establish uniform administrative and enforcemento establish uniform administrative and enforcementprocedures and penalties for the enforcement of the High Seasprocedures and penalties for the enforcement of the High Seasprocedures and penalties for the enforcement of the High Seasprocedures and penalties for the enforcement of the High Seasprocedures and penalties for the enforcement of the High SeasDriftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and similar statutes, andDriftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and similar statutes, andDriftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and similar statutes, andDriftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and similar statutes, andDriftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and similar statutes, andfor other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]

H.R. 146 (enr) TH.R. 146 (enr) TH.R. 146 (enr) TH.R. 146 (enr) TH.R. 146 (enr) To designate certain land as components of theo designate certain land as components of theo designate certain land as components of theo designate certain land as components of theo designate certain land as components of theNational Wilderness Preservation System, to authorize certainNational Wilderness Preservation System, to authorize certainNational Wilderness Preservation System, to authorize certainNational Wilderness Preservation System, to authorize certainNational Wilderness Preservation System, to authorize certainprograms and activities in the Department of the Interior and theprograms and activities in the Department of the Interior and theprograms and activities in the Department of the Interior and theprograms and activities in the Department of the Interior and theprograms and activities in the Department of the Interior and theDepartment of Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Enrolled bill]Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Enrolled bill]Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Enrolled bill]Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Enrolled bill]Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Enrolled bill]

H.R. 146 (eas) [Engrossed Amendment Senate]H.R. 146 (eas) [Engrossed Amendment Senate]H.R. 146 (eas) [Engrossed Amendment Senate]H.R. 146 (eas) [Engrossed Amendment Senate]H.R. 146 (eas) [Engrossed Amendment Senate]

S. 22 (es) TS. 22 (es) TS. 22 (es) TS. 22 (es) TS. 22 (es) To designate certain land as components of the Nationalo designate certain land as components of the Nationalo designate certain land as components of the Nationalo designate certain land as components of the Nationalo designate certain land as components of the NationalWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofAgriculture, and for other purposes. [Engrossed in Senate]Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Engrossed in Senate]Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Engrossed in Senate]Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Engrossed in Senate]Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Engrossed in Senate]

S. 22 (pcs) TS. 22 (pcs) TS. 22 (pcs) TS. 22 (pcs) TS. 22 (pcs) To designate certain land as components of the Nationalo designate certain land as components of the Nationalo designate certain land as components of the Nationalo designate certain land as components of the Nationalo designate certain land as components of the NationalWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andWilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs andactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofactivities in the Department of the Interior and the Department ofAgriculture, and for other purposes. [Placed on Calendar Senate]Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Placed on Calendar Senate]Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Placed on Calendar Senate]Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Placed on Calendar Senate]Agriculture, and for other purposes. [Placed on Calendar Senate]

H.R. 3086 (ih) TH.R. 3086 (ih) TH.R. 3086 (ih) TH.R. 3086 (ih) TH.R. 3086 (ih) To coordinate authorities within the Department of theo coordinate authorities within the Department of theo coordinate authorities within the Department of theo coordinate authorities within the Department of theo coordinate authorities within the Department of theInterior and within the Federal Government to enhance the UnitedInterior and within the Federal Government to enhance the UnitedInterior and within the Federal Government to enhance the UnitedInterior and within the Federal Government to enhance the UnitedInterior and within the Federal Government to enhance the UnitedStates’ ability to conserve global wildlife and biological diversityStates’ ability to conserve global wildlife and biological diversityStates’ ability to conserve global wildlife and biological diversityStates’ ability to conserve global wildlife and biological diversityStates’ ability to conserve global wildlife and biological diversity, and, and, and, and, andfor other purposes. [Introduced in House]for other purposes. [Introduced in House]for other purposes. [Introduced in House]for other purposes. [Introduced in House]for other purposes. [Introduced in House]

H.R. 2192 (ih) TH.R. 2192 (ih) TH.R. 2192 (ih) TH.R. 2192 (ih) TH.R. 2192 (ih) To establish an integrated Federal program to protect,o establish an integrated Federal program to protect,o establish an integrated Federal program to protect,o establish an integrated Federal program to protect,o establish an integrated Federal program to protect,restore, and conserve the Nation’restore, and conserve the Nation’restore, and conserve the Nation’restore, and conserve the Nation’restore, and conserve the Nation’s natural resources in response tos natural resources in response tos natural resources in response tos natural resources in response tos natural resources in response tothe threats of climate change and ocean acidification. [Introduced inthe threats of climate change and ocean acidification. [Introduced inthe threats of climate change and ocean acidification. [Introduced inthe threats of climate change and ocean acidification. [Introduced inthe threats of climate change and ocean acidification. [Introduced inHouse]House]House]House]House]

S. 1933 (is) TS. 1933 (is) TS. 1933 (is) TS. 1933 (is) TS. 1933 (is) To establish an integrated Federal program that protects,o establish an integrated Federal program that protects,o establish an integrated Federal program that protects,o establish an integrated Federal program that protects,o establish an integrated Federal program that protects,restores, and conserves natural resources by responding to the threatsrestores, and conserves natural resources by responding to the threatsrestores, and conserves natural resources by responding to the threatsrestores, and conserves natural resources by responding to the threatsrestores, and conserves natural resources by responding to the threatsand effects of climate change, and for other purposes. [Introduced inand effects of climate change, and for other purposes. [Introduced inand effects of climate change, and for other purposes. [Introduced inand effects of climate change, and for other purposes. [Introduced inand effects of climate change, and for other purposes. [Introduced inSenate]Senate]Senate]Senate]Senate]

H.R. 4363 (ih) TH.R. 4363 (ih) TH.R. 4363 (ih) TH.R. 4363 (ih) TH.R. 4363 (ih) To establish a regulatory system and research programo establish a regulatory system and research programo establish a regulatory system and research programo establish a regulatory system and research programo establish a regulatory system and research programfor sustainable offshore aquaculture in the United States exclusivefor sustainable offshore aquaculture in the United States exclusivefor sustainable offshore aquaculture in the United States exclusivefor sustainable offshore aquaculture in the United States exclusivefor sustainable offshore aquaculture in the United States exclusiveeconomic zone, and for other purposes. [Introduced in House]economic zone, and for other purposes. [Introduced in House]economic zone, and for other purposes. [Introduced in House]economic zone, and for other purposes. [Introduced in House]economic zone, and for other purposes. [Introduced in House]

H.R. 2188 (rh) TH.R. 2188 (rh) TH.R. 2188 (rh) TH.R. 2188 (rh) TH.R. 2188 (rh) To authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the, through the, through the, through the, through theUnited States [Reported in House]United States [Reported in House]United States [Reported in House]United States [Reported in House]United States [Reported in House]

H.R. 2188 (ih) TH.R. 2188 (ih) TH.R. 2188 (ih) TH.R. 2188 (ih) TH.R. 2188 (ih) To authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the, through the, through the, through the, through theUnited States [Introduced in House]United States [Introduced in House]United States [Introduced in House]United States [Introduced in House]United States [Introduced in House]

H.R. 2188 (eh) TH.R. 2188 (eh) TH.R. 2188 (eh) TH.R. 2188 (eh) TH.R. 2188 (eh) To authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the, through the, through the, through the, through theUnited States [Engrossed in House]United States [Engrossed in House]United States [Engrossed in House]United States [Engrossed in House]United States [Engrossed in House]

H.R. 2188 (rs) TH.R. 2188 (rs) TH.R. 2188 (rs) TH.R. 2188 (rs) TH.R. 2188 (rs) To authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the, through the, through the, through the, through theUnited States [Reported in Senate]United States [Reported in Senate]United States [Reported in Senate]United States [Reported in Senate]United States [Reported in Senate]

H.R. 2454 (ih) TH.R. 2454 (ih) TH.R. 2454 (ih) TH.R. 2454 (ih) TH.R. 2454 (ih) To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-dence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomy. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced inHouse]House]House]House]House]

H.R. 2998 (ih) TH.R. 2998 (ih) TH.R. 2998 (ih) TH.R. 2998 (ih) TH.R. 2998 (ih) To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-dence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomy. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Introduced inHouse]House]House]House]House]

H.R. 2996 (rs) Making appropriations for the Department of theH.R. 2996 (rs) Making appropriations for the Department of theH.R. 2996 (rs) Making appropriations for the Department of theH.R. 2996 (rs) Making appropriations for the Department of theH.R. 2996 (rs) Making appropriations for the Department of theInteriorInteriorInteriorInteriorInterior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year endingSeptember 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Reported in Senate]September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Reported in Senate]September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Reported in Senate]September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Reported in Senate]September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Reported in Senate]

H.R. 2454 (rh) TH.R. 2454 (rh) TH.R. 2454 (rh) TH.R. 2454 (rh) TH.R. 2454 (rh) To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-dence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomy. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Reported in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Reported in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Reported in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Reported in. “Calendar year Required annual percentage [Reported inHouse]House]House]House]House]

H.R. 2454 (eh) TH.R. 2454 (eh) TH.R. 2454 (eh) TH.R. 2454 (eh) TH.R. 2454 (eh) To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-dence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomy. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar year. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar year. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar year. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar year. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar yearRequired annual percentage [Engrossed in House]Required annual percentage [Engrossed in House]Required annual percentage [Engrossed in House]Required annual percentage [Engrossed in House]Required annual percentage [Engrossed in House]

H.R. 2454 (pcs) TH.R. 2454 (pcs) TH.R. 2454 (pcs) TH.R. 2454 (pcs) TH.R. 2454 (pcs) To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy indepen-dence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energydence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomyeconomy. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar year. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar year. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar year. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar year. “Calendar year Required annual percentage Calendar yearRequired annual percentage [Placed on Calendar Senate]Required annual percentage [Placed on Calendar Senate]Required annual percentage [Placed on Calendar Senate]Required annual percentage [Placed on Calendar Senate]Required annual percentage [Placed on Calendar Senate]

H.R. 2996 (pp) Making appropriations for the Department of theH.R. 2996 (pp) Making appropriations for the Department of theH.R. 2996 (pp) Making appropriations for the Department of theH.R. 2996 (pp) Making appropriations for the Department of theH.R. 2996 (pp) Making appropriations for the Department of theInteriorInteriorInteriorInteriorInterior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year endingSeptember 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Public Print]September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Public Print]September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Public Print]September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Public Print]September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. [Public Print]

H.R. 2188 (rfs) TH.R. 2188 (rfs) TH.R. 2188 (rfs) TH.R. 2188 (rfs) TH.R. 2188 (rfs) To authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interioro authorize the Secretary of the Interior, through the, through the, through the, through the, through theUnited States [Referred in Senate]United States [Referred in Senate]United States [Referred in Senate]United States [Referred in Senate]United States [Referred in Senate]

H.R. 1080 (ih) TH.R. 1080 (ih) TH.R. 1080 (ih) TH.R. 1080 (ih) TH.R. 1080 (ih) To strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Intro-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Intro-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Intro-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Intro-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Intro-duced in House]duced in House]duced in House]duced in House]duced in House]

H.R. 1080 (eh) TH.R. 1080 (eh) TH.R. 1080 (eh) TH.R. 1080 (eh) TH.R. 1080 (eh) To strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [En-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [En-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [En-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [En-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [En-grossed in House]grossed in House]grossed in House]grossed in House]grossed in House]

H.R. 1080 (rfs) TH.R. 1080 (rfs) TH.R. 1080 (rfs) TH.R. 1080 (rfs) TH.R. 1080 (rfs) To strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Referredunreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Referredunreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Referredunreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Referredunreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Referredin Senate]in Senate]in Senate]in Senate]in Senate]

H.R. 1080 (rh) TH.R. 1080 (rh) TH.R. 1080 (rh) TH.R. 1080 (rh) TH.R. 1080 (rh) To strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,o strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stop illegal,unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Re-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Re-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Re-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Re-unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for other purposes. [Re-ported in House]ported in House]ported in House]ported in House]ported in House]

S. 2913 (is) TS. 2913 (is) TS. 2913 (is) TS. 2913 (is) TS. 2913 (is) To establish a national mercury monitoring program, ando establish a national mercury monitoring program, ando establish a national mercury monitoring program, ando establish a national mercury monitoring program, ando establish a national mercury monitoring program, andfor other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/bills/index.html



















18 Fish Lines / February 2010

Midwest Region Fisheries Divisions

Fisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries Divisions

National Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesThe Region’s National Fish Hatcheries primarily focuson native fish restoration/rehabilitation by stockingfish and eggs, such as pallid and lake sturgeon and bydeveloping and maintaining brood stocks of selectedfish strains, such as lake trout and brook trout.Hatcheries also provide technical assistance to otheragencies, provide fish and eggs for research, stockrainbow trout in fulfillment of federal mitigationobligations and assist with recovery of native musselsand other native aquatic species.

Sea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsThe Fish and Wildlife Service is the United StatesAgent for sea lamprey control, with two BiologicalStations assessing and managing sea lamprey popula-tions throughout the Great Lakes. The Great LakesFishery Commission administers the Sea LampreyManagement Program, with funding provided throughthe U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of theInterior, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Fish and WFish and WFish and WFish and WFish and Wildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation OfficesFish and Wildlife Conservation Offices conduct assess-ments of fish populations to guide management deci-sions, perform key monitoring and control activitiesrelated to invasive, aquatic species; survey and evalu-ate aquatic habitats to identify restoration/rehabilita-tion opportunities; play a key role in targeting andimplementing native fish and habitat restorationprograms; work with private land owners, states,local governments and watershed organizations tocomplete aquatic habitat restoration projects underthe Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife and theGreat Lakes Coastal Programs; provide coordinationand technical assistance toward the management ofinterjurisdictional fisheries; maintain and operateseveral key interagency fisheries databases; provide

Fish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterThe Fish Health Center provides specialized fishhealth evaluation and diagnostic services to federal,state and tribal hatcheries in the region; conductsextensive monitoring and evaluation of wild fishhealth; examines and certifies the health of captivehatchery stocks; and, performs a wide range of specialservices helping to coordinate fishery program officesand partner organizations.

technical expertise to other Service programs ad-dressing contaminants, endangered species, federalproject review and hydro-power operation and re-licensing; evaluate and manage fisheries on Servicelands; and, provide technical support to 38 NativeAmerican tribal governments and treaty authorities.

Midwest Region Fisheries Field Offices
















19Fish Lines / February 2010Tontact InformationTontact InformationTontact InformationTontact InformationTontact Information

Midwest Region Fisheries TontactsMichiganAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office480 W480 W480 W480 W480 West Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)

Jordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish Hatchery6623 T6623 T6623 T6623 T6623 Turner Roadurner Roadurner Roadurner Roadurner RoadElmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461

Ludington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological Station229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy DriveLudington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205

Marquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological Station3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright StreetMarquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235

Pendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish Hatchery21990 W21990 W21990 W21990 W21990 West Test Test Test Test Trout Lanerout Lanerout Lanerout Lanerout LaneBrimleyBrimleyBrimleyBrimleyBrimley, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez ((((([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231

MissouriColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite AColumbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203TTTTTracy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)

Neosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetNeosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554

IllinoisCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite AMarion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)

WisconsinAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive EastAshland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)

Genoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryS5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605

Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott Tower Driveower Driveower Driveower Driveower DriveNew Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)

Iron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish Hatchery10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview RoadIron RiverIron RiverIron RiverIron RiverIron River, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510

LaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health Center555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester AvenuevenuevenuevenuevenueOnalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441

LaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester AvenuevenuevenuevenuevenueOnalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)

Mike Weimer ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])

















20 Fish Lines / February 2010 Fish TailsFish TailsFish TailsFish TailsFish Tails

Fish Tails“Fish Tails” includes articles that are included in field station reports that are not published in the “Conservation Briefs.” Thesearticles are categorized by focus area and includes the article title, author and field station. The website link, where the fullarticle can be viewed, is highlighted in blue type.

Partnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityLittle Kids on Hard WLittle Kids on Hard WLittle Kids on Hard WLittle Kids on Hard WLittle Kids on Hard Wateraterateraterater. La Crosse. La Crosse. La Crosse. La Crosse. La Crosse

Area Fisheries Office Kids Ice Fishing Day aArea Fisheries Office Kids Ice Fishing Day aArea Fisheries Office Kids Ice Fishing Day aArea Fisheries Office Kids Ice Fishing Day aArea Fisheries Office Kids Ice Fishing Day aGreat Time!Great Time!Great Time!Great Time!Great Time!o Doug Aloisi, Genoa NFHMissouri River Authorized Purposes StudyMissouri River Authorized Purposes StudyMissouri River Authorized Purposes StudyMissouri River Authorized Purposes StudyMissouri River Authorized Purposes Study

MeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingo Tracy Hill, Columbia FWCOMulti-Agencies Gather for Wildlife andMulti-Agencies Gather for Wildlife andMulti-Agencies Gather for Wildlife andMulti-Agencies Gather for Wildlife andMulti-Agencies Gather for Wildlife and

Habitat ReviewHabitat ReviewHabitat ReviewHabitat ReviewHabitat Reviewo Heidi Keuler, La Crosse FWCO

Aquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andManagementManagementManagementManagementManagement

Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive Species

Public UsePublic UsePublic UsePublic UsePublic UseLa Crosse Fish Health Center Participates

in Annual Kids Ice Fishing Evento Sarah Bauer, La Crosse FHC

Cooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native Americans

Leadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in Scienceand Tand Tand Tand Tand Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

Aquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andManagementManagementManagementManagementManagement

WWWWWorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Management

Technology Is Knocking And The FWS Is Answering!BY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

Recently, the Fish and Wildlife Service has started allowing the use of social media such as Blogspot, Facebook andYoutube as a way of getting our message out to the mass populous. Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery (NFH) hascreated a blog, which can be accessed at http://pendillscreeknfh.blogspot.com/. Since the hatchery does not yet have anofficial website, the new blog (unofficial website) will help better inform the public of what we do here. It will also keeppeople up to date on what is new at the hatchery, which will be important as they have several major constructionprojects in the near future. These projects include a new raceway building and early rearing station that will be con-structed over the next few years. Blogging will also allow the Pendills Creek NFH to post “up and coming” events such asthe “Annual Children’s Fishing Event” and “Children In Nature” projects. The blog will be used to keep people current onPendills Creek NFH activities. Links will soon be added to the Fish and Wildlife Service and Friends of Pendills CreekHatchery web sites.

http://pendillscreeknfh.blogspot.com/

http://www.fws.gov/arsnew/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=27550&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Ice%20Fishing



http://www.fws.gov/arsnew/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=27516&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Authorized%20Purposes

http://www.fws.gov/arsnew/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=27516&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Authorized%20Purposes

http://www.fws.gov/arsnew/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=26969&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Multi-Agencies

http://www.fws.gov/arsnew/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=26969&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Multi-Agencies



















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