Columnist Paula Del Giudice: Conservation award nominees sought

Paula DelGiudice's outdoors notebook appears Wednesday. Reach her at [email protected].

The Nevada Wildlife Federation has announced its 1999 State Conservation Awards program. Each year the NvWF recognizes outstanding achievements by private citizens (including young people), government officials, organizations, the media and corporations.

In announcing this year's program, the NvWF is looking for nominations in the following categories: Wildlife Conservationist of the Year, Conservation Organization of the Year, Youth Conservationist of the Year, Conservation Educator of the Year, Conservation Legislator of the Year, Soil Conservationist of the Year, Water Conservationist of the Year, Forest Conservationist of the Year, Conservation Communicator of the Year, Hunter Educator of the Year and the State Conservationist of the Year.

The award recipients will be honored at NvWF's annual meeting in Carson City on May 1.

For more information about the organization or to secure a nomination form, contact Jeanie Cole at 645-5423 or log onto the NvWF's web site at www.nvwf.org.

* POSTERS WANTED: The theme for this year's Nevada Wildlife Federation poster contest for students in grades 1-12 is "Nature's Web: Keep the Wild Alive."

The educator kits, available in both English and Spanish, will be distributed to Nevada schools in January and February. If you're interested in receiving a kit or in helping with the contest, please contact Anita Wagner at (775) 329-8946.

* COW CAMP AID: Volunteers are needed to help in the cleanup at Cow Camp, a natural spring in Southern Nevada. The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27 at 9 a.m. For more information, call the Nevada Wildlife Federation at 253-0104.

* LITTER FROM HOME: Recent incidents of litter being left in the field by hunters and anglers have prompted the Nevada Division of Wildlife to remind outdoor users to pack out their trash.

"Leaving Styrofoam cups, shotgun cartridges, bait containers and other trash reflects poorly on yourself and others who enjoy hunting and fishing," said Butch Padilla, NDOW supervising biologist. "You can help protect your hunting and fishing heritage by respecting the outdoors and being a good representative of your sport."

Padilla also said that hunters and anglers should be particularly respectful of private property and avoid littering or causing any damage to the property.

* FISHING FOR A CAUSEWAY: Now that construction is being wrapped up at the causeway near Lake Mead Marina and anglers are allowed to fish, except in the marina area, NDOW will add the causeway area to its weekly trout plant list beginning Friday, Jan. 22.

* RED ROCKIN': Several interesting hikes and talks are scheduled this weekend at Red Rock National Conservation Area.

On Saturday, campers can learn about surviving winter conditions during "How to Freeze to Death in Red Rock." This discussion and the field demonstrations will cover winter survival techniques that can help you conquer the cold. The talk will feature a short hike, so dress accordingly.

Also on Saturday, "Hunters of the Sky" will be presented for families. No hiking is involved during this visitor center lecture aimed at families. Learn about the unique adaptations of the raptors at Red Rock and what makes them such efficient predators.

The second in a 10-session series for those serious about shaping up for the new year also will be presented on Saturday. The group will stretch out with an easy four-mile extension that reinforces lessons learned on the first hike. Enrollment is limited for this series.

Sunday will be a great day to bring the kids and learn about "Animal Tracking." Kids can learn the basics of identifying tracks, following signs and reading the land for evidence of the animals living in Red Rock on this moderately easy two-mile hike.

Participants also can learn about the "Burros of Red Rock" at an easy five-mile hike slated for Sunday.

For more information or to make reservations for any of the presentations, call the visitor center at 363-1922.

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