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Outdoors

DCNR accepting permit applications for Regional ATV Connector Pilot

HARRISBURG — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced that permits for the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot in the north central region of the state are now available for purchase. “DCNR continues to assess the ATV riding community’s desire to be able to travel long distances legally and without interruption through this pilot project,” DCNR Secretary, Cindy Adams Dunn, said. “We take seriously our role in connecting ATV trails and we will use this pilot program to determine whether sections of state forest roads may serve as permanent ...

Those seeds clinging to your hiking socks may be from invasive plants

BY Megan Dolman Boise State University THE CONVERSATION With spring settling in across the U.S. and days lengthening, many people are ready to spend more time outside. But after a walk outdoors, have you ever found seeds clinging to your clothes? Lodged in your socks and shoelaces? Perhaps tangled in your pet’s fur? While most of us don’t give these hitchhikers much thought, seeds and burrs may be the first signs of invasive plant spread. Certain species of non-native invasive plants produce seeds designed to attach to unsuspecting animals or people. Once affixed, these sticky ...

Outdoors Calendar

Atkinson Mills Sportsmen’s Club • Meetings — held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The club is located at 55 Sportsmen Club Lane, McVeytown; email atkinsonmillssportsmensclub@gmail.com; online at atkinson mills-sportsmensclub.weebly.com. Blue Rock Sportsman Club • Club meetings — 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month on the gun range, and at 7 p.m. in January and February in the barn. To east end Blue Rock: From Milroy, follow signs to Reeds Gap State Park. Free camping available and kitchen is open during all events except trap ...

AMVETS trout derby still a hit at 50

THOMPSONTOWN — Jim Barnes was there when the initial trout was caught at the first AMVETS Post 122 Youth Trout Derby in Thompsontown. And Barnes was there Saturday, April 8, for the 50th rendition of the annual derby. Barnes was recognized with a commemorative plaque by the AMVETS for his ...

PFBC gives preliminary OK to proposed fee adjustments

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Board of Commissioners has given preliminary approval to a list of proposed fee adjustments for various fishing licenses and permits for the 2024 license year. “Through these modest fee adjustments, we are keeping pace with the rising costs associated with maintaining vital infrastructure, services, and programs that anglers and boaters deserve and have come to expect,” said Robert BJ Small, PFBC President and District 6 Commissioner. “Our goal is to keep the prices of fishing licenses and permits as low as ...

Types of bird feed for backyard feeders

Metro Birding is a wildly popular hobby. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, about 45 million Americans are birders, while data from the popular bird observation app eBird indicates that submissions from Canadian birders increased by 34 percent in 2020. It’s not uncommon for birding enthusiasts to travel great distances to see beautiful birds in serene settings. But individuals also can entice beautiful birds to come to them. Bird feeders beckon birds to millions of backyards every day, making them an ideal addition to properties owned by people with an affinity for ...