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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Using fire as a management tool at the Pueblo State Wi]dlife will enhance nesting habitat for mountain <br />plovers that do well in areas of short grass and thrive on the bear-ground component after a burn. The <br />number of mountain plovers has declined in recent years prompting a study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife <br />Service to determine if the bird should be added to the endangered species list. <br /> <br />Fires recycle nutrients in the soil, allowing plants to grow back in those areas. The new growth generated <br />by a fire is more succulent and nutritious for big game and other animals. Deer, antelope, elk and other <br />animals are immediately attracted to the young succulent forage that grows after a burn. <br /> <br />COMMISSION DISCUSSES FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN: At its March meeting in Boulder the <br />Wildlife Commission discussed an initial "baseline" scenario for the DOW's Five Year Financial Plan. <br />The plan calls for a variety of changes in funding levels for various programs to help balance <br />expenditures with revenues. The DOW also announced dates for upcoming public meetings to discuss <br />the plan. <br /> <br />In Fiscal Year 1997.98, DOW revenue totaled $79.2 million, with 74 percent of the total revenue coming <br />from hunting and fishing licenses. Federal funds accounted for II percent of revenues, interest on the <br />wildlife cash fund balance accounted for 6 percent, GOCO and other grants and donations accounted for <br />5 percent, with the balance (less than 4 percent) coming from a variety of sources including sale of <br />publications, rent from property, fines and fees for services. The DOW receives no state tax money. <br /> <br />However, over the next five years, this mix of revenue sources is expected to change, License revenues, <br />which accounted for three-quarters of the DOW revenue in fiscal year 1997-98, will decline due largely <br />to the elimination of over-the-counter deer licenses, .and to the fact that hunting and fishing license fees <br />will remain unchanged. Other sources of funds, such as GOCO funds, are expected to increase <br />dramatically. <br /> <br />MASTER ANGLER AWARD PROGRAM RESULTS RELEASED: Colorado's Master Angler <br />Award Program reeled in 294 submissions for potentia] awards for fish caught in state waters in ]998, <br />with 23-year-old Montrose resident Chris Kralicek taking the award for the longest catch-and-release <br />fish with a 43-inch lake trout. <br /> <br />The program offers two general categories--one for fish caught and released, and one for fish caught and <br />kept. Of the 294 trophy-size catches submitted for consideration during 1998,44 percent, or ]29 fish, <br />were released, down from 54 percent in 1997, The i<ept category had a total of ] 65 fish submitted for <br />recognition. <br /> <br />Anglers wishing to receive a Master Angler Award must submit an application detailing their catch. The <br />application must include one witness verification and a clear, side-view photograph Of the fish, which <br />must be hooked, played, landed and/or released on sport tackle, Snagged fish aren't eligible. If no <br />photograph is available, two witnesses are necessary for qualification, The catch must be made in <br />Colorado in compliance with all state fishing regulations, and be submitted within 60 days of being <br />caught. Here is a list of the 1998 entries: <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />WALLEYE: 47 fish, 40 kept and seven released, 26.32 inches. The top producing waters were Bonny, Boulder, <br />Pueblo, Horserooth and reservoirs: and Boyd Lake also produced some walleye. <br /> <br />11 <br />