The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet April 16 at 8 a.m. at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena, with live-streaming via Zoom. Public comment on agenda items can be submitted online through March 29, with topics including fish removal projects, wildlife regulations, and habitat improvements.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on environmental assessments for the Spotted Eagle Lake Tree Reef Habitat Project and Logan Public Shooting Range acquisition and development. Comment deadlines are March 11 and March 28 respectively.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is offering free seed for the 2026 growing season to landowners interested in planting wildlife food plots for pheasants and other wildlife species. The seed mix provides plant diversity and attracts insects, a major diet component for pheasant chicks. Landowners must sign up by April 3, with seed available in May at multiple Game and Fish offices.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department launched an Explorer Program for high school students ages 16-18 interested in natural resources and conservation careers. According to wildlife division chief Bill Haase, participants gain hands-on experience in wildlife, habitat management, fisheries, and enforcement while the agency recruits future staff. Applications are due March 22.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is inviting volunteers to participate in work days on eight wildlife management areas on March 14 to improve habitat and access. David Luker and Mary Beth Hatch encourage all ages, particularly high school students seeking community service hours, to sign up at www.agfc.com/education/volunteer/wma-work-days.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced the enrollment period for its CRP Add-on Lease option through the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program. Landowners can enroll up to 640 CRP acres and receive annual payments, with applications accepted through April 1.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the city of Fishers opened a 1.3-mile extension of the Nickle Plate Trail, featuring a pedestrian bridge over 96th Street connecting Fishers to Indianapolis. Funded by a $4.5 million DNR grant, the project fills a critical gap and will eventually connect to the Monon Trail, creating a 17-mile regional trail network.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources marked 125 years of owning property for wildlife conservation and public recreation, beginning with the Burraston Ponds Wildlife Management Area purchase in 1901. Today, the DWR manages 149 wildlife management areas spanning over 500,000 acres throughout Utah.
Nebraska Game and Parks invites grades 6-12 educators to a free Educator Field School at Niobrara Valley Preserve June 16-18, featuring wetlands exploration, river kayaking, and water quality testing with conservation biologists to develop classroom resources on aquatic ecosystems.
Michigan DNR is hosting multiple March meetings across various advisory boards and commissions, including the Board of Foresters, Michigan Trails Advisory Council, Michigan Historical Commission, and Eastern and Western Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Councils. The northwest Lower Peninsula state parks vacancy on the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee is open for applications.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will hold public workshops in Pinedale (Feb. 26) and Jackson (Feb. 28) to discuss elk Feedground Management Action Plans for the Pinedale and Jackson elk herd units. The workshops will include small group discussions focused on implementing the Wyoming Elk Feedground Management Plan.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will administer a guide and outfitter written examination on March 28, 2026 at 1 p.m. in Bismarck. Preregistration is required by March 20 by calling 701-328-6604. Candidates must pass the exam, undergo background checks, obtain CPR and first aid certification, and meet additional licensing requirements.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Audubon Vermont have closed multiple cliff areas from March 15 through August 1 to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Nongame Bird Biologist Jillian Kilborn and conservation biologist Margaret Fowle urge hikers and climbers to maintain respectful distance, as peregrines are sensitive to human presence during breeding season.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will host a public meeting March 5 at Black River Technical College to present updated renovation plans for Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area. The project aims to renovate water-control structures and greentree reservoirs while maintaining flooded bottomland hardwood habitat for ducks and preserving red oak components for long-term waterfowl benefits.
Smith River Permit lottery results are now available through MyFWP, with successful applicants receiving email permits. Super Permit chances remain available through March 15 for $5 each, and floaters can call 406-454-5861 starting March 2 for remaining launch dates.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a checklist environmental assessment for Shady Lane Fishing Access Site improvements near Kalispell, including dredging, pier replacement, and facility upgrades. Comments are due by February 27.
Wildlife artist Tim Taylor's wood duck painting won the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp design competition at the Ohio Ducks Unlimited annual convention. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources selected Taylor's work from 23 entries representing 11 states. The stamp program has raised over $11 million for wetland conservation since 1982.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will exhibit at the 71st Annual Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show February 20-22 and 25-March 1 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. DNR staff will offer licenses, permits, guides, and educational programs including snake exhibits, live birds of prey from Hardy Lake's Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center, and Conservation Officers K-9 demonstrations.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas announced a three-year partnership to enhance outdoor recreation safety. The program includes Hunter Education, Boater Education, and ATV Safety Education, with high school seniors earning an Arkansas Outdoor Safety Graduation Cord for completing all certifications.
Sherman Dam Road will close February 16 for one to two weeks for concrete repairs by Farwell Irrigation District contractors. Alternate routes to Marina Bay boat ramp and Trade Winds Marina are available via 790th Road east, 480th Road north, and 792nd Road.