OUTDOOR BRIEFS

ANNUAL HONOR

Bailey wins Kirsch conservation award

Never tell Kevin "CK" Bailey that one person can't make a difference, because the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners is about to honor the Carson City resident for doing just that. Bailey has been named the recipient of the commission's Wayne E. Kirch Conservation Award for his five-year effort to see an urban fishing pond created in Carson City. He will receive the award during the Wildlife Commission's May 12 meeting in Reno.

In 2006, Bailey spearheaded efforts to secure funding through the use of Question 1 money to develop the pond. In order to accomplish his chosen task, Bailey worked closely with the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department and attended meetings of the Carson City Wildlife Advisory Board and the Wildlife Commission. He also lobbied government officials as well as recreation and open space planners all in an effort to have an urban fishing pond conveniently located for the residents and children of Carson City. The result? A one-acre fishing pond in the works at the base of Clear Creek.

The Kirch Award is given annually to someone who has demonstrated significant results toward conservation, management or enhancement of wildlife. It is named in memory of Wayne E. Kirch, who served on the Fish and Game Commission for more than 25 years.

GET YOUR POLES READY

Anglers could catch a $50,000 fish

Imagine catching a fish worth $50,000. One angler will have the chance to do just that at the Tagged Fish Competition scheduled for Saturday and April 29, at Spring Valley and Echo Canyon state parks in Lincoln County. A $25 registration fee is required. The event will run from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday and from 7 a.m.-noon on April 2.

Registration for the event is ongoing and must be completed in person at the Eagle Valley Resort in the community of Ursine, about 20 minutes east of Pioche. The competition is open to all ages and all fishing license requirements and other regulations will be in effect. For more information, contact the Eagle Valley Resort at (775) 962-5293.

WEAR LIFE JACKETS

Tri-State Boating Safety Fair scheduled

A consortium of state, local and federal boating agencies are hosting the fourth annual Tri-State Boating Safety Fair to educate boaters about boating safety, especially the importance of life jackets and the newest danger of quagga mussels.

With the recent furor over quagga mussel infestation, boating officials worry boaters will lose sight of the personal flotation device, most often called a life jacket.

This year, teams of safety professionals from three states will come together to do boating safety demonstrations on the river and encourage everyone to wear life jackets. The fourth annual Tri-State Boating Safety Fair is scheduled for May 5, at Lake Havasu State Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Arizona State Parks' 50th Anniversary will be celebrated the entire day at the park with programming for children and families. Boating pros will focus on boating safety tips, navigation rules, sober boating and the importance of wearing a life jacket. This year, boating officials worry that the safety message will be overshadowed by the recent discovery of quagga mussels on the Colorado River System.

The Arizona State Parks department will also be celebrating their 50th anniversary of the state parks in Arizona, so a tent with children's activities and VIP ceremonies will be part of this year's Tri-State Celebration.

Day-use entry fee at the park will be waived for the regular $9 per car. A boat launching fee of $9 will still be charged. For more information about this Boating Safety Fair call Lake Havasu State Park at (928) 855-9394 or see the Web site at www.BoatColoradoRiver.com.