December 2023

A recently released report from the Wildlife Management Institute, Responsive Management, and Southwick Associates showed that wildlife-based recreation contributed nearly $12.5 billion to Ohio’s economy in 2022, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

“Ohio has rolling hills for hunting, vast waterways for fishing, and thriving habitats for birding,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. “The diverse natural wonders of Ohio prove once again the state really is ‘The Heart of it All.’”

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As 2023 draws to a close, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) will transition into the beginning of the next half-century. Looking ahead, we observe a notably positive shift in how the Act is being implemented. Over the first 50 years, we accumulated a wealth of knowledge, developed numerous regulations and processes, and succeeded in preventing the extinction of many species, while a few were even put on the path to recovery. Regrettably, for some, the ESA came into play a bit too late. During this initial half-century, conflicts often arose in the implementation of the Act, both among agencies and the public. However, these conflicts have served as valuable lessons. Many articles have been written on various aspects of the ESA's application, but I can sum up the lessons learned succinctly: “The carrot tends to be more effective than the stick.” Innovative approaches to ESA implementation, where species are viewed as assets rather than liabilities by private and public landowners, are the way forward.

Legislation (LRB 5069/1) was recently introduced in Wisconsin to provide protection against wake sports activities in Wisconsin lakes. Wake boats are specially designed boats that create large wakes to allow recreationists to enjoy wake boarding and wake surfing. The larger wakes also may impact aquatic environments, shoreline erosion and private property, and public safety. The use of water as a ballast may also have the unintended consequence of spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS).

The program steering committee for the 89th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference has announced the event’s four special sessions. These sessions will be held on the mornings of Wednesday, March 27th and Thursday, March 28th, 2024, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.