Notices

Beginning July 31, a portion of the Missouri River in Great Falls will close to public use from downstream of Broadwater Bay Boat Ramp to Black Eagle Dam. NorthWestern Energy will temporarily draw down the river to allow construction crews to complete critical upgrades as part of the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project, including installing new support structures and spillway components.

The Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust Board of Trustees will hold its third quarterly meeting on August 6 at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. The public is invited to attend, submit land tract nominations, and provide comments on the Forever Wild program.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Office of Coastal Management released an updated Lake Erie Public Access Guidebook covering 312 miles of Ohio's coastline. The 348-page publication highlights 201 Lake Erie public access sites and 320 river system sites, consolidating information from two previous editions into one comprehensive resource.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife's Youth License Fund is providing free hunting and fishing combination licenses to youth ages 12 to 17. Since launching in 2023, the program has distributed approximately 15,000 licenses to help introduce young people to Nevada's outdoor traditions and wildlife conservation.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept paddlefish snagging permit applications from July 1-14, 2026. Permits are awarded through a random drawing based on angler preference points, with results available by July 20. Successful applicants must complete permit purchases by August 5.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announces 'Three Free' Weekend on June 13-14, offering free fishing, ORV riding on 4,000 miles of trails, and entry to 103 state parks and 1,000-plus boating access sites. DNR Director Scott Bowen encourages newcomers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts to participate while following safety and conservation guidelines.

Minnesota DNR released photos, videos, and soundbites from its April 30 electronic licensing system demonstration. The new system launching by early summer will allow Minnesotans to purchase fishing and hunting licenses and register vehicles and watercraft, with the fishing and hunting module available first.

The Waterways Safety Council invites the public to its quarterly meeting on June 10 at 10 a.m. at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Central Office in Columbus. The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft will brief council members on ongoing projects and issues affecting recreational boating in Ohio.

Oregon's Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet April 23-24 in Lincoln City, featuring a field tour of coastal coho habitat restoration in the Siletz River Basin and a Friday business meeting livestreamed on YouTube. The agenda includes 2026-27 game bird hunting regulations, Pacific halibut fishery regulations, ocean salmon seasons, Sauvie Island beach parking permits, and Private Forest Accord grant approvals.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and NOAA Fisheries are seeking a contractor to plan and execute the 2027 National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Summit in Alexandria, VA. Proposals are due by May 1, 2026, and should be submitted to Alex DiJohnson.

Beginning July 8, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will discontinue waterproof license paper and encourage mobile licensing through the MyWDFW app and Fish Washington® app. Electronic catch record cards for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut will launch April 1, with Puget Sound Dungeness crab reporting available summer 2026.

A portion of the Gallatin River near Big Sky will close to boating from March 9 through May 18 while the U.S. Forest Service replaces Markley Bridge. The closure affects boating between Upper Deer Creek and Portal Creek boat launches, though wade angling and walk-in use will continue outside the immediate construction area.

Kentucky's 2026-2027 license year for fishing, hunting, boating and outdoor recreation begins March 1, 2026. Licenses are available through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resource's online portal, My Profile app, and agent locations statewide, with fees remaining unchanged from the current year.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers to remove fish houses from ice before statutory deadlines ranging from February 20 to March 31, depending on location. Lt. Col. Robert Gorecki emphasizes proper cleanup and timely removal to end the season positively, warning that violations may result in prosecution and confiscation.

Smith River permit lottery results are now available through MyFWP, with successful applicants receiving email confirmation to print as proof. Unsuccessful applicants can purchase Super Permit chances through March 15 for $5 each, with one winner allowed to launch on any date. Floaters should note new requirements including packing out human waste and registering via phone two days before launch.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host a public meeting on February 26 at the Jefferson County Courthouse Annex in Monticello to discuss Lake Miccosukee management during an ongoing natural dry-down event. Residents, anglers, hunters, and stakeholders are invited to share perspectives and ask questions.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department requires ice fishing shanties be removed before ice weakens or by March 29th, whichever comes first. Failure to remove shanties and contents can result in fines, license points, and shanties are prohibited at state fishing access areas.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is accepting submissions of original artwork and photographs for its 2026 hard collector's license cards. Artists and photographers can submit images in Wildlife/Hunting, Fish/Fishing, or Scenic/Other categories by February 21, with winners featured on cards and LDWF's website and social media.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold an in-person meeting February 4-5 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. The public is invited to attend starting at 8:30 a.m. EST each day, with opportunities to provide comments on agenda items.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites the public to a Jan. 28 meeting at the North Oakland County Fire Authority to review and provide feedback on a new draft general management plan for Seven Lakes State Park in Oakland County. Park management plan administrator Debbie Jensen will present proposed improvements and the planning process.