In Yellowstone Park this year, hundreds of dead and dying fish have been found, their deaths blamed on a heat wave and decreased stream flows. Montana officials have restricted fishing on seven rivers because of high temperatures and low flows.

Read this article to learn more.

From the Iowa City Press Citizen:

Global warming may conjure up images of penguins and ice caps in Antarctica, but the “Hunting, Fishing and Global Warming” presentation shows locals that climate change applies to mid-western ducks and marshes as well. The hour-long presentation, hosted by the National Wildlife Federation and Iowa Wildlife Federation, takes place Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League Lodge at 4044 Izaak Walton Road, SE.

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For our Michigan readers, here is some information on an event we're hosting in Lansing on Thursday.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs will help host a day-long meeting on Thursday to inform and train sportsmen to campaign against global warming. The controversial issue came to the fore for sportsmen last year when a nationwide survey of licensed hunters and anglers indicated that a majority said they were witnessing the effects of climate change and felt that immediate action was necessary to combat the phenomenon.

CBS has a great overview of the Outdoor Writers Association of America meeting that took place in Roanoke, VA last week. Highlights:

The conversation about hunters and greens working together, last year bubbling below the surface, was front and center this year. Global warming is now an accepted premise -- a part of landscape in which other conversations about conservation take place.

Ducks Unlimited has been working with National Wildlife Federation to inform its members about the potential effects of climate change.

Climate change is driving species to higher latitudes and elevations.

The Federation of Fly Fishers has just announced a new program that targets anglers and boaters in the prevention of invasive species spread. The pledge asks you to take the following steps:

• Inspect your gear for any plants, or dirt.  
• Clean your gear with clean water.
• Thoroughly dry your gear.
• Never transport any fish, plants or animals from one body of water to another.
• Tell others to do the same!

Please join the Federation of Fly Fishers and countless dedicated anglers in the fight againt invasives by taking the Clean Angling Pledge today Individuals can take the pledge by visiting cleanangling.org. If you are interested in becoming an organizational partner, contact the Federation of Fly Fishers at convserve@fedflyfishers.org or 406.222.9369 ext. 102.

Scientists: Warming weather threatens walleye:

Scientists say that within a few decades some Minnesota lakes probably will be too warm for walleye to thrive. And even northern Minnesota lakes might get too warm in summer to hold key walleye food such as cisco.

Walleye are the backbone of the resort, fishing and bait industry and represent a century of family fishing traditions.

"We,re going to have fewer lakes with walleyes in them, and fewer walleyes in other lakes,&quo

Worth a read:

The nation's wildlife refuge system is operating at half the budget it needs, according to a new report released today by the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement(CARE). The group, comprised of conservation, sportsman, recreation, and scientific organizations, finds that the wildlife refuge system is threatened by crime, invasive species, habitat fragmentation, global warming and a sharply reduced workforce, all of which are exacerbated

Senator Dole made an excellent announcement yesterday:

Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., said Thursday that she will fight the Navy's plan to build an airfield near an Eastern North Carolina wildlife refuge. Dole's long-awaited stance is important because she's the state's senior senator and serves on the influential Armed Services Committee.

"This kind of opposition from the congressional delegation does not bode well for the chances of this site getting funded," Dole said in an interview. Dole, who will oppose that funding, said she'd already told Navy Secretary Donald Winter of her position.

The Hartford Courant has an interesting article today:

A plump wild brook trout, its vivid colors shimmering in the ripples, waits patiently for its next meal to be delivered as the clear, cool current slides downstream. If global warming continues as scientists and environmentalists predict, that placid picture might be only a memory.

Read more.

From Minnesota Public Radio:

Dave Zentner is an avid outsdoorsman, an angler and duck hunter and past national president of the Izaak Walton League. Zentner says some of the fish most prized in cold northern waters could be disappearing as the waters warm.

"It is very sobering. And I think it will affect lifestyles, economies and our recreation very, very dramatically--much more quickly than we thought," Zentner said.

I agree with Dave, it is quite sobering indeed.