LOU Magazine

03/22/2024

On St. Patrick’s Day in 1936, the City of Pittsburgh was underwater. Nearly two inches of rain fell on March 16, which added to the 63 inches of snow that came throughout the winter. Warm temperatures melted the snow, swelling creek beds along the upper Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. Pittsburgh’s rising rivers reached the North Side and washed into the streets of Downtown, wiping out historic businesses within hours. River levels reached a peak of 46 feet at the Point, more than 20 feet over flood stage, leaving more than half of Downtown businesses underwater.

To this day, levels of the 1936 flood lines can still be seen on some buildings in Downtown Pittsburgh.

https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/blog/western-pennsylvania-history-st-patricks-day-flood-1936/

03/22/2024

03/20/2024

On April 8, the city of Erie will be in the path of totality, a rare and privileged position as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth.

03/15/2024

JUST IN: February 2024 was Earth’s warmest February on record.

Northern and Southern Hemispheres had record-warm seasons.

Find out more in our latest Global Climate Report:

https://bit.ly/Feb2024GlobalClimateReport

Pictured: FEBRUARY 4, 2024: An aerial view of destroyed houses at Villa El Olivar in the wake of forest fires in Vina del Mar, Chile. At least 1,300 homes were destroyed as unusually high temperatures of 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) hit the country. South America sweltered through its warmest February on record in 2024. (Image credit: Claudio Santana/Getty Images).

NOAA Satellite and Information Service NOAA Climate.Gov

03/11/2024

Spring Trout Stocking
March 6, 2024
Find the trout stocking map and more at:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/trout/stocking.aspx

03/11/2024

03/11/2024

Friendly PSA: if a stranger in the comments section of a government fisheries account tells you they like your vibe and want to be friends, that’s called a catfish. Your can help keep our page clean by reporting those as bots. Stay safe out there friends! ✌️

03/11/2024

Closure 1 of put-and-take trout areas begins at 10 p.m. today (March 10). Areas listed with a 1 are closed to fishing until March 30 at 6:30 a.m., except as provided for by special regulation or where more restrictive fishing hours are posted. See areas: https://bit.ly/48E1cPV

03/11/2024

In 2024, the official first day of spring is Tuesday, March 19. This date marks the vernal equinox.

03/06/2024

Reminder: Fires are prohibited from March 1 through May 25 in Pennsylvania state forests, unless permitted by the forest district.

The greatest danger of wildfires in Pennsylvania occurs during the spring months of March, April, and May.

Check daily fire danger across the Commonwealth here ➡ http://bit.ly/2J131jx.

03/06/2024

As we quickly approach closure period dates here in Maryland for the month of March, here is a little reminder of the closure periods upon us.

03/05/2024

Heath Ausherman, a fish culturist at the Huntsdale State Fish Hatchery, demonstrates how to properly handle a fish for safe catch and release.1. Use barbless...

03/01/2024

Striped Bass Season Reminder:
Spawning rivers and the Upper Bay spawning area are currently off-limits to recreational striped bass fishing.

Visit our striped bass homepage for more news and information: https://bit.ly/47Ll1Fe

02/14/2024

R U Ready?

01/29/2024

BREAKING: ARREST MADE IN ILLEGAL KILLING OF HOLLYWOOD BUCK

RICHMOND, VA - Jason Walters, 36, of Richmond, Va., was arrested on Sunday, January 28th, and charged with 19 separate wildlife violations related to the illegal killing of three deer during the recent hunting season. Among those deer was the renowned Hollywood Buck. The charges against Walters include illegal possession of wildlife, trespassing, failing to check and tag a deer, earn a buck violation, and littering.

The investigation, which involved a significant number of Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) and the ex*****on of 10 search warrants, resulted in the recovery of two sets of antlers, including those from the Hollywood Buck. Alan Proffitt, 36, of Richmond, Va., who is believed to be an accomplice, is also facing pending charges.

Read the full release at dwr.virginia.gov/media/press-release/arrest-made-in-illegal-killing-of-hollywood-buck/.

01/29/2024

The 10 least popular states to move to in 2022:
New Jersey.
California.
Illinois.
New York.
Connecticut.
Utah.
Maryland.
Rhode Island.

12/14/2023

JUST IN: Earth had its warmest November on record

2023 still on track to be the globe’s warmest year recorded

Find out more in our latest monthly global climate report:

https://bit.ly/Nov2023GlobalClimateReport

Pictured: Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. November 15, 2023.

10/21/2023

PRESS RELEASE: WHIRLING DISEASE DETECTED AT STATE FISH HATCHERY

RICHMOND, VA – Through recent testing, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has detected whirling disease in catchable sized trout at the state's Marion Fish Hatchery in Southwest Virginia. DWR's stringent fish-health protocols involve regular testing at state hatcheries to look for pathogens that are potentially harmful to hatchery raised and wild fish. DWR does not stock known whirling disease positive fish.

Regrettably, DWR has had to euthanize 40,000 catchable trout to control whirling disease. This represents about a 20% reduction in normal stocking levels for Southwest Virginia and a 5% reduction statewide. Consequently, trout anglers are likely to see a reduction in trout stocking, particularly in Dickenson, Buchanan, Wise, Lee, Scott, Russell, Washington, Smyth, Tazewell, and Grayson Counties. DWR is working to reallocate fish as feasible to make up for shortfalls and is implementing measures to reduce the future impact of this parasite on trout production.

Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite, Myxobolus cerebralis. This parasite penetrates the cartilage tissue of a trout's head and spine, multiplying rapidly and causing skeletal deformities. Trout with whirling disease can show spinal deformities or a blackened tail, which can impact swimming ability and feeding habits. Some infected fish swim in a circular motion, giving the disease its "whirling" name. Fish showing these distinct symptoms have not been seen in the wild or at state hatcheries in Virginia.

This disease is fairly widespread and has been documented in more than 20 states including Virginia. Native to Europe, this parasite and disease were first detected in the United States in 1958. The parasite has a two-host lifecycle including small worms (tubifex worms) and trout. Both hosts are required for the parasite to complete its lifecycle. The host fish must be a salmonid, with rainbow trout being the most susceptible to the parasite. The parasite does not infect humans, even if you eat infected fish.

To learn more about whirling disease, read the FAQ: dwr.virginia.gov/blog/whirling-disease-faq/.

📸= Sascha Hallett/Oregon State University (photo is an example and not an actual VA fish).

10/21/2023

ASMFC Releases Addendum II to The Striped Bass Management Plan as Low Numbers Cause Concern
Plan Greatest Opportunity to Rebuild Striped Bass Population

19 OCT 2023
PRESS STATEMENT
As low striped bass numbers in the Chesapeake Bay cause widespread concern, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) yesterday released for public comment a fisheries management plan update that seeks to help rebuild the striped bass population.

Last week’s release of results of annual surveys of juvenile striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay showed numbers far below average in Maryland for the fifth year in a row, as well as below average numbers this year in Virginia. Low numbers of young fish now mean in the future there will be fewer of the large fish prized by anglers and important for reproduction of the species. The Chesapeake Bay serves as a critical nursery area for striped bass, contributing significantly to the coastwide striped bass population and the region’s economy.

The striped bass population is suffering from a variety of factors, including fishing pressure due to the species popularity, low reproduction, water quality challenges, and climate change. Recreational fishing pressure on striped bass along the Atlantic Coast in 2022 was nearly double that of previous years. While the population has not reached the low point of the 1980s that led to a fishery moratorium, strong action is needed now to ensure a more abundant population in the future.

With yesterday’s action, ASMFC initiated an update to its striped bass fisheries management plan, known as Addendum II, which intends to reduce mortality in striped bass fisheries by considering changes to both recreational and commercial fisheries. At its previous meeting, ASMFC extended an emergency action to decrease the maximum size limit to 31 inches.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist Chris Moore issued the following statement:

“Striped bass are continuing to face significant challenges, and we can’t ensure their comeback without a strong plan from the ASMFC and the cooperation of states up and down the Atlantic Coast. Without conservation measures across all fishery sectors, the hope of bringing back this iconic species will be lost.

“Unfortunately, the ASMFC’s Striped Bass Management Board missed an important opportunity to consider longer seasonal closures, which protect striped bass during critical life stages and during periods of low oxygen and high-water temperatures that increase striped bass mortality. It now falls to the states to take further actions to address striped bass mortality during these challenging times of the year.

“Draft Addendum II includes a number of options that will help reduce fishing pressure, allowing more fish to reach spawning age so that they can reproduce and get that population moving back in the right direction. The ASMFC’s fishery plan update is a critical opportunity to give feedback. Anyone who cares about striped bass should weigh in.”

Md DNR fisheries management scheme:

10/21/2023

PRESS RELEASE

New Survey Shows Americans Spent $394 Billion Participating in Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Activities in 2022

Oct 12, 2023

Media Contacts

Marilyn

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies today released the results of the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The survey, coordinated by the Service, shows that U.S. residents over the age of 16 took over 1.7 billion trips in 2022 to participate in outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, recreational boating and target shooting. In doing so, outdoor enthusiasts spent an estimated $394 billion on equipment, travel, licenses, and fees last year alone.

“Time spent in nature is an important part of the human experience and can provide lifelong memories, connections to others, healthy activities, and a sense of rest and healing,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “These numbers demonstrate how important our public lands and wild places are not just for the well-being of people who enjoy them, but as an economic engine that provides thousands of jobs and sustains businesses, economies and communities throughout the nation. The stewardship of our natural resources and access for fishing, hunting, and other wildlife-related activities are enhanced by the Biden-Harris Administration’s work under the America the Beautiful initiative.”

The 2022 Survey, which offers a snapshot view of participation rates and was conducted by the NORC at the University of Chicago, finds that 148 million U.S. residents watched wildlife in 2022 while 40 million went fishing and 14.4 million hunted. This means that roughly 57% of Americans 16 years of age or older participated in wildlife watching, 15% fished and 6% hunted last year. These trips equaled a combined total of 14 billion days spent in the field, on the water and around the home viewing wildlife, an all-time high.

These activities represent an economic powerhouse, where participants together spent $394 billion in 2022—the most ever recorded in any National Survey, adjusted for inflation.

The Survey has been conducted approximately every 5 years since 1955. The 2022 Survey is the first national survey to use a “push to web” approach, enabling respondents to complete the survey online. Respondents could also call in or fill out and mail in their questionnaire. These options, combined with a new, shorter questionnaire, gave participants more choices and made the survey more convenient to complete than in prior years, but the changes in methodology mean that 2022 results should not be directly compared to results from any previous survey. Other changes to the 2022 Survey include data collection on recreational motorized boating and recreational shooting sports for the first time.

“We are grateful to the more than 100,000 survey respondents from households across America that took part in the 2022 Survey,” added Director Williams. “Because of this participation, the National Survey continues to serve as the nation’s definitive wildlife-related recreation database and a crucial source of information on participation rates and economic impacts of outdoor activities across the nation.” This year’s survey design recognizes that in addition to wildlife-dependent activities like hunting and fishing and wildlife-watching, recreational boating and target shooting are also important nature-dependent pastimes that link people to wildlife and wild places. For many, these activities are a lifestyle and gateway to the outdoors and a connection to nature that creates lifelong memories.

10/21/2023

Chesapeake Bay 2022 Young-of-Year Survey Results Announced

October 20, 2022
Striped Bass Reproduction Remains Low; Spot Abundance is Highest in Decade

Photo of four people inspecting juvenile fish at the water's edge
Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists conduct the annual young-of-year survey each summer. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of the iconic fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2022 young-of-year index is 3.6, which is slightly higher than last year’s result, but remains below the long-term average of 11.3.

The Atlantic coastal striped bass population has decreased in size, but is still capable of strong reproduction with the right environmental conditions. Variable spawning success is a well-known characteristic of the species. Biologists continue to examine factors that might limit spawning success.

Biologists captured more than 40,000 fish of 58 different species during the 3-month survey. One positive result was the increased abundance of spot, a popular species used for food and bait. Spot abundance was the highest observed in over a decade.

Atlantic Coast states enacted responsible conservation measures in recent years to reduce harvest and protect striped bass during the spawning season. Maryland will work with other states in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to develop additional measures to enhance the striped bass population through the Atlantic striped bass fishery management plan.

For this annual survey, fishery managers examine 22 sites located in four major spawning areas: the Choptank, Nanticoke, and Potomac rivers, and the upper Chesapeake Bay. Biologists visit each site three times per summer, collecting fish with two sweeps of a 100-foot beach seine net. The index represents the average number of recently hatched striped bass captured in each sample.

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science conducts a similar survey in the southern portion of Chesapeake Bay.

Graph of historic Maryland Juvenile Striped Bass index from 1954 through 2022

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10/21/2023

Rep. Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio, lost 25 Republicans in the third ballot for speaker, more than in each of the first two rounds, ensuring another round of voting will be required to elect the next speaker of the House.

In this round, he lost the support of Reps. Marc Molinaro, of New York; Tom Kean, of New Jersey, and Brian Fitzpatrick, of Pennsylvania; all of whom had supported him in the first and second rounds.

Here are the Republicans who voted against Jordan in the third speaker ballot:

Rep. Don Bacon, of Nebraska, voted for Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry, of North Carolina.
Rep. Vern Buchanan, of Florida, voted for Rep. Byron Donalds, of Florida.
Rep. Ken Buck, of Colorado, voted for Rep. Tom Emmer, of Minnesota.
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRamer, voted for McHenry.
Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, of New York, voted for former Rep. Lee Zeldin.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, of Florida, voted for Rep. Steve Scalise, of Louisiana.
Rep. Jake Ellzey, of Texas, voted for Rep. Mike Garcia, of California.
Rep. Drew Ferguson, of Georgia, voted for Scalise.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, of Pennsylvania, voted for McHenry.
Rep. Andrew Garbarino, of New York, voted for Zeldin.
Rep. Carlos Giménez, of Florida, voted for Rep. Kevin McCarthy, of California.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, of Texas, voted for Scalise.
Rep. Kay Granger, of Texas, voted for Scalise.
Rep. John James, of Michigan, voted for Donalds.
Rep. Thomas Kean, of New Jersey, voted for McCarthy.
Rep. Mike Kelly, of California, voted for Scalise.
Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, of Virginia, voted for McHenry.
Rep. Nick LaLota, of New York, voted for Zeldin.
Rep. Michael Lawler, of New York, voted for McHenry.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, of Iowa, voted for McHenry.
Rep. Marcus Molinaro, of New York, voted for Zeldin.
Rep. John Rutherford, of Florida, voted for Scalise.
Rep. Michael Simpson, of Idaho, voted for Scalise.
Rep. Pete Stauber, of Minnesota, voted for Rep. Bruce Westerman, of Arkansas.
Rep. Steve Womack, of Arkansas, voted for Scalise.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden, of New Jersey, was absent.

The House is voting to elect a new House speaker for a third time since Rep. Kevin McCarthy was removed as speaker over two weeks ago.