12-17-07
Unsafe ice already has claimed its first fishing
drowning victim in the northern tier counties where the bravest (make that
most foolish) are trying some ice fishing. There is no way the future can
be seen at this time.
What that boils down to is this: The watchword
is caution, whereever and whatever, you are planning for an ice adventure.
Most ice--except for the pelagic zones of big
lakes and impoundments, are snow covered now (up to a foot or more in the
far north) and snow is one of the best insulations from low air temperatures.
On some bodies of water existing skim ice may
thicken and on others it may not. It is a very precarious situation, and
it most likely will get “iffier” before it gets safer. The problem could
be solved by a good, open water thaw and a refreezing with good, clear
ice.
Most ice is being viewed with skepticism in the
north and ignored in central and southern portions of the state.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service to celebrate the life of William
B. “BILL” BARNES, who died last month after 99 years of vivid life, most
of them in many capacities with the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife,
will be held Jan. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the State Library.
Sponsored by the Indiana Historical Bureau, Department
of Natural Resources, and Indiana Wildlife Federation, the memorial will
start with registration at 1 p.m., the service at 1:30 and a reception
at 2:30. Those planning to attend must make reservations by telephone (317/232-2535),
or online (pbennett@history.in.gov ). The State Library is situated at
the southwest corner of Ohio Street and Senate Avenue in downtown Indianapolis.
Bill’s career as a dedicated conservationist
spanned numerous positions in what was known as the “Division of Fish and
Game” (when he started with the division in 1940). He wore many hats in
his tenure, but he was best known as the charter director of the Division
of Nature Preserves when it was founded with the opening of Pine Hills
Nature Preserve in 1967. It was the first of now more than 200 such properties.
He was first known in Hoosier conservation circles
as Federal Aid coordinator, but in the interims as administrations changed
he stayed busy educating political directors. It is not clear that he ever
wore the mantel of assistant director, but he was widely accepted as such.
His hand was much involved in obtaining and developing the system of state
properties. Sum his life up and you find he was Mr. Hoosier Conservation,
personified.
SPORTS SHOWS
Sports shows coming up in the next couple of months
include:
Jan. 5--The first Indiana On The Fly, a one-day
fly-fishing event from 10 a.m. to 6 p. m. at the Farm Building at the Indiana
State Fairgrounds (38 th. Street in Indianapolis).
Jan. 18 through Jan. 27--The Cincinnati Travel,
Sports & Boat Show at The Cincinnati Convention Center (Fifth and Elm
streets in downtown Cincinnati). Concurrent shows are Cincinnati
Golf Show, Jan. 18-25, and Cincinnati Hunting and Fishing Show (Jan. 18
through 28).
Feb. 15 through 24--The 54th Indianapolis Boat,
Sport & Travel Show, at Indiana State Fairgrounds Pepsi Coliseum and
several adjacent buildings. Also, Jan. 15 through 24, 11th Indiana Deer,
Turkey and Waterfowl Show in Exposition Hall; and 17th Indiana Motorcycle
Exposition, Feb. 17 through 21, in Exposition Hall.
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