POPULARITY
Shane Jones says Kiwis need to get over themselves as he looks to open mining on Department of Conservation land. The Prime Minister yesterday defended his intention to grow the mining sector. Resources Minister Shane Jones told Ryan Bridge if we want to boost the economy, we need to utilise conservation land. He says the DOC estate is large and suitable for mining. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back-country hut users say the Department of Conservation needs to step up maintenance if it wants to increase charges. A proposal suggests charging people up to $57 a night to use many huts, as well as switching from a first-come-first-served system to a hotel-style booking system. Federated Mountain Clubs President Megan Dimozantos says the community has no issue with paying a modest charge for the facilities if the money goes back into the hut system. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is looking at overhauling its approach to conservation. The current Conservation Act hasn't been touched in 37 years. Proposed changes include charging for access to Department of Conservation land, simplifying rules to make protecting natural areas easier, and reducing red tape for tourism opportunities. Deputy Director-General Policy and Regulatory Services at Department of Conservation, Ruth Isaac tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the government has been looking at what is being done overseas to generate the revenue needed to maintain and support conservation areas. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 15th of November, could DOC start charging you for access to conservation land? The Government is seeking feedback on the proposal - Megan Dimosantos from the Federated Mountain Clubs speaks to Ryan about what it could mean. It was a chaotic day in the House yesterday as the controversial Treaty Principals Bill passed its first reading. Former treaty negotiations minister Chris Finlayson speaks to Ryan. A new type of geothermal power generation could be on the way. GNS Lead Geothermal Scientist Dr Isabelle Chambefort explains how it works. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are concerns New Zealanders could be priced out of their own backyard. The Government's seeking feedback on who should pay visitor fees at national parks and conservation areas. The options include charging everyone the same, charge New Zealanders less than international visitors, or only charge overseas visitors. Federated Mountain Clubs President Megan Dimozantos told Ryan Bridge they're open to foreign access charges. She says they have the means to pay, and infrastructure has already been established there to service them, but they're against domestic access charging. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government has announced a new charter to improve access to public conservation land for fishing and hunting. The charter will help the Department of Conservation to provide consistent guidance across the country. Minister for Hunting and Fishing, Todd McClay, joins Tim Beveridge with more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Māori conservationist Graeme Atkins at home in Ruatoria where he's collected the "Noah's Ark" of endangered wild cuttings, including the beautiful ngutukākā or kakabeak flower.
In July 2023 four male kākāpō were released into the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari – part of a new habitat trial to investigate suitable locations for the growing kākāpō population. But after a further six were introduced, the kākāpō began to wander – beyond the fence. A year on, and several escapes later, what's been learned? And what's next for kākāpō in Maungatautari?
The Government's promised an extra financial boost to help Coromandel's closed Cathedral Cove track open up by summer. The popular beach has been inaccessible by land since February last year, after being damaged by landslides caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. DOC has been allocated $5 million to plan, build, reopen and maintain walking access to the cove. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says they've done their due diligence to create the perfect short-term fix. "The first part is to get the short-term fix for Christmas this year, so we can be down there in December. The long-term fix might take a couple years to work through and figure out how to make it sustainable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stephen Kafka has been transporting conservation workers and researchers to remote sub-Antarctic islands for the past 25 years.
Jason Sumners on Saturday will become the tenth director in the Missouri Department of Conservation's 87-year history. Mr. Sumners grew up in west-central Missouri's Lincoln, and he replaces longtime director Sara Parker Pauley, who's retiring after 30 years of public service. Mr. Sumners joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri", telling the audience that he continues to listen to landowners and outdoor advocates around the state. The Missouri Department of Conservation was founded in 1937, when citizens led an effort to create it to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri's over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. Missouri voters first approved a one-eighth of one percent sales tax to directly fund the agency in 1976. It has been renewed by voters over the years. One of the other issues we discussed during the live interview is the 111-acre Boone County Nature School, which is just south of Columbia. Director Sumners tells listeners that the nature school is expected to open in the next month or two. The nature school, which is just west of Highway 63 near Tom Bass road, is a partnership between Columbia Public Schools (CPS), the Missouri Department of Conservation and the community. CPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood has told 939 the Eagle that the Boone County Nature school will be a model for the state and the nation:
There's been more problems for the Great Walks booking system. The Department of Conservation website crashed this morning - when 11,000 people tried to access it this morning. By 11.15am, there were about 2800 bookings for the Milford Track and 400 for the Lake Waikaremoana. Federated Mountain Clubs Chief Executive, Megan Dimozantos says so many people will have missed out. "The most disappointing thing is that after last year's debacle, we would have hoped this would have been sorted out by this year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fifth generation dairy farmer Jason Christensen took a break from the family farm to try life as a DOC ranger. His experience in the world of conservation, evident on the Mt Bruce farm in the foothills of the Tararuas, saw him awarded two of this year's Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod interview newly appointed Jason Sumners, the new Director of MDC, for a casual, informational discussion about the future of Missouri conservation.“I am excited and humbled by this opportunity the Commission has entrusted me with and the conservation team I get to work with across the state and country. The Missouri outdoors have defined my personal and professional life, so getting to serve in this capacity and continue to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in conservation is an exciting endeavor.” Jason SumnerTopics Discussed: His career progression, the interview process of becoming the new director, technology in hunting, turkey hunting, bats, world records, harvest rates of paddlefish, Conservation Q & A's, the future of the department, state conservation next steps, mystery bait bucket and more.For More Information:MDC Press ReleaseSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
The Department of Conservation is slashing about one hundred and thirty positions. DOC says it has to make the government mandated six and half percent savings, but it has tried to find options with the least impact on people and conservsation outcomes. And it wont know the exact number of job losses until its consulted with staff. Joining us now is Federated Mountain Clubs president Megan Dimozantos
The Department of Conservation says spending nearly $500,000 dollars to kill a single stoat in Fiordland is money well spent. The pest was found on Chalky Island in August 2022, which had been predator-free since 1999. The bill covered things like incident management teams, staff time, dog handlers, helicopter and boat expenses. DOC spokesperson Aaron Fleming says the price tag isn't too high to protect at-risk creatures. "When you're talking about protecting one of our strongholds of biodiversity and some of the special species we have on that remote island, it's absolutely money well spent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Also: Agencies in the Shenandoah Valley are using new approaches to address a regional housing crisis and battle homelessness; RVA Diamond Partners has finalized a schematic design for a minor-league baseball stadium — the first stage in the architectural design process for the city's Diamond District project.
It's a hefty price for taxpayers to keep the Chateau Tongariro Hotel empty and in disrepair. The Department of Conservation, which owns the land, has confirmed through an Official Information Act request that it will cost $2.2 million this financial year. The heritage-listed site has been shut since February last year. Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton told Mike Hosking that there are issues around resolving the seismic reports, which put the hotel at high risk. He says there's a willingness from the Government to resolve them but a timeline is needed to do that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Completing a Great Walk is set to become more expensive for the first time in four years. The Department of Conservation is increasing the price of a hut on a Great Walk or a campsite by 18% from July. Paparoa will increase by 6%. Fees will range from $19 to camp in the Abel Tasman, to $92 for a hut on the Milford Track. Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram told Mike Hosking that the majority of international tourists come to New Zealand for our scenery. She says about 50% visit a national park each year, and for many it's a Great Walk. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it time DOC introduced user pays charges for all Aotearoa's national parks great walks and conservations estates including for day trippers? At the moment, overnight adventurers pay to use huts, but for casual day hikers, access to these costly assets is free. A briefing to the Conservation Minister repeatedly sounds the alarm, DOC can't afford to maintain its assets, visitor congestion is an issue, curent fees dont reflect the cost of maintaining huts and tracks and its time to consider more users charges and raising existing charges. Just this week, toilets close to capacity on the Mueller Hut Route on Aoraki Mount Cook forced DOC to close the track to day trippers. In response, a flood of listeners contacted Checkpoint to say user pays is the answer to funding conservation infrastructure. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347231373112
A Cathedral Cove tourism operator believes the Department of Conservation's latest track update is just another delaying tactic. The track has been closed for almost a year after damage from severe weather. DOC says it'll know in coming months if the track is feasible, or if other options need to be considered. It has commissioned further land stability monitoring. Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises' Ken Hindmarsh told Tim Dower that he's on the water constantly and hasn't seen any rockfall since the main weather damage. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon meets with Ashlea Neill at the Women in Agriculture Meeting in Kirksville, MO. Ashlea is a Private Land Conservationist for the Missouri Department of Conservation serving Adair and Sullivan Counties in Missouri. Ashlea has many specialties including prescribed fire planning. To qualify for the Federal and State cost share programs - a burn plan is needed.Brandon and Ashlea talk about the importance of prescribed fire and how it can serve as the most beneficial tool to managing habitat. Ashlea talks about "burn rotations" and how difficult it can be to control Sericea Lespedeza and other invasive species. To find out more about Prescribed Fire and Burn Plans in your area, visit: Prescribed Fire | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)
89-year-old Fraser Ross has been restoring a podocarp forest remnant for nearly half a century. Arowhenua Bush near Temuka was damaged after a severe norwesterly gale struck the district in 1975.
On this episode of Prairie Prophets Podcast, Brandon sits down with Jason Sumners, Deputy Director of Resource Management for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Jason supervises the Fisheries, Forestry, Private Land Services, Protection, Resource Science, and Wildlife divisions. Brandon and Jason talk about the importance and benefits of restoring grasslands across Missouri. The MDC has focused much of their attention on pollinators by prioritizing geographies across Missouri and promoting plantings for pollinators which includes a diversity of grasses. Jason and the MDC have created a dedicated team responsible for helping private landowners to implement best practices in conservation. More information can be found on Jason Sumners here: MDC names Jason Sumners as new deputy director of resource management | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)Jason Sumners on LinkedIn: (21) Jason Sumners | LinkedIn
Two organisations have teamed up to encourage hunters to cull high-density goat populations across the country with prizes up for grabs.
This week on the Sunday Panel, editor and journalist Jo McCarroll and partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The Department of Conservation is paying bonuses of up to $3500 a year for civil servants to boost their Māori language proficiency. Is this the kind of program we should be funding or rewarding? NZ First are gearing up to put themselves back on the ballot, and they're set to launch their campaign for this year's election in Auckland this afternoon. Is there room in the political landscape for NZ First? What do we think of the Women's World Cup so far? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Awareness Show got to interview Ben Turner from Department of Conservation we talked about policy and base ball and what he does for fun.
The Department of Conservation has blamed a 'function issue' for the repeated crashes of the booking system for the Milford Track Great Walk. Thousands of trampers were left frustrated on Wednesday, spending up to an hour trying to log onto the booking system for the track after the web-page glitched. DOC's Visitor Advice Manager, Lynnell Greer says that they will ensure the system is fully functional before the next round of Great Walks open. She says the issue wasn't picked up in testing, and they will now be asking their IT vendor why that was. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keen trampers will have to fork out a bit more for their favourite walks, with the Department of Conservation announcing that it will be hiking hut and camping fees. Hut fees will double to $10 a night from July, and serviced huts will rise to $25. The Department of Conservation's Steve Kerr says that it's due to increased budget pressures, reduced revenue, and extreme weather events. He says many facilities haven't had a price increase since 2008. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism is the sponsor of this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. Warm temps and fresh seafood make the Alabama Gulf Coast the perfect beach destination for your family vacation, couples getaway, outdoor adventure, meetings, conferences, and conventions.Our guest today is Scott Bannon. Scott is the Director of the Marine Resources Division, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.QuestionsWhat is the role of the Marine Resources Division, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural ResourceHow the reef zone expansion is going for both inshore and offshoreHow will the expansion impact anglers?What other projects have we been working on to provide access to anglers? Ft Morgan Fishing Pier, boat ramps, etc.Aha MomentI experience "aha" moments almost daily. I like to be out and about to meet with the public. So often, I hear their fishing stories or see their smiles. When I speak to commercial anglers and dealers I get to hear how business is going and I often learn how we may be able to do something that helps them.InSight2GoWe just finished another successful oyster season which put over $3 million in the hands of local fishermen and we have additional work that is going into expanding that. we have completed an expansion of the AL Artificial Reef Zone and have been deploying reefs paid for by the state and other organizations such as Alabama Wildlife Federation, Alabama Power, and Cooper Towing. This has a major impact on developing fishing habitats and providing access to anglers.Mediahttps://www.outdooralabama.com/articles/new-artificial-reef-zone-honors-blankenships-contributionshttps://www.outdooralabama.com/articles/alabamas-unparalleled-artificial-reef-zones-expandedhttps://www.outdooralabama.com/articles/record-setting-year-alabama-saltwater-anglershttps://www.outdooralabama.com/articles/mcmillan-pier-and-boat-ramp-officially-opened-fort-morganLearn MoreTo learn more about Scott and his work, visit the Outdoor Alabama website at https://www.outdooralabama.com/. You can learn about the Alabama Marine Resources Division and the ADCNR on these social sites:Facebook (1) Facebook (2) TwitterYouTubeNEXT STEPSTo begin planning your beach vacation, getaway, or outing, visit the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism website at https://www.gulfshorPodcast produced using DescriptPodcast hosted by BuzzsproutShow Notes powered by CastmagicWebsite powered by Podpage
The Missouri Department of Conservation's large carnivore team is in northern Boone County's Sturgeon area this morning, investigating the reported sighting of a mountain lion. Our news partner ABC-17 reports a youtube account has posted a video of the mountain lion walking along a trail in the woods. Sturgeon is about 22 miles north of Columbia. Adam Doerhoff of the Missouri Department of Conservation joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" this morning. Mr. Doerhoff tells listeners that Conservation is working to confirm if it's a mountain lion. He adds that if it is, it's likely from the Black Hills area in South Dakota. Doerhoff also emphasizes that mountain lions are more scared of humans than vice-versa:
Jill Rose is the State Forest Pathologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry since September 2019. Previously she was the Forest Health Programs Manager and State Forest Pathologist for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Plant Industries Division for 17 years. Jill's studies included an Associate Degree in Wildlife Technology from Penn State University from the DuBois campus and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Sciences from the University of Idaho. Jill also holds a Master of Science degree in Plant Pathology from Washington State University. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/plantatrilliontrees/support
On this episode, Tj Schlipp, Matt Miller, Matt Smith and Justin Hampton talk about the changes that the Missouri Department of Conservation has made for the up coming 2023-2024 season in Missouri.
The Department of Conservation is at a loss as to why anyone would want to steal albatross eggs from a monitored Otago Peninsula reserve. The colony is the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross in the world. But their numbers will be fewer now that four of their eggs are missing. DoC's operations manager of Coastal Otago Annie Wallace is with us.
The High Court has recently ordered that the plans to burn and destroy some Department of Conservation-operated huts in the Te Urewera region be shut down. The Tūhoe settlement entity had planned on demolishing 48 huts, which inspired protests from hikers, hunters, and recreationists, as well as some Tūhoe members. Pete Shaw, a conservationist, says that destroying the huts was an insane decision, as people stayed at the huts and used them to take advantage of the wilderness environments. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liberty, MO – Aaron Jones and Chandler Smith are joined by hunting department manger Patrick Fisher and Josh Peck from Outdoor Limits, as well as special guest Mark McNeely from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Topics covered: bear and elk hunting in MO, Bigfoot and Chupacabra sightings, tagging game properly, does the game warden make you nervous, gray areas, hunting public ground and safety, funding for state game departments, and youth hunting numbers.
Mountaineers and conservationists are upset over the sudden removal of DOC huts in Te Uruwera. Forty-four huts are being removed as directed by Tūhoe, who in say in their annual report they want the run-down huts on their land decomissioned. The Federated Mountain Clubs say they respect the intentions of the iwi to restore their ancestral land, but are appalled that DOC hasn't consulted with recreational groups. The group's vice president Allan Brent spoke to Guyon Espiner.
Conservationists are concerned the Department of Conservation is standing by as wild animals wreck havoc on New Zealand's biodiversity. Susie Ferguson speaks with DOC's operations director Ben Reddiex, chair of the Game Animal Council, Grant Dobson and Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki.
Kids cooped up because of Covid are being encouraged to pick up a fly fishing rod and learn how to catch trout. The Tongariro National Trout Centre also has big plans for education about the fishery, natives, freshwater and aquaponics.
The Department of Conservation is adopting a new plan to adapt our Great Walks to the impacts of climate change.
The Department of Conservation's Great Walks bookings have opened this week - but many were full within just a couple of minutes. Huts and campsites at the Kepler, Milford and Tongariro Northern Circuit walks have all booked out for January. Every year it's a race to get a booking - last year it took just 15 minutes for accommodation on the Milford Track to fill up for the entire season. DOC's Heritage and Visitors Director Tim Bamford spoke to Corin Dann.
There's been an unexpected up-side to the whole Covid experience, with tourists unable to visit, more New Zealanders have been taking advantage of their wonderful backyard. DOC has released its summer visitor insights, showing that that in the last two years, three out every four New Zealanders visited outdoor conservation areas over summer. The visitor numbers were recorded at popular sites, huts, campsites and walking tracks in the three months from December last year to the end of February this year. DOC's Heritage and Visitors Director Tim Bamford talks to Nick Truebridge.
Forest & Bird is taking the Department of Conservation to court over their treatment of Kororā penguins at Kennedy Point on Waiheke Island. It argues the department shouldn't have issued authority for the Kennedy Point Marina Development Ltd to capture, handle and release the Kororā to make way for a marina. Footage and photos captured at the construction site, as well as eyewitness accounts, show they've been disturbing the resident little penguins, which are classified as an 'At Risk' and declining species. Forest and Bird chief executive Nicola Toki spoke to Kim Hill.
The long Easter weekend is upon us and many people are keen to get away. Easter's a popular time for tramping. Department of Conservation director of heritage and visitors Tim Bamford spoke to Susie Ferguson.
In this episode, Jeff Ishee and Eric Bendfeldt speak with Robert Shoemaker, nutrient management specialist with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Robert discusses the work of DCR in partnering with agricultural producers across the state, the intersection of soil health and water quality, and some of the conservation practices that DCR works with farmers to implement that build healthy soils and protect the watershed. He also shares the role of soil testing in understanding the state of your soil fertility “bank account” and the need to monitor withdrawals and deposits.For more information about the Department of Conservation and Recreation and Division of Soil and Water Conservation visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/ and to learn more about the 47 soil and water conservation districts visit https://www.vaswcd.org/.
Experts insist 1080 is by far the best option to save native species and that science backs them up. How can the media report responsibly on opponents' noisy protests, social media growth and increasingly alarming threats?