Rensselaer Rotary 4-14-2015

Hello, Rensselaer Rotarians!

 

Thirty-two members plus guest Elizabeth Hartmann were present to celebrate what we learned was National Deli Sandwich Day, courtesy of John Ahler. Today is also the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Lincoln, as well as the tragic sinking of the Titanic on its maiden voyage. This is also National Library Week. About 40% of the nation's population still relies on public libraries for Internet access.

 

Steve Wood was belatedly properly inducted as a member: welcome, Steve! Thanks to President-elect Nominee Bill Stang, new members are receiving special 4-Way Test coins. Dene Mattocks reported that his committee had filled 54 backpacks last week. John Balvich and Chris Widner will serve as this club's delegates to the District Assembly on April 24.

 

Today's speaker was Dean Zimmerman, District Wildlife Biologist for 43 years. When he started with the district, it consisted of the counties of northwest Indiana. Later re-districting sent him south, and a since a more recent change, the district extends from lake Michigan to Terre Haute. An urban biologist has recently been added in Lake and Porter counties. 96% of Indiana is privately owned, so the government works with the landowners.

 

The Fish and Wildlife department has about 240 employees, working as property managers, district managers, dealing with environment, urban biology, fisheries, deer, grouse and turkey, and fur-bearing animals. In addition to federal aid, fees paid for hunting and fishing licenses and taxes on hunting equipment help to finance the department.

 

For 70 years, there were no bald eagles in the state. There are now about 150 nests, including one locally. Osprey, falcons, and river otters have also returned. River otters have become pests due to their fishing skills. Next fall, there will be a trapping season limited to 600 of them, which will then be used for research. Wild turkeys have been re-introduced and now are present in every Indiana county.

 

Dean's workload consists of about 55% habitat management and administration of programs, 10% wildlife conflicts (deer complaints, etc.), 10% public relations, 10% wildlife surveys and research, 10% miscellaneous paperwork, and 5% committees and projects.

 

Regarding problem areas, recently, there have been fewer complaints about deer, as the herd is being deliberately reduced. Canada geese are problems in some locations, and permits are required and available for dealing with them by destroying nests and eggs, trapping and "transplanting" them, or trapping and euthanising them. For racoons, bats, and coyotes, phone advice or the department website are the only forms of help available.

 

Dean has seen many changes in his 43 years with the Department, and points out that it does a great job with limited funds and people.

 

Still no winner for the Queen of Hearts! Hope to see you next week!

 

Anne-Marie Egan

Secretary, Rotary Club of Rensselaer