Sycamore Trails Resource Conservation

 and Development Council, Inc.

Fish and Wildlife Committee   

    This committee works to improve the quality and quantity of fish and wildlife habitat in the Sycamore Trails RC&D area. They develop and distribute information on fish and wildlife needs and opportunities.  They sponsor educational field days, partner with public and private conservation organizations, and use other avenues of promoting good natural resource stewardship.

Youth Outdoor Recreation Event Sponsored in Terre Haute

The Fish and Wildlife Committee of Sycamore Trails RC&D Council sponsored a Bucks and Jakes Day at a local Gander Mountain store to introduce area youth to the opportunities and excitement of all types of outdoor activities.  Hands-on demonstrations of fishing, canoeing, archery, hunting and trapping were available for over 150 youth. Many local and regional participants and vendors contributed to the successful day. Everyone involved learned a little more about really living outdoors.

When interviewed by the local newscast, Steve Herbert, Chair of the Committee, commented, "We're a bunch of volunteers that are just trying to spread our enthusiasm to people of the next generation."  This was a first-time event for the committee.  They have made plans to hold the event next year as a way to encourage youngsters to get out and enjoy the natural resources, right here in our community.

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Youth Firearm Safety and Hunting events

A grant was obtained from the Friends of the NRA to fund two youth hunts in 2007.  A quail hunt was held in March at Royal Flush in Vermillion County, and in September a squirrel hunt was conducted in Vigo County.  Firearm safety and hunting etiquette and techniques were provided to the young participants, along with hunting vests and caps.

Click here for more info and photos.

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Wildland Fire/Prescribed Burn Training

Two Basic courses and one Advanced course with an actual burn on Wildland Fire Management and Suppression were offered in two locations in 2007.  Emphasis was on management of prairie grass habitats. All classes were instructed by personnel from IDNR Division of Forestry Fire Headquarters--a special thanks to Charlie Keller, State Coordinator and Drew Daily, Asst. State Coordinator, whose dedication and expertise were an essential part of the success of these classes. 

Attendees included firefighters, wildlife/forest managers, property managers, and private landowners.    Sponsors who worked with our Fish & Wildlife Committee included Pheasants Forever, Coal Creek Chapter, Wabash Valley Audubon Society, Mason & Hanger Corp.,Wildlife Habitat Team of Eli Lilly Clinton Labs , AgVenture D & M, and IDNR Div. of Fish & Wildlife

And a special thanks to our host sites, Newport Chemical Depot, and Ripley Township Fire Dept. in Montgomery County.

Basic courses were held at the Newport Chemical Depot, Vermillion County, in January with 22 in attendance, and at the Ripley Twp. Fire Dept in Alamo in Montgomery County in February, with 34 in attendance.  This course covers the Basics of Wildland Fire Management and Suppression.  Successfully completing this 8 hours of classroom instruction qualifies the student for the next level course, Prescribed Fire Management.

An Advanced course, Prescribed Fire Management (two days), with an actual burn, was offered on March 17 and 19, 2007 at the Newport Chemical Depot.  Photos of that course are below, where 26 people obtained certification to prepare a prescribed burn plan and be a "burn boss" or conduct a prescribed burn in Indiana.

If you are interested in training in prescribed fire practices, contact the office.

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Last modified:08/06/08