Nature Coast

Around the bay

By RODNEY PAGE, Times Staff Writer
Published September 15, 2007

Outdoor events offered today

If you're looking for outdoor activities to do today, check out these events. The Hernando Audubon Society will host a birding outing at 8 a.m. in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and insect repellent. For information, call (352) 686-8195. A boating course will be run by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Hernando Beach from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Calienta Street Building. The subject is on how weather affects boating decisions. Call (352) 686-9582.

Raffle, auction benefits association

The Coastal Conservation Association will hold a raffle and silent auction Thursday at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple and include dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse. Money raised will benefit the association's conservation efforts. For information on the benefit, call Larry Rudiseill at (727) 346-9010 or Brian Gorski at (941) 531-4019.

In Iowa, fishinga bit too easy

The fishing couldn't have been much easier for residents of Hazleton, Iowa, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thanks to a dam malfunction, much of the lake created by the dam that backs up Otter Creek was drained. That left fish stranded in shallow pools. Citizens of the mostly Amish community waded into the muck with spears and nets to scoop up the fish. To minimize wasting fish that would otherwise die, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources relaxed its fish harvesting rules for two days. The stranded fish can be taken by just about any means, except by using explosives or "substances that would stupify the fish."

Times wires contributed to this report.

Fast facts

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[Last modified September 15, 2007, 01:14:38]