Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1507158
Thursday, September 7-September 13, 2023 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 9 We Want Your Outdoor Photos! We Want Your Outdoor Photos! Hunting, Fishing, Playing Ball, Etc. Hunting, Fishing, Playing Ball, Etc. Sportsman's Corner Sportsman's Corner Email: events@rutherfordweekly.com Mail: 157 W Main St., Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828-248-1408 *Publisher has the fi nal decision of which photos appear in print, per available space. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) set a hook and line fl ounder season in rule that is September 1-14, and anglers can harvest 4 fi sh per day with a minimum size of 15-inches in both joint and inland waters. The NCWRC hook and line fl ounder season is applicable in both inland and joint waters. The NCWRC and North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission (NCMFC) have jointly adopted rules (15A NCAC 10C .0106 and 15A NCAC 03Q .0106) that state, "(b) The following inland fi shing laws and regulations administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission apply to joint fi shing waters and shall be enforced by wildlife offi cers: (3) all laws and regulations pertaining to hook and line fi shing except as hereinafter provided." This rule clearly gives the NCWRC the authority and responsibility to set hook and line seasons, sizes, and creel limits for fi sh in joint fi shing waters, which it must do through the rulemaking process. Contrary to some sources, the NCWRC adopted the current season, size, and creel limit in February 2022, and, at the time, these matched the existing season, size, and creel limit as proclaimed by the director of the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). The NCWRC rules went into effect March 2023. The NCWRC received a press release on June 28, 2023, notifying us that the MFC and DMF planned to issue a proclamation establishing this year's fl ounder season as September 15- 29, with a 15-inch minimum size limit, and a 1-fi sh daily creel. At that time, it was too late for the NCWRC to make changes to its proposed fl ounder season for 2023, due to the rulemaking timeline established in law. Flounder Season Hook and Line Rule Article by: ncwildlife.org. The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation recently awarded $3,025,636 in grants for 13 land acquisition projects through the Complete the Trails Program Fund. These grants will leverage more than $13 million in matching funds to help local nonprofi t partners acquire land for state trails projects in nine North Carolina counties. "I can't think of a better way to celebrate North Carolina's Year of the Trail than by providing grants to expand numerous offi cial state trails," said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson. "We appreciate Governor Cooper and the General Assembly for their commitment to this effort that will support outdoor recreation, improve public health, and expand access to nature." The Complete the Trails Program was created through 2021 legislation that provides an unprecedented level of funding — $29.25 million — for state trails in North Carolina. Complete the Trails Program funds are being used for land acquisition, capacity building, trail development and small community grants. The Complete the Trails Program fund is administered by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation in coordination with a nonprofi t partner for each state trail. The Division of Parks and Recreation resides within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. There are 14 state trails authorized by state law, including seven land-based trails, four paddle trails, and three that are a combination of paddle and land-based trails. The planned mileage for the system is over 3,800 miles. Over 34 state parks, state natural areas, and state recreation areas host or are adjacent to state trail segments. The local land acquisition grants are: • Conserving Carolina- Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail- Joel Ridge Trail, Rutherford County- $250,000 • Conserving Carolina- Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail- Buffalo Creek Park Addition, Rutherford County- $279,500 • Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina- Wilderness Gateway State Trail- Pinnacle Mountains West, McDowell/ Rutherford Counties- $293,700 • Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina- Wilderness Gateway State Trail- Vein Mountain Road Connector, McDowell County- $85,000 • Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail- Fonta Flora State Trail- Old Fort Trailhead Entrance Rd., McDowell County- $88,012 • Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail- Fonta Flora State Trail- McDowell County Trail & Trailhead, McDowell County- $108,500 N.C. State Parks Division Announces 'Complete the Trails' Program Grants for Land Acquisition Projects Article Provided By: ncdcr.nc.gov It seems on opening day, all the sights, sounds, touches, and smells are at their highest peak. After being gone from the woods for several months, I am more aware of these things on the fi rst few days of hunting season. I am especially fond of the smells that come through the cool, damp air. I believe God's favorite time must be at daylight on a fall morning. I'm also reminded that God never created one concrete building. His structures are of the mountain variety, and they have stood the test of time and taste. Even though it may seem the mountains and hills have replenished the supply of their characteristics, the truth is, they have been there all along. It is I who has been missing. There may be new trees, plants, and animals, but even this is a common characteristic of this special place. No, I am the one who has been absent from the picture. The mountain is faithful, but I am fi ckle. The mountain is unchanging. I am the one who is undecided. The mountain is stable. I am the one who is unsteady. I never have to cry out for the whereabouts of the mountain; I know she will be where I left her. Many of us think God changes from month to month or from year to year, that He is different. We may think some of His attributes are, at times, more pronounced than at other times. We may even think He has moved. The truth is if anyone has changed it is us. Whether we like it or not we are constantly being bombarded with outside infl uences. They are bidding for our time. They are constantly replacing the sights and sounds that are associated with a right relationship to God, with things that keep us from Him. My hunter friend, He has not moved, nor has He changed. His nature and characteristics are still the same. He has always been faithful, and He will be faithful to you, even when it seems He is nowhere to be found. Sometimes His seeming absence is simply Him walking a little farther ahead, to clear a path for the blessings He has laid out up ahead for you. Trust Him. Outdoor Truths Ministries has a new app. Download i t from the App Store. By By Gary Miller Gary Miller Aiming Outdoorsmen Toward Christ GARY MILLER Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written fi ve books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild- game dinners and men's events for churches and associations. gary@outdoortruths.org 157 West Main St., Forest City • rutherfordweekly.com LOCAL LOCAL POSITIVE POSITIVE h f d kl NEWS NEWS 828-248-1408 Al Always ways small town friendly BIG time results