Watch ponds for algae problems

Spring is the time of year ponds frequently experience algae problems, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). With the weather warming and days becoming longer, conditions for algae growth and algae problems in small ponds are increasing.

According to David Young, a fisheries biologist with the TWRA, small ponds may experience a number of problems in the spring. Fish in ponds may die due to diseases, water chemistry problems, or serious algae conditions.

?There are two main groups of algae that can be harmful,? Young said. ?Filamentous algae is a long, stringy algae and blue-green algae forms a light green, frothy mat on the surface of the water.?

?Both of these types should be treated chemically to eliminate the problem,? Young said. ?A common misconception is that fertilizing the pond will take care of the algae, but fertilizer may just make it worse by accelerating growth of algae already present. The algae needs to be killed first, and then the pond should be fertilized. Chemical treatments for farm ponds are available at most Farmer?s Co-ops.?

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Public input needed on fishing rules

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is soliciting comments for its 2008 sport fishing regulations. This is an opportunity for the public to share ideas and concerns about fishing regulations with TWRA staff.

Public comments will be considered by fisheries managers and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes. Comments may submitted by mail to: Sport Fish Comments, TWRA, Fisheries Management Division, P.O. 40747, Nashville, TN 27204 or emailed to [email protected]. Please include ?Sport Fish Comments? on the subject line of emailed submissions.

The comment period will run until May 18, 2007.

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TWRA SEIZED CONTRABAND TO BE SOLD IN REGION 3

A sale of personal property seized by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers will be held beginning the month of April.

TWRA wildlife officers seize various items involved in wildlife violations each year. After the violators have been before the court, any of the items seized that have been declared to be contraband by the court are then ordered to be sold by TWRA. This sale will be held at the front door of the County Courthouse and each item will be sold to the highest bidder. Said sale of any firearms open only to persons 18 years of age or older and legally capable of possessing a firearm under federal and state laws.

The following is a list of the contraband items to be sold, along with a description of the items, in Warren and neighboring counties:

Warren County (McMinnville) – April 28, 2007, 10:00 a.m.

? One (1) American compound bow with four (4) arrows, quiver, stabilizer and sights.

Van Buren County (Spencer) – April 28, 2007, 10:00 a.m.

? One (1) Winchester Model 70 rifle, .270 WSM caliber, ser. no. 62471754, with Buchnell 6×18 scope.

? One (1) Remington Model 7400 rifle, .30-06 caliber, ser. no. B8279722.

? One (1) New England Firearms single shot rifle, .270 caliber, ser. no. 286000, with Simmons 3x9x32 scope.

? One (1) Winchester Model 70 rifle, 7 mm magnum, ser. no. G2429635, with Nikon Pro Staff 3×9 scope.

? One (1) Coleman spotlight.

White County (Sparta) – April 28, 2007, 10:00 a.m.

? One (1) Benelli Super Black Eagle shotgun, 12 gauge, ser. no. 4253165.

? One (1) Ruger Mark II M77 rifle, .30-06 caliber, ser. no. 780-31900, with Simmons 3x9x4 scope.

? One (1) New England Firearms Handi-Rifle, .243 caliber, ser. no. NM277115.

? One (1) Sears & Roebuck single shot shotgun, 12 gauge, ser. no. A763803.

? One (1) Remington Sportsman rifle, .270 caliber, ser. no. B8219594.

? One (1) Remington Model 7400 rifle, .30-06 caliber, ser. no. B6637115.

? One (1) Marlin semi-automatic rifle, .22 caliber, ser. no. 14425119, with Tasco scope.

? One (1) Ruger Blackhawk pistol, .41 caliber, ser. no. 47-23727.

Dekalb County (Smithville) – April 21, 2007, 10:00 a.m.

? One (1) Remington Model 742 Woodsmaster rifle, .30-06 caliber, ser. no. 7072529, with Golden Antler 3×9 scope.

Cumberland County (Crossville) – April 21, 2007, 10:00 a.m.

? One (1) Knight .50 caliber muzzleloading rifle, ser. no. 5014582, with Bushnell 3×9 scope.

? One (1) CVA Staghorn muzzleloading rifle, ser. no. 61-13060622-01.

? One (1) Glenfield Model 30 rifle, .30-30 caliber, ser. no. AC495596, with Bushnell scope.

? One (1) J.C. Higgins Model 10318 rifle, .22 caliber, single shot, no visible serial number.

? One (1) New England Arms rifle, .243 caliber, ser. no. NU309649, with Charles Daly 4×40 scope.

? One (1) Garrity spotlight.

? One (1) Q-beam spotlight.

? One (1) 12-volt battery.