TWRA offers free Internet newsletter

In an effort to communicate directly with sportsmen, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has initiated a new Internet newsletter.

The free newsletter, which will contain an abbreviated version of the most current information concerning TWRA programs, seasons, hunting and fishing regulations, and other material of interest to sportsmen, will also contain Internet links to take subscribers directly to more complete information if they wish.

Sportsmen may subscribe to the newsletter by visiting the TWRA Web site at and providing an e-mail address, along with some basic information about his or her particular outdoor interests. The newsletter will be automatically sent to subscribers via e-mail each time a new one is available. There is no charge for the subscription.

This free Internet newsletter is just one more way the agency is working to improve its service to Tennessee sportsmen, TWRA Executive Director Gary Myers said. We hope that anyone with an interest in the outdoors will find it both useful and informative. We also hope that sportsmen will help us spread the word about the availability of this new tool by telling their friends about it. All a sportsmen needs to do is sign up to receive it.

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PWC OPERATORS URGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHILE BOATING

With the 2006 boating season entering into its busiest time of the summer, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is urging Personal Watercraft (PWC) operators to exercise caution while boating on Tennessee?s waterways.

Personal watercrafts (PWC?s) are considered by law to be boats, and as such, are covered by all the laws pertaining to boats. They must be registered, operators cannot cause a wake in “No Wake” zones, and a fully charged fire extinguisher must be on board since they have enclosed spaces in their hulls and non-portable gas tanks. Laws specific to PWC?s are:

? Operators of PWC?s must be at least 12 years old. Persons under 12 years of age must have an adult on board who can take immediate control of the PWC.

? Operators of personal watercraft must wear a life jacket at all times.

? PWC?s may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.

? PWC?s must have a lanyard-type engine cut off attached to the operator unless it has a self-circling capability.

? Jumping the wake of another boat is prohibited within 100 feet.

? A person under the age of 16 may not rent a PWC.

? Personal watercraft being used to tow skiers or other devices must be equipped with the appropriate mirrors. Mirrors must be present even if there is an observer on board. An observer must be 12 years of age or older.

? It is illegal for the owner or person in charge or control of a PWC to authorize or knowingly permit the PWC to be operated in violation of the laws.

? Anyone born after January 1, 1989 must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam.

Further information on personal watercraft may be found on TWRA?s website at www.tnwildlife.org.