Your Side of the FenceIs a FREE publication produced three times a year by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for Oklahomalandowners. It is our mission to provide practical information for managing wildlife on your property and address issues thataffect you, the landowner. Nowhere else can you receive helpful, in-depth information from experienced biologists and lawenforcement officers who work in all corners of the state. With so much knowledge and insight at our disposal, we strive toprovide you with information we think you may need. But, sometimes we do not address the management issues you want toknow more about. So this is your opportunity to tell us what you think. What would you like to learn more about? Do you haveany questions for any of our ODWC professionals? Are we doing a good job of providing useful, practical information? Pleaselet us know. If you would like, provide any comments below and send in your advice to the editor. Send to:

YSOF EditorPO Box 53465

OKC, OK 73152

Name_____________________________________Address_____________________________________

City__________________, State____, Zip_______

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Oklahoma Department of Wildlife ConservationP.O. Box 53465Oklahoma City, OK 73105

A publication of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Vol. 5, #3 • Fall 2005

Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy

The Cross Timbers BurnAssociation looks to gain momen-tum from its inaugural burn sea-son. Organized in 2004 the CrossTimbers Burn Association (CTBA)consists of landowners throughoutLincoln County.

“Unfortunately, when weformed the Association it was toolate to schedule any burns and wehad to wait an entire year to getgoing,” said Verlin Hart, CTBAPresident. Nevertheless, during2005, CTBA conducted 14 pre-scribed burns including a training

burn administered by theLincoln County NaturalResources ConservationService (NRCS).

“The local NRCSoffice and OklahomaState University has beeninvaluable in helping usform the Association andtrain its members,” saidHart.

In response to agrowing desire to use fire

as a management tool, EdS t i n c h c o m b ,D i s t r i c tConservationistwith the NRCS,helped to organ-ize a publicmeeting to dis-cuss establish-ing a burn coop-erative. Invitedto speak at themeeting was John Weir, aRangeland Fire Specialist fromOklahoma State University.

“John presented a blueprint of how to organize and oper-ate a burn cooperative and beforewe knew it, those in attendancewere voting on by-laws and elect-ing officers,” said Stinchcomb.

The Cross Timbers BurnAssociation now includes 40 mem-bers whose interest in using pre-scribed fire are as variable asOklahoma’s weather. “We havemembers that are interesting inimproving grazing, improvingwildlife habitat and some that just

want to reducefire hazards,” saidHart. One thingshared by allmembers is theirdislike of easternred cedar. Thespread of easternred cedar inOklahoma is esti-mated at 762

acres a day. With money from dues and

donations from the Tulsa Chapter

Continued on pg. #2

BBuurrnniinngg iitt uupp

Page SIXControlling Algae in

Farm Ponds

PAGE FIVEMeet your newGame Wardens

PAGE FOURRental

Equipment

What’s Inside

Oklahoma Department ofWildlife Conservation MissionStatement: Managing Oklahoma’swildlife resources and habitat to providescientific, educational, aesthetic, econom-ic and recreational benefits for presentand future generations of hunters, anglersand others who appreciate wildlife.

ODWC Landowner Assistance Programs:

Wildlife Habitat ImprovementProgram(WHIP); Technical AssistanceProgramRuss Horton: 405/202-5901John Hendrix: 405/880-0994Mike Sams: 405/590-2584Dick Hoar: 918/744-1039Deer Management Assistance Program(DMAP)Wildlife Division: 405/521-2739Oklahoma Wildscapes CertificationProgramMelynda Hickman: 405/424-0099Farm Pond Technical Assistance; FarmPond Fish Stocking ProgramNW Region-John Stahl: 580/474-2668SW Region-Larry Cofer: 580/529-2795NE Region-Jim Burroughs: 918/683-1031SE Region-Paul Balkenbush: 580/9244087Central-Garland Wright: 405/379-5408Southcentral-Paul Mauck: 580/924-4087

ODWC ContactsWildlife Division: 405/521-2739Natural Resources: 405/521-4616Fisheries Division: 405/521-3721Law Enforcement: 405/521-3719Operation Game Thief: 1-800-522-8039Information & Education: 405/521-3855License Section: 405/521-3852Instant Licenses: 1-800-223-3333Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Your Side of the Fence is published threetimes a year for those enrolled in theODWC’s landowner assistance programs.Articles may be reprinted with permissionfrom the editors:

Darrin HillPO Box 53465OKC, OK 73152dhill@odwc.state.ok.us405/521-4633

orJohn Hendrix100 USDA, Suite 203Stillwater, OK 74074jhendrix@onenet.net

405/880-0994.

Promoting Wildlife and Fisheries Management on Private Lands2

Burning it upContinued from pg. #1

The third and final method is

chemical control, which either kills or

inhibits the growth of chara. If done prop-

erly, chemical control can be very effective.

Chemical treatments must be applied early

in the growing season when the chara is

young. After chara matures, the stems can

become calcified making it difficult for the

chemicals to penetrate and kill the chara.

Chemicals containing copper sulfate or

chelated copper provide the safest and most

economical way to control algae.

Cutrine® plus, SCI-62®, and copper

sulfate crystals are some of the recommend-

ed chemicals for control. Copper-based

products do have some limitations and

should not be used if the total alkalinity of

the water is below 40 mg/l. Copper sul-

fate is ineffective in waters

where the total alkalinity is

above 200 mg/l. It is a

good idea to have a lab per-

form analysis of the alkalin-

ity of your pond water before

you attempt to control the algae with

chemicals.

Copper products are not recommend-

ed for use in ponds containing Koi carp or

hybrid goldfish. Always read product

labels before applying. Check the labels

of the chemical for warnings, application

rates, and application recommendations. Be

careful when treating a pond that is heavily

infested with vegetation. A sudden kill of

aquatic plants or algae could result in oxy-

gen depletion which could kill fish. It’s best

to perform spot treatment in heavily-infest-

ed ponds.

Once the chara is under control, pond

dyes can be used to help darken the water to

prevent sunlight penetration. When the

light is taken away, algae and/or other prob-

lem vegetation will be deterred from grow-

ing. There are several different types of

dyes. All will do the job. The only differ-

ence will be the appearance of the water.

Some dyes will give a bright

blue appearance while

others will appear

black. The dyes

will have to be re-

applied periodically

as the pond starts to

clear.

Chara \Cha"ra\, n. [NL., of uncertain origin.] (Bot.)

A genus of flowerless plants, having articulat-ed stems and whorled branches. They flourish

in wet places.

Definition:

7

of Quail Unlimited and P&K Equipment, the Association has beenable to obtain some basic burn equipment items.

During the summer, the Association met to discuss their suc-cesses and share experiences. For most of the members, using pre-scribed fire is a new experience and the meeting concluded with anopen discussion on how to improve their burns. Also in attendanceat the summer meeting were members of local fire departments.

“Obviously, there is some concern over using fire and ourgoal is to do it safely and an important part of that is to notify ourlocal fire departments and sheriff’s office,” said Hart.

At a time when it seems most of us are totally wrapped upin our own activities it’s inspiring to see a group of landownershelping each other out. If you and your neighbors are interested informing a burn cooperative you can contact your local NRCSOffice, Extension Service or the Oklahoma Department of WildlifeConservation.

With a little help from your friends a burn coop-erative can help establish and maintain a healthyhabitat for wildlife. For more information contact

your local NRCS Office, Extension Service or the theOklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

6Promoting Wildlife and Fisheries Management on Private Lands

Of all the different types of algae that

cause problems in farm ponds, Chara is

probably the most difficult to control. Chara

is an advanced type of algae that resembles

higher plants, but doesn’t have a root sys-

tem. One of its most distinguishing features

is its foul smell, giving it the nick-

names of muskgrass and

skunkweed. Chara forms

large masses that can

extend from top to bot-

tom in the water col-

umn making fishing dif-

ficult. To help identify

chara, contact the local fish-

eries biologist or go online at

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu for pic-

tures and a detailed description.

There are three methods to control chara.

The first is the mechanical method, which is

to physically remove the algae masses. The

mechanical means of controlling chara is

short term and can be very labor intensive.

Basically, some sort of drag is used to pull

mats of algae out of the pond. This can be

done by manpower or with the aid of a trac-

tor or wench. Either way, results can be

short lived and can actually help the

algae spread easier through fragmentation of

the plant. Fragmentation is the process in

which pieces of algae break off and float to

other areas of the pond and start other

colonies of algae. Also, those areas that

have been cleared by mechanical

means will re-infest quickly

if action is not taken to

prevent its reoccur-

rence.

The second is the

biological method. The

most common biological

control used are grass carp

(also known as white amur) which eat the

algae. This method works well, but in some

cases where ponds overflow, grass carp

have a bad habit of leaving the pond over

whatever spillway your pond has. Screens,

fish fences or the construction of a barrier to

block the spillway or overflow tube will

help prevent the fish from leaving the pond.

Also, grass carp may target other species

instead of the chara and could actually help

the growth of chara by eliminating the com-

petition.

Farm Pond Management - Controlling Chara

3

4

County Game Warden Listing** designates Lieutenant

ADAIRClint Carpenter, Proctor ………918/431-2539**Jim Young, Stilwell ........918/431-2546

ALFALFAShelby Finney, Jet .. .........580/541-0820

ATOKALarry Luman, Atoka . ............580/513-0081 **Joe Young, Atoka ...............580/513-4823

BEAVERNathan Erdman, Beaver ...........580/651-9135

BECKHAMHarry Steele, Elk City .........580/799-3950

BLAINEMark Walker, Geary ...................580/623-0206

BRYANDanny Clubb, Durant ..............580/320-2957Jay Harvey, Bennington .........580/513-0814 Bob Wingo, Durant ....................580/320-2956

CADDOGary Roller, Clinton ...............405/590-5696James Edwards Jr, Carnegie .....405/850-1960

CANADIANRon Comer, Calumet ...............405/850-2127

CARTERJeremy Brothers, Lone Grove ..580/220-7264

CHEROKEEAnthony Clark, Tahlequah ........918/431-2562Brady May, Tahlequah ............918/431-2552

CHOCTAWJay Harvey, Bennington ...........580/513-0814 Wendall Smalling, Hugo ..........580/317-5000

CIMARRONRusty Menefee, Boise City ....580/651-9133

CLEVELANDTony Woodruff, Lexington.........405/850-9757Chad Strang, Moore …………405/323-7863

COALTodd Smith, Coalgate ..............580/927-5071

COMANCHEMike Carroll, Marlow ..............580/695-7535

COTTONMike France, Temple .............580/512-4706

CRAIG**Keith Green, Vinita .............918/244-2035

CREEKRobert Fleenor, Sapulpa ...........918/625-6801Dwight Luther, Slick ............918/625-6363**Gary Smeltzer, Mannford ....918/760-4813

CUSTERJames L. Edwards, Thomas .......580/695-3642

DELAWAREBill Hobbs, Jay ........................918/857-8597Jim Littlefield, Afton .................918/533-2678

DEWEYDekota Cagle, Oakwood ....580/623-3255

ELLISBryan Wilkerson, Shattuck ......580/334-0480

GARFIELDDavid Foltz, Garber ...................580/541-0819

GARVINDavid Steele, Wynnewood ........405/238-1785

GRADY**Gene Pester, Tuttle ..............405/779-1479

GRANT**Nick Woodard, Deer Creek ...580/541-0930Marshall Reigh, Medford ……..580/541-6087

GREERDane Polk, Mangum ........580/450-7706

HARMONBrandon Lehrman, Hollis...........580/450-7701

HARPERMark Reichenberger, Laverne....580/727-5048

HASKELLRick Olzawski, Stigler .............918/429-3122Leland Sockey, Stigler .............918/429-3123

HUGHESTom Cartwright, Holdenville ....405/380-6729

JACKSONGreg Sexton, Altus .....................580/450-7702

JEFFERSONBob Mullinax, Marietta ……….580/276-7193Bill Hale, Duncan ….………...580/512-4704Jeremy Brothers, Lone Grove ..580/220-7264

JOHNSTONCurtis Latham, Tishomingo .......580/320-2948Bud Cramer, Tishomingo .........580/320-2950

KAY**Tracy Daniel, Ponca City .......580/761-6565Marshall Reigh, Medford ……...580/541-6087

KINGFISHER**Rick Cagle, Kingfisher...........405/368-0888

KIOWADavid Smith, Hobart ..................580/450-7703

LATIMERAllen Couch, Clayton …………580/271-0808D.G. Belcher, Wister .............918/314-0544

LEFLORED.G. Belcher, Wister ..............918/314-0544Thomas Gillham, Poteau ………918/429-3910Randy Fennell, Howe .............918/431-2559

LINCOLNGary Emmons, Chandler ..........405/240-1870

LOGAN**James Champeau, Crescent....405/850-9607

LOVEBob Mullinax, Marietta ...........580/276-7193

McCLAINCasey, Young, Purcell ………...405/278-1755

McCURTAINDru Polk, Smithville ..............580/513-6866Mark Hannah, Broken Bow …. 580/513-4651Kenny Lawson, Idabel ...............580/513-4963

McINTOSHDavid Robertson, Henryetta.......918/625-5971**Mike Stafford, Eufaula...........918/617-0326Ed Rodebush, Eufaula................918/617-0126

MAJORFrank Huebert, Fairview ............580/227-0393

MARSHALLJimmie Henthorn, Kingston .......580/320-2959Linda Powell, Madill .................580/320-2951

MAYESMonte Reid, Locust Grove ........918/373-0767 Steve Loveland, Pryor ............918/857-4802

MURRAYRoy Roundtree, Sulpher.............580/618-0044

MUSKOGEEGary Wilcox, Ft. Gibson ........918/625-4691Lark Wilson, Porum ..................918/625-4873

NOBLEDoug Gottschalk, Perry..............580/370-0700

NOWATA**Jeff Brown, Nowata ..............918/331-5078

OKFUSKEE**Carlton Sallee, Weleetka ........580/320-2949

Dwight Luther, Slick..................918/625-6363OKLAHOMA

Tim Campbell, Spencer..............405/203-3178Wade Farrar, Edmond ................405/203-3176

OKMULGEEPatrick Matlock, Henryetta ........918/625-6013 David Robertson, Henryetta.......918/625-5971

OSAGEPaul Welch, Skiatook ................918/381-4099Ben Bickerstaff, Pawhuska …... 918/440-9880Larry Green, Ponca City ..........580/761-4097

OTTAWAGayle Langston, Miami ...........918/533-2679

PAWNEEJamie Cole, Cleveland ...............918/645-6116

PAYNEJon Cunningham, Stillwater.......405/747-0505

PITTSBURGShane Fields, McAlester ...........918/470-5097**Todd Tobey, McAlester .........918/429-3908

PONTOTOCJim Edwards, Stonewall ............580/421-8122

POTTAWATOMIERonnie Arganbright, Shawnee ...405/850-8546

PUSHMATAHAAllen Couch, Clayton ...............580/271-0808

ROGER MILLS**Loren Damron, Cheyenne .....580/497-6897

ROGERSBrek Henry, Claremore ............918/857-8563Monte Reid, Locust Grove ........918/373-0767

SEMINOLEDaryl Howser, Seminole ...........405/380-8995

SEQUOYAHKarlin Bailey, Sallisaw...............918/431-2550Jerry Henry, Sallisaw ...............918/431-2544

STEPHENSBill Hale, Duncan ....................580/512-4704

TEXASMax Crocker, Hooker ...............580/651-9134

TILLMANGreg Sexton, Altus …………… 580/450-7702Mike France, Temple ………… 580/512-4706

TULSACarlos Gomez, Jenks ...............918/857-5557Kelly Roberson, Owasso ...........918/640-0316

WAGONERDon Cole, Porter ....................918/625-5796Marvin Stanley, Wagoner ..........918/625-5085

WASHINGTONMarni Loftis, Bartlesville ….. 918/331-5798

WASHITAJeff Headrick, Burns Flat .........580/515-4484

WOODSTerry Swallow, Alva...................580/430-5158

WOODWARDPaul Cornett, Sharon ..................580/334-0353

An increasing numberof Oklahoma landownerswant to improve their wildlifehabitat, but so often equip-ment is the limiting factor totheir success. Without goingto great expense towards pur-chasing several pieces ofequipment, landowners areoften left with few options toenhance wildlife habitat.

With help from theNational Wild TurkeyFederation, Quail Unlimited,Charles Blankenship (BigJohn Tree Spade Company)and private donations fromJohn Groendyke, theDepartment has acquiredsome specialized equipmentfor habitat enhancements.The Department has two treespades with support equip-ment and one roller chopperthat are available forlandowners to use for wildlifehabitat enhancement projects.The equipment can be rentedfor a small fee that will beused for annual maintenancecosts.

The tree spade can beused on riparian habitat proj-ects, establishing turkey roostsites, and to create shrubmotts for quail and smallgame. The tree spade is idealfor moving shrubs like sandplum or trees up to four inch-

es in diameter. Landownersrenting this equipment will beprovided an operator to runthe machine. The preferredtime for transplanting is dur-ing winter months whenshrubs and trees are dormant.Landowners can reserverental dates for the tree spadebetween December 15through March 1 annually.

A different machinecalled a roller chopper, can be

used for landowners wantingto set back rangeland succes-sion and reduce the canopyof brush structure.Landowners wanting to rentthe roller chopper must haveaccess to a tractor with atleast 80 hp that is required topull the machine.

The rental process is acooperative project betweenthe Oklahoma ConservationCommission and the

Oklahoma Department ofWildlife Conservation. Anonsite visit by an ODWCwildlife biologist will becompleted on your propertyprior to equipment rental.Landowners who are interest-ed in using this equipmentand would like additionalinformation can contact JohnHendrix, private lands biolo-gist at (405) 880-0994.

Your Side ofthe Fence

is produced three timesa year and is currently

available online.Just log onto the

Department Web sitewww.wildlifedepartment.com

ODWC Shares Equipment With Private Landowners

5

The Roller Chopperhelps aerate your soil.

Aeration helps plants receive moreoxygen by creating small holes in the soil.

The Tree Spade makes plantingand transplanting trees a easy task.

Trees should be transplanted in thewinter months while they are dormant.