Dnr

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - For the second time in three weeks, a black bear has visited the grounds of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center near Martinsburg. Police at the hospital spotted the bear Thursday around 10 p.m. in a wooded area about one-quarter mile from the building, said Barbara Corbin, the hospital's public affairs officer. Officers from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Berkeley County Animal Control were called, but when DNR officials arrived, the bear climbed up a tree.

trishr@herald-mail.com BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. - More special events like wedding functions and wine and cheese receptions could be held on the grounds of Cacapon State Park if a rule change being considered by the state is approved. At the Morgan County park, and in most West Virginia state parks, events at which alcohol are served are allowed only in the conference centers or in restaurants. The Parks and Recreation Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR)

martinsburg@herald-mail.com HARPERS FERRY, W.VA. - One person died Thursday as the result of a rafting accident on the Shenandoah River near Harpers Ferry, according to a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources official. Lt. Jerry Jenkins said he believed the accident happened near Chestnut Hill Road. He said two other DNR officers were investigating and taking statements from employees with River Riders, a rafting company in Harpers Ferry. Erin Bourgois, a spokeswoman for River Riders, said Thursday night that River Riders organized the white water rafting trip, which involved five rafts.

To save an estimated $50,000, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is dumping the 74-year-old system that requires deer and turkey hunters to bring their kills to approved checking stations. To save an amount that is a drop in the bucket in terms of the state budget, we believe the DNR is risking a number of problems. State lawmakers should not allow it. DNR officials say they're changing from the traditional check-in system to one in which hunters call a toll-free number or use the Internet because harvest levels have grown to more than 85,000 animals each year.

One of the most popular early spring fishing opportunities is the put-and-take trout fishing offered throughout our region. The trout fishing in Washington County is quite varied. You have the lake or impoundment fishing opportunities in Greenbrier Lake, Blairs Valley Lake and Big Pool as well as a lot of stream fishing opportunities. Beaver Creek and Sideling Hill are probably the most popular put-and-take streams. As has been the case for a number of years, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will use the program of closing most waters for certain periods for stocking.

As has been reported, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources has confirmed positive occurrences of Chronic Wasting Disease in the Slanesville area in Hampshire County. With the opening of the archery season for deer this weekend, the department has issued a number of recommendations to hunters on how to care for deer, both when in the field and when butchering the deer for the table. The DNR stresses that there is no scientific evidence that CWD can be spread to humans, but it's common sense that hunters should exercise caution when handling and processing deer from areas in or near to where CWD has been confirmed.

Tractor-trailer tips over on ramp to I-81 A tractor-trailer hauling groceries from a local distribution center tipped over early Monday on the ramp from Md. 68 to northbound Interstate 81 near Williamsport, Maryland State Police said. The driver, Roger L. Fischer, 49, of Warfordsburg, Pa., was cited for failing to control speed to avoid a collision, police said. He was taken to Washington County Hospital with minor injuries and discharged, a hospital spokeswoman said.

WASHINGTON COUNTY - Twenty years ago, John Cristman had just been laid off from his job at a local manufacturing company. Sitting on his back porch, he tried to sort out his life and plan his next move. His first decision - find a hobby to forget his troubles. Cristman always had loved the outdoors, so a friend suggested he try fishing. He did, and he's been hooked ever since. The Hagerstown resident stood on the edge of the lake at Greenbrier State Park on Saturday morning and prepared to launch his boat for a day on the water.

MIHI Inc. (Many Individuals Helping Individuals) has joined forces with Star Community Inc., the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Bass Federation to bring the Washington County area two speial "fishin' frenzy" dates for citizens who seldom have an opportunity to participate in fishing activities. More than 400 trout will be delivered from Maryland's Albert Powell Fish Hatchery to the Star Community lake (the former Anita Lynne Home) for the first Fishin' Frenzy event to be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Star Community MIHI Fishin' Frenzy is open to those with disabilities and their families, and ages 12 and younger.

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - A Hedgesville man was fatally shot by an acquaintance Monday morning while the two were turkey hunting in a wooded area in Tomahawk, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. [cont. from news page ] Michael Z. Butts, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the chest, DNR Conservation Officer Mike Sibole said. Butts and a friend were hunting turkeys in an area south of the Greenwood Acres subdivision near W.Va.