Health And Safety Tips When Visiting Padre Island National Seashore

In case of emergency, dial the park’s dispatch office at (361) 949-8173, extension 0. If a dispatcher is not available, hang up – then dial 911.

Loaded firearms are strictly prohibited. A Concealed Handgun License issued under the authority of the State of Texas, or another state, is not valid at the National Seashore. Unloaded weapons may be possessed only when such weapons are rendered temporarily inoperable, or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

You cannot drive to South Padre Island or the Rio Grande Valley along the beach. The only way to reach these destinations is to return to Corpus Christi and follow state Highway 358 (South Padre Island Drive) to state Highway 44. Take Highway 44 to Robstown. Then take U.S. Highway 77 south to the Rio Grande Valley.

Camping is available at several locations and is by permit only. Camping permits are available at no cost at the Visitor Center, Entrance Station or from a park ranger.

The 50 site Malaquite Beach campground is paved and suitable for both RV and tent camping. Restrooms, potable water and cold showers are here, as well as a dump station for RV’s. The cost is $8.00 per night or $4.00 per night with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers at these campsites. A 30 day camping limit is in effect at Malaquite Beach. At the end of 30 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.

Visitors may camp at no charge on both North Beach and South Beach. There are no facilities at these two locations. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers; however, please remember that neither camping nor fires are permitted in the dunes, grasslands or mudflats. A 14 day camping limit is in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.

Camping is also available on the Laguna Madre at Bird Island Basin, a prime windsurfing location, and at Yarborough Pass, which is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle. Restrooms are the only facilities available. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers. Please note that a user fee of $5.00 per day (or $10.00 per year) is required to use Bird Island Basin. Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders receive a 50% discount. A 14 day camping limit is also in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.



If you have a medical emergency during your visit, contact a park ranger immediately or go to the First Aid station at the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center. Several park employees are Emergency Medical Technicians and can provide advanced care while obtaining assistance from the Corpus Christi emergency medical system. If an employee is not immediately available, you may summon assistance for any emergency by dialing 911. Pay telephones are available at the Malaquite Beach campground and in front of the Visitor Center.

The closest hospital is Columbia Bay Area Medical Center, located at the corner of South Padre Island Drive and Rodd Field Road in Corpus Christi. This facility is 24 miles from the Visitor Center.

Beaches are Texas public highways. Only street legal and licensed vehicles may be driven in the park. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are prohibited. Driving in dunes, grasslands or mudflats is prohibited. Drive with caution and strictly observe posted speed limits. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times and do not always watch for approaching vehicles.

Portuguese Man-of-War are found at the park throughout the year. These attractive, blue jellyfish cause a painful sting, which is usually accompanied by redness and some swelling of the affected skin area. If stung, seek first aid. A very small percentage of those stung will experience an allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty breathing, numbness in the arms, legs or elsewhere, severe pain and/or disorientation or unconsciousness. Visitors experiencing these or other symptoms should notify a park ranger immediately and seek medical attention.

Two species of rattlesnakes live in the dunes, grasslands and mudflats. Visitors should avoid walking in these areas.

Hunting is not permitted at the park, except for the taking of waterfowl in the Laguna Madre in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. The transportation of lawfully taken wildlife, including exotic species, through the park, is prohibited, except for waterfowl and fish.

Both a Texas state fishing license and salt water stamp are required to fish. These may be obtained at the park’s concessionaire at the Visitor Center along with complete fishing regulations. Commercial fishing is strictly prohibited. Fishing Guides using park facilities or fishing in park waters are required to possess an Incidental Business Permit, which is available at Headquarters.

Jet skis, air boats and kite surfing are prohibited. For the safety of all visitors, boaters launching from Bird Island Basin must avoid the NO BOATS buoy line west of the boat ramp near the windsurfing area.

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the park; however, open containers are not allowed in moving vehicles. Be safe. If you drink, don’t drive. Visitors found to be driving under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Use caution when swimming and never swim alone. Strong currents flowing parallel to the beach, tides flowing to and from the beach and sudden drop-offs in the surf can be dangerous for swimmers and waders alike. If caught in a riptide, do not panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are free from the flow, then swim to shore. Do not attempt to swim to shore against the flow. You will not make it.

Hazardous materials periodically wash ashore. These range from 55 gallon barrels containing unknown substances to used medical products. If you come upon hazardous materials, note the location and alert a park ranger.

Possession or use of metal detectors is prohibited in the park. Items such as seashells and driftwood, washed in by the tide, may be collected as long as the items are not used for commercial purposes. All other collecting is prohibited.

Pets must be on a leash and under physical restraint at all times. Pets are not permitted at the Visitor Center area including the designated swim beach.

Gray water and sewage must be disposed of only at the dump station at the Malaquite Beach campground.

Nudity is not permitted anywhere in the park. Fireworks are prohibited.

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Self-Employment and Subsistence Hunting and Fishing in Alaska

Self-Employment
Jackie Bisbee is the coordinator of the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Fairbanks, Alaska. The program currently serves Athabascan Indians living in 27 Alaska villages, seven of which are on the road system, the others only accessible by commuter airplane or boat. The land encompasses approximately 37% of the state of Alaska or 235,000 square miles.

“About 25% of our cases go to self-employment,” said Bisbee. The grant under which they operate is focused on providing competitive employment, self-employment and subsistence outcomes to clients with disabilities. She and two staff members carry an equal share of the 77 cases active at this time.

Clients who seek self-employment must prepare a business plan. “We want them to think it out and write answers to questions like these: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?,” said Bisbee. For more formal business plans, the program contracts for the service.

If clients need training or instruction before they can start a business, the program staff will find someone to provide the training. Typically, a Memo of Understanding is drawn up between the training provider and the rehabilitation center so that both parties understand what is expected.
The medical needs of clients are met through various means, sometimes simultaneously with the pursuit of a self-employment goal. In one case, a neurological expert made visits to a man who suffered a stroke in order to assess and monitor his condition. At the same time, a computer expert was paid to visit the client weekly and teach him computer skills.

Tanana Chiefs Conference has a Minority Business Office (MBO) for further self-employment assistance. The MBO offers business loans to new entrepreneurs. “The loan office really makes clients think about their project because of the documentation they require before any loans are approved,” said Bisbee.

The vocational rehabilitation office will buy equipment and supplies to help clients start a business. No provision exists for the return of things purchased if the business fails. “It would be bad public relations for the program,” said Bisbee. “The people we buy equipment for really want to succeed.”

Subsistence
“Subsistence hunting, fishing, and trapping is a viable outcome for us, on par with self-employment” emphasizes Bisbee. Subsistence fishing and hunting is a big self-determination issue. Being able to provide food from for one’s family from the natural environment is culturally appropriate. “People depend on subsistence hunting and fishing,” said Bisbee. “It contributes to their livelihood – ensures their survival. There are no full service grocery stores in the remote villages, especially those off the road system.”

Villagers will catch and dry salmon to eat over the long winter months. Those with dog teams will feed salmon to their dogs. Those lucky enough to secure a moose will freeze the meat or make it into jerky.

The last few years have been tough for those trying to make a living off the land, either by subsistence or self-employment means. Poor salmon runs have been compounded by ever-lower prices for commercially caught salmon. “Fur prices have bottomed out so much that it is not economically feasible to trap anymore,” said Bisbee.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference Vocational Rehabilitation Center will finance the purchase of boats, motors, snowmobiles, and other tools for the people to hunt, fish, and trap. The Center has purchased glasses, dentures, hearing aides, and prostheses for people who need them to perform successfully in either the self-employment or subsistence venue. One elderly man was able to go moose hunting again after receiving a hearing aide.

Success Stories

• A client with his right arm amputated started a fishing guide service on the Kenai River. He had several years of experience working for another guide on the Kenai. “He knew exactly what he wanted to do,” said Bisbee. “Having done it before made it easier for him. He was focused.” The man received financial assistance to purchase a used boat and motor, the necessary licenses, marine training, and fishing gear. In his first year in business, he accepted the customer overflow from his former employer-guide.

• A successful banker was confronted with a stroke that suddenly changed his life and his career. He had to come to terms with his decreased cognitive ability after the stroke. After five years of learning to deal with his disability, he decided to start his own computer consulting business. He used to use a computer when he worked for the bank. The man developed a business plan and went to work. A computer systems person was hired through the vocational rehabilitation program to help train him. Six months later, he was in business for himself. One of his first requests for service was to install a new computer system for an organization near his home.

• A skilled carpenter with chronic mental illness wanted to make dog sleds the way his dad used to make them when his dad was still alive. His first step was training himself. He read books on sled-making and studied doll-sized models of sleds that his father used to make before building real ones. The client’s first product was a small model sled that he sold to a person who works for Tanana Chiefs Conference. He recently completed his first pair of snowshoes to add to his product repertoire.

• One man sells gas and oil to people using boats and seaplanes on a lake in the summertime.

• A woman uses her sewing machine to make kuspuks (summer parkas) and other types of traditional Native Alaskan clothing.

Consumers unsure of what type of business they wish to form can easily start out as a wood vendor or an expeditor. A wood vendor uses a chainsaw and ax to cut and chop firewood for sale to others. An expeditor transports equipment from one place to another via snowmobile, four-wheeler, dog sled, boat, or motor vehicle.

Jackie and her staff foster a personal relationship with the clients they serve. When in the field, Jackie and her staff make it a point to visit former clients, say “hi,” see how they are doing, and remind them that they can open up their files again if they need anything. Informal visits of this nature are part of the culture of the Athabascan Indian population served and provide feedback on how well the vocational rehabilitation program is meeting consumer needs.

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Tips on What Not to Forget on Your Next Camping/Fishing

I overheard a conversation at a local convenience store the other day that piqued my interest. Two forty-something females were conversing about their camping trip over the Fourth of July weekend. They both agreed the fishing was good, the mosquitoes were bad, and the children were well behaved. Still, the trip was also noteworthy for a few unpleasant surprises, namely forgotten camping gear and defective equipment.

“I only go camping once a summer, and after I’m home I pack all my stuff into plastic storage bins and keep it in my garage until the following year, ” said one of the ladies. “I don’t know what happened. I should have packed much smarter.”

Such stories aren’t uncommon; they happen to all of us at least once in our lives -- trust me on that. Before I go on a family camping trip, I grab a notebook and write out a packing list, complete with boxes for check marks. It sounds a little corny, but I’ve found it works so well that I’ve turned it into something of a ritual.

As I start to assemble my gear, first making sure everything works properly, I pack the item and check the appropriate box in my notebook. That way I know I won’t forget anything at home.

Tent -- check.
Stakes -- check.
Sleeping bag -- check.
Lantern -- check.
Flashlight -- check.
And so on.

When you are going on a camping trip far away from home, forgotten items can mean more than an inconvenience; forgotten items can lead to anightmare. Here are a few camping and fishing items that I absolutely won’t leave home without:

* Fillet knives: If you have designs on eating a fresh fish dinner, a quality set of fillet knives is mandatory. A butter knife simply won’t cut it. For my money, Gerber makes the best fillet knives on the market today. Inexpensive and always dependable, they come in multiple sizes and have special “Gator Grip” handles that make filleting fish in wet weather a snap. All of Gerber’s fillet knives come with a hard-molded sheath and a ceramic sharpener slot at the tip. That’s definitely a plus when you’re cleaning a mess of bluegills. Gerber also has other products that you’ll find helpful in any camping setting, everything from axes, saws and multi-pliers to shears, knife sharpeners and more. For more information, check
www.gerber.com.

* Ziploc bags: These quality plastic bags are lifesavers -- and in more ways than one. If I catch enough fish on a camping trip take home, I immediately put the fillets in Ziploc freezer bags and put them on ice. I also store other food I want to keep dry in them. When I’m wilderness camping, I always assume I going to run into inclement weather, so I pack my extra socks, underwear, T-shirts and other garments in Ziploc Big Bags. Trust me, they’ll stay nice and dry.

* Camera: Family camping trips are the stuff of memories, so why not preserve them by snapping off a few rolls of film? I never leave home without my trusty Nikon 35mm camera. One never knows when you’re going to catch a monster pike or walleye. For information, check www.nikon.com.

* Insect repellent: Nothing can spoil a camping trip faster than getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, black flies, gnats or sandflies. That’s why I store cans of OFF! Deep Woods everywhere -- in my Chevy truck, in my Plano tackle box, in my duffel bag. OFF! Deep Woods has 25 percent DEET, which is good for long days in the outdoors. Generally speaking, the higher the percentage of DEET, the longer the repellent works. Make sure to read the instructions before applying. Another option is to use OFF! Skintastic insect repellent, which has been specially formulated to protect against both insects and the sun.

* Snacks: Have you ever been fishing with your son or daughter and had them start ranting and raving about being hungry? Nothing can satisfy a kids’ growling stomach quite like Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, which is low in fat (97 fat free) and high in protein. Jack Link’s offers eleven flavors of jerky and several other meat products. And trust me on this, you can eat just one. For more information, check www.linksnacks.com.

* Trolling motor: There’s nothing worse than fishing without a quality trolling motor, and Minn Kota makes the best in the business -- and I’ve tried them all. I also highly recommend Minn Kota’s new CoPilot remote control system that allows wireless operation of selected trolling motor models from anywhere in the boat and without having to use cords or a foot pedal. That’s a real plus. The patented system consists of a compact remote control unit (about the size of a vehicle keyless entry remote) and a receiver unit that easily attaches to the motor. The CoPilot comes with snap-lock mounting brackets that allow the remote control unit to be mounted on any fishing rod for easy, hands-on operation. This is a revolutionary product that allows you to navigate your boat and fish simultaneously. For more information, check www.minnkota.com.

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Riverkeeper Completes Mercury Testing – Smallmouth Bass Exceed EPA Standards

This week the results from Willamette Riverkeeper’s Mercury Testing Project were completed, providing renewed concern about Mercury levels in resident fish. WRK collected fish in July and sent them to be tested for Mercury concentrations to a lab in North Carolina. Of the ten fish collected, 6 of the 10 exceeded the EPA Standard of .3ppm. The fish were caught just below, and just above Willamette Falls near Oregon City.

“While this is a relatively small data set, it underscores the need to reduce Mercury in the Willamette River,” said Travis Williams, Executive Director of Willamette Riverkeeper. “It is critical that the TMDL for Mercury that is being considered works to precisely determine sources of mercury, and works toward an overall reduction in the Mercury load in the river,” he said.

The Willamette River provides great fishing opportunities for Oregon’s anglers. Unfortunately for those wish to consume their catch, there may be health risks stemming from the toxins that predatory fish tend to accumulate. One of the most widespread and harmful contaminants is mercury. While a small amount of mercury enters our waters naturally, the majority comes from the deposition of airborne vehicle exhaust, runoff from mining, and direct municipal and industrial effluent. Largely due to Mercury in fish tissue in Oregon, the State of Oregon has had a fish consumption advisory for all resident fish, recommending smaller portions.

RISKS - The developing fetus and young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of mercury. Exposure of pregnant women to mercury lowers birth weight and can cause severe brain damage and birth defects in children. This further underscores the need for the fish advisory.

To protect human and ecological health, new data on fish contamination is always helpful. As part of the Willamette Basin Total Maximum Daily Load, The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality tested a number of fish species at several sites along the Willamette and its tributaries. In order to provide information on the contamination levels of fish in the Portland area and contribute to the efforts of the DEQ, Willamette Riverkeeper teamed up with the Waterkeeper Alliance, the Department of Environmental Quality, and several members of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club (Bill Egan, Terry Wu, Tom Nelson) to catch smallmouth bass for mercury analysis.

Smallmouth Bass were chosen since they are a popular game fish that is under-represented in the DEQ’s dataset. The Willamette Falls area in Oregon City was selected as a sample site since little information on mercury levels in fish tissue exists for this area. 5 smallmouth bass were caught both above and below Willamette Falls on July 21, 2005 by Oregon Bass and Panfish Club members. The fish were shipped to the Environmental Quality Institute at University of North Carolina for analysis. Expenses were covered by the Waterkeeper Alliance. Training on fish handling and data collection was provided by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

The EPA standard for mercury in fish tissue is .3 ppm. The FDA standard is 1.0 ppm. From our results, we see that the concentration of mercury in several fish violated the EPA standard while none violated the FDA standard. Also, it is evident that mercury concentration increases with fish size. This is to be expected as larger fish are more effective predators and mercury concentration increases as organisms ascend the food chain.

It is important that Oregonians monitor contaminant levels in their water and aquatic organisms. The data provided by Willamette Riverkeeper and its partners demonstrates the current level of contamination in a popular game fish.

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Self-Employment and Subsistence Hunting and Fishing in Alaska

By John Sargent and Julie Clay and an interview with Jackie Bisbee, Coordinator of Tanana Chiefs Conference Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Fairbanks, Alaska

Self-Employment
Jackie Bisbee is the coordinator of the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Fairbanks, Alaska. The program currently serves Athabascan Indians living in 27 Alaska villages, seven of which are on the road system, the others only accessible by commuter airplane or boat. The land encompasses approximately 37% of the state of Alaska or 235,000 square miles.

“About 25% of our cases go to self-employment,” said Bisbee. The grant under which they operate is focused on providing competitive employment, self-employment and subsistence outcomes to clients with disabilities. She and two staff members carry an equal share of the 77 cases active at this time.

Clients who seek self-employment must prepare a business plan. “We want them to think it out and write answers to questions like these: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?,” said Bisbee. For more formal business plans, the program contracts for the service.

If clients need training or instruction before they can start a business, the program staff will find someone to provide the training. Typically, a Memo of Understanding is drawn up between the training provider and the rehabilitation center so that both parties understand what is expected.

The medical needs of clients are met through various means, sometimes simultaneously with the pursuit of a self-employment goal. In one case, a neurological expert made visits to a man who suffered a stroke in order to assess and monitor his condition. At the same time, a computer expert was paid to visit the client weekly and teach him computer skills.

Tanana Chiefs Conference has a Minority Business Office (MBO) for further self-employment assistance. The MBO offers business loans to new entrepreneurs. “The loan office really makes clients think about their project because of the documentation they require before any loans are approved,” said Bisbee.

The vocational rehabilitation office will buy equipment and supplies to help clients start a business. No provision exists for the return of things purchased if the business fails. “It would be bad public relations for the program,” said Bisbee. “The people we buy equipment for really want to succeed.”

Subsistence
“Subsistence hunting, fishing, and trapping is a viable outcome for us, on par with self-employment” emphasizes Bisbee. Subsistence fishing and hunting is a big self-determination issue. Being able to provide food from for one’s family from the natural environment is culturally appropriate. “People depend on subsistence hunting and fishing,” said Bisbee. “It contributes to their livelihood – ensures their survival. There are no full service grocery stores in the remote villages, especially those off the road system.”

Villagers will catch and dry salmon to eat over the long winter months. Those with dog teams will feed salmon to their dogs. Those lucky enough to secure a moose will freeze the meat or make it into jerky.

The last few years have been tough for those trying to make a living off the land, either by subsistence or self-employment means. Poor salmon runs have been compounded by ever-lower prices for commercially caught salmon. “Fur prices have bottomed out so much that it is not economically feasible to trap anymore,” said Bisbee.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference Vocational Rehabilitation Center will finance the purchase of boats, motors, snowmobiles, and other tools for the people to hunt, fish, and trap. The Center has purchased glasses, dentures, hearing aides, and prostheses for people who need them to perform successfully in either the self-employment or subsistence venue. One elderly man was able to go moose hunting again after receiving a hearing aide.

Success Stories

• A client with his right arm amputated started a fishing guide service on the Kenai River. He had several years of experience working for another guide on the Kenai. “He knew exactly what he wanted to do,” said Bisbee. “Having done it before made it easier for him. He was focused.” The man received financial assistance to purchase a used boat and motor, the necessary licenses, marine training, and fishing gear. In his first year in business, he accepted the customer overflow from his former employer-guide.
  
• A successful banker was confronted with a stroke that suddenly changed his life and his career. He had to come to terms with his decreased cognitive ability after the stroke. After five years of learning to deal with his disability, he decided to start his own computer consulting business. He used to use a computer when he worked for the bank. The man developed a business plan and went to work. A computer systems person was hired through the vocational rehabilitation program to help train him. Six months later, he was in business for himself. One of his first requests for service was to install a new computer system for an organization near his home.
• A skilled carpenter with chronic mental illness wanted to make dog sleds the way his dad used to make them when his dad was still alive. His first step was training himself. He read books on sled-making and studied doll-sized models of sleds that his father used to make before building real ones. The client’s first product was a small model sled that he sold to a person who works for Tanana Chiefs Conference. He recently completed his first pair of snowshoes to add to his product repertoire.
• One man sells gas and oil to people using boats and seaplanes on a lake in the summertime.
  
• A woman uses her sewing machine to make kuspuks (summer parkas) and other types of traditional Native Alaskan clothing.
  

Consumers unsure of what type of business they wish to form can easily start out as a wood vendor or an expeditor. A wood vendor uses a chainsaw and ax to cut and chop firewood for sale to others. An expeditor transports equipment from one place to another via snowmobile, four-wheeler, dog sled, boat, or motor vehicle.

Jackie and her staff foster a personal relationship with the clients they serve. When in the field, Jackie and her staff make it a point to visit former clients, say “hi,” see how they are doing, and remind them that they can open up their files again if they need anything. Informal visits of this nature are part of the culture of the Athabascan Indian population served and provide feedback on how well the vocational rehabilitation program is meeting consumer needs.

Jackie Bisbee, Coordinator
Tanana Chiefs Conference Vocational Rehabilitation Program
122 First Avenue
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
(907) 452-8251
jbisbee@tananachiefs.org

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