Get out and see the leaves now, before it's too late

Ohio's fall foliage is beginning to reach its peak depending on whether you live in the northern half of the state (sooner) or the southern part (later), and organizations from the ODNR to Ohio Tourism are doing their part to make the event a spectacular one for "leaf peepers." Honey locusts, poison ivy, dogwoods and some maples are turning nicely, and soon other trees and shrubs will follow. People interested in staying up to date on where the most brilliant fall foliage will appear in the state should check out fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov, Ohio's official guide to the changing colors. The website includes weekly color updates, weekly videos, and links to fall activities and scenic road trips. For great getaway ideas from apple butter making to fall harvests, visit ohio.org/fall, and to explore the outdoor experience, visit exploreoh.com. Lots of choices, but not much time.

MWCD beginning drawdown in early November

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District will begin its temporary drawdown of lake levels as part of their flood risk management operation. Drawdown will begin in early November and return to normal pool level in February. Charles Mill, Leesville, Piedmont and Seneca lakes will start drawdown Nov. 1, while Atwood, Clendening, Pleasant Hill and Tappan will start Nov. 15. The drawdown will provide an opportunity to address badly needed maintenance of the 80-plus-year-old reservoirs, primarily some major shoreline stabilization projects.

Be cautious when burning

The ODNR urges Ohioans to be aware of the state's outdoor burning regulations and take necessary precautions if they are planning to burn debris this fall. Ohio law states outdoor debris burning is prohibited from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November. Burning is limited in the fall due to the abundance of dry fuel on the ground in the form of grasses, weeds, fallen leaves and crop debris. Winds can make a seemingly safe fire burn more intensely and escape control. Consider using a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen to provide an enclosed incinerator, and know current and future weather conditions as well as having fire management tools on hand. Visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov for more information and tips on burning.

Fur selling could bounce back this year

Last year was a dismal one for Ohio's fur trappers and fur hunters. Part of the reason was that Russia, a major fur buyer, is in financial trouble, and China, another major producer of fur clothing, experienced a mild winter and didn't need to buy many pelts. So, those who deal in fur had a glut of product, especially raccoon, and couldn't sell all of what they had purchased. This year will be no better, according to experts, and ordinary raccoons will be hardly worth taking, except perhaps for large, late season, prime furs. The beaver prospects are even worse, and muskrats will likely sell for $2-3 for quality furs, no more. One bright spot is coyotes which sold well last year, along with red fox which might bring $15-18 for quality furs.

If you catch Asian Carp, eat it

Many fishermen and other outdoorsmen are worried about the near presence of Asian carp to Lake Erie, and consider that if they reach the lake, a disaster is in the making for these fast growing and prolific pests. Maybe Wildlife Forever has at least one answer, and it's a simple one: eat them. Participants of the Aquatic Invaders Summit II recently in Minnesota were treated to a rare delicacy, smoked Asian Carp compliments of Wildlife Forever and Schafer Fisheries. Conference guests were also treated to a minced spread served with crackers and other condiments.

Ticks becoming a problem in Richland County

Last weeks note on tick infestations of some deer in Richland County brought another email from a reader also in Richland County who said "There is a field behind me where deer roam as well as other wildlife. Starting in May we could not walk our dogs even on neighborhood sidewalks without picking up ticks. It is miserable around here May through July.  We find ticks in the house, on us, on the furniture."

Dick Martin is a retired biology teacher who has been writing outdoor columns for 30 years. You can reach him at richmart@neo.rr.com.