Mass. hiker falls into Tuckerman Ravine crevasse; rescuers get no response (update 2)

Alex, Norman, Brad and Seth April 10, 2011

PINKHAM NOTCH - A Massachusetts man fell into a deep crevasse on Sunday on the northern flanks of Tuckerman Ravine, and after his hiking party heard no response from him, rescue workers who were lowered 50 feet into the crevasse were unable to reach him.

Norman Priebatsch of Boston was hiking with three others on Sunday on Mount Washington. While above treeline. Priebatsch fell, sliding over a rock band and falling into the deep crevasses around 3:30 p.m.

This is a wonderful photo of Norman
doing what he loved.
How tragic that he died doing this.
 My prayers to the family.

The search for Priebatsch was suspended at 11 p.m. Sunday evening, after a snow ranger from the U.S. Forest Service was lowered about 50 feet into the crevasse and had no contact with him. At that point, visibility was restricted to about 80 feet, and the crevasse was filled with ice, running water, and undermined snow.

Authorities say the recovery effort will be resumed when a safe entry situation exists.

Source: unionleader.com




Priebatsch was an executive at Ambergen in the early 2000s, working at the Waltham biotech as CEO and chief operations officer while it incubated at Boston University's Photonics Center. He left to pursue a career as a serial startup founder, which has included at least two companies. Priebatsch's LinkedIn profile lists him as co-founder of Adeptrix Corp., a genomics mass-spectrometry startup, and Tinnix Inc., a medical smart phone app developer focused on tinnitus.

Located in the White Mountains National Forest, 6,288-foot Mount Washington is known for unpredictable weather.

Update: A White Mountains National Forest Snow Ranger Jeff Lane on Tuesday confirmed an earlier report that responders are now presuming Norman Priebatsch dead, and have shifted their operation to a recovery mode.



UPDATE 04/03/2012 (16:50)
Hub entrepreneur Norman Priebatsch — who fell into a deep snow crevasse atop New Hampshire’s Tuckerman Ravine on Sunday — is presumed dead, authorities said this afternoon.

“We’re looking at it as a recovery effort,” said White Mountain National Forest snow ranger Jeff Lane.

Priebatsch’s 23-year-old son Seth, the Hub tech wunderkind who runs Cambridge startup Scvngr, witnessed his father’s tragic fall, authorities said.

The search for Norman Priebatsch, 67, of Back Bay was suspended late Sunday “due to unsafe snow conditions” and “has not resumed,” said Tiffany Benna, public affairs officer for the White Mountains National Forest. Benna said the elder Priebatsch was with his son and two others at the time.

Snow rangers continue to monitor the conditions in the Tuckerman Ravine basin where Priebatsch went missing.

Lane said he was lowered about 50 feet into the crevasse and he could see about 30 feet below, where a stream cut under the snow.

Lane said Priebatsch must have fallen into the stream, otherwise he would have been visible at the bottom of the crevasse.

The conditions are trending about a month ahead of schedule.

“Things are melting and there’s running water coming down and undermining the snow,” Benna said. “Ice is coming off in big chunks. It’s in an avalanche kind of field site.”

The elder Priebatsch is a seasoned skier who frequented the White Mountains with loved ones, said his childhood friend, Peter Suzman of Newton, who grew up with Priebatsch in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“He is a very energetic man, both in work and play,” Suzman said.

Priebatsch’s son, Seth, is the CEO of Cambridge startup Scvngr, a multimillion-dollar gaming company that is in the midst of moving to new offices in Boston. Scvngr plans to hold a paintball game for charity at its Cambridge headquarters later this week before the company moves out and the building is redeveloped.

Reached this morning, Seth Priebatsch declined to comment.

Norman Priebatsch attended Harvard Business School and is the founder of audio technology company Tinnix as well as Adeptrix Corp., which has a novel method of decoding DNA, according to his LinkedIn profile.

On Sunday, the day the Priebatsch family traversed the mountain, the daily avalanche warning from the U.S. Forest Service was listed as “low.”

In a blog posting for the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, Lane noted the ever-present risks associated with the whims of the weather: “... there may be lingering pockets of unstable snow from the past week’s snowfalls. ... With the frozen surfaces comes the potential for very dangerous sliding falls.”

Obituary Link: http://ow.ly/a4J7p

Latest story update April 10, 2012: http://thoughts-drp.blogspot.com/2012/04/officials-explore-tuckerman-crevasse.html

For the latest updates on Mt. Washington State Park CLICK HERE

Forest service gets $4 million for Irene repairs to trails and roads

CAMPTON — The U.S. Forest Service has received more than $4 million in disaster relief funding to repair trails and roads on the White Mountain National Forest that were damaged by Tropical Storm Irene last August, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) announced recently.

“Hurricane Irene had a devastating impact on many areas in the state and these funds will ensure that repair work can be completed,” Shaheen said. “These roads and trails need to be repaired so residents and tourists can safely access the great resources offered by the White Mountain National Forest.”
Forest service supervisor Tom Wagner hailed the awarding of the funding.

“We welcome the news that funds have been made available to assist with the storm recovery efforts in the White Mountain National Forest,” said Wagner. “These funds will enable us to continue the work on damaged roads, bridges and trails from the August 2011 storm. We ask for the public’s understanding and patience as we restore public access over the next two to three years.”

Following Tropical Storm Irene, Shaheen joined Senate colleagues to support including $1.9 billion in disaster relief funding in the Federal Highway Administration’s 2012 budget.

Shaheen also encouraged federal officials to act quickly on the state’s application for federal disaster relief. She sent a letter to officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency in support of Gov. John Lynch’s request to the agency for a Preliminary Damage Assessment.

Such an assessment is the first step in making New Hampshire projects eligible for financial assistance in cleanup and rebuilding after the storm. This emergency declaration was crucial to getting the funding, according to Shaheen.

The $4,046,814 comes through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program, which helps agencies deal with the high cost of repairing federally-owned roads damaged by natural disasters. The money will be used to repair trails and roads including the Lincoln Woods Trail, Rocky Gorge Trail and Sabbaday Falls Trails as well the Kancamagus Highway, Mad River Road, Rocky Branch Road and Pinkham B Road.

SOURCE: http://www.conwaydailysun.com

Let’s G.O.! Get Outdoors New Hampshire in April:

Activities Planned Statewide

CONCORD, N.H. – Like blooming flowers and black flies, one of the sure signs of spring in New Hampshire is the sight of kids enjoying the outdoors.

Several New Hampshire organizations are helping kids discover nature during the month of April through a nationwide initiative called Let’s G.O.! (Get Outside!). The campaign urges a wide array of organizations to hold events that engage children, youth and families to discover the natural world.

The campaign is organized at the national level by the national Children and Nature Network and its sponsors, and here in the Granite State by the N.H. Children in Nature Coalition. Events are occurring from coast to coast in many different settings, from parks, schools and national wildlife refuges to city neighborhoods.

In New Hampshire, kids will have a chance to discover farm animals in Keene, prepare food bank gardens in Auburn, map play spaces in Nashua and star-gaze in Waterville Valley, among other activities.

“It’s inspiring to see New Hampshire organizations not only give children the opportunity to do what they love doing naturally – enjoy the outdoors – and also to see that this is part of a national awareness campaign,” said Marilyn Wyzga, coordinator of N.H. Children in Nature Coalition. “Kids thrive when their connection to nature becomes part of the routine, whether by participating in events like these or just by going outside to play.”

Wyzga and the N.H. Children in Nature Coalition point out that there’s still time for more organizations to hold events as part of Let’s G.O.! And those can be as diverse as a conservation commission or land trust holding a roadside cleanup or hike in protected lands; a health service organization holding a bird walk; or a family service organization holding a picnic.

“There are many easy ways that New Hampshire groups can participate in whatever format feels right for them,” Wyzga said. “And we can provide suggestions for events.”

To have your event be part of Let’s G.O.!, or to find an event in your area, visit www.childrenandnature.org/letsgo.

New Hampshire Let’s G.O.! Events as of April 1, 2012.

Nashua - April 1-21:
Kaboom!, a project with service learners to map Nashua’s outdoor play space.

Hopkinton - April 3, 10 – 11 a.m.:
Nature Nuts - Nature Nuts is a family nature club that meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Hopkinton/Concord area. juliana.popper@gmail.com

Auburn - April 14, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.:
Earth Day Festival and Service Learning Showcase, Massabesic Audubon Center, Auburn
Live animal programs, recycled crafts, guided nature walks, food, vendor booths and lots of fun.
The Student Conservation Association will showcase service learning projects of Manchester students and prepare community gardens for the N.H. Food Bank.

Keene - April 16 to 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.:
Farm Field Days, Stonewall Farm, Keene
Activities throughout the week including: hiking, cooking, games, sheep shearing, llama walks, and wetland exploration.

Concord - April 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Discover WILD NH Day, N.H.. Fish and Game Department, Concord
Exhibits by dozens of New Hampshire environmental, conservation and outdoor organizations. Live animals, big fish and trained falcons. Participate in archery, casting, and crafts projects for the kids.

Waterville Valley - April 21, 8 -10 p.m.
Dark Sky Stargazing, Curious George Cottage, Waterville Valley
Observe the night sky! Join the Margret and H.A. Rey Center during the new moon for stargazing at the H.A. Rey Observatory. Telescopes set up by volunteer and knowledgeable stargazers.

Newmarket - April 22, 1-3p.m.
Vernal Pool Exploration, Lubberland Creek Preserve, Newmarket
Frogs and salamanders are just a couple of the creatures that make their spring home in vernal pools. Join Gail Coffey for an afternoon of netting and exploring the pools on the preserve. This is a great outing for kids!

To find more events or add your own event to the Let’s G.O. schedule, visit http://www.childrenandnature.org/letsgo.

The New Hampshire Children in Nature Coalition is dedicated to fostering experiences in nature that improve physical and emotional health, increase understanding of the natural world, and promote stronger connections to community and landscape. The Coalition got its start in 2007, when people from health, education, community planning and environmental sectors came together at a series of events to launch a New Hampshire initiative to reconnect children with nature and encourage children and families to get outside and active in the natural world. Find out more about the Coalition at http://www.NHChildrenInNature.org.

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Lots of Deals At the National Parks April 21 to 29

By EMILY GLAZER

Rising gas prices may be making you leery of a road trip this spring. But you can take advantage of free or discounted entry to national parks and historic sites the week of April 21 to 29.

There are 397 national sites, including 58 national parks, such as the Grand Canyon, Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains; historic sites like Independence Hall in Philadelphia; monuments, and seashores.

And there are national parks and sites near urban areas. For instance, Saguaro National Park sits in the middle of Tucson, Ariz. St. Louis has the Gateway Arch site, where a tram ride costs $10 per adult. There's free admission to California's Muir Woods National Monument and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, usually $7 and $5 per adult, respectively.

To find a national park near you, go to the website of the National Park Service.

Some parks also are offering special hikes or ranger's and children's programs. Go to nps.gov/npweek for more information. Some concessions, gift shops and restaurants will offer discounts as well, says National Park Service spokeswoman Kathy Kupper.

Entrance fees typically range from $3 per person per day to $25 per car for one week. (Some smaller sites already are free.) Children 16 and under and disabled individuals (as well as those accompanying them) always get in free. U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 or older can buy a $10 lifetime Senior Pass, good for all national parks and sites.

Write to Emily Glazer at emily.glazer@wsj.com

What a great Idea! "Cash Mobs"

A hit of kindness
Cash mobs target businesses to help out in difficult times
By Kathleen Pierce
Globe Correspondent / March 31, 2012

MALDEN - It was a mob hit in a cannoli shop. But cash not crooks descended on The Cannoli Guy Café here Friday at the city’s first “cash mob.’’

The café opened at 7 a.m., and by midafternoon, owner Clark Heighton could not turn out the treats fast enough. “A fantastic, fantastic day,’’ said Heighton, who rang in as many sales - 400 cannoli - in eight hours as he does in an entire week. “I’m trying to figure out a way to thank the city.’’

Customers found out about the event, organized by the city of Malden, days earlier on Facebook and Twitter, and they came out to support the six-month-old cafe. That’s the spirit of the so-called cash mob that combines the buy-local movement with the power of a flash mob: getting strangers together on short notice to make a statement. In this case, the goal is to infuse small businesses at a prescribed time with cash, credit, and community.

There have been several cash mobs in the region from Boston to Newburyport. And while it’s hard to know how many have been held globally, more than 200 organizers have surfaced since last fall, according to Andrew Samtoy, a Cleveland lawyer who popularized the concept.

A thrift store in Cambridge in February was the site of one of the region’s first cash mobs. They have been met with varying degrees of success - some involving one store, others a row of merchants - but momentum is starting to build with more being planned in Lowell and Malden.

“We are always thinking about new ways to invigorate the city. This is the most feasible and we can pull it off with limited resources,’’ said Ron Cochran, director of online services and communication technology for the City of Malden.

A cash mob works like this: City officials, civic groups, or individuals use social media, blogs, and e-mail to spread the word about the event. As @Lowellcashmob tweeted this week, “Infusing revenue into Lowell businesses, you never know where the cash mob will strike!’’

Merchants do not run them, but are selected for a “hit.’’ Participants are encouraged to spend $10 to $20. There often aren’t any discounts or incentives - it’s less about nabbing a Black Friday bargain and more about sharing the wealth.

Malden resident Cheryl Cadigan heard about her town’s cash mob on Facebook and stopped by The Cannoli Guy Café on her way to work Friday. “I had never heard about this place,’’ she said. Even though Cadigan doesn’t eat cannoli, she dropped $30 on a dozen. “The economy is not good. I want to do my part.’’

Last weekend, stores in Brookline along a stretch of Beacon Street hampered by construction were selected for the city’s first cash mob. Around 30 to 50 customers visited a bakery, tavern, and hardware store, among other spots, for a few hours. To capitalize on increased foot traffic, Aaron Mehta, owner of The Wine Press, held a tasting and said sales increased 10 to 15 percent compared with a normal Saturday.  Continued...

“Our goal was to have a single person show up,’’ said Samtoy. “We couldn’t have predicted it would get this far.’’

COASTAL ANGLERS: NEW N.H. MARINE RULE CHANGES IN EFFECT FOR 2012

DURHAM, N.H. -- Coastal anglers should be aware of several new rule changes for 2012 that are now in effect regarding the taking of different species in some New Hampshire coastal rivers and other coastal/estuarine waters. These changes, recently implemented by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, include the following:

* Recent declines in the spawning runs of river herring in the Oyster River have prompted Fish and Game to close this river to the taking of river herring by any method from the head-of-tide dam at Mill Pond in Durham to the mouth of the river at Wagon hill Farm and Durham Point. A map that corresponds to the extent of this closed area can be found on page 24 of the 2012 NH Saltwater Fishing Digest in the shellfish section. The coordinates for the Oyster River shellfish closure and the river herring closure are identical and are identified in red.

* The Gulf of Maine Cod Spawning Protection Area is located south of the Isle of Shoals and was implemented in 2011 to protect large aggregations of spawning cod during the spring. The area is closed to the use of recreational and commercial gear capable of catching cod between April 1 and June 30. A map of the Cod Spawning Protection Area can be found on page 9 of the 2012 NH Saltwater Fishing Digest put out by Fish and Game and on the web at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html. New rules allow fishing within the state waters portion of the Gulf of Maine Cod Spawning Protection Area with hook and line and an artificial weight or single lure weighing one ounce or less. The rule provides anglers with the opportunity to fish for pelagic species such as mackerel while still prohibiting the use of gear that could catch spawning cod. Any vessels transiting through this area must have all hooks and bait removed from fishing rods, commercial vessels must have all gear
stowed, and any groundfish on board the vessel that were caught outside this area must be gutted.

* The taking of sea-run salmon is now prohibited in coastal/estuarine waters. Any salmon caught must be released immediately.

* The area 50 feet above and 200 feet below the fish ladder at the Wiswall Dam on the Lamprey River in Durham, N.H., is closed to all fishing between April 1 and July 31. The lower closure equates to roughly the end of the granite wall on river left, and a USGS pin on river right. Signs will be posted.
Please note that because these rules went into effect after the 2012 NH Saltwater Fishing Digest went to print, they are not included in the publication. The Digest is a good resource for information on other marine fishing rules. Download it at http://www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html or pick up a copy at any Fish and Game Department office or licensing agent.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. The Department's Marine Fisheries Division is located in Durham, N.H. Visit http://www.wildnh.com/marine.

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Hiker Responsibility Code

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

1. With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

2. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.

3. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

4. To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.

5. For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.

6. To share the hiker code with others.

hikeSafe: It’s Your Responsibility.
The Hiker Responsibility Code was developed and is endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game.

Have fun and have a great hiking season!
Dave

House Kills Casino Bill - Politics News Story - WMUR New Hampshire

House Kills Casino Bill - Politics News Story - WMUR New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire's House has voted against legalizing four gambling casinos licensed to install up to 14,000 video slot machines and 420 table games.
The House rejected expanded gambling legislation and Wednesday's key vote of 154-195 to reject proponents' best amendment was no different. The House killed it 236-108. The bill faced long odds since Gov. John Lynch pledged to veto it if it had reached his desk.
The bill directed that some of the profits be used to reduce business taxes, which had made it more attractive to some in the House. They also argued New Hampshire had to act now because Massachusetts had legalized casinos and that would draw away revenue from the state.
But opponents argued a future Legislature could divert the profits to something else.

Read more: http://ow.ly/9Wppi

MBTA Details Fare Hikes, Service Cuts - Project Economy News Story - WCVB Boston

Who is taking who for a ride?  23% increase in Fares....... WHAT!

MBTA Details Fare Hikes, Service Cuts - Project Economy News Story - WCVB Boston

April 1 Opening Day for N.H. Landlocked Salmon/Lake Trout Fishing

CONCORD, N.H. -- Anglers are expected to be out in force on April 1 for the start of the open-water fishing season on landlocked salmon/lake trout-managed lakes in New Hampshire. After an exceptionally mild winter, there will be vast amounts of open water in the lakes region of New Hampshire for early season landlocked salmon anglers.

Because of the much-reduced snowpack, river flows should also be excellent for early April fishing. Fall netting results reveal a strong age-3 year-class of salmon, which will dominate the catch. "The mild winter kept ice-fishing pressure low, and this will likely translate to better opportunities for the open water angler," said N.H. Fish and Game Large Lakes Biologist Don Miller.

New Hampshire Fish and Game manages 15 lakes for landlocked salmon: Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Big and Little Squam Lakes, Sunapee Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam Lake, and Nubanusit Lake. Pleasant Lake in New London also is managed for landlocked salmon, but is classified as a trout pond, with a 2012 opening date of April 28.

Anglers should seek out high-flow areas in the Winnipesaukee River system, which drives the early season salmon fisheries in Winnipesaukee, Opechee, Winnisquam and Silver lakes, for a chance at “drop-down” salmon (and rainbow trout). Traditional areas include the Lakeport Dam/Opechee Lake, the Winnipesaukee River through Laconia to Dixon Point at Lake Winnisquam, and Lochmere Dam at Silver Lake. The Newfound River in Bristol offers great fly-fishing-only water that can often produce drop-down rainbows and salmon.

Additionally, several popular Winnipesaukee shore fishing locations exist at the Merrymeeting River (fly-fishing-only, barbless, catch and release), and the mouth of the Merrymeeting River as it enters Alton Bay, downstream of the famous stone arch bridge.

Other good sites to visit include the Weirs Channel in Laconia, Long Island Bridge in Moultonborough, Governors Island Bridge in Gilford, Smith River inlet at Wolfeboro Bay, and Meredith and Center Harbor town docks. At these locations, everything from smelt, shiners and worms under a slip bobber to small jigs will take salmon, as well as rainbow trout.

This time of year, salmon are successfully caught by trolling with everything from spoons (such as DB Smelt, Sutton, Mooselook, Top Gun, and Smelt Gun) to traditional streamer flies (for example, Maynard’s Marvel, Pumpkinhead, Mickey Finn, Joe’s Smelt, and the countless Grey Ghost variations), and an early season favorite, live smelt or shiners. Most early season fish are caught from the surface to about 15 feet down, with everything from planer board set-ups to the simplest of monofilament flat lines 50-150 feet behind the boat. When the wind kicks in, drifting live smelt or shiners in the waves can be highly effective. Since 2011, only single hooks for bait while trolling are allowed on certain salmon/lake trout lakes, including Squam, Newfound, Sunapee, Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam lakes. Please refer to the 2012 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest for a complete list of waters.

To ensure the future of high-quality landlocked salmon fisheries, anglers must take extra care when releasing salmon, as the percentage of hook-wounded fish continues to be a problem. Hook wounded/scarred fish are significantly shorter and poorer in body condition than non-hook-wounded counterparts of the same age. Using rubber nets and proper release techniques (for example, don’t “shake” fish off the hook) -- and releasing lightly hooked healthy salmon, while choosing to harvest previously hook-wounded fish – are ways to minimize the negative effects of hook wounding, thereby increasing the number of trophy salmon available in the future.


To that end, N.H. Fish and Game is encouraging anglers to take the Landlocked Salmon Anglers’ Pledge, a cooperative, volunteer effort to help sustain quality landlocked salmon fisheries in New Hampshire’s large lakes. Learn more at www.fishnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html.

N.H. fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.fishnh.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Annual resident fishing licenses are $35. Resident one-day licenses are just $10. Annual nonresident fishing licenses are $53. One-, three- and seven-day nonresident licenses are also available.

Reel in lots more information on fishing in New Hampshire, from depth maps to tackle tips -- and download the 2012 N.H. Freshwater Fishing Digest -- at www.fishnh.com/pubs/fishing.html.

Hatcheries Gearing up for Spring Fish Stocking

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Published Mar 27, 2012 at 2:00 pm (Updated Mar 27, 2012)

Tom Paschal lifts a brail (net)
 of trout at Twin Mountain Hatchery.
 More than a million trout will be stocked
 for New Hampshire anglers this year.

CONCORD, N.H. -- Now that our surprisingly warm and short winter has come to an end, New Hampshire Fish and Game Hatcheries Supervisor Jason Smith can't help but get excited about open water angling, and more specifically, trout fishing. Fish Culturists at New Hampshire's state hatcheries have had another great growing season, and stocking trucks are ready to get rolling in April. In fact, some of the state's southern waterbodies received fish in late March. New Hampshire hatcheries have close to 1 million catchable-size trout ready for this season.

"Anglers – including me -- are champing at the bit, but despite the early warm weather that's allowed us to put a few fish in already in southern areas, we're expecting to stick fairly close to our normal stocking protocols," said Smith.

Smith explained that even if brooks appear to be at “fishable” levels, most trout species are reluctant to bite until the streams reach temperatures in the high 40's. "We don't want to stock too early and risk potential high-water events later in the season that could wash out our stocked fish," said Smith. "We're fortunate to have Conservation Officers in the field that can monitor water conditions and make slight modifications to their stocking schedules when required."

One potential adjustment could come if warm temperatures persist and the water warms up quicker than usual late in the season. "If that happens, we may have to condense the stocking season a little bit by stocking more frequently once the season gets going," said Smith. “This will allow stocked fish to better acclimate and later seek out habitats that provide thermal relief from rising temperatures.”

"The early ice-out is helpful in that it gives stocking trucks access to trout ponds to ensure stocking prior to the designated trout pond season opening on the fourth Saturday in April," said Smith. Many ponds north of Concord still have some ice cover, so pond temperatures should remain relatively cool even under these unusual spring conditions.

Raising a million trout each year is no small task. New Hampshire's hatchery system, funded by fishing license sales and federal Sport Fish Restoration funds, includes six facilities across the state.

The Berlin Fish Hatchery provides the three primary trout species to the North Country, including Coos County and the northern reaches of Grafton and Carroll Counties.

The Twin Mountain and Warren hatcheries provide trout to the White Mountain Region. The Warren Hatchery also will provide roughly 850,000 Atlantic salmon fry for stocking as part of the ongoing Merrimack River Anadromous Fish Restoration Program.

Powder Mill Hatchery in New Durham provides trout from the seacoast through the Lakes Region and into Carroll County. Powder Mill Hatchery also provides the Lakes Region with rainbow trout and landlocked salmon for New Hampshire's large lakes program. April 1 is the opening for salmon season in lakes managed for landlocked salmon. Avid salmon anglers are encouraged to help sustain this fishery by taking the Landlocked Salmon Anglers' Pledge (visit http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/salmon_anglers_pledge.html).

In the Southwest region, Fish and Game's Milford Fish Hatchery has gained the reputation of growing “the big ones,” and with good reason. Well water provides favorable growing temperatures for trout year round, giving this hatchery a slight advantage over other facilities during the winter months.

New Hampton Hatchery is responsible for providing trout from central New Hampshire up to the White Mountains. In June, fingerling brook trout raised at New Hampton Hatchery will literally take flight, as they are stocked by helicopter into remote ponds in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. These remote ponds provide a special opportunity for those who wish to get off the beaten path and spend a day hiking and fishing in the White Mountains. "Remote pond fishing is a great experience and one of my favorites," says Smith. The fishing season for designated trout ponds, including remote ponds, opens on the fourth Saturday in April (April 28, 2012).

To help fund the remote pond aerial stocking program, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire has established a dedicated donation account. Those who enjoy this experience and wish to contribute to the remote pond stocking program can donate online at http://www.nhwildlifefoundation.org; be sure to specify "remote pond stocking fund."

Now that we have a jump start on spring, Jason Smith and thousands of other New Hampshire anglers are eager to welcome the open-water fishing season. Visit http://www.fishnh.com to find boatloads of fishing information, fishing reports, stocking updates, and to buy your license online.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department – connecting you to life outdoors.

I am not usually a big opera fan, but I was blown away!

Opera duo Charlotte & Jonathan - Britain's Got Talent 2012 audition - International version