C WHAT I MEAN?  You’ll get the theme today as we check out conservation options, a chilly spell headed our way and some serious penalties for cactus poachers via the FWS in our Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  COLORFUL CREATIONS.  A page of woolly buggers are ready to roll as part of a just-filled fly box. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Thu 1/9 – Last “Warm” One – Hi 21, Lo 5, Wind NW@22, G33
Tomorrow:  Fri 1/10 – Cold – Hi 3, Lo -3, Wind NW@10

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:26AM        5:13PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead                Underfoot
4:13PM           7:27AM           Fol. Day            11:51AM
Moon Phase:  Waxing Gibbous (98% Full)

EDGE HOUR:   7:00-8:00AM.  Get out to the ice shack before things get cold and gusty in your pre-sunrise Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

CREP OPEN.  In addition to this season’s general CRP sign-up, the NDG&F is advising landowners in western ND that the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) also provides options for setting aside and improving marginal lands.

COLD SNAP COMING?  The Iowa State Meteogram shows a strong slide into some chilly territory in the next week with highs next Tuesday and Wednesday in the negative teens.  With what appears to be gusty conditions, wind chills may go under 40 below!   Brace yourself and layer up!

CACTUS CROOKS.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service details a popular ornamental cactus species for poachers found in southwestern Texas.  The agency covers the steps they’re taking to protect the species and a stiff sentence handed down recently to cactus smugglers arrested in the area.