The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service will hold a regulatory scoping public meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in the Fellowship Hall of Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis. DNR is looking for public comment on regulatory ideas designed to reduce the effects of catch-and-release trolling for large pre-spawn striped bass between March 1 and April 15. DNR has posted the proposal on the fisheries service webpage at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries.

Public meeting onBig Slackwater project

The National Park Service, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, is conducting a public meeting for the Big Slackwater towpath repairs Environmental Assessment. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Williamsport Community Building, 2 Park Road, Williamsport. The draft EA presents information on projected effects to park resources from the proposed project to repair a total of one-half mile of the towpath alongside the Big Slackwater section of the Potomac River. Flooding has caused extensive damage and the towpath has been closed to visitor use. Written comments will be accepted until Dec. 14. Send to: Kevin Brandt, Superintendent, C&O Canal National Historical Park, 1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100, Hagerstown MD 21740. For directions to the Williamsport meeting, call 301-223-7711.

Spring wild turkeyhunts at Patuxent

Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel will have a spring wild turkey hunting season in April and May. The refuge is partnering with the National Wild Turkey Federation and Meade Natural Heritage Association to offer this season to youth, disabled, mobility-impaired and general public hunters. Hunters will be selected by lottery. Dates for the youth hunts are April 10, 17 and 24, and May 1, 8, 15 and 22. All other hunts are April 19 and 26, and May 3, 10 and 17. Lottery application forms are available at the Refuge North Tract Hunting Control Station; www.mnha.net or 301-317-3819. For information on Patuxent's hunting program, call 301-776-3090 or visit patuxent.fws.gov.

Re-thinking pinkfor outdoor equipment

A recent poll from HunterSurvey and AnglerSurvey of sportsmen and women found that neither gender was likely to buy outdoor equipment just because it was pink. But if the pink product was to promote breast cancer awareness, 72 percent of all hunters and 74 percent of anglers said that would promote pink sales. About 3,700 sportsmen and women participated in the survey. Sixty-two percent of men and 60 percent of fwomen said camouflage was the most popular color for their equipment purchases.

Susan Guynn

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.