NATURAL RESOURCES BOOK REVIEW.

``A Citizen's Guide to Ecology''

By Lawrence B. Slobodkin 

(Oxford University Press, 2003, $14.95)

At times dense, at times hampered by a verbose academic style, the professor who wrote this book is nonetheless, ultimately, successful.

This work is an excellent primer on the ecology of our world and, morever, is excellent preparation for tackling more detailed texts. Most importantly, it is useful in understanding the increasingly complex environmental issues that affect the outdoors.

Those who love the outdoors have long realized that we have a special responsibility. This book better equips you to do that job.

- Michael A. Anastasi

CHECK IT OUT

--Smile for the birdie: The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society is offering beginner bird walks at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve on the second Saturday of the month during October and through March.

Information [phone] or [phone].

--Kayak tourney: The first Dana Point Kayak Fishing Tournament will be Saturday and includes prizes, a raffle and the chance to win a kayak.

Everyone registered receives a free gift bag, tournament shirt, raffle and barbecue entry. The entry fee is $20 per angler if registered before Saturday, $30 the day of the event. Anglers have the option of entering either the Big Fish or the Catch and Release Bass division (not both). The first-place winners of each division will be awarded a new fishing kayak.

Participants may launch at either Baby Beach-Dana Point Harbor or Doheny State Beach.

Information: [phone] or e-mail info(at)kayaksportfishing.com or visit www.kayaksportfishing.com.

--For book worms: The 2004 California Sport Fishing Regulation booklets are now available online. The yearly regulation booklets are split into two versions - freshwater and ocean fishing. The Ocean booklet is at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/sportfishing-regs2004.html.

The freshwater booklet is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/fg-comm/2004/freshfishregbook04.pdf.

Both booklets, delayed this year because of budget problems, are scheduled to be printed and available by late this month. A clickable online fishing map gives saltwater regulations information by area. The map can be found at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/fishing-map.html.

--Dog day: A chance to determine the offseason hunting skill developments of a dog will be available at the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited's 16th annual Gun Dog Showdown.

The competition will be 8 a.m. Saturday at the Prado Dog-Training Area.

The trial will feature planted Chukar. Hunter-dog teams will be scored on time, shells expended and shooting and retrieving of three birds.

Competitors must register in advance and arrive an hour before their scheduled field time. The cost is $60, $55 for all QU members. Reruns, if there is time and birds available, are $45. There is a $10 entrance fee to the park.

Information: [phone] or www.qu.org/quis2/graphics/chapter-22/2004-gundog-showdown.PDF.

--Festival: The eighth annual Fly Fishing Festival 2004 will be held March 28 at the Fishermen's Spot Flyfishing in Van Nuys.

Representatives from all the major manufacturers will be available at the free event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a casting area, fly-tying demonstrations and travel destination hosts. There also will be experienced anglers available to help beginners learn to cast and tie flies.

The store is at 14111 Burbank Blvd. Information: [phone].

--Competition: The Degree Everyman Ironman Search is looking for two ordinary people, male and female more than 18 years old, who want to train for an ironman triathlon.

The winners, judged on their 250-word essay on why they want to be an ironman (or woman), will have the chance to live and train in Southern California for six months with all expenses paid. They will also receive six months salary reimbursement, triathlon gear including a bike and a slot to compete in a real Ironman triathlon race.

Information: www.DegreeIronman.com.

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