ADMINISTRATION

Applicants lining up to lead wildlife agency

Fourteen candidates have hopes of filling the Colorado Division of Wildlife's top job.

A division spokesman said applicants include term-limited Sen. Ken Chlouber, R-Leadville; Bernard Black, a wildlife commissioner and attorney with training in fisheries management; and Bruce McCloskey, deputy director and the agency's acting director.

Wildlife directors are appointed by the governor. The post has been vacant since January, when director Russ George stepped up to become chief of the Department of Natural Resources.

ECONOMICS

Hunters, anglers spend most on food, lodging

Colorado's hunters and anglers spend more on food, lod- ging and sporting goods than anything else, according to a report by Denver-based BBC Research and Consulting.

The report says 28 percent of hunter and angler expenditures are for food and lodging, 27 percent for sporting goods and 20 percent for transportation. Smaller amounts go to boating, guide fees and membership dues.

The economic report, contracted by the Colorado Wildlife Commission, concludes that hunting and fishing support 20,200 Colorado jobs and generate $1.5 billion for the state economy.

FISHING

No license necessary for anglers June 5-6

Anyone can go fishing without a fishing license June 5-6, Colorado's Free Fishing Days. The free days are set aside each year to introduce people to fishing.

The weekend includes a Take a Family Fishing clinic June 5 at Denver Water's Kassler Education Center, 11300 Waterton Road in Littleton (303-972-6626).

Anglers won't need licenses on the free days, but other fishing regulations remain in effect. The regulations are listed in the 2004 Colorado Fishing Brochure, free at stores that sell fishing licenses. For more information:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/fishing.

CONSERVATION

Izaak Walton League receives high marks

The Izaak Walton League of America has earned an "A" rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy, a national charity watchdog group that grades nonprofit organizations.

The League describes itself as "dedicated to common sense conservation that protects America's hunting, fishing and outdoor heritage."

It is one of 11 conservation groups that earned an "A" rating for spending large portions of their budgets on conservation activities.