Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Spring 1983 by Maine State Library

MAINE

INSIDE

FISH l~ND "71LllLIFE Vol. 25, No. 1

Spring 1983

Fish Season Review With Camera and Binoculars

2 4 Alan Crossley

The Thomas Rod Company

6 Stephen W Brooke

Maine Rivers: The Kennebago

9 Forrest R. Bonney

How Do Birds Sing? 13 David Gunston KID-BITS 14 Fisherman's Visit To ... Acadia National Park 16 Ronald K. Brokaw Governor Joseph E. Brennan

Buoys Point The Way 20 Marshall T. Wiebe Non-Native Biological Pollution 23 Peter G. Walker

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Glenn H. Manuel (vacant at press time) Kenneth H. Anderson David 0 . Lock John F. Marsh Robert E. Foye Peter C. Brazier Robert W. Boettger W. Thomas Shoener Norman E. Trask G. Donald Taylor Lorenzo J . Gaudreau Alfred L. Meister

Commi ssioner Deputy Commissioner Director, Program Development and Co-ordination Superintendent of Hatcheries Chief Warden Director, Fishery Division Business Manager Director, Wildlife Division Director, Public Information Director, Regulations Division Director, Land Acquisition and Development Director, Licensing Division Chief Biologist, Atlantic Salmon Commission

Forage Species: Some New Introductions 26 Philip S. Andrews From the Fly Tying Bench: THE FANWING ROYAL COACHMAN 29 Peter G. Walker

Fish And Wildlife Briefs 31

THE COVERS Front: Fly ti hing on the Kennebago River - just looking at it makes you want to get your line wet. See related article beginning on page 9. Photo by Tom Carbone. Inside Front: Spring is the season for nature's babies. And few are more appealing than newborn raccoon kits! Photo by Bill Cross. The moose population in Maine is such that any faithful moose "watcher" has an excellent chance of seeing omething like this firsthand! Photo by Rob Burke.

Back:

Advisory Council Robert E. Moore, Chairman

Casco George E. Prentis

Dennis L. Smith Rumford Otter Creek Nathan Cohen Alva S. Appleby Eastport Skowhegan Rodney W. Ross Francis D. Dunn Brownville Patten Marc Plourde Eagle Lake

Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine W. Thomas Shoener, Editor Thomas J . Chamberlain, Managing Editor Thomas L. Carbone, Photo Editor Patricia J . Hogan, Editorial Assistant All photographs in this issue were made by the Public Information Division unless otherwise indicated.

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE (IS N 0360-005X) is published quarterly by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St., Station 41 , Augusta, ME 04333 , under Appropriation 4550. Subscription rate: $6.00 per year. No stamps, please. Second class postage paid at Augusta, ME 04330. ÂŠ Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 1983. Permission to reprint text material is granted , provided proper credit is given to the author and to MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE. Clearance must be obtained from artists, photographers, and non -staff authors to reproduce credited work.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send both old and new addresses to Circulation Section, MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine, 284 State St., Sta. #41, Augusta, ME 04333. Allow six weeks for change to take effect. Your post office cannot forward copies unless you provide forwarding postage. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Circulation Section, MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine, 284 State St., Sta. #41, Augusta, ME 04333. 1

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HE TOP FISH taken in Maine's 1982 open water fishing season was a near-record Atlantic salmon caught in June on the Machias River. Taken by Cameron Clark, a Portland stockbroker, the 27-pound, 12-ounce, female fish was just five ounces shy of the official, and controversial, state record - a fish taken, ironically, by Clark's friend Howard Clifford, also of Portland. Clifford has steadfastly refused "for reasons of conservation" - to divulge where he caught the fish more specifically than "on a Maine river," a position for which some authorities would deny him state record recognition and are calling Clark's fish the top Atlantic salmon ever taken in Maine. In an interview with The Maine Folkpaper, Clark said he likes to fish the salmon streams in Washington County for "aesthetic reasons, mostly." They are not as heavily stocked, nor are they as heavily fished, as the Penobscot. "I'd rather catch less fish," says Clark, "and enjoy the solitude. I like the Machias River as opposed to the others because fishing isn't confined to a few choice spots. There are a lot of small pools you can work along the length of the river." Clark and his fishing companion, Paul Fernald, were doing just that"working the pools" - when Clark tied into the big salmon, after eight hours on the river. He was using a number two double-hooked Butterfly salmon fly at the time, working it like a dry fly. Although he knew his fish was a large one, Clark had no idea how large because, typical of very large

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Cameron Clark, his near-record Atlantic salmon, and son, Cam .

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Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

salmon, it did not jump. It took him nearly ha lf a n hou r to bring his fish into the net. Fernald, a former member of the Maine Sea Run Salmon Com mission, netted the 42 'h beauty. "It took Paul three tries and about ten min utes to net the fish. It was so heavy, its head went through the net," Cla rk said after the fight. Scale samp les taken and read by the Salmon Commission revealed that Clark's salmon was eight years old. Biologist Ken Beland said it originated from an egg deposited in the river in the fall of 1973. Hatched the following spring, the salmon

spent its first two years in the river, the next two in the ocean, and spawned for the first time in 1978. Spending the intervening years in the ocean, the fish spawned again in 1980 and was on its third spawning run when it met Cameron Clark in the pool below the old Whitneyville dam. Clark's big salmon may have been the high point of what was generally regarded as an excellent fishing year in Maine, but it was far from the only memory-making catch of 1982. As a sampling of others, the fish listed below are the largest of

THE ONE THAT DIDN'T GET AWAY CLUB FOR 1982 The Fish

Brook Trout (Qualif}ing weight 4 lbs.)

Brown Trout (Qualifying \A.eight 6 lbs.)

Lake Trout (Togue) (Qualifying weight 15 lbs.)

Landlocked Salmon

the various species entered last year in The One That Didn't Get Away Club. The club, sponsored by The Maine Sportsman, honors those who catch outstanding fresh-water fish in Maine. All game wardens and regional fisheries biologists carry club registration cards. Each qualifying angler is awarded a jacket patch and a wallet card to signify the accomplishment. Further information about the club can be obtained by writing to The Maine Sportsman, Box 507, Yarmouth, Maine 04096. â&#x20AC;˘

TOP FISH IN EACH CATEGORY

The Angler

Pounds Ounces

Length Inches

Date Caught

Where Caught

Lure

Lawrence R. Ph ilbrick. Rumford. ME

4-11

2114

9-20

Beck Po nd

night crawler

Casey LaCasce. Green ville. ME

4-10

21~

1- 1

Moosehead La ke

live bait

Catherine Cote. Anson. M E

4-4

5- 18

Moosehead Lake

c rawler

Dennis K. Newton. W. Peru. ME

10-8

27~

6-2

Worthley Pond

M ooselook Wobbler

Harry Klei n. Ph i ladelphia. PA

27~

7-13

Hancock Pond

live shiner spinner ba it

Ra) Croucher. Dracut. MA

8-4

281.

8- 16

Long Lake

Cla rence Spinney. Bridgton. ME

7-1 4

27~

7- 11

Long Lake

C hev Chase

Wend y Transue. Denmark. ME

6-3

26~

7-29

Hancock P o nd

shiner

Flatfish

Dennis W. Jordan. Sebago La ke, Ml:.

19-15

36~

8-5

Se bago Lake

Ethemer Stevens. Norridgewock. M E

191

6-4

Em bden Lake

Mooselook Wobbler

C harles E. Butle r. Sr .. Oxford. M E

18-5

9-6

Sebago lake

Luy Ike

Regi nald Woodma n . St. A lbans. ME

7- 10

Sebec l ake

live s ucker

J o hn Goodrich. Waten ille. ME

16-12

37~

6-26

Moosehead Lake

smelt

Michae l Anct il. l e"iston . ME

6-8

9-29

Kennebago R ive r

stone Oy nymph

Cameron Clark. Portland . ME

27-12

42~

6-19

Machias River

Butterny ny

Danny Brooks. Cherryfield. ME

24-8

6-25

Narrag'uagus Ri ver

fly

Warren D . Schnaars. Cher ryfield . ME

6-12

Narraguagus River

Cosseboom Oy

Bill Sheldon. Ells wo rth . M E

21-4

6-1 4

Narraguagus River

fl y

Ric hard C . Koch. Mac hias. ME

5-2

7-9

S iher Pug Lake

Hot Shot noat ing lure

Bruce Eastman. Livermore Falls. ME

20ij

8-30

Long Lake

Rainbow Rapala

Bre n Philb rick. li\ermorc Falls. ME

9-6

long Pond

frog colored J itterbug

(Qualirying weight 6 lbs.)

Atlantic Salmon (Qualifying weight 15 lbs. )

Small mouth Bass (Qualifying weight 5 lbs.)

Largemouth Bass (Qualifying weight 7 lbs.)

Pickerel (Qualifying weight 4 lbs.)

Robert Gasto n. Poland. ME

8-12

9-29

Tho mpson Lake

Silver Ra pala

Frank Smimmo. Mo nm outh. ME

8-5

24 11

9-29

lake Annabessacook

Mann's Rooter

Piiul E. Desche nes. Lewiston. ME

8-3

7-23

Cobbossee lake

Heddon Torpedo

Betty J . Stevens. Newcastle. ME

8-2

23~

7- 11

Cobbossee lake

Rattletrap

R. Roy Ste\ens.

8-1

23 11

4-27

lake Annabessacook

Ratt letrap

ewcastle. ME

J o hn Bartlett. Ra ymond. M E

5- 12

9-18

Se bago Lake

live shiner

Frank S pencer. Ma ma roneck. NY

26\,

Messa lo nskee Lake

black plastic worm

James Smith. Oxford. M E

27~

1-1

W hitney Pond

live bait

William R . Savage. W. Buxton . ME

4-1

25h

2-14

Bon ney Eagle P ond

minnow

Julia A . Leeman. S. Windham. ME

4-1

8-27

Panther Pond

worm

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Gabe Bissonette spots a big one.

WITH CAMERA AND BINOCULARS By Alan Crossley Research Assistant Maine Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit

ET YOUR BINOCULARS, spotting scopes, and cameras out - the beginning of the moose watching season is just around the corner! As most avid moose watchers know, the best places to see moose during the summer are ponds and bogs. But do you know why they are there? Or when you are most likely to see moose? Or what characteristics to 4

look for in a "good" moose watching pond? Or when you are most likely to see big bulls, cows with calves, or yearlings? I have spent the last two summers looking a t these and other questions as part of a cooperative project between the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Division of Wildlife at the University of Maine at Orono. I have Jogged almost 1,000 hours observing the pond use activities of moose. As a result, I thought I would share with you some of my observations, and give some helpful hints to enhance your moose watching experience. Why are moose in ponds? Researchers suggest that moose use ponds not to escape flies or heat, but because of their need for sodium (a componen t of table salt). Aquatic plants have 50 to 500 times more sodium than terrestrial moose food . During the long winter, moose develop a "hunger" for sodium as its level in their bodies drops. Once the ice is out, and the aquatic plants renew their growth, the moose begin coming to ponds to satisfy their sodium needs. Aquatic plants and this sodium "hunger" are a moose watcher's greatest allies. Year after year, moose will continue to go to aquatic areas to meet their sodium needs. For these very reasons, I strongly believe that the yearly moose hunt will not affect a moose watcher's experience in the summer. The drive for sodium will bring moose back to ponds each spring, regardless of the hunt. I have found that the best period of time to see moose in ponds is from late May to mid-July. During this time of year, it is best to do your watching before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. For those willing to get up with the sun, the rewards will be great. I have seen as many as 15 moose at one time during an early morning watch. By late July, few moose seem to use ponds. I have, however, observed a second peak of activity from late August to mid-September. Ponds are used almost exclusively by cows and calves at this time. Bulls seem to be hanging back in the woods, perhaps in preparation for the rut. I have included a list of some well-publicized "moose" ponds if you want to give moose watching a try. However, I encourage you to find your own little "hot spot." To improve your chances, look for places in the northern half of the state with a good mixture of boggy areas and shallow ponds. A shallow, muddy pond will generally offer you a better opportunity to see moose than will a large, deep pond. Look for moose tracks and trails leading to the pond edge. Pick a spot where you can remain partially concealed and still have a good view of the pond. It is important to sit still while you wait. Too much noise will alert the moose to your presence, especially if you are in a secluded area where moose are not accustomed to people. Be patient. If you Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

h~ve done your homework, chances are good that you will be rewarded. Each moose has its own personality. Some will feed along shore, knee deep in mud and water. Others will get out in the middle of a pond, at times disappearing underwater completely. Yearlings, having recently been "kicked out" by their mothers at the approach of calving season, are seen frequently in late May and early June. I enjoy watching their behavior as they first discover their independence. I have seen the greatest number of large bulls during this early summer period as well. By July, the incidence of bull sightings begins to decline. By the middle of June, you can begin to see cows with calves coming to the ponds. The calves will rarely go into the water at this time, but prefer to lay on shore while Ma goes out to feed. Calves are light brown wit h conspicuous black eyes at this time of year. As the summer progresses, they begin to follow Ma into the

water to feed on aquatics, although they still like to spend a good portion of their time on land. By the middle of August, they have lost their tan color and have become the dark brown color of an adult. Good keys to identifying calves at this time are their small size and their stubby noses. A word of caution. Moose are generally timid creatures, but any animal that is pressured may act unpredictably. Cows with calves are often very protective in the early summer. Bulls in the fall rut can also be aggressive. Use common sense. One thousand pounds of angry moose can ruin your day! So there you have it, a quick and hopefully educational look at moose watching. Go and give it a try. I will never forget these past two years and all that I have learned about the behavior and life history of moose, just from sitting quietly and watching them. I am sure you will say the same thing. Happy "hunting."

Site

County

Comments

Site

County

Sandy Stream Pond T4 RS

Piscataquis

.3 mile walk from Roaring Brook Campground.

Lazy Tom Bog, Tl Rl3

Piscataq u.ls

Accessible by vehicle. Frequently

1st & 2nd West Branch Ponds, Ta Rl2

Piscataquis

Shirley Bog Shirley (East)

Piscataquis

Grafton Flats, Grafton

Oxford

Dwelley Pond, T5 RIO

Piscataquis

seen in Baxter State Park Pl<-nic

Comments

1/ 2 mile on left fork, I mile north or KokadJo.

Area.

Russell Pond, T4 R9

Piscataquis

Requires seven mile walk to reach

area.

Turner Deadwater, T4 R9

Piscataquis

Near Russell Pond.

Grassy Pond, T3 RIO

Piscataquis

One mile hike from Katahdln Stream Campground.

Tracy Pond, T3 RIO

Piscataquis

Accessible by vehicle. Located along Newsowadnehunk Tote Road.

Nesowadnehunk Stream, T4 RIO

Follow the old railroad bed (road) from Greenville to Shirley Mills.

Large mud hole beside Route 26 at end orthe old airport.

Webb Lake, Weld

Franklin

At the head of the lake.

St. Croix Lake, TS R4

Washington

Off Route 11 easterly about 4 miles non:h of Knowles Comer.

Route II, T7 R5 T8 R5

Aroostook

Between Knowles Comer and the Oxbow Tum-off.

Piscataquis

1/ 4 mile south of Nesowadnehunk Lake.

Reality Road

Aroostook

Main road and side roads west of Ashland.

Pratt Lake, Tl I R9 WELS

Aroostook

Big Machias Lake, Tl2 RS WELS

Aroostook

Caribou Stream, T2 Rl2

PiscataquJs

Snare Brook Bog, TS Rl3

Brighton Dead water T3 R 12

Piscataquis

Piscataq uls

Northwest end of Eagle Lake, accessible only by boat.

At south end of Caribou Lake right beside the Golden Road.

T9 Rl3

Along Ripogenus Stream. Can be

Churchill Dam, TIO Rl2

Piscataquis

Accessible only by boat.

St. Francis Pond, T8, R16

Somerset

Take International Paper

Thoroughfare Brook, TS RI 3

Piscataq uls

Southwest comer of Churchill Lake, accessible only by boat.

reached by a short walk from a forestry campsite along a 4WD road.

Company road out of St. Aurelie.

Soper Deadwater T4 R 11

Piscataquis

Along old logging ftowage above Telos Road. May be canoed or boated.

East Road to Thissel Pond,

Piscataquis

From Great Northern camps one

Accessible by car. Route 20 I, Johnson

T5 RII

From Markham Brook to Young's Fl)ing Service at Lake Parlin.

mile north of town line.

Silver Lake, T6 R9

Piscataquis

Little Jo Mary Pond, Tl3 RIO

Plscataq uis

Upper Ebemee, T4 R9

Somerset

Mountain Township

Plscataq uls

Route 201, Parlin Pond Township

Somerset

mtles north of Brownville Junction.

Luther Pond Outlet, Thorndike Township

Somerset

4 mile stretch along Route 11

Mose Holden Pond ,

around the pond.

Dennistown

Katahdin Iron Works.

IO miles olT Route II about 15

Big Bog T5 RIS & T5 RI 7 WELS

Somerset

Compass Pond T2 R9 WELS

Piscataquis

Next to Golden Rd. (Great Northern).

Lily Bay Rd.

Piscataquis

Greenville to Kokadjo.

Bean Brook Crossing.

Somerset

Route 201.

Madrid

Franklin

Phillips to Madrid.

Chesterville Wildlife Management Area

Franklin

Route 4, Phillips and

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

FISH I NG 6

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

By Stephen W. Brooke Curator of Sporting Collections Maine State Museum Photos Courtesy Maine State Museum

HEN FISHERMEN GO TO SELECT a new fishing rod today from their local sporting goods store, how many of them are aware of the long history and evolution of materials that have produced the glass, graphite, and other composite material rods they have to choose from? People interested in the history of our region can be particularly proud of the role that Maine people have played in this evolution. The major focus of Maine's tradition of rod making has been the fine craftsmanship and the high quality of manufacture. It is because of this that the Maine State Museum will be using the manufacture of bamboo fishing rods by the Thomas Rod Company of Bangor, Maine to illustrate a small shop environment in the "Made in Maine" exhibit currently under construction. The mass-produced fiberglass, graphite, and other composite material fishing rods that are available today are a far cry from the handcrafted bamboo rods manufactured by the Thomas Company. Bamboo rods from this famous Bangor maker came from a tradition spanning two generations of handmade quality. Fred E. Thomas learned his craft from another Maine native, Hiram Leonard, an engineer turned gunsmith, who opened his fishing rod shop in Bangor in the early 1870s. During the time Leonard worked in Bangor, he developed and patented many improvements in fishing tackle, including a waterproof ferrule to keep the glue dry and strong, and to hold together the slim tapers of bamboo that make up a rod. The early Leonard rods, known as "Bangor Leonards," are milestones in the evolution of fine fishing tackle - some made of exotic hardwoods, others made of four, rather than the normal six, strips of bamboo, and some highly ornamented (like the jeweled rod that won the Bronze Medal Diploma at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia). After Leonard moved his company to New York State in 1881, he returned to find Maine men to staff the new shop, which was the most modern fishing rod man ufacturing facility in the world at the time. Fred E. Thomas, a native of Newburgh, Maine, and Eustis W. Edwards from Bangor, were selected by Leonard as promising young men to train in the craft of rod making. They stayed with Leonard for almost a decade, learning the fine points of working with bamboo and German silver. The highest standards of craftsmanship were held at the Leonard shop, and this tradition was carried on by Thomas and Edwards when they left Central Valley, New York, to form their own business - first with Lowman Hawes and later with Ed Payne. Their "Kosmic

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Fred E. Thomas, the founder of the Thomas Co ., with two Sailfish taken on his "Special" Tarpon Rod .

Rod Co." produced fine-quality rods that competed with the Leonard Company, working around Leonard's patented ferrule. By 1898, both Fred Thomas and Eustis Edwards were back in Brewer, Maine, producing fine rods under the name "Thomas & Edwards Company, Fishing Tackle Manufacturers." With a failing economy in Bangor at the turn of the century, Edwards gave up rodmaking to return to his previous profession as a photographer, leaving Thomas on his own. In 1902, the Thomas Rod Company moved to quarters on Exchange Street in Bangor, and finally, in 1923, to their own building at 7

168-170 Park Street, where they stayed until the company's demise in 1958.

HE FIRST QUARTER of the twentieth cen tury was an important time in the development of the bamboo fishing rod. Refinements in manufacturing techniques and new materials combined t o make the high-quality rods that the Thomas Company became famous for. The Indian or Calcutta cane, a bamboo-colored cane with alternating dark brown and black patches on the natural yellow base, that had been in use since the mid-nineteenth century, was replaced with Chinese, or Tonkin , cane. The "new" Tonkin cane had all the positive attributes of the Calcutta cane without the drawbacks of the weakened dark areas. Although Calcutta cane and select hardwoods, such as greenhart, lancewood, and ash were used occasionally through the 1930s to make fishing rods, the Thomas Co. used only Tonkin cane after their move to Park Street. There was constant experimentation in treating the Tonkin cane physically and chemically, both to strengthen and increase the workability of the material. Apparently, Eustis Edwards, experimenting in his Bangor photographic studio, discovered that the Tonkin cane could be heat-tempered with a flame to increase its resiliency. This discovery led to the reopening of his rod business in 1916 with the production of a deep-toned , chestnut-colored cane rod. During the same period, Fred Thomas developed and marketed the Thomas "Mahogany'' Rod that was produced by the same type of heat tempering. Since Thomas and Edwards were close friends , it is likely that they shared their knowledge of the heat tempering process. Edwards was approached by the Winchester Repe_a ting Arms Co. in 1919, sold out his business, and moved to Connecticut to supervise the Winche ter Rod

A sample of the certificates issued to buyers of rods from the Thomas Rod Co.

Leon J . Thomas working at the bench of the Park Street, Bangor, shop where Thomas fishing rods were crafted .

Company, leaving the Thomas Rod Company a Bangor's most famous rod maker.

ITH THE INTRODUCTION of the "Brown Tone" Rod the Thomas Rod Co. grew and prospered. The "Mahogany" Rod was the predecessor of the famous "Brown Tone" Rod - the top of the Thomas lin e. It was produced from the late teens until t he com pany closed. The warm and darkened cane was set off by specially colored German silver ferrules , oxidized gunmetal blue. The ferrules were additionally strength ened by welting applied to the female section , and were carefully decorated by knurling the welts. The "Brown Tone" Rod was marked "F. E. Thomas Spec ial, Bangor, Me.", leaving the educated eye to recognize the golden tone of the cane as a "Brown Tone" rod. The most popular rods were the light-colored "Thoma Special" rods. The only differences between t he "Brown Tone" and "Special" were the color of the cane and the resulting action of the rod. "Thoma Specials" were available for almost any type of fishing: fly rods of various lengths and weights, salmon rods, bait-casting rods, trolling rods, and several types of saltwater rods. The first "Thomas Special" rods appeared around the turn of the century. The honey-colored special grade rod was the highest quality of all custom work undertaken at the shop. Rods as light as l 1h th ounce were produced on special order and were known as "The Fairy." In addition to the "Special" and "Brown Tone" grades, the Thomas Co. produced models called "Bangor" and "Dirigo." These rods were made of bamboo sections that

continued on page 28

THE KENNEBAGO

By Forrest R. Bonney Fishery Biologist

Photos by Thomas L. Carbone

HE STORY GOES that when the Civil War was declared in 1861 , the news that men were being pressed into service was received with little enthusiasm by a handful of Rangeley men. Instead of joining up with their neighbors to travel south to fight , they "skedaddled" north through the woods toward Canada. After crossing the mountains beyond Rangeley, however, they became some of the first white men to look down on Kennebago Lake. They crossed the lake on the ice in December 1862, and spent the winter in primitive shelters near a tiny cove which protected them from the prevailing winds. In the spring they continued on to Canada - but the cove on the north shore of Kennebago Lake is still known as Skedaddle Cove. In later years, Kennebago Lake was discovered by more and more people most of whom travelled to the lake for the unspoiled fishing . Kennebago Lake is the largest body of water drained by the Kennebago River, which winds through the mountains and hills of western Maine at the head of the Androscoggin River drainage. The main stem of the Kennebago, just 27 miles long, drains a total of 20 lakes and ponds into Cupsuptic Lake. The waters of the drainage have been sought out by fishermen since the mid-1800s, long before the narrow gauge railroad reached the Rangeley area in 1891. Before this date, "sports" left the railroad at Bethel, Rumford Falls, or Farmington, and endured a 20- to 30-mile buckboard ride to Oquossoc. The main stem of the Kennebago River produces trophy-sized landlocked salmon and brook trout in spite of fairly heavy fishing pressure.

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

From there on, the travelling was by foot. Even so, an early account of activity in the area indicated that "even then a great many anglers visited the lakes. The region became famous for its numerous large trout, and an increased number of anglers were attracted by the fishery." Of course, many of these anglers fished the more accessible larger lakes of the Rangeley chain. Nonetheless, the waters of the Kennebago, including the remote Seven Ponds, were "visited by quite a number of sportsmen," according to an account written in 1885. By this date, Grant's and Richardson's Camps had been established on Kennebago Lake, and had outcamps on the Seven Ponds and in other areas. The Oquossoc Angling Association, which is headquartered near the mouth of the river, was incorporated in 1870, and had outcamps seven miles up the river and on Little Kennebago Lake. The Megantic Club was formed at Seven Ponds before 1887, and remains a private club, with vehicular access denied the public.

EFORE 1870, the only salmonid occurring in the drainage was the brook trout, which provided excellent fishing in the river and in its lakes and ponds. Although there is no record of Kennebago matching the l 2 1h pounder which came from Mooselookmeguntic Lake in the early days, the Kennebago nonetheless produced an occasional fish up to five pounds. The higher elevation of the Kennebago drainage resulted in colder, less productive water, and some early records indicate that trout averaged four to six ounces, with a few onepounders. We may assume that much larger fish, moving into the lower river from Mooselookmeguntic Lake, provided an exception to this rule, as they still do today. Atlantic salmon fry were stocked in the Rangeleys in 1873, but were 10

The author gathers water temperatures from Kennebago Lake.

thought to have died out by 1887. Landlocked salmon were also stocked in 1873, and possibly before then. The first record of a landlocked salmon being caught in the area was in 1875, at the mouth of the Rangeley River. This fish was probably a return from an 1873 spring stocking at Kennebago Rapids. The Oquossoc Angling Association and other clubs were responsible for stocking both landlocked salmon and brook trout in area waters, and a state hatchery was established at Rangeley around the turn of the century. Kennebago Falls, which later became the site of two dams built for power generation, posed an impassible upstream barrier to fish, and it was not until about 1910 that salmon were introduced to Kennebago Lake and other waters above the falls. Smelts were introduced to Kennebago Lake as a forage fish for salmon in the 1890s. The first record of their spawning at Indian Rock, at the mouth of the Kennebago, is in 1907. It is recorded that good smelt runs also occurred in 1910 and 1913. Although there

were complaints that salmon were being stocked to the detriment of brook trout, they were nonetheless spread to "almost every little pond in the region." Since most of these stockings were fry, and since many of the ponds were unsuitable as salmon habitat, they did not become established in most of the smaller ponds. Unfortunately, detailed records of which ponds were stocked were not kept in the early days. A report written in 1918 indicates that fishing in the Kennebago River for brook trout was not as good as in the "olden days," although the fish ranged from two to five and onehalf pounds in September. The author of the report does not speculate as to the reason, but increased fishing pressure and the introduction of salmon probably played major rules. Today, the river continues to draw heavy fishing pressure. It provides some of the best salmon spawning and nursery habitat in the state, and provides Cupsuptic, Mooselookmeguntic, and (to a lesser extent) the Richardson lakes with much of their salmon population. Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Adult salmon enter the river on spawning runs from mid-summer through October, usually on freshets. These runs of fish provide excellent angling. The lower six miles of nursery area between lower Kennebego Dam and Mooselookmeguntic Lake produces a~ estimated 30,400 salmon parr (ages I to III) per year - that number would more than double if young-of-the-year salmon were included. Above the dams, the river is flowed back to Kennebego Lake, and brook trout seem to be more common along this stretch. Brook trout are also present below the dams, and provide an excellent fishery there. In 1975, a sevenpound, five-ounce brook trout was taken from this stretch.

A BOVE LITTLE KENNE-

.rt.

BAGO LAKE , the river is fed by the Seven Ponds and by brooks which drain the Twin Mountains, Sol Ridge, Snow Mountain, the Kennebago Divide,

White Cap Mountain, Cow Ridge, and Boil Mountain. This stretch of river and its tributaries provides an excellent brook trout fishery. Of the 20 lakes and ponds in the drainage, 14 have been surveyed by the Fishery Division. Seven of these ponds are over 2,000 feet in elevation, with the highest, White Cap Pond, at 2,925 feet. The largest and best known lake in the drainage is Big Kennebago. This lake was first surveyed in 1939. At that time, it was considered to be one of the three most heavily fished lakes in the region. In spite of heavy fishing pressure, the lake had high densities of salmon and brook trout. The lake presently has a "fly fishing only" provision, unusual for a 1,700 acre lake. While this regulation helps protect the fishery, it is unnecessarily restrictive in that salmon are generally unavailable by this method of fishing during summer months. Furthermore, large numbers of salmon from natural reproduction, combined with the low productivity of the lake, result in slow growth, which compounds

the problem. The same situation exists at Little Kennebago Lake slow growth rates of large numbers of salmon combined with overly restrictive regulations. Big Kennebago Lake also contains a remnant population of brown trout, which were inadvertently stocked in the lake in the 1930s. Two browns were netted in the 1939 survey, and, in addition. to more recent reported catches of brown trout, one was taken by fishery biologists in the river below the lake in the 1970s. With the exception of John's Pond, which supports salmon, the other ponds in the drainage have only brook trout fisheries. Ten of the ponds at the head of the drainage (six of which are located in Seven Ponds Township) were surveyed by the Fishery Division in 1977. Most of the ponds contained good populations of brook trout, and growth was average for Maine waters. The Kennebago River has been electrofished periodically since 1965 to determine its contribution of young salmon to the fishery .

Kennebago Falls Dam, located approximately one mile below Kennebago Lake, acts as a barrier to the upstream migration of yellow perch andÂˇis now being renovated to produce hydroelectric power.

ELLOW PERCH became established in the lower Kennebago River in the 1950s, and spread from there into John's Pond. The salmon present in this pond exhibit slow growth due to unfavorable habitat and lack of forage fish. Of the remaining surveyed ponds, Kamankeag and Flatiron ponds provide excellent brook trout fisheries. None of the Kennebago waters are stocked, due to natural spawning areas available throughout the drainage, and due to limited public access. A gate near Little Kennebago Lake restricts vehicular traffic from the northern half of the drainage, including Seven Ponds. Today one of the main access roads to Kennebago Lake is built on 12

an old railroad bed. For many years, the Maine Central Railroad ran train and Pullman service to Kennebago Lake. After this service was discontinued during the Depression, mail service was continued for several winters by dog sled before more conventional means were used to serve the few people who wintered at the tiny village. Today, as in the past, there are few year-round residents of the drainage, but the summer population swells as camp owners, guests, and club members congregate to fish for the brook trout and salmon of Kennebago's waters.

HE KENNEBAGO RIVER drainage has been fished for more than a century now, and the quality of the fishery remains surprisingly good, in spite of introductions of new species, increased fishing pressure, and commercial forest cutting. While fishing regulations at Big and Little Kennebago lakes should be relaxed somewhat to increase the harvest and reduce stunting of salmon, the drainage in general is sensibly regulated. This, combined wit h strict enforcement of land and water use laws, will insure good fishing in an aesthetic environment for many years to come.

â&#x20AC;˘

REFERENCES Cooper, Gerald P. A Biological Survey of the Rangeley Lakes, with Special Reference to the Trout and Salmon. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Game, 1940. Kendall, William Converse. The Range ley Lakes, Maine; with Special Reference to the Habits of the Fishes, Fish Culture, and Angling. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Fisheries, 1918. Nile, LeRoy. Kennebago Summer. Farmington, Maine: Th e Knowlton & McLeary Co., 1947.

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

HOW DO BIRDS SING? The Strange Facts Behind Bird Music By David Gunston

KNOW why birds sing. They sing not because they are happy (as people once thought), but to advertise their possession of their home ground, or territory, to warn off possible male rivals, and to entice a mate. But the answer to the related question, how birds sing, has only recently been given, and that by a keen amateur ornithologist, Crawford Greenewalt. For centuries, bird song has been compared either to the human voice or to musical instruments like the clarinet, oboe or flute. Now it is clear that neither comparison is appropriate. The mechanism of bird song works quite differently. In the first place, the small reed that vibrates when a woodwind instrument is blown can only produce a sound that is affected by the size and length of the barrel of the instrument. A short length makes for a high, shrill sound, as in the piccolo or flute; a long instrument like the bassoon gives lower notes. If a bird sang like this, it could produce its natural range of high and low notes only by lengthening and shortening its own neck In the case of species whose songs range over two musical octaves, the birds would have to extend their necks to four times the usual length-obviously a physical impossibility. As for singing like human beings, we have Âˇa glottis past which regular puffs of air are changed in our throat and mouth into musical sounds, whereas birds have no glottis.

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

All birds songs and calls are produced in a tiny, two-pronged organ called the syrynx. Lying deep inside the chest, this consists of a short air tube that forks into the twin bronchial tubes that lead to the bird's lungs. When a bird decides to sing, it shuts off the air supply from the lung to the syrynx , or song-organ. This air is then compressed by the chest muscles so that it flows rapidly through the lower tubes, causing their thin membranewalls to vibrate. It is this vibration that produces the loud sound we call bird music. The interesting thing is that each of the bronchial tubes can produce its own music, and if need be one tube can be operated by its owner at a time. If both are operated, then the songbird in effect sings an internal duet with itself. The pure song we hear is produced in the syrynx, and is not altered or amplified in any way on its upward journey into the air through the singer's open beak Although we may go into raptures over the throbbing chords of a nightingale, or admire the mellow fluting of a blackbird, Mr. Greenewalt has discovered that we hear only a small fraction of a

songbird's actual repertoire, for with this independently-operated twin source of song, the range and extraordinarily rapid modulation even tiny birds can produce are way beyond the limits of the human ear. But unless such complex song had some purpose, birds would not produce it, so it seems safe to assume that when one nightingale excels itself in song, another nightingale finds the result delightful and enticing, for its ears are equally well attuned to the sounds its would-be mate produces. There is also no doubt that individual birds can be recognized by others of the same species purely from the little variations and subtleties in their songmuch as we can recognize people we know from their voices. In fact , the acoustics of bird song are unique in all nature; the only pity is that we are inadequately equipped to appreciate it to the full-as other birds obviously do. Reprin ted from British Columbia Wildlife Review

The time has come . The nymph will crawl up onto a blade of grass . shed his skin and fly away an adult at last.

Dragonflies are one of nature's most interesting insects. If you watch some closely the next time you are at a pond or lake, you will be able to discover much about their habits. On a bright day, they are very active. 14

Have you ever looked closely at a dragonfly? It has two sets of very powerful wings that are moved by muscles inside its body. Each is separately controlled, which enables it to swoop, hover, rise, and dive quite fast. Its wings beat between 25 and 40 times per second and it can fly up to 60 miles an hour. These wings are very delicate and can be very easily broken. The eyes of a dragonfly are very pretty, and cover a large part of the head. The eye is made of many tiny lenses, liky that of a house fly. Because of this, dragonflies have excellent eyesight and can see in all directions. Some scientists say that a dragonfly can see up to 120 feet away! A dragonfly is a skilled flyer. It has six bristly legs - these form a basket that is used to catch gnats and mosquitos while in flight. When you are watching it, it may seem to stop in mid-air as if it's uncertain which direction to go. It may even fly backwards. Sometimes you may see one fly over a pond, then swoop down and touch the water with its body. When you see this, it is probably a female that is laying her eggs, which drop to the bottom of the lake. Not all dragonflies lay their eggs in this manner - some crawl down on water plants and attach their eggs to these plants. The eggs will hatch out in two or three weeks; the creatures which emerge are called nymphs. These nymphs will live on the bottom for at least a year until they become beautiful dragonflies. They breathe much like fish do; they draw water in over the gills, which take out the oxygen. When the water is thrown out, it goes out with such force that it propels the nymph forward, thus helping it swim about. The dragonfly nymph is an en~my to many of the smaller pond animals, because it must consume a great deal of food. One of the main Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Letters should be sent to: Patricia Hogan, KID-BITS Editor Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine 284 State Street, Sta. #41 Augusta, ME 04333

items in its diet is mosquito larvae. But the nymph also has its enemies. Many of the larger pond animals will eat nymphs - fish are especially fond of them. A trout will strike or bite on them quite often. Many fly fishermen make artificial lures to look like these nymphs in the hopes of catching a nice fish the next time out. A nymph has on the outside a hard skeletal shell which it sheds several times a year. When the time is right, it will develop its wings inside this shell. When that process is complete it is ready to shed its skin for the last time. When this happens, the nymph crawls out onto a stalk of grass and spins a silken thread which it uses to attach itself to the grass. Over a period of several hours, the skin dries and eventually cracks along the back. The head and the upper part of the body will emerge - the fly will continue squirming this way until it is completely out. Blood then rushes into its wings and organs - a half hour later, it becomes a creature of the air. From that time on, until its natural death, it has only one purpose to fulfill - mating and the reproduction of its species. It has only about eight weeks in which to achieve this goal. Dragonflies mate in mid-air, forming a circle. This mating circle is unique among animals. The two will fly until the female drops her eggs on the water below - the life cycle of the dragonfly is then complete. Dragonflies cannot sting you, even though they may fly very close to you - they are merely eating mosquitos, ridding you of some of summer's .pests. A dragonfly is a pleasant site with its flashing, gossamer wings and pastel colors - the next time you see one, look upon it not as a pest, but as one of nature'_s airplanes. Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

The first and last stages of the dragonfly's life cycle; the nymph below water and the adult in flight .

Fisherman's Visit To:

ACADIA NATIONAL

PARK By Ronald Brokaw Regional Biologist

ISHERMEN VISITING beautiful Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island will find plenty of opportunities to try their luck. Fishable populations of landlocked salmon, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, lake trout ( commonly known as togue in Maine), brown trout, smallmouth bass,

A breathtak ing view of Echo Lake.

white perch, and pickerel all exist within a 30-mile drive of the island. The principal drawback of which all visitors should be made aware "right off the bat" is the almost total lack of boat rental facilities in the area. Most of the above-mentioned sportfish are very difficult to catch from shore, especially during the peak tourist months of July and August. So, unless you can fish from a small boat or canoe, the odds are against you. Specialized techniques, all of which require a boat, are needed to catch the coldwater sportfish during the warm summer months. You definitely need a small boat with motor or a canoe if you are serious about providing some freshwater fish for the family campfire. Assuming that you have, or can obtain, a boat, however, let's find out where you might strike pay dirt! Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Long Pond, located in Mount Desert and Southwest Harbor, produces some of the most consistent landlocked salmon fishing in eastern Maine. Many of the salmon creeled measure between 16 and 17+ inches, but some three- and four-pound fish are caught annually. The fishery is sustained largely through annual stockings of six- to eight-inch spring yearling salmon, although some wild fish are produced in the outlet through natural reproduction. To catch salmon in the summer, you should fish in the cool water 25 to 35 feet below the surface. Trolling lead line with a lure or sewed-on bait, and drift fishing with live bait, are the preferred methods of fooling the landlocked. Long Pond also contains smallmouth bass, although most of the fish are rather small (eight to twelve inches). Jordan Pond, situated entirely within Acadia National Park, offers the angler a chance to catch salmon or lake trout (togue) while enjoying the fine view of the steep mountainsides bordering the pond's western and eastern shores. Most salmon taken from Jordan Pond are in the 15- to 16-inch range, although the pond has the capacity to grow big salmon (a three-pound seven-

ounce beauty garnered first place in a winter fishing derby held on Mount Desert Island in February of 1982). Anglers hoping to land a togue should fish the bottom in water 45 to 80 feet deep, as this species favors deep, cold water. A special regulation on the pond prohibits the use of motors of more than 10 horsepower. For those members of the family who are not fishermen , a pleasant hiking trail surrounds the pond. Eagle Lake, situated among the mountains of Acadia National Park, supports fisheries for brook trout, salmon, and togue. Both the salmon and togue fisheries are totally dependent upon stocking programs. Experimental stocking ( directed by Research Biologist Keith Havey) of unusually low numbers of togue in the late 1970s has produced remarkable growth rates and excellent returns to fishermen. Keith, assisted by Census Clerk Leslie Smith, is conducting a long-term study involving brook trout at Eagle Lake. They are monitoring the performance in the wild of a number of different strains of brook trout

A fisherman tries his luck at one of the many ponds found in the park.

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

whose parents have exhibited a tendency to live to older ages (from four to six years). A very intensive census is operated during both the ice and open water fishing seasons to collect data on the growth and survival characteristics of the various strains of hatchery trout, in addition to the native trout inhabiting the pond. A number of special regulations are in effect at Eagle Lake, and anglers are advised to consult their lawbooks prior to fishing.

OR THOSE ANGLERS interested in catching a Maine brook trout, additional area waters worthy of note include Echo Lake, Witchole Pond, and Simmons Pond. Echo Lake, partly within the confines of the park, is managed for brook trout and salmon. The pond's trout population is sustained en tirely through natural reproduction. To enhance this fishery, special regulations in effect include a 12-inch minimum legal length limit on trout and a daily bag limit of two trout. These regulations are designed to allow the trout to spawn at least once prior to being subjected to angling mortality. The pond's principal spawning tributary, Lurvy Brook, is closed to fishing. Witchole Pond, in Bar Harbor, produces trout from eight to eleven inches in length. The fishery is maintained by annual stockings of fall fingerling trout. Simmons Pond, located just outside Ellsworth, has produced some chunky eight- to ten-inch trout in recent years along with an occasional 12- to 14-inch specimen. You can drive close enough to this small seven-acre pond so that a small boat or canoe can be easily carried to the shore. For the serious-minded angler interested in catching a large togue, a good bet is Green Lake, located in Ellsworth. An excellent public boat landing area is maintained by the city of Ellsworth, with access from Route lA. The Fish and Wildlife Department recently concluded a five-year stocking program there, utilizing Allagash-strain togue. Growth rates exhibited by the initial two stockings have been above average, although returns to anglers have been disappointing thus far. The 1976-81 stockings are presently providing fish from two to four pounds in weight. Furthermore, recent monitoring has confirmed the fact that there are meaningful numbers of eight- to fifteen-pound togue still in the lake from the stockings conducted in 196265. To stand a chance at landing one of these deepwater denizens, you must fish on bottom in water 50-85 feet deep. Green Lake also has 14- to 16-inch salmon, and some good-sized smallmouth bass (an added bonus!). For the brown trout enthusiast, Upper and Lower Hadlock Ponds fill the bill. Upper Hadlock, adjacent to Route 198, lies entirely within Acadia National Park. The brown trout fishery is maintained by stockings of 18

C. Leslie Smith gathers census information from a young angler .

spring yearlings to augment the natural reproduction which occurs in the outlet. Smelts provide an important forage item in the diet of brown trout in this pond. The outlet flows into Lower Hadlock Pond, which therefore receives the benefit of downstream-migrating fiveto seven-inch native brown trout parr. Growth of brown trout in Lower Hadlock is very good, due in part to an abundant population of isopods, a type of aquatic crustacean which are actively consumed by the brown trout. This 39-acre pond produced at least three fish in the three- to five-pound class during the 1982 ice fishing season.

HAT BRINGS US TO the warmwater sportfish-smallmouth bass, white perch, and pickerel. While all three species can be caught on the Island (Hamilton Pond in Bar Harbor is a good bet Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

for pickerel), th e best warmwater fishing is found in a number of lakes lying within an hour's drive. Heading the list is Graham Lake in Ellsworth, a large man-made lake on the Union River. It s upports abundant populations of all three warmwater sportfish, but is especially noted for its good-sized white perch and pickerel. A newly-constructed public boat launching area is available adjacent to the Bangor Hydro dam on the outlet. Georges Pond in Franklin offers the angler some fine fishing for white perch and smallmouth bass. The pond provides a consistent fishery for larger-than -average white perch (from 11 to 13 inches) and bass (from 14 to 18 inches). The best way to catch perch is to drift a worm on bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water in the evening-once you catch one, immediately drop anchor! With any luck at all, you can catch a "nice mess" before the school moves on, and you'll have some mighty fine eating! Alamoosook Lake in Orland contains good populations of attractively-sized smallmouth bass, white perch, and pickerel. While fishing Alamoosook, stop in Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Freshwater angling opportunities abound for the summer visitor in Acadia National Park.

and visit the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery where young Atlantic salmon are raised. Maine is the only state in the nation with rivers which support native runs of Atlantic salmon. Both the Union River in Ellsworth and the Narraguagus River in Cherryfield offer the angler a chance at these highly-prized sportsfish, which typically weigh from nine to twelve pounds. It should be pointed out that these fish are exceedingly difficult to catch during July and August. Also, a special stamp is required for anglers wishing to fish in fresh water for Atlantic salmon. It is evident that there are abundant freshwater angling opportunities for the summer visitor to Acadia National Park. While fishing is generally at its worst during the months of July and August, you can at least fish the above-mentioned waters secure in the knowledge that the fish are there. Whether you are sufficiently skilled and lucky enough to catch them remains to be seen, but that's what fishing is all about! â&#x20AC;˘ 19

By Marshall T. Wiebe Director, Public Information Maine Department of Conservation

When the last glacial ice disappeared from Maine some 11 ,000 years ago, over 2,500 beautiful lakes and ponds were left behind on which we can now find extensive boating opportunities. In the bargain, these "rivers of ice" also left a lot of very solid Maine granite, some of it lurking just beneath lake surfaces within easy reach of an outboard's vulnerable lower unit. Avoiding these and other hazards requires boaters to apply large amounts of common sense - and to have working knowledge of Maine's Uniform State Inland Waterway Marking System, managed by the Department of Conservation's 20

Bureau of Parks and Recreation. Some of the state's most popular inland waters are marked with the system's buoys, and when the marker bears the word "ROCK" or "SLOW," boaters can hardly miss the meaning. Other markers, however, provide information via a color or color pattern "code." Knowledge of that code can mean the difference between a pleasant fishing trip and an expensive - perhaps even dangerous - episode. "RED RIGHT RETURNING" is probably the best known navigational reminder; it has kept generations of saltwater sailors within channels. On inland waters, red buoys should be on the right, or starboard, side when moving upstream or when travelling from a smaller to a larger waterbody. Marked inland channels in Maine are always identified with pairs of all red and all black buoys -

boaters should remain between them. This may seem a bit confusing to boaters who are used to navigating salt water, since the U.S. Coast Guard sometimesÂˇ marks channels with a series of red or black buoys. Vertically striped black and white buoys are used to mark the center of especially narrow channels. For that reason, boats should pass close to the markers, on either side. "Sunken islands" or shoals are probably the most hazardous obstacles boaters encounter on Maine lakes, since the shoals are often located in unexpected spots, far from shore. These hazards are marked with pairs of white buoys which have either red or black tops. The paired markers are set so that boaters passing north or east of black-topped buoys, or passing south or west of red-topped buoys, will avoid the hazards. Fishermen who troll lake shores know that points of land often extend underwater a considerable distance offshore. These underwater shoals are marked with vertically striped red and white buoys or spars. Boaters should not pass between the buoy and the nearest point of land, since the markers are located at the offshore end of the hazard. The area within 200 feet of shore on Maine's inland waters has been designated as a Water Safety Zone. Except for channel markers, state buoys are not generally placed in this area. When travelling in the Water Safety Zone, boaters are cautioned to navigate at low speed and to remain alert for hazards which must be expected in relatively shallow water. Within 100 feet of shore, waterfront property owners may use markers complying to state requirements to identify swimming areas and moorings adjacent to their property. Maine's Uniform Waterway Marking System has been created for the pleasure and safety of the recreational boater. Learn the system and use it to your advantage. Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

UPSTREAM

•

Boat should pan ta left af buoy. *

MARKS LEFT SIDE OF CHANNELBoal should pan lo right of buoy . *

Tells di1tancH, locations, other official information. CAUTION! Type of control i1 indicated within the circle such 01 No ski, 1peod zone, No anchoring.

Boat should not pan between buoy and nearest shore.

.-------------~L__ RACE COURSE MARKER

•

~ DIVERS FLAG

Boat should pau to north or east of buoy.

•o • ~~8

"iQ

e :,~

; ~~

•

swim orea1, rap.di, restricted areas.

Boat should pan to south or west of buoy.

DANGER! Warns of rock,, rHfs, dams, snags, or other hazards.

* When entering a channel from main water body or p roceeding upstream Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

MAINE UNIFORM STATE WATERWAY MARKING SYSTEM Since 1973, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Recreation has delineated safe boating channels, identified hazards, marked restricted areas, and provided directions to boaters on some of Maine's most heavily used inland waters. Currently, 20 waterways are marked and maintained with funds made available to the bureau from a portion of Maine's tax on gasoline. Nine of these are maintained in cooperation with private organizations. Until additional funds become available, the waterway marking program will not be extended to new bodies of water. With the exception of blanket authority given to waterfront property owners to place certain approved markers within waters 100 feet of shore, permits are required to mark Maine's inland waters. Organized events requiring lake marking-such as races-require a permit from the Department oflnland Fisheries and Wildlife and a lake marking permit from the Bureau. More information about the Inland Waterway Marking System may be obtained by contacting: Supervisor, Inland Waterways Marking Program, RFD #l, Box 597, Gardiner ME 04345; Telephone (207) 582-2813. WATERWAYS MARKED WITH MAINE UNIFORM STATE WATERWAY MARKING SYSTEM

WATERBODY

COUNTY

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY

Androscoggin Lake

Androscoggin/ Kennebec

Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corp.

Brandy Pond

Cumberland

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

China Lake

Kennebec

Four Seasons Snowmobile Club

Cobbossee Lake

Kennebec

Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club

Embden Pond

Somerset

Embden Pond Association

Great East Lake

York, Maine Carroll, New Hampshire

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Great Pond (Belgrade)

Kennebec

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Hancock Lake

Oxford/ Cumberland

Hancock Lake Association

Horn Pond

York, Maine Carroll, New Hampshire

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Long Pond (Belgrade)

Kennebec

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Maranacook Lake

Kennebec

Maranacook Lake Association

Messalonskee Lake

Kennebec

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Moosehead Lake

Piscataquis

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Mooselookmeguntic Lake

Oxford/ Franklin

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Mousam Lake

York

Mousam Lake Association

Rangeley Lake

Franklin

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Sebago Lake

Cumberland

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Sebec Lake

Piscataquis

Sebec Lake Association

Songo River

Cumberland

Bureau of Parks and Recreation

Tacoma Lakes

Kennebec

Tacoma Lakes Improvement Society

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

NON-NATIVE BIOLOGICAL POLLUTION By Peter Walker

Fish Pathologist

N THE WEE HOURS of the morning, an industrial plant foreman opens the valve on a vat of caustic waste chemicals, hoping that the evidence will be washed well downstream by daylight . . . On a camp wharf, two children gently release their two goldfish before returning home for the winter. . . On the edge of a stream in a back pasture, a farmer carelessly rinses his sprayer. . . A bass fisherman parks his rig beside a central Maine pond and dips a dozen small largemouths from the livewell of his boat, hoping that he will soon be able to catch his favorite quarry closer to home. Which of these people are guilty of pollution? As the title of this article implies, all of these individuals would be guilty of polluting Maine's aquatic environment. Some might perceive the unauthorized fish stocking as a lesser crime, but in one respect it is far worse. Unlike most industrial pollution, the damage done by biological pollution can seldom be repaired. Man first began transplanting fish species hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago. When European man first came to North America, he continued the practice until the lists of fishes in some states now resemble the inventories of international zoos. A recent report by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service stated that at least 84 species of foreign fishes have been found in the wild in the United States. Of these, no fewer than 39 species are known to be successfully Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

The channel catfish (top) and common carp were both discovered in Maine pet shops during a recent survey. In general, shop owners are very cooperative in dealing with such situations.

Pholo courtesy Dr. Glenn Hoffman, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Servi

The walking catfish, whose importation is specifically forbidden in Maine, has used its abilities to travel overland and breathe air to outcompete practically every species it has encountered.

reproducing and firmly established. Sadly, that list is still growing. Fish introductions are usually made with the best of intentions. Unfortunately, the actual impact that a new species will have on an ecosystem is seldom known until after the fact. Competition for food, breeding sites, and living space is intense in an aquatic environment. Whenever a new species is successfully introduced, existing species must make room. The story of the common carp in North America is a case in point. During an agricultural depression in the late nineteenth century, the notion that carp culture would provide farmers with supplemental income brought hope to the Midwest. The United States Fisheries Commission imported large numbers of carp fingerlings

from Europe and spread them across the continent by means of specially constructed railroad cars. The giant minnows were soon established in practically every state and parts of Canada. But unfortunately, carp were never fully accepted by consumers - hopes of a new cash crop quickly faded. The carp, however, were here to stay. The hardy, fast-growing fish successfully pushed aside more desirable native species. In addition, their habit of stirring up bottom sediments effectively blocked sunlight penetration and lowered both fish and waterfowl production in many marshes.

AINE HAS SUFFERED ITS SHARE of nonnative fish introductions. Before colonial times, many native coarse 23

species such as white and yellow perch were fairly restricted to coastal drainages. Inland lakes and ponds were dominated by salmonid species, especially brook trout. But white men soon spread pickerel and perch inland and eastward. Then, in the late 1800s, smallmouth and largemouth bass were imported as well. Today we have many fine warmwater fisheries, just like so many other states to the south. A large number of our unique trout fisheries are lost, and can never be brought back. To be sure, not every example of

new fish introduction has been harmful. A few, whether by mere chance or as the result of careful scientific study, have proven highly beneficial. Examples include brown trout, a few other gamefishes, and certain forage species. Establishment of even these, however, was not obtained within some sort of biological price. Despite firm laws to the contrary, the spread of fish species into new drainages has increased in Maine at an alarming rate during recent years. Whether through selfishness or ignorance, warmwater species

such as black bass are being spread increasingly into prime salmon and trout waters. In addition, non-native species from other parts of North America are showing up. No fewer than five new species have been found in Maine since 1977.

ITHOUT COOPERATION from the public, the fight against unauthorized fish stocking will be a mere rear guard action. To preserve our remaining native fisheries, we need your help. Obey the law - leave fish stocking to professionals! Hated by many Maine anglers, revered by others, the largemouth bass is a longestablished exotic in Maine waters. In spite of Department efforts to the contrary, selfish or ignorant anglers have spread this species into many new waters in recent years - waters where their presence will likely harm native species.

Possibly the rarest fish species in Maine, the tiny redfin pickerel was discovered in a tributary of Merrymeeting Bay in 1977. It is not known whether this species is a native or was introduced. Only three specimens have been observed.

DO YOUR PART- OBEY MAINE LAWS

Following is a summary of Maine laws regulating fish importation and stocking: 1. Importing live fish and eggs. It is against the law to import any live fish or eggs into the State of Maine without a permit granted by the Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Requests are carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Incoming shipments of salmon or

trout must be inspected and certified by a fish pathologist to be free of serious disease pathogens. No person can import piranhas (Genus Serrasalmus), walking catfish , or grass carp (white amur). No person can import live fish for bait purposes. Only tropical fish and goldfish for aquarium purposes may be imported without a permit. Tropical fish are defined as any species which cannot survive the year round in a wild environment north of 30 degrees north latitude or south of 30 degrees south latitude.

2. Stocking live fish or eggs. It is against the law to stock live fish or fish eggs of any kind into any inland water without a permit granted by the commissioner. This includes private ponds. Requests are carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Questions concerning these laws should be addressed to the Commissioner, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, Station 41, Augusta ME 04333.

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Although popular within its native range, the black crappie is unwelcome in Maine waters. It is now established in parts of three major river drainages .

Profits have overcome the consciences of a number of Maine bait dealers in recent years. Three new species of shiners have been found - probably smuggled in as baitfish .

THE FRESHWATER FISHES OF MAINE-1982 UPDATE Despite tough laws to the contrary, introductions of non-native fish species have increased in recent years. Department biologists have identified no less than five new species in Maine's inland waters since 1977. Here is a list of the freshwater fishes presently known to be firmly established in the state. Not included are anadromous, catadromous, and brackish water species which spend at least part of their lives in salt water or estuaries. KEY:

N I E U

= species native to Maine (35) = introduced North American species (9) = introduced foreign (exotic) species (3) = species of uncertain origin; may possibly be native (2)

Herring Family ( Clupeidae) landlocked alewife- I* Trout Family (Salmonidae) Arctic char (blueback trout and Sunapee trout)-N brook trout-N brown trout- E lake trout (togue)-N lake whitefish-N landlocked Atlantic salmon-N rainbow trout- I round whitefish-N Smelt Family ( Osmeridae) rainbow smelt-N Pike Family (Esocidae) chain pickerel-N northern pike-I redfin pickerel-U Minnow Family ( Cyprinidae) blacknose da_ÂŁe-N black nose shiner- N bridle shiner- N common carp-E

common shiner-N creek chub-N emerald shiner-I fallfish-N fathead minnow-U fine scale dace-N golden shiner- N goldfish-E lake chub-N longnose dace-N northern redbelly dace-N pearl dace-N silvery minnow-I spottail shiner-I Sucker Family ( Catostomidae) creek chubsucker-N longnose sucker- N white sucker-N Bullhead Catfish Family (Ictaluridae)

brown bullhead-N Codfish Family ( Gadidae) burbot (cusk)-N

Killifish Family ( Cyprinodontidae)

banded killifish-N Stickleback Family ( Gasterosteidae)

brook stickleback-N ninespine stickleback-N threespine stickle back- N Temperate Bass Family (Percichthyidae)

white perch-N Sunfish Family ( Centrarchidae) black crappie-I largemouth bass-I pumpkinseed-N redbreast sunfish-N smallmouth bass-I Perch Family (Percidae) swamp darter-N yellow perch-N Sculpin Family ( Cottidae) slimy sculpin-N

*The anadromous alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a native Maine species. A landlocked strain of this species was introduced to several Maine lakes from New York by Department biologists in the 1960s and 1970s as a forage species for salmon and trout.

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

some new Introductions LARGE PART of prehistor-

ic survival consisted of a constant and vital search for food. Not so today; modern humans have developed agriculture, supermarkets, electric stoves, and decent restaurants. Food is no problem. Most of us can have as much as we want, whenever we want it. But things haven't changed at all out there in the natural "uncivilized" world of woods and waters. Fish and wildlife must still engage in the consuming quest for food - that basic fuel which produces growth, health, and survival. In the science of fishery biology, the relationships between game fishes and the food items which they must consume are usually of great importance to successful management of a fishery. A classic and well-known example is the relationship between the landlocked salmon, a principal game fish, and the smelt, a small but important forage fish . In Maine lakes, we know that, without an abundant smelt population, we can't expect good growth from salmon, even if other apparently suitable forage species are abundant. The less numerous smelts become, the slower salmon will grow. This example illustrates a couple of important points. First, abundance, or density, of forage is extremely important. The more abundant food organisms are, the more likely a predator is to run into one. As forage abundance is reduced, a game fish must swim further and work harder for each mouthful. Since this uses up more energy, the feeding process becomes less efficient and growth rate can be reduced. Another concept is selectivity, or predator preference. In our 26

By Philip S. Andrews Research Biologist

example, salmon apparently prefer to eat smelts, and select them to the exclusion of other food items which are also available. Compare this to the chain pickerel, a non-selective predator which will consume almost any smaller fish that crosses its path. We can see from this that, for some game fish, forage must not only be abundant, but must also be the right kind. A final point to keep in mind is the idea of availability. Forage organisms must be not only abundant and preferred; they must also be available to the predator by being present at the same time and place as the predator. A good example of this is a population of brook trout, which might be confined to a cool spring area during the hot summer months when the rest of the lake has grown too warm for them. Even though the entire lake may have a large supply of preferred forage insects and other invertebrates, these food items are not available to the trout during hot weather. As a result, the trout don't grow as quickly as they could, and might appear thinner than they would if food were more available to them.

BVIOUSLY, the interac-

tion between game fish and forage species can begin to get a bit complicated. One of my early field experiments was to test the effects of introducing smelts into a pond that held a very large population of stunted brook trout. The trout were barely able to reach legal size due to a general lack of enough forage to properly feed them. With the idea that another food source could be made available to the trout, smelts were established and began to flourish . However, few

smelts were ever eaten by trout in this pond. The smelts were able to feed and grow quickly on abundant zooplankton which occurred in the pond, and soon most smelts were too large to be eaten by the stillstunted brook trout. To make matters worse, the large smelts began competing with the trout for insect food organisms. In the end, there were fewer trout surviving and their growth had shown no real improvement. A variety of forage introductions for the purpose of improving sport fish growth has been made in Maine over the years. Success has been spotty, however, even under what appear to be excellent circumstances. The most common and successful attempts have been biological introductions of smelts as food for salmon or lake trout. These have usually been carried out where no smelt population previously existed to provide forage for salmonids. In some cases, game fish growth has been greatly improved. Another forage fish which has been successfully transferred is the stickleback. Both three-spine and nine-spine varieties have been established in several waters as an additional food source for larger brook trout, and, in one instance, for Sunapee trout. In most cases, the sticklebacks have flourished and have been often utilized as food by the trout. Of course, no fish introductions should be undertaken without a great deal of thought and study beforehand. Risks from competition, food supply imbalances, and disease or parasite transmission are very real. An ill-conceived introduction could easily destroy or seriously damage the game fish population which it was intended to benefit. Other experiments to increase

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

forage abundance for game fish have also been attempted. Several types of small crustaceans have been collected and transferred to new waters with the hope of establishing self-sustaining populations which might provide additional food sources. Mysis relicta is a small freshwater shrimp

aquatic crustaceans bear a rough resemblance to shrimp and are commonly called "scuds" or "sideswimmers." Amphipods are found in only a few Maine trout ponds, but where they do occur, they are heavily utilized by brook trout. When available, these creatures seem to produce excellent

MYSID SHRIMP known to be an important food source for juvenile lake trout. Since Maine did not have Mysis in any of its lakes, Canadian shrimp were collected and trial introductions made in three of our lake trout waters. Although hopes were high, no evidence of success has been found for several years. We now believe that differences in lake water chemistry may have caused these apparent failures. Amphipods are another forage item which have been transplanted in Maine. These half-inch long

survivors could be found in any of the waters where the transfers had been made. In these cases, the problem was probably due to lack of abundance. Not enough of the amphipods could be captured and transferred to establish a large and sound breeding population. Eventually, the small numbers which were stocked became too dispersed over the pond and were unable to find each other in order to reproduce. Further work with forage crustaceans finally produced success. A large aquatic isopod, previously unknown in Maine, was discovered in a small coastal lake where they were found to be an important part of the diet of resident brook trout. These bottomdwelling crustaceans could be captured in large numbers; several transfers were made to another lake nearby. Within three years, the new population had reproduced, spread out, and was flourishing. Brook trout in the lake now benefit from an increase in the supply of available forage.

ISOPOD

AMPHIPOD

fish growth, as well as enhancing the bright orange flesh which typifies our "native" Maine brook trout. A number of attempts have been made to introduce amphipods into some brook trout ponds. Several of these introductions were initially successful, since we found evidence of survival and, in two cases, reproduction of young amphipods. After several years, however, no

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

URRENT RESTRAINTS on budget and personnel within the department make it unlikely that much further work will be accomplished relating to the study or transfer of forage organisms. Nevertheless, the prospect should be kept in mind and, in special situations, may provide a useful management tool for those who must protect and improve Maine's fishery resources.

Rods - continued from page 8

did not meet the exacting standards for coloration of the "Brown Tone" or "Special." The machining on the handmade ferrules was simplified, and the finish of the rods was not as fine . These lesser-priced rods were described in the catalogue as "a favorite among guides .... " Clearly, Thomas intended to produce these rods to give equal performance, but with less costly decoration. Âˇ The materials that were used for the Thomas Company's rods were of the highest quality. All the snake guides were tempered bronzed steel imported from Hardy of England. Most American rod makers had given up English guides between 1900 and 1915, but Thomas continued their use through the lifetime of the company. Ferrules and other metal fittings were machined out of 18 percent nickel silver known as German silver. This material combined high strength, light weight, and the ability to take a fine finish. Gem quality agate rings were mounted in German silver by Thomas' craftsmen for stripping guides and tip tops. The raw material agate was purchased in the Far East and cut to specifications by German stonecutters. During the 1930s, hard steel became the standard material for stripping and tip rings, but the agate guides were available as a custom extra. The silk windings were applied with great care, with colors carefully selected to complement the color of the bamboo. Windings were traditionally brown silk on the "Brown Tone" and "Special" rod grades and deep red on the "Dirigo," with other colors available for special orders. Thomas "Bangor" models were apparently fin ished in a variety of colors. Intermediate or "English" style windings were phased out during the early 1930s partially as an economy measure and partially because of the change the windings made in the action of the rod. Other distinctions between the models came from the materials used for the reel seats, with wood predominent on the finer grades of rod, and Bakelite or hard rubber and cork on the lesser grades. The finish was always hand-painted coachmakers' varnish applied in three coats - one to fill the silk windings, and two covering both the cane and silk.

y THE TIME THE COMPANY MOVED to

the new building at Park Street in 1923, Fred Thomas' son, Leon J . Thomas, was a part of the growing business. Among the fine craftsmen working with this father-and-son team were Charlie Doane, Walter Hall, Forest Freeman, Gus Hebel, and Ed Houston. Throughout the entire existence of the Thomas Company, the same beveling machine (built when Thomas, Edwards, and Hawes first left the Leonard Company) turned out the delicate bamboo tapers that were glued, wrapped, and finished to make the sections

Any combination of reel seat and grip was available without extra charge on Thomas " Special " and " Browntone" rods. In addition to the rods offered in their catalogue, a fisherman with special requirements could order a custom rod built to his or her own specifications .

of the bamboo rods. The card file of the Thomas Co mpany's customers reads like a "Who's Who" of angling until the middle of the 1950s, when the less-expensive fiberglass rods became available. Inexpensive tackle, co mbined with the popularity of spin fishing, proved too much competition for the labor-intensive and relatively expensive bamboo rod. In 1958, the Thomas Company was closed, and the remaining materials and equipment were sold. There are still many people fishing with fine examples of the Thomas Company's rods. It is interesting to note that the value of the "Brown Tones," "Specials," "Dirigos," and "Bangors" held their own through the inflation of the more recent years. Prices in the 1955 catalogue of the Thomas Company ranged from $121 for a "Brown Tone" to $36 for a "Bangor" trolling rod. Many of us wish we had had the foresight to have purchased what are destined to become family heirlooms, to be handed from generation to generation. â&#x20AC;˘ The Maine State Museum will be developing a scene in the upcoming " Made in Maine" exhibition with tools from the Thomas Rod Company's Bangor shop .

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

the Fly Tying Bench

DRY FLY #2 THE FANWING ROYAL COACHMAN By Peter G. Walker

for nearly every type of fly fishing, including dry flies , streamers, Atlantic salmon flies, and many others. The fanwing dry fly version (this one) has been in use for most of this century. The graceful white wings make this fly exceptionally visible to the angler - a big plus when fishing at dusk. For all its attributes, however, the Fanwing Royal Coachman does have one fault. Its wings resist casting, causing the fly to flutter through the air like a wounded bird. Even so, the trout that it can put into one's creel make up for this shortcoming.

ABOUT THE FLY Like Kentucky's famous racehorses, the Royal Coachman is an American thoroughbred. The original Coachman, however, is an old English pattern, developed in the very early 19th century. It's origins are somewhat clouded - the invention of the pattern has been variously attributed to Tom Bosworth, John Hughes, and a "Harding." The Royal Coachman was introduced to the angling world by John Haily, a New York professional, in 1878. When he first showed the new trout fly to his circle of friends, he explained: "Here is a fly which is intended to be a Coachman, but it is not a true Coachman. What shall I call it?" Mr. L. C. Orvis, a member of the group, suggested "Royal Coachman," and a star was born. Through the years, the Royal Coachman has become perhaps the most widely recognized of all trout flies. From the original wet fly, versions have been developed

THE PATTERN HOOKS: standard dry fly type, sizes #8 through #12 THREAD: black TAIL: several golden pheasant tippets BODY: peacock her! with a red floss center WINGS: a matched pair of white duck breast feathers HACKLE: dark brown

0 1

Attach one or more strands of peacock herl above the base of the tail and bring the thread forward out of the way. Add a drop of lacquer to the wraps at the base of the herl. This will strengthen the fly and help prevent the herl from fraying on trout teeth. Wind the herl closely so that a neat, fuzzy "collar" is formed ahead of the tail. Secure with thread and trim.

After attaching the thread to the rear part of the shank, lash down the tail tippets and trim off the ends. The tails of most dry flies should be about the same length as the hook shanks to ensure proper flotation .

0 Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Select two white duck breast feathers of approximately the same size. Prepare them by stripping away the fluff at the bases. Now pinch the matched feathers between the thumb and forefinger of your left hand and posit ion them so that their stems are perpendicular to the shank (one on each side). Carefully attach them with crisscross wraps of thread until held securely in position . Now bend the stems back along the underside of the shank, wrap with a few w inds of thread and trim off the remainder.

Select two hackles with fibers about 1 V2 times longer than the distance between the hook shank and the point. Snip off the fluffy bases and prepare them by rubbing the fibers the wrong way with thumb and forefinger. Now attach the end of each stem to the hook shank behind the wings and bring th e thread forward to the eye.

Resume construction of the body by wrapping the previously attached floss forward to about the midpoint of the shank as pictured. Secure the floss, trim and attach a second peacock herl or herls as described in Step 2. The completed body consists of floss between two collars of herl.

Just ahead of the peacock herl butt, attach a length of scarlet floss . Now wind the tying thread forward to the point on the shank where the wings will be attached . The body will be completed after the wings are tied in place.

One at a time, attach hackle pliers to the tips of the hack les and carefully w ind each around the hook both behind and in front of the wings. Attach the tips of each hackle to the shank near the eye and trim off. Finally, carefully hold back the hackle fibers with the left hand while making a small, neat head w it h tying thread. A finish knot and a coating of lacquer and your Fanwing Royal Coachman is complete.

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS DEER UPDATE Through early March, Maine's deer herd was getting a needed break in the form of very easy wintering conditions - a sharp contrast to last winter, which was one of the worst on record for deer. The severe winter of 1981 -82, as expected, resulted in a drop in the deer kill by hunters last fall. The final tally of 28,834 deer registered by hunters was 10.4 percent lower than in 1981 and about 7 percent below the 10-year average. Apart from year-to-year deer population ups and downs, some areas of the state - notably eastcoastal, western and southwestern - are in the midst of longer-term declines - a situation Commissioner Glenn Manuel hopes to begin to remedy this fall using his new, three-year authority to restrict the taking of antlerless deer. As proposed, the 1983 deer season in northern and central Maine would be similar to last year's, with deer of either sex being legal. Elsewhere, proposals to protect doe deer will be the subject of public hearings this spring, with a hearing scheduled in any affected county. A final decision on the 1983 deer season is expected by mid May.

ACID RAIN SLIDE SHOW What is acid rain? What is its source? Why are half of the lakes in the Adirondacks devoid of fish? What can be done to control the problem ... and what will it cost? Answers to these and other questions about acid rain are presented in a slide show - "ACID RAIN" - now available from the

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

Sunkhaze Stream Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The TU group, located in the Bangor-Brewer area, saw the need to make the public aware of the environmental problems of acid

rain , and they responded in part by producing a professional quality slide show with a 20-minute cassette tape narration. Club members present the program at shows and meetings,

1982 Warden of the Year Warden Norman B. Moulton of Lincoln is Maine's Game Warden of the Year for 1982. Moulton was selected for the award by the Warden Service Awards Board, made up of fel low wardens and officers. In recommending him to the board, Moulton's two immediate superiors, Sgt. Carter Smith and Lt. Larry Cummings of Warden Division C, noted that "Warden Moulton is a 15-year veteran who consistently produces outstanding work and has the confidence and respect of the public he serves in the Lincoln area. He consistently answers complaints in a superb, professional manner regardless of time off and often at personal inconvenience. "His dedication to fish and wildlife conservation laws is reflect ed in the amount of hours he works and the interest he takes in all phases of his career." In 1974 Moulton received the Warden Service Meritorious Ser-

vice Award for personal risk in the lin e of duty. Together with Sgt. Carter Smith, he saved the life of a snowmobiler who broke through the ice of Upper Sysladobsis Lake at night. Moulton says the warden's job has become more complex during his career, with new responsibilities in the areas of laws regulating environmental dam age, pesticides control, littering and snowmobiling in addition to primary duties of enforcing fish and wildlife laws and regulations. But he says "I have the best job in the world and wouldn't trade it for any job I know of." Moulton is a native of Belfast and graduated from high school at Unity. He is married to the former Betty Ann Hanson of Knox . They have two children .

and the slides and tape are also available for purchase by schools and other organizations. Among the areas "ACID RAIN" illustrates are the effect of acid rain on developing fish fry; leaf injury; the demise of Nova Scotia salmon rivers; fish species sensitivity; and industrial emission patterns. Anyone interested in learning more about the slide show may write to Sunkhaze Stream Chapter, Trout Unlimited, P.O. Box 92, Bangor, ME 04401.

CLAYTON G. GRANT

Clayton G. Grant, chief of the engineering and realty division, died in November after a short illness. He had been an engineering technician with the Fish and Wildlife Department for 27 years and had been closely involved with the design and construction of many of many of the department's fishways, dams, buildings and other facilities. He also served as chief of the engineering division from 1974 until being named chief of the newly reorganized engineering and realty division shortly before his death. He is survived by his wife, Betty Clement Grant of Belgrade Lakes, and his mother, Mrs. Doris Grant Kelley of Brewer.

PERSONNEL NOTES Prominent among recent personnel news in the Fish and Wildlife Department are the retirements of the deputy commissioner and the chief of the Fisheries Division. J . William Peppard, a department employee for 31 years and its deputy commissioner since 1972, retired last November. In his career he had worked in waterfowl 32

and deer management and as regional wildlife biologist in Washington and Hancock counties. He also served as acting commissioner for several months during his tenure as deputy commissioner. Peppard's successor as deputy commissioner has yet to be named. The department's chief of fisheries research and management retired in December after a 40-year state career. Lyndon H. Bond had been the division chief for 15 years and assistant chief for 15 years before then. He began his career as a research biologist with the Atlantic Sea Run Salmon Commission. Named to replace Bond as head of the Fisheries Division was Robert E. Foye, assistant chief of fisheries since 1968. Foye has worked for the department since 194 7, first as a biologist in the Hatchery Division, later as regional biologist for the Belgrade Lakes Region. Also in the Fisheries Division, Urban D. "Sonny" Pierce was promoted to regional biologist for the Sebago Region; John J. Boland transferred from the Penobscot Region to become Pierce's assistant; and Gordon N. Kramer was hired to replace Boland. In the Hatchery Division, Norman A. Harmon, formerly assistant foreman at the Dry Mills Fish Hatchery, was promoted to foreman there. Allen W. Messer was advanced from fish hatchery worker to assistant foreman at Dry Mills. William V. Walentine, a veteran fish culturist with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was hired to be the fish hatchery foreman at the New Gloucester Hatchery. In the Warden Service, two game warden specialists retired - Bryan C. Buchanan, with 21 years of service, and Arnold M. Beleckis, with 20. Buchanan's specialist rank was for his work in the field of blood, hair and meat identification; Beleckis had been a member of the department's search and rescue

team. Four game wardens have been named to the Warden Service's SCUBA diving team and promoted to the rank of warden specialist: Michael J. O'Connell of Naples, Parker K. Tripp of Augusta, William A. Downing of Ellsworth, and Peter W. McPheters of Millinocket. Their participation in the eight-member diving team is in addition to regular duties as district game wardens. In the Wildlife Division, three wildlife biology aides have been hired and assigned to the big game project: R. Bradford Allen, Gary R. Lamb and James M. Connolly.

ABOUT THE INSERT The pamphlet inserted in this issue entitled Find a Space, Show Your Face is part of a new program initiated by the Maine Fish and Wildlife Department in an effort to cut down on the number of people who become lost in the Maine woods. Although aimed primarily at children, there is also something in the program for the parents of lost children. The videotaped program will feature sections on lost child prevention, self help, and search and rescue techniques. All Maine grade schools are being contacted about the program. Interested persons are urged to watch for it in their local schools and to participate in the program if possible.

BEAR SEASON Maine's first bear season since the elimination of spring hunting resulted in 1,221 bruins being taken. Bears denned late in 1982 and were available to hunters to the end of the season in some areas. Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Glenn Manuel said he was pleased with the results of the new fallonly hunting season and that t he

Maine Fish and Wildlife-Spring 1983

kill "came within our projections for a safe cropping of the bear population." The most productive area was Wildlife Management Unit 2 (western Aroostook and northern Penobscot, Somerset and Penobscot counties) where 314 bears were taken. About half of the bears were registered by hunters who said they were deer hunting at the time of the kill. Hunters using dogs accounted for 152 bears. The 1983 bear season will open September 1 and run through November 30, except that it will be closed in northern Maine during the moose season, September 19-24.

STATE PARK PASSES Season passes to Maine state parks and memorials are now available - and they make good gifts for friends and relatives. Pass holders are entitled to unlimited use of all day-use state parks and memorials. In addition, campers who have a pass will receive a 10 percent discount on their 1983 camping fees at state parks (Baxter State Park and the

Allagash Wilderness Waterway not included). Passes are available for $15 from the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, Department of Conservation, Station 22, Augusta, ME 04333. Make checks payable to Treasurer, State of Maine. Be sure to include your name and address.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Two Maine organizations have issued calls for volunteers recently - one compiling information on birds, the other on lakes. An ambitious, six-year project to map the distribution of very bird species that nests in Maine is entering its last field season this summer. The Maine Breeding Bird Atlas will be the first detailed map of which species nest in the state and where. About 100 volunteers have censused about half of the state thus far, but the degree of coverage varies. A great deal of work remains to be done this last season, especially in central and northern Maine. Volunteers are needed. Persons interested should

contact Bonnie Bochan, P.O. Box 306, Winterport, ME 04496. The atlas is affiliated with Bowdoin College and the Maine Audubon Society. Maine was the fourth of at least 18 states that have initiated the project thus far. The Department of Environmental Protection is also in need of volunteers to monitor water quality in Maine's lakes. Volunteers must have access to a boat and must be able to take samples twice a month from May through September. Training and equipment will be provided. For more information on the lake monitoring program call 1-800-452-1942 or 207-289-3901.

CORRECTIONS The article in the winter issue on Maine's search a_nd rescue volunteers incorrectly credited the sponsoring organization of Durham's SAR unit. It should have stated that the Durham Rod and Gun Club is the unit's sponsor. Also, observant readers may have noticed that the photograph on page 27 was of a matchlock muzzleloader, not a flintlock as stated in the caption.

MOOSE WATCHING/ MOOSE HUNTING-------. The article on moose watching in this issue (page 4) may strike some as inconsistent editorial policy in a publication that has actively supported limited, legalized moose hunting in Maine. It shouldn't. We recognize that the moose is a valuable and cherished state resource for viewing and photographing and as a tourist attraction. The article in this issue is intended to help foster further enjoyment of moose watching and understanding of the animal. We also recognize that the biological facts of the moose population, and the conservative nature and safeguards taken with the hunting season, leave no room for belief that hunting will noticeably diminish moose watching opportunities. Doubters should be aware that less than half of the state is open to moose hunting and that a maximum of one thousand moose - or about one out of every. twenty in the open area - can be taken annually by

legal hunting. Then they should consider the zoning, which spreads out the hunting pressure and prevents overharvest in any area, and the fact that popular moose viewing areas like Baxter State Park and the Allagash Waterway are off limits to moose hunters. These and other regulatory and biological considerations can lead only to the conclusion that observing moose and properly controlled hunting of them are not mutually exclusive recreational pursuits. A goal of moose herd management should be to provide an optimum number of moose for use and enjoyment of all the citizens of the state - whether they enjoy just seeing them, or whether they might also like the opportunity to hunt them. It's a goal we hope Maine citizens support in the likely event of a referendum vote on the continuation of legal moose hunting.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

284 State St.

Sta . #41

Augusta , Maine 04333