Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Fall 1990

~AINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE $3.50

EDITORIAL

Protecting Land for Maine's Future

by William J. Vail Commissioner Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Until development pressures of unprecedented proportions hit Maine in the 1980s, protection of critical wildlife habitats and other environmentally unique and sensitive areas was not a widespread concern. Nor was much thought previously given the possibility that public recreational access to the land, traditionally free and easy, would someday be shut off.

Public attitudes toward those issues changed quickly and dramatically with awareness that the development boom and changing landowner patterns and attitudes were threatening much of what makes Maine so special. The general realization at that time that less than 5 percent of Maine land was safeguarded in public ownership - less than any other state led, in 1986, to overwhelming voter support for a $5 million bond issue to fund state acquisition of wildlife habitat and recreational lands. The following year, Maine voters strongly supported another land acquisition bond issue - this one $35 million! - to protect a broader array of lands.

The two lead articles in this issue (beginning on pages 4 and 5) summarize how that money has been invested to ensure the future of some very special parts of this state and continued public access to them.

Maine voters will soon have the opportunity to allow this important work to continue. On the November ballot, along with all the political races and other questions to be decided, will be a land acquisition bond issue in the amount of $19 million. This bond would provide $9.5 million for the Land For Maine's Future Fund ($1 million of which is targeted toward farmland acquisitions) and $8.5 million to the habitat acquisition fund of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It would also provide $1 million for the reconstruction of Churchill Dam on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, needed to provide an adequate supply of water in the river for canoeists and to maintain lake water levels.

I urge you to read about what was done under the previous land acquisition bond issues to protect wildlife habitat, provide recreational lands and improve public access. Think about what still needs to be done, and then draw your own conclusion about whether another $19 million would be a good investment in Maine's future.

~AINE

FISH AND WILDLIFE Governor John R. McKeman, Jr.

FALL 1990

VOL. 32, NO. 3

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife William J. Vail, Commissioner Norman E. Trask, Deputy Commissioner Frederick B. Hurley, Jr., Director, Bureau of Resource Management Charles A. Atwater, Director, Bureau of Administrative Service Larry S. Cummings, Director, Bureau of Warden Service Advisory Coundl Alanson B. Noble, Otisfield, Chairman Dr. Ogden Small, Caribou Vice Chairman F. Dale Speed, Princeton Carroll York, West Forks John Crabtree, Warren William Sylvester, Clayton Lake Eugene Churchill, Orland Carroll Cutting, East Sebago Gene Brown, Durham Thomas Jagger, Sanford

Features Project WILD: A Progress Report by Lisa J. Kane Where it's gone since its Maine debut last October

~ - - - - - - - - - - c Speclal Section ti---------Your Land, My Land, OUR Land

by Tom Shoener & Lissa Widoff Two perspectives on land acquisition efforts. to benefit wildlife-and man

All photographs In this issue were made by the Public Information & Education Division unless otherwise indicated.

MAINE ASH AND WILDLIFE OSSN 0360-00SX) is published quarterly by the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street. Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04330, under Appropriation 01409A-0529. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. No stamps, please. Second dass postage paid at Augusta, Matne and at additional mailtng offices. e Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 1990.

Permission to reprint text material Is granted, provided proper credit Is given to the author and to MAINE ASH AND WILDLIFE. Oearance 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 ASH AND WILDLIFE Magazine, 284 State St, Sta. #41, Augusta ME 04333. Please allow six weeks for changes to take effect POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Circulation Section, MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE, 284 State St., Sta. •41, Augusta, Maine 04333.

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Big Bucks 1989 The biggest of the big for last hunting season

Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine W. Thomas Shoener, Editor Thomas J. Chamberlain, Managing Editor Thomas L. Carbone, Photo Editor Dale S. Clark, Editorial Assistant

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13

Treat Me Right A peek at a new effort aimed at landowner/land user relations

16

Taking A Closer Look Whitetails-how they behave like they do-and why

18

Operation Game Thief by Bill Allen For many, the telephone has become an anti-poaching tool

28

Departments KID-BITS FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS

14 29

The Front Cover "Mt. Katahdln-Whltetall." Detail from the original oil painting by Adriano Manoccla. Limited edition prints available from the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine. Details on page 29.

QUESTIONS ABOlJf YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Just call toll-free 1-800-288-8387

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Accordingly, all department programs and actMUes must be operated free from discrimination with regard to race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against should write to The Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S . Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

1

roject WILD, a national wildlife and conseivation education program for grades K-12, was implemented by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in October of 1989. To date, over 30 teacher training workshops have been conducted by 20 volunteer facilitators and the author, at sites throughout Maine. More than 500 educators have participated in Project WILD workshops, where they have received up-todate information on Maine's fish and wildlife resources, an elementary, secondary and/or Aquatic Project WILD activity guide, in addition to a variety of related supplemental materials.

Project WILD has captured the attention of a diverse audience in Maine. Classroom teachers and school librarians, park rangers,

P Project WILD: A Progress Report

by Lisa J. Kane

graduate and pre-seIVice students, Department of Environmental Protection personnel, outdoor educators, scout leaders, special education teachers, and Fish and Wildlife department personnel have participated in training workshops. By attending the workshops to receive the activity guides, participants are able to experience 6 or 7 activities first hand, obtain additional Maine-specific wildlife information, and have the opportunity to practice teach.

Nationally, 49 states are now sponsoring Project WILD, in addition to several Canadian provinces. The country of Iceland is also becoming an associate sponsor. All three guides will be translated into Icelandic, and somewhat modified to address appropriate cultural differences.

This truly makes Project WILD international! The Environmental Protection Agency, showing a growing interest in environmental education, has recently become an official Associate Organizational Sponsor of the project.

The EPA has also been selected to administer the National Environmental Education Act, a bill Top left: Volunteer Project WILD facilitators actively participate in "Hooks and Ladders", a simulation of the life cycle of the Atlantic salmon. Here, young salmon go through a jump-rope 'hydro-turbine'. Bottom left: Adult salmon returning from the sea must negotiate the 'fish ladder'. Right: Maine's first group of Project WILD volunteer teacher/leaders.

Photos by Carl Wolfe, Nebraska Project WILD Coordinator

recently approved in the House and moving well through Congress. If passed, the agency will work in close cooperation with educators at local, state, and national levels.

Because of a top priority identified by state Project WILD coordinators this past year, the Project WILD National Steering 2

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

Committee, with some funding assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, recently completed a national smvey of Project WILD workshop participants. A stratified random sample was drawn from each of the participating Project WILD states. A total of 1,330 participants were contacted by an independent public opinion firm, using a telephone smvey. Some of the preliminary results included: • 78 percent of those smveyed have used or are using Project WILD in their educational programs. Of the 22 percent who report not using the materials, 62 percent indicate they plan to do so in the future.

• 99. 5 percent of those using Project WILD indicate their interest in using Project WILD in the future.

greatly or moderately increased the amount of their teaching time devoted to wildlife and the environment.

• Over 90 percent of the respondents said that their own attitudes had been changed as a result of Project WILD, and that the Project WILD workshop was one of their most valuable sources of professional support for teaching about wildlife and the environment.

• Respondents were asked what actions their students have taken as a result of Project WILD to benefit wildlife and the environment. 81 percent have cleaned up litter. 79 percent have participated in recycling projects. More than one third are reported to have initiated a school yard habitat enhancement project as a result of Project WILD.

• 96.9 percent of those using Project WILD say that their students have increased their awareness, knowledge, skills and /or attitudes about the importance of wildlife and its habitat, as a result of Project WILD. • 84 percent of the users indicate that Project WILD has

When asked how Project WILD could be improved, the responses were strongly in support of more from the Project, rather than doing things differently.

Respondents wanted more materials, more workshops, and more advertising of the Project itself.

According to the research firm, "Users are clearly enthusiastic about the program and wanted others to be able to use it as well. Word of mouth marketing is significant, with more than 80

The author is the department's natural science educator, and also statewide coordinator for Maine Project WILD.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

percent of users encouraging colleagues to participate."

Since 1983, more than 240,000 educators have used Project WILD with at least 20 million students. The smvey results help to more clearly define the impact of Project WILD on youth and adults. It has been the leadership of the state wildlife agencies, working cooperatively with state and local education agencies and non-profit organizations, that has made it possible to bring well-grounded education about wildlife and the environment to such large numbers of teachers and youth. It is important to remember too, that Project WILD is only one effort among many to improve education about the environment, one which shows a good track record and provides a successful model for others.

Back in Maine, the second annual leadership training workshop is scheduled for the last weekend in September. For three days, new volunteers will become thoroughly familiar with the Project WILD activity guides and materials, are trained how to conduct Project WILD workshops, and review current fish and wildlife programs administered by the department. Demand for Project WILD workshops continues throughout the state, and these volunteers will provide the department with valuable representation in the coming school year, as they did in the 1989-90 school season.

We are looking forward to another successful year of wildlife and conservation education. • For more information about Project WILD, contact the author at the Department of Fish & Wildlife, 284 State St., Station #41, Augusta, Me 04333,

or call 207-289-3303.

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Maine has for some years been using bond issue money to acquire and department and one from the Land For Maine~ Future Board, on how

PLACES FOR WILDLIFE .

ACCESS FOR PEOPLE The author is director of public information and education for the department, and is editor of MAINE ASH AND WILDLIFE Magazine.

Upland and wetland tracts in Cherryfield and Bowdoin ... a seabird nesting island off Jonesport ... deer wintering areas in Hollis and Livermore ... over six miles of an undeveloped salmon spawning tributary to Moosehead Lake ... habitats for rare species in Kennebunk and Lee ... several tracts important to nesting or wintering waterfowl...all are among the newest additions to Maine's wildlife management area system.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has bought these properties and others, totalling 12,219 acres, with funds from a $5 million wildlife habitat acquisition bond issue approved by Maine voters in 1986. Among the new stateowned lands are parcels in 13 counties, from York to Aroostook, ranging from eight acres to over 3,800 acres, and representing an array of habitat types from rocky coastal islands to northern forests.

With land values escalating rapidly, $5 million did not promise to meet all the need for protection of critical wildlife habitat and recreational lands. A work-

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• •

Your

My

by Tom Shoener

OUR

Roach River. Photo by Tom Carbone

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Fall 1990

rotect special properties. Here are two reports, one from our own hese special places in Maine are being protected for the future.

Land, LAND FOR MAINE'S FUTURE IS GAINING GROUND and, Land

by Lissa Widoff

Pollywog Gorge, Nahmakanta. Photo by Jim Bernard

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

The author is senior planner for the Land For Maine's Future Program, where she evaluates properties for board consideration.

Maine's natural heritage of rivers and lakes. mountains and forests. and rocky fog-bound coast. has defined our sense of place and connection to the outdoors. Increasing development pressure. the loss of'J)Ublic access and the degradation of critical habitats and natural resources triggered an awareness of the need to secure such areas for the future.

In November 1987, Maine citizens voted in oveiwhelming support for a referendum dedicating $35 million to the purchase of natural lands of state significance. Such high quality areas would represent the very best of Maine's recreation lands. physical landscape features. areas of scenic beauty. farmland or open space. undeveloped shorelines. wetlands, fragile mountain areas or other important conseivation lands. Habitat for rare and endangered plant or animal species or natural communities would be given priority as would areas providing access to these natural resources.

The $35 million Land For Maine's Future Fund has created a mechanism whereby state agencies. private land conseiva-

PLACES FOR WILDLIFE (continued)

Aroostook River•

.•~'"\' • Black Brook Pond Flowage

• V

Kllllck Pond•

Scarborough

Kennebunk Plalna

LAND A CQU/S[T/0 NS INLAND FISHERIES & WIWUFE

ing group of citizens and professional conseivationists made recommendations to the department on the habitat types and general locations (coastal/inland, northern Maine/southern Maine) where acquisition emphasis should be placed. The list of potential acquisitions was further refined by the availability of willing sellers and reasonable prices, and by field evaluations by department staff. The department's advisory council gave final approval on all purchases.

When the last of the five million dollars had been committed, the department had eleven new wildlife management areas, some with potential for enlargement, and had added acreage to eight others.

Though most were bought primarily to protect and enhance their existing values as wildlife and fish habitat, all will continue to be open for traditional public uses. As development continues to take other lands out of wildlife production and posting closes them to recreational access, the wisdom of the voters in approving creation of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Acquisition Fund will be all the more apparent.

Following is a summary of the new wildlife management lands:

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LAND FOR MAINE'S FUTURE (continued) tion groups and municipalities may coordinate to assure the protection of the most outstanding conseivation and recreation lands throughout the state. The 11-member Land For Maine's Future Board (LFMB) began its "star search" for properties to acquire in September 1988 when it began its first public solicitation for proposals and suggestions for land acquisition. This unique approach involved landowners, private conseivation groups such as The Nature Conseivancy and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, towns and state agencies in presenting proposals to the Board. A second solicitation in March 1989 further met the Board's goals of identifying significant lands throughout the state which fulfill recreation needs and conseivation priorities.

In less than two years of careful evaluation of a diversity of properties, site selection and negotiation, the Board and staff, with the assistance of state agencies and cooperating entities, have successfully completed the acquisition of 47,364 acres of forests, lakes, wetlands and undeveloped coastal lands in 11 counties. The Board has thus far committed $23.5 of the $35 million for land purchases and associated costs, and has received nearly $1 million in cash matching funds and another $1 million contributed in property and in-kind services. The Board continues its identification and pursuit of significant lands on an ongoing basis.

Additional funds have been reseived for access improvements on acquired properties.

Each of the properties purchased by the Land For Maine's Future Board will be held and managed by one of the several land management agencies in state government. The majority of these properties have gone to the Department of Conseivation's Bureau of Public Lands and Bureau of Parks and Recreation, and to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Board staff provides the agencies with information on special features such as endangered species habitats, natural communities and archaeological and historical sites found on the lands. A summary of the Board's purchases to date follows:

The "Diamond" Lands The most significant acquisition approved by the Board involves seven different properties comprising nearly 40,000 acres in what has been touted as the largest single land conseivation purchase in Maine's history. Working for eighteen months with The Nature Conseivancy, a deal was struck for the

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

PLACES FOR WILDLIFE (continued)

LAND FOR MAINE'S FUTURE (continued)

Roach River 690 acres - Piscataquis County The last major tract funded by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Acquisition Fund, and considered by many the crown jewel of them all, this purchase provides river access along both sides of the entire 6.3-mile stretch of Roach River between First Roach Pond, Kokadjo, and Moosehead Lake.

This pristine river is Moosehead's most important tributary for landlocked salmon spawning.

The purchase includes title to a 250-foot strip of land bordering both sides of the stream and an easement to an additional 2 50-foot strip along each side, creating a 1,000-foot wide corridor the entire length of the river. Also included are several routes of walk-in access over privately-owned land, to enable fishermen to reach remote stretches of the river.

Fisheries biologists' studies indicate that about half of Moosehead Lake's wild salmon population originate in the Roach River, and that its brook trout production is also significant.

The river also affords outstanding fishing opportunities, and in recent years has become increasingly popular as a spot for fly fishing during September. The fall fishing is provided by mature salmon and brook trout which ascend the river to spawn.

Black Brook Pond Flowage 465 acres - Somerset County Black Brook Pond Flowage is a wetland near Flagstaff Lake with great potential as waterfowl habitat. The department hopes to build a low head dam at the site of an old log driving dam to create

Black Brook Pond Flowage. Photo by Peter Cross

(continued oil page 8) Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

• Androscoggin River

~

1f\..

• Allee WhHler Farm Mountain 1 • Dodge Point • Morgan Meadow • ~ •-l!r•/bu\ry Mountain State Par1t • Little Ossipee River

~-

• KennebunkPlalns

LAND ACQUISITIONS LAND FOR MAINE'S FUTURE BOARD

fee purchase of these lands from Diamond Occidental Forest, Inc. and the James River Corporation.

The centerpiece of the package is the 31,512acre tract including all of Nahmakanta Lake, the southern third of Rainbow Township and all of T. l ,R 11 where recreational opportunities abound for the hunter, hiker and fisherman. An estimated 50 miles of undeveloped water frontage on the 24 lakes and ponds on the property provide a variety of access opportunities and natural resource features. Twelve miles of the Appalachian Trail traverse the land and pass through old-growth forests, an impressive gorge along Pollywog Stream, the shoreline of Nahmakanta Lake, and numerous other streams and valleys. Remote ponds and nearly 8,000 acres of an essentially roadless area around the upper Debsconeag Lakes characterize the northeast part of the property. Under the purchase agreement for the property, the National Park SeIVice will acquire the Appalachian Trail corridor, which will defray some of the purchase costs to the state. This entire tract will be managed by the Bureau of Public Lands and continue to provide traditional recreational, backcountry and

(coutiuued 011 page 10) 7

PLACES FOR WILDLIFE ( continued)

a large, shallow marsh in an area of the state where such wetlands are scarce. The marsh created would provide seasonal habitat for a variety of wildlife including nesting habitat for common goldeneyes. ring-necked ducks and black ducks.

Aroostook River 149 acres -Aroostook County Possibly the beginning of a new wildlife management area in northern Maine, this tract is along the flood plain of the Aroostook River. The flood plain between Masardis and Ashland contains numerous back water channels and small oxbows which are locally important to waterfowl, aquatic

Aroostook River. Photo by Arlen Lovewell

furbearers, wading birds and other wildlife. These back waters contain freshwater marsh habitats. which are relatively rare in northern Maine but highly productive areas for ducks and geese. Forested wetlands are also an important habitat type associated with the Aroostook River flood plain.

Northern red oak, also relatively rare in northern Maine, is found in these forested wetlands. and its acorns are a source of food for wood ducks. This area of the Aroostook River is roughly the northern extent of the wood duck's range in Maine.

Tolly Wolly 525 acres - Androscoggin County This tract of land along the Androscoggin River in Livermore, which is recognized by the department as an important deer wintering area. was on the verge of being subdivided into a housing development.

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Tolly Wolly. Photo by Tom Carbone

The Tolly Wolly area is the largest known and documented deer yard in Livermore and represents a significant amount of open space providing habitat not only for wintering deer, but also a wide range of wildlife species including moose, ruffed grouse. woodcock, snowshoe hare, a variety of furbearers and many non-game species.

The tract has long been valued by local residents as an area for hunting. fishing, trapping, snowmobiling. cross-country skiing and other outdoor recreation by the general public.

The name Tolly Wolly (also Tolla Wolla) was given to the area by a tribe of American Indians called the Roccomeco. and referred to small broken falls or rapids on the river. Indians, perhaps attracted to the area by salmon runs and good hunting. reportedly continued to reside at Tolly Wolly and coexist peacefully for many years with the first white settlers who moved into the area in the 18th century.

Dwinal Pond 2,000 acres - Penobscot County In the towns of Lee and Winn, this parcel of land comprises much of the Dwinal Pond Flowage and was purchased for creation of a wetlands wildlife management area.

Dwinal Pond Flowage is on Mattakeunk Stream and has excellent water quality. and abundant variety of waterfowl foods and an excellent seasonal brook trout fishery. The area also contains a peat bog covering some 275 acres of land containing a reseive of 250,000 tons of commercial quality material.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

The area's unique plant and animal associations include shrubby cinquefoil and bog birch. Other potential unique species include calypso orchids. swamp fly-honeysuckle and Dorcas copper butter-

Nan-aguagus River 1,450 acres - Washington County Much of this tract bordering the Narraguagus River in Cherryfield had been scheduled for subdivision. It offers habitat for a variety of wildlife and has long been a popular area with local hunters. fishermen and trappers. The acquisition provides over three miles of frontage along the east and west branches of the Narraguagus River, one of Maine's most famous Atlantic salmon waters.

Mainly wooded terrain covered with a diversity of hardwood and some softwood growth, the tract provides food and cover for large and small game animals, furt>earers and nongame wildlife. A marshy brook contained within the property provides an opportunity for placing one or more water-level control structures to improve the habitat for waterfowl a~d aquatic furbearers.

Dwinal Pond. Photo by Paul Fournier

fly. Dorcas coppers are listed as Category 2 (may beendangered or threatened. and requiring status smvey work) by the U .S.Fish and Wildlife Service.

The tract is also inhabited by a variety of game and nongame wildlife including deer, moose. waterfowl. shorebirds. raptors. furbearers and reptiles and amphibians.

Future management of the property may include construction of a small water control structure on Mattakeunk Stream to create a flowage of approximately 1,200 acres. Improvement of the flowage should result in enhancing its production of these and other species of wildlife.

Killick Pond 700 acres - York County This tract of land in Hollis is one of the region's primary deer wintering areas and one of the few large, undeveloped tracts left in a part of the state that has been undergoing rapid development.

Killick Pond. Photo by Paul Fournier

Narraguagus River. Photo by Tom Schaeffer

The purchase includes the northern shore and outlet of undeveloped Killick Pond, which offers fishing for brook trout and other game fish. The pond and its inlet and outlet also provide good wetlands habitat for waterfowl and furbearers.

The parcel contains a variety of vegetation cover types. from scrub oak-gray birch to mature pine

(coutbiued ou page 12) Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

9

LAND FOR MAINE'S FUTURE (contiuued) hunting opportunities that those familiar with the property have known.

Another property featured in the acquisition is a 2,262-acre tract along 12 miles of the Androscoggin River in Turner and Leeds, just 5 miles from Auburn and Lewiston. Important waterfowl habitat

along the sheltered coves and bays of the river will be protected with this purchase. Under management by the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, access to the property is assured and hunting for deer and waterfowl will continue among the other traditional recreational activities of hildng, skiing and snowmobiling along this wooded parcel.

In Kingman and Drew townships, over 4,000 acres of oak woods, marshes and heaths, cedar swamps and floodplain forests along the Mattawamkeag River include highly productive wildlife habitat. Protection of this vast and sensitive area will conserve the habitat values of the land for both game and non-game species. Open ponds associated with the riverland tract and its tributaries are crucial areas for black ducks and other waterfowl. This property has been a protection priority of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for many years.

Androscoggin River. Photo by Lissa Widoff

Mattagodus Stream. Photo by Lissa Widoff

Mattawamkeag River. Photo by Lissa Widoff

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Mattagodus Stream meanders through 1,425 acres of open heaths, spring-fed peatlands and cedar woodlands in Webster Plantation. At least one wetland area is a rare wetland type, a "calcareous fen". The water feeding the sedge-dominated wetland is rich in calcium which causes an unusual assemblage of plants to occur there. Dependent on this collection of plants are several rare and endangered invertebrate species, most notably the Dorcas Copper butterfly, which feed on the flowers of shrubby cinquefoil, an uncommon species which indicates the enriched nutrient status

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

of the wetland. Botanists and ecologists are just beginning to document the diversity and significance of the largest known calcareous wetland in Maine.

Three smaller tracts were also included in the Diamond Occidental/James River land deal. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will receive 175 acres of woodland and over a mile of undeveloped shorefront land along the Little Ossipee River in Waterboro. This purchase will complement protected lands elsewhere along the river. Nearby, The Nature Conservancy has acquired an option to purchase 1,100 acres of pitchpine/scrub oak community, said by ecologists to be the most endangered natural forest habitat in New England.

In the western Maine town of Lovell, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation will receive a 90-acre tract on the top of scenic Sabattus Mountain, the highest point in the town.

In the town of Peru, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation will receive a 54-acre addition to nearby Little Concord Pond State Park. At the base of Bald Mountain, the tract will complement the recreational and trail opportunities available at the park.

area has remained undeveloped and accessible to the public. The landowner, wishing to see the property remain available for hunters, hikers, fishermen and those interested in nature study, approached the LMFB about protection of the site.

The Board negotiated a bargain sale of the property which offered financial benefits to the landowner while preserving a top priority wildlife site in the southern Maine region.

Cobscook Bay: 1ide Mill Fann and Commissary Point Throughout North America and Canada, wildlife managers have recognized the serious decline in recent years of waterfowl populations. Conservation efforts have taken on international proportions to coordinate a comprehensive approach to protection. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an agreement signed by the U.S.,

Morgan Meadow While the Diamond deal was undeiway, another property was negotiated for purchase in the Cumberland County town of Raymond. Known as Morgan Meadow, a 1,072-acre tract of forested hills and wetlands in the rapidly urbanizing Sebago Lake

Tide Mill Farm. Photo by Jim Bernard

Morgan Meadow. Photo by Lissa Widoff

Canada and Mexico is an attempt to plan and set goals for protection of waterfowl species.

In the Atlantic Coast Region, Maine harbors much of the critical wintering habitat for black ducks. Cobscook Bay, in eastern Washington County is considered the most important and productive wetland habitat in Maine. The wide flats flooded by the daily tides provide a rich source of food and nutrients for the thousands of migrating shorebirds which stop to feed and rest before continuing their journeys north in summer and south in fall. \

(co11ti11ued 011 page 12) Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

11

PLACES FOR WILDLIFE ( continued)

.

and hemlock trees. Management plans will include enhancing the area for deer through cutting activities to mktntatn softwood cover while also providing browse for food.

The tract abuts a parcel of about 1,200 acres owned by the Department of Conseivation and another owned by the Maine National Guard, creating a parcel of about 2,300 acres of public land in the towns of Hollis and Limington.

The area has a long history of use by local residents for summer and winter outdoor recreation.

Caesar Pond 500 acres - Sagadahoc County Located in the town of Bowdoin, between population centers in Lewiston and Brunswick, this 500 acre tract of upland and wetland surrounds most of Caesar Pond.

It rated high for state acquisition because of its development vulnerability, existing habitat value, and the exceptional potential for both wetland and upland habitat management. Also, there are several large adjacent tracts of land that might be

Caesar Pond. Photo by Tom Carbone

added to this parcel to produce a moderate-sized wildlife management area.

Caesar Pond is a shallow water body with valuable waterfowl nesting habitat at the northern end.

Other wetlands on the tract have excellent potential for waterfowl development.

(continued Oil page 22) LAND FOR MAINE'S FUTURE (continued) In addition to the importance of Cobscook Bay for black ducks and other waterfowl and shorebirds, the bay contains the state's largest population of bald eagles. They nest in the mature pines and hemlock lining undeveloped shoreline areas, and are commonly seen feeding off the shallow waters of the Bay. As is true with most of Maine's coastline, private ownership predominates here on the Bay. Public access is limited and critical wetland resources are often threatened by shoreline development. Alternative protection mechanisms beside outright fee ownership can play an important role in such instances. Conseivation Easements have become a powerful land protection tool in recent years because of their flexibility in adapting to a landowner's unique circumstances. Particular rights to the land such as access, scenic protection or development rights can be donated or sold by the landowner to a non-profit entity such as a land trust or government agency. The rights are granted

in perpetuity; that is, they become part of the deed forever.

The LMFB has purchased a conseivation easement on a unique 1,520-acre property on Cobscook Bay which includes 5 1 / 4 miles of undeveloped shorefront on Whiting Bay, the innermost arm of Cobscook Bay, and access to over 1,000 acres of woodlands for h untlng, hiking, nature study and other outdoor recreational pursuits.

The landowners, the Bell family of Edmunds Township have resided on the property for seven generations. The woodlands and fields have been the mainstay of the family farm since the previous dairy operation ceased. Financial difficulties nearly forced the Bells to sell off the farm and see the family homestead subdivided.

The Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the local Quoddy Regional Land Trust recognized the extremely significant natural resources associated with the land including the undeveloped shorefront, two bald eagle nests, a deer yard and

(continued 01l page 24) 12

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

BIGGEST BUCKS, 1989 Name Murray L. Barker Tom Rideout F.dmund A. Bouley Frank A. Hafford James Hickam Paul Harris Richard Stacy Richard Marley Robert G. Doucette Roland Seavey Willard Taft Carol Quirion Aldrie Fortin William C. Royce Blaine Tallman Otto Tarbell Richard F. Lougee Greg Frazier Roger E. Plante Michael J. Burgess James R. Hartley Jim Johnson Tony E. Ricker Shawn C. White David J. Merrill John P. Corriveau Leonard Lavoie George J. Bourque Peter Houghton Brian McLean Warren Moody Leon Rubchinuk Ted Weymouth F.dward F. Sartell Ronald Fanjoy Ted LeClair George Ray Philip R. Brown Deane M. Chamberlain James C. Parker Robert Freeman, Sr. Dwight G. Helstrom Robert E. LeClair Denis L. LePage Ryan Duffy Craig S. Harder James A. Morrison Lee R. Ouellette Betty Small Ron Towers Saverio Viola Octave Azevedo Robert Mathias Kenneth J. Smith William J. Bonetti Steven R. Kennedy Donald L. Stover Gerald W. Deanis Nathan Merrill Robert Roystan Robert A. Whiting, Jr.

Address Lubec, ME Wilsons Mills, ME Hudson, MA Caribou, ME Richland, WA Fort Kent, ME Berlin, Brockton, MA Van Buren, ME Jackman, ME Island Pond, Vf St Prosper Beauce, PQ Lille, ME Chelsea, Vf Hyde Park, VT Towshend, VT Gardiner, ME Burlington, VT New Sweden, ME Milford, ME Corinna, ME Mt. Holly, NJ Harmony, ME Farmington, ME S. Burlington, VT Patten,ME Epping, NH West Roxbury, MA Carthage, ME Skowhegan, ME Washburn, ME Middleton, MA Winthrop, ME Reading, MA Dexter, ME Bethel, VT West Warwick, RI Caribou, ME Jackman, ME Wilton, ME Brockton, MA Presque Isle, ME Gardiner, ME Winslow, ME Montpelier, VT Ware, MA Lincolnville, ME Ft. Kent, ME Etna, ME Glen Burnie, MD Falmouth, ME Ludlow, MA West Warwick, RI Stoneham, MA Danville, PA Manchester, NH Waldoboro, ME Andover, ME Palmyra, ME Hudson, NH Scarborough, ME

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Date Killed

10/28/89 10/28/89 11/23/89 11/4/89 11/6/89 10/28/89 10/31/89 11/4/89 10/31/89 11/11/89 11/7/89 11/18/89 10/28/89 11/31/89 10/30/89 11/22/89 10/30/89 11/10/89 11/6/89 10/28/89 11/11/89 11/21/89 11/4/89 11/4/89 10/30/89 11/11/89 11/22/89 11/16/89 11/4/89 10/30/89 11/6/89 11/11/89 11/14/89 11/3/89 11/7/89 11/06/89 11/6/89 11/17/89 11/4/89 11/13/89 11/10/89 11/6/89 10/2/89 11/3/89 11/4/89 11/4/89 10/28/89 11/14/89 11/3/89 11/4/89 11/6/89 11/10/89 10/30/89 11/8/89 11/6/89 11/17/89 11/7/89 11/16/89 11/18/89 11/14/89 11/24/89

Where Killed

Fairfield Center Lynchtown Twp. T13R14 WELS Presque Isle TlORll WELS T13R12 T3R5 NBKP Skowhegan T17R3 Pittston Tim Pond Jackman Long Lake Stetson Twp. T5R16 Allagash West Gardiner Rockwood New Sweden T34 Corinna

Firearm

.30-06 .270 .308 7mm. Mag. .30-06 .30-06 .350 Rem. Mag. .308 .30-06 .30-06 .308 .308 .308 7mm.-08 .30-30 .284 .308 .280 Rem. .30-06 .30-30 .30-30 .308 Wellington .308 New Sharon .270 Rem. Green Mtn. .30-06 .30-06 Patten Kennebago .30-06 E. Middlesex 7mm. Mag. Carthage .30-06 Skowhegan .30-30 Castle Hill .270 Win. .300 Win. Mag. T9R9 .44 Mag. T13R14 Hartford .44 Mag. T6R15 12 ga.

Ross Lake .308 Win. Moscow .308 Caribou .308 Pittston .30-06 New Sharon .308 Garland .308 Squa Pan Lake .30-06 Chelsea .30-06 Winslow .308 Lower Cupsuptic .30-06 .30-06 Lincolnville .30-06 T10R15 .30-06 Dixmont .30-06 Winterville .444 Falmouth 12 Ga. Oxbow .30-06 Medford 7x57 Mauser Rangeley .30-06 Days Academy Grant .30-06 Rem. Days Academy Grant .270 Win. Waldoboro .270 Rem. South Andover .30-06 Palmyra .30-06 Green Mt. Range .280 Rem. Wilsons Mills 7mm. Mag.

Uve Dressed Weight Weight 298 358 344 287 285 342 285 342 334 278 273 1/2 328 326 272 270 324 265 318 264 317 264 317 314 262 260 312 311 259 257 308 257 308 256 307 255 306 306 255 304 253 304 253 250 300 250 300 248 298 247 296 246 ... 295 245 1/2 294 245 294 245 294 245 294 245 294 245 294 245 294 244 293 243 292 243 292 243 292 242 290 242 290 242 290 241 289 241 289 241 289 241 289 240 288 240 288 240 288 240 288 240 288 240 288 240 288 239 287 239 287 239 287 238 286 238 286 238 286 237 284 237 284 237 284 237 284

This list was compiled from Biggest Bucks in Maine Club membership cards (702 entries in 1989). Membership requires a 200-pound deer (dressed weight, without heart and liver). $3 application fee. The Club is administered by The Maine Sportsman, PO Box 910, Yarmouth, ME 040%-0910. Llve weight estimates = dressed weight + 20%.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

13

WHAT'S THAT,

HABITAT?

Every animal needs a home. But that home is not just a house like people live in.

Home for most wild animals is a much bigger place, and it's outdoors. The scientific term for an animal's home is "habitat". An animal's habitat includes food, water, shelter or cover, and space. Because animals need food, water, shelter and space to be available in a way that meets the animals' needs, we say that these parts of habitat must be available in a suitable arrangement.

Maine has a variety of different habitats, from freshwater wetlands and lakes, to upland forests and meadows. Maine has rocky coastal islands, tidal estuaries and mudflats. And don't forget the cool northern spruce-fir forests and western mountain ranges. Each different kind of habitat supports specific types of wildlife. Many people are working hard to preserve and protect valuable Maine habitat to maintain homes for wildlife, and to keep wild areas open that people can enjoy, too.

Text adapted from the Project WILD Elementary Activity Guide

MATH GAMES 3. The fisher is a seldom-seen mammal 1. Bald eagles have greatly benefitted from the purchase and preservation of critical nesting habitat. Maine's resident population has grown from a low of 32 nesting pairs of eagles in 1970, to 109 nesting pairs in 1990. How many more pairs of eagles are there nesting in Maine this year than in 1970?

2. If the Howard Mendall Wildlife Manage-

ment Area in Waldo County originally encompassed 370 acres of wildlife habitat, and 124 more acres were purchased, how many total acres would there be at this Wildlife Management Area?

found in the more remote areas of Maine.

Its favorite foods are snowshoe hare and porcupines, although it will also eat squirrels, mice, chipmunks, carrion, fruit and other plants. On Wednesday, a Maine fisher ate 1 porcupine, 3 mice, and a chipmunk. On Thursday, it ate a snowshoe hare. Friday, it captured and ate 2 red squirrels and another porcupine. Altogether, how many animals did the fisher eat?

n .u. 'F, 14

1Cf8'3

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

Letters should be sent to: Lisa Kane, KID-BITS Editor MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine 284 State Street, Station 41 Augusta, Maine 04333

A WILD MYSTERY Decode the message! Each sentence below is a clue to a letter of the alphabet.

Place the mystery letter in the correct numbered space below to unscramble the wild mystery!

1 __

2 3 4

5 6 7

8 9 10 11

12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

12

Lick has one, but kick has none.

Owl has one, and book has two of these letters.

Dove doesn't have one, but love does.

The letter that bat and saw share.

This letter is a word that comes before ..... love you.

The last letter in the word June.

The first letter of the alphabet.

Put one u next to another u, and you have this letter.

The letter that ph sounds like in the word phone.

Ever has two of ¡ :, these letters.

The eye is this letter.

A letter that is in is but not in it.

Ant, ape, and alligator begin with this letter.

The letter that gh sounds like in the word laugh.

The letter that end has but and does not.

The letter that is in bad, but not in bat.

Pop, apple, and pump have two of these letters.

The letter that is upside down in a capital A. The word are is this letter.

There are two of these letters in all.

Cats have it, rats don't.

4 18

6

13

17

3

7 21 10

14 2

19

8

11 20 16 1

5

9

15

Answers on page 23 Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

15

Private Property: It Never Hurts To Ask.

Sometimes you don't need permission and sometimes you do.

So it's important to find out when you need to ask permission and to be sure you're welcome. That lets the owner know who you are and what you're doing so there aren't any surprises.

Recognize The Signs Of Private Property.

Respect "No Trespassing" signs.

Even if there are no signs posted, if a landowner asks you to leave, you must leave.

Say ''Thanks'' And You'll Probably Be Asked Back.

The landowner has been good enough to let you enjoy the land, so take the time to stop and say thanks.

Woods Roads: Know The Rules.

Be sure you are welcome before I driving on private roads. Travel is prohibited on many roads during ~~ mud season, to protect them from damage. If you park your vehicle,

Litter Equals Posted Land.

You've seen it yourself. You can tell what kind of beer they drank and

~- ¡

~

., . ~-- . .

~ ¡ --

""J

...

..

. , . . .... .

remember, logging trucks have the right of way.

People Are Working In The Woods.

During hunting season it's best to avoid logging operations altogether.

Keep an eye open for posted safety zones and observe them.

.s:... ~

Trees Don't Grow Overnight.

Be Careful With Firearms.

On private land, the responsible hunter takes the added care to know where the landowner's house, barns, livestock and equipment are located. Safe hunters are. usually welcome back.

Trees play an important role in Maine's environment and economy.

They prevent erosion, protect watersheds and are valuable forest products. Prevent forest fires by always making sure your campfire, and your smokes, are completely extinguished. Don't cut or damage trees.

Don't drive nails in trees. And remember, the use of tree stands is regulated by law.

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

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La

Farm Land: Don't Damage Roads and Fields.

Many of Maine's private landowners make their living by farming.

Vehicles can damage roads and fields. Respect a farmer's land and you may be invited back. Leave gates as you found them.

TAKING AC WHITE-TAILE

Do deer look up? Yes, they do. Their sense of smell and ability to detect movement is well developed. Generally, deer will spend most of their time looking for danger at ground level, but they do look up occasionally.

A whitetail fawn spends up to twelve hours a day lying motionless in its bed, hiding from predators.

Even when the deer matures and has the strength and agility to escape danger by fleeing, the instinct to "sit tight" is strong.

Often, the animal chooses to stay in a well-hidden bed, letting predators pass by unawares.

Whitetails can easily clear a seven-foot fence from a standing start, (an eight-foot fence from a running start), but they may choose to go under or through a fence. Fences serve as natural routes of travel for deer; deer trails often run parallel with them. Hair on the barbed wire may indicate favorite crossings. Whitetails also follow other well-established trails within their home range. Often these trails follow the "path of least resistance", which is the most energy-efficient route.

Deer are strong swimmers and frequently cross large streams and lakes within their home range. They have been observed swimming between off-shore islands several miles apart. They take to the water to throw predators off their trail, and will also partially submerge themselves in water to escape biting insects or simply cool off in extremely warm weather.

OSER LOOK AT DEER BEHAVIOR

As the rut intensifies and does approach estrus, bucks be-

gin to chase does.

Sometimes a buck will trot along, nose to the ground, following a doe's scent trail for a mile or more before losing interest.

At other times, bucks make short dashes in pursuit of does at close distances. When a doe is in estrus, she will not run from a courting buck.

Often a doe in estrus urinates in front of a buck, who then sniffs or tastes the urine to determine the doe's breeding status. After doing so, a buck often performs a lip curl, or flehmen. The response lasts about five to ten seconds. He curls back his upper lip and inhales while holding his neck and chin upward at a forty-five degree angleapparently deciding, meanwhile, whether the doe is worth pursuing.

Pihotos by Leonard Lee Rue ID and Len Rue, Jr.

Thanks to StumpSitters, lnc./Deer and Deer Hunting Magazine for permi&&ion to reprint text used in this article.

During the rut. bucks communicate by use of signs and scent. Shrubs and saplings are rubbed free of bark. and in the process, special glands on the forehead leave scent on the rubbed area. A buck also paws and scrapes shallow depressions into which he urinates. again to leave a strong sign of his presence. Rubs and scrapes help bucks maintain their dominance hierarchy and communicate with breedingage does.

The flashing white underside of the tail is a signal of danger to other whitetails. but when a buck runs he commonly clamps his tail down tight to his rump. apparently to attract less attention to himself.

Whitetail bucks are more social than does. and two or three adult bucks will often travel together as a group. except during the rut. There is very little need for overt aggression between bucks within this group. as subordinate members learn to avoid dominant members. Bucks will also spend time grooming each other.

Fights between equally-large, dominant bucks are uncommon.

Generally, fights are avoided through aggressive posturing of the dominant male and submissive behavior of the subordinate animal. When neither animal accepts a subordinate role. intense bouts of shoving and neck twisting occur. The fight nonnally lasts only fifteen to thirty seconds.

To conserve energy during the winter, deer in Maine move into sheltered areas or "yards... Deer yarding behavior is influenced by both cold temperatures and deep snow. A typical yard includes an area of softwood which provides both food and cover. During more severe winters, deer mobility may become so restricted and food so scarce that the animals starve to death.

The insulating qualities of a deer's coat prevents fallen snow from melting, and the covering of snow even acts as additional insulation.

Deer that bed down in a snow storm will likely remain bedded, if undisturbed, until the storm passes, even if it lasts several days.

Deer can literally be buried by snow and yet be perfectly warm.

/

-

Deer are diet specialists, concentrating on those foods which are most digestible and nutritious.

They consume a variety of herbs, young grasses, fungi, mast, agricultural crops, young leaves, and the like. When these foods are not available, deer will consume woody browse. This buck f"mds a meal of red maple leaves to his liking.

t

,

When looking for deer in the wild, it is useful to know that they tend to use the same home range from year to year.. The size of the area varies seasonally, but generally ranges from 1 to 5 square miles. Bucks tend to occupy a larger range than does and fawns. In Maine, the home range includes summer and winter areas.

Whether you are a hunter, a photographer, or simply enjoy watching deer in the wild, an understanding of their behavior may help you f"md them. and it will make trying more enjoyable!

PLACES FOR WILDLIFE (co11tinuedfrom page 12)

Dickwood Lake 3,860 acres -Aroostook County Located in the town of Eagle Lake, this large, scenic tract surrounds Dickwood Lake and borders on Wallagrass Lake. Wildlife presently using the area include moose, snowshoe hare and other game and nongame species that thrive in postharvest northern forests.

Once a deer wintering area, much of the property's value to deer has been reduced until softwoods, heavily cut-over during the last decade, regenerate.

Dickwood Lake. Photo by Gary Donovan

The area has traditionally been used for a variety of outdoor recreation, including snowmobiling, and its acquisition ensures continued public recreational access in an area of the state where changing forest ownership trends have made the future of recreational access uncertain.

Wilbur Neck 200 acres - Washington County Located in Pembroke on Cobscook Bay, this includes an active bald eagle nest and provides prime waterfowl habitat. The undeveloped area has extensive shorefrontage, as well as upland habitat.

The tract also includes a site registered with the state's Critical Areas Program because of an unusual population of marine snails that inhabit a stretch of the intertidal zone.

22

Kennebunk Plains 1,041 acres - lork County Although the Kennebunk Plains acquisition was funded mainly by the Land For Maine's Future Board (see related article), the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and other groups shared some of the cost. The department used monies from the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Acquisition Fund for its contribution.

The Land For Maine's Future Board designated the department to hold title to the Kennebunk Plains.

The Plains is the home of four animal and plant species considered endangered in Maine, and five others which are considered rare.

The property consists of over 600 acres of open fields, which had been managed for commercial bluebeny haivesting, surrounded by woodlands of scrub oak, pitch pine and other hard-and softwood tree species typical of southern Maine.

There are four cold-water brooks and many springs on the property. An aquifer under the site is the primary water supply for several York County communities.

The wooded areas along the brooks are excellent wildlife habitat, supporting a large deer population, as well as part of Maine's small population of wild turkeys and wildlife.

The Kennebunk Plains is the home of the rare grasshopper sparrow and has what is believed to be the largest remaining population in the world of the northern blazing star, a rare aster-like flower.

The site is also home to the endangered black racer snake and several rare moths and butterflies.

The department will manage the property to protect its natural values and also to continue as a large area open for hunting, bird watching and other recreational use - an increasingly rare commodity in heavily developed York County. Under state ownership it will also be open for public bluebeny picking. Future management plans include rebuilding a washed-out dam that once created a pond that provided valuable wildlife habitat and was popular with fishermen.

As with several of the parcels acquired by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Chapter of The Nature Conseivancy played a key role in the Kennebunk Plains transaction. As part of the complex purchase agreement - which included state, local and private money, land and

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

long-term management services -The Nature Consetvancy transferred to the department 105 acres of prime land on Taunton Bay in Hancock County. This land supports two bald eagle nests and includes more than a mile of spectacular shorefront on an estuary.

One coastal island - 20-acre Western Brothers Island off Jonesport-was added to the Coast of Maine Wildlife Management Area, bringing it up to 37 islands totalling 500 acres. One of the gems of the downeast coast, Western Brothers supports significant breeding populations of eider ducks, Leach's storm petrels and black guillemots.

Wildlife management area expansions The Acquisition Fund was also used to add acreage to several existing wildlife management areas owned by the department. The Alonzo Garcelon Wildlife Management Area in Kennebec County grew to over 4,000 acres with the addition of 527 acres in three parcels of upland in Windsor and Augusta. Eighty three acres were added to the , 600-acre ChesteIVille Wildlife Management Area in Franklin County, and the 6,000-acre Bud Leavitt Wildlife Management Area in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties gained 78 acres through the acquisition of a parcel of land in Garland.

In Waldo County, 124 acres in the town of Prospect were added to the 370-acre Howard Mendall Wildlife Management Area, and 70 acres in Montville are now part of the Frye Mountain Wildlife Management Area, bringing its total acreage to over 5,100. An eight acre parcel acquired in Scarborough was added to the 3, 100-acre Scarborough Wildlife Management Area, Cumberland County.

In the Somerset County town of Cambridge an addition of 670 acres was made to the Sebasticook River Wildlife Management Area, increasing it to over 1,600 acres. Much of this land, along the flood plain of Main Stream Sebasticook, is forested with mature cedar and is heavily used by deer. The area also supports populations of waterfowl and furbearers and a few spruce grouse, possibly the southernmost limit of their range in Maine.

Western Brothers Island. Photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy

KID BITS ANSWERS MATH GAMES 1. In 1990, 77 more pairs of eagles nested in Maine than in 1970. Our work to assist nesting eagles seems to have paid offl 2. The Howard Mendall Wildlife Management Area grew to a total of 494 acres with the new addition. For more about protecting land for wildlife, see the stories beginning on pages 4 and 5.

3. Our fisher ate a total of nine animals in only three days.

And no fish. Where did he get his name?

WILD MYSTERY ANSWER "Save a Place For Wildlife" Cambridge. Photo by Tom Carbone

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

...

23

LAND FOR MAINE'S FUTURE (co11ti11uedfrom page 12) freshwater wetland habitats. The natural significance of the land, coupled with the landowners' strong desire to remain on the land and continue to be steward to it, led to their interest in pursuing a conservation easement.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was designated the agency to hold the conservation easement, which consists of development rights to all of the land, public access along the shoreline and over the woodland areas for passive recreational uses, including hunting. Wetland areas may be cooperatively managed to enhance waterfowl habitat, and the owners can productively manage their woodlands for timber production and wildlife habitat. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will monitor the terms of the easement to assure that the resources are protected and that the landowners use of the land can continue. Under the easement, the land may never be developed and will therefore be protected well into the future, consistent with the mandate of the Land For Maine's Future Board.

In addition to the purchase of the conservation easement on the farm property, the LMFB acquired a small point and two islands adjacent to Cobscook Bay State Park. This significant addition to the park will be held by the Bureau of Parks and Recreation. The. Tide Mill Farm is across Burnt Cove from the park.

Directly across Whiting Bay from Tide Mill Farm, a 250-acre parcel of land known as Commissary Point became available to the LMFB. The Board purchased 200 acres in fee, which will also be managed by Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as a new wildlife management area. The remaining 50 acres will be protected under an easement which prohibits the construction of additional dwellings on the existing homesite. This parcel protects an additional two miles of Cobscook Bay frontage and with the Tide Mill Farm easement represents a significant step in the protection of this unique region.

Kennebunk Plains The first purchase approved by the Land For Maine's Future Board has provided one of the more unusual blends of natural resource values, endangered species and wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities.

The Kennebunk Plains is a sandplain grassland habitat which is home to four animal and plant species considered endangered in Maine, and five

24

others which are considered rare. Most notable of these is the grasshopper sparrow. The sparrow requires grasses for nesting materials which have been eliminated by herbicide spraying -on nearby blueberry fields. They find suitable nesting territory on the Plains and have maintained a small

Kennebunk Plains. Photo by Bill Silliker, Jr., courtesy of The Nature Conservancy

but stable population. Black Racer snakes are also found on the Plains as is the world's largest population of Northern Blazing Star (Liatris borealis), a plant aptly named for the blaze of purple flowers seen on the Plains when the plants are in bloom in late August.

The Kennebunk Plains has also been popular for hunters of deer, partridge and wild turkey. The pine barrens habitat ringing the Plains and descending toward Branch Brook provide a protective corridor for game and non-game wildlife. The Plains also overlies a significant sand and gravel aquifer providing water for Kennebunk, Wells and Kennebunkport, which is assured protection with state ownership.

The Nature Conservancy provided the opportunity for state purchase of the land with its longstanding relationship with the landowner. The Nature Conservancy has offered a commitment to assist in the long-term stewardship and management of the site which abuts their own 100-acre preserve on the Plains. The state purchase of the remaining 1,000 acres of the Plains will not only protect important habitat for rare and endangered species and natural communities, but will preserve an important piece of open space in this heavily developed southern Maine region.

As part of the acquisition deal, The Nature Conservancy has also donated to the Department of

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife a 105-acre shorefront property on Taunton Bay in the town of Hancock which includes an active bald eagle nest.

Alice Wheeler Farm Within one-half mile of Menymeeting Bay, Alice Wheeler's Farm in Richmond is a popular stopover for migrating Canada geese and many other waterfowl species. The farm was considered one of the most important pieces of rural open space to be presetved in this central Maine region, primarily for its farmland value.

Critical to the support of other farms in the area, this productive dairy farm exercises conservation management and has made lands available for public use. Now this farm will never be threatened with development due to the purchase of de-

the Native Americans in the region. The Penobscots would travel great distances to use the flint rocks of the cliffs to make stone tools which are still of great interest to archaeologists. Over 800 acres of woodland flank the precarious cliffs which are not only home to a number of cliff-dwelling rare plants, but have been the successful breeding location for a pair of peregrine falcons since they were first released at the site several years ago.

Alice Wheeler Farm. Photo by Tom Carbone

velopment rights by the Land For Maine's Future Board. The development rights easement will be held by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources which hopes to begin its own farmland presetvation program, using this featured purchase as a model for future efforts.

Mt. Kineo. Photo by Lissa Widoff

Mt. Kineo Few other landforms in Maine so clearly symbolize the majesty of the North Maine Woods as Mt. Kineo, rising precipitously from the waters of Moosehead Lake. Henry David Thoreau wrote of this "celebrated precipice" in The Maine Woods in 1857. and recognized the significance of the site to

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

This property also came to the Board's attention through the proposal process. The Moosehead Lake Comprehensive Land Use Plan Advisory Committee presented the purchase idea to the Board.

The long-time owner of the property and Gr~enville resident negotiated a bargain sale of the property

25

LAND FOR MAINE'S FUTURE (continued)

to the Board with the keen assistance of The Nature Conservancy.

The Bureau of Parks and Recreation will manage this historic natural landmark, improving camping and hiking opportunities. Access to Mt. Kineo will continue to be primarily by water, and boat access facilities are presently being developed.

Bradbury Mountain State Park Addition The most recent acquisition approved by the LMFB is the purchase of a 100-acre tract of woodland adjacent to the southern border of the popular Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal. This tract will preserve the mountain viewshed and expand recreational opportunities for hiking, crosscountry skiing and hunting, which are currently enjoyed in the park.

When the Land For Maine's Future Board received public comments regarding priorities for land acquisition, a recurrent theme articulated to the Board was the limited amount of public access to the coast. With coastal property values at a premium, the Board made a commitment to seek out the best possible parcels for the best prices. Fortunately, through the skilled negotiating abilities of agency stqff and cooperating entities involved in the various transactions, four significant coastal parcels were acquired in addition to the Cobscook Bay properties.

Dodge Point In Newcastle, the Land For Maine's Future Board acquired a 495-acre tract along the Damariscotta River. The wooded property protects over 7,000 feet of tidal river frontage with a number of small sandy beaches. The heavily wooded and hilly tract is the largest remaining undeveloped section along the river and provides access, hiking, picnicking and swimming opportunities.

This property was proposed to the Board by The Maine Coast Heritage Trust and a local land trust, The Damariscotta River Association, which learned of the availability of the land before it was to be placed on the market. Matching funds totaling $340,000 towards the $2,350,000 purchase price was provided to the Board from the land trust and the Maine Coastal Program. Management services will be contributed by the land trust and the town of Newcastle. These groups will work with the Bureau of Public Lands on the long-term management of the property.

Sandy Point Beach

Sandy Point Beach. Photo by Lissa Widoff

26

Sandy Point Beach in Stockton Springs on Penobscot Bay has traditionally been a popular spot for residents of nearby Bucksport and Belfast, and visitors from as far as Bangor. The high quality beach was acquired from Central Maine Power, and the Maine Coastal Program provided $35,000 in matching funds toward the $857,125 purchase price.

The Bureau of Parks and Recreation will manage the 100-acre property for active day use, with assistance from the town of Stockton Springs.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

Shackford Head

Cutler Coast

In September 1988, the fledgling Eastport Land Trust proposed to the LMFB the purchase of 90acre Shackford Head. an undisturbed peninsula at the north end of Cobscook Bay. The site had gained notoriety when the Pittston Company proposed to locate an oil refinery on it. That failed attempt. followed by years of idle ownership by Pittston. led to the Land Trust proposal when the property became available for sale. Even before the

In contrast to the gentle slopes and flat tidal character of Cobscook Bay, the outer coast of Washington County exemplifies the rugged, fogbound rocky coast of Maine. In the town of Cutler. a 2, 100-acre tract of wild coastline formerly owned

by Downeast Timberlands (a Hearst Corporation). was sold to the state as part of a larger land conservation transaction.

Cutler Coast. Photo by Lissa Widoff Shar.kford Head. Photo courtesy Eastport Land Trust

Pittston Company had acquired it, a number of development plans had been proposed for the site, dating as far back as 1903.

Once again, the Board successfully negotiated a bargain sale for the property. paying $560,000 for two tracts appraised at a total price of $703,000.

The Bureau of Parks and Recreation has already begun natural resource inventories of the site and planning for improved trails and parking facilities at the new state park.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

The Conservation Fund, a non-profit land conservation group based in Arlington, Virginia, negotiated the deal and acquired over 8,000 acres of spruce-fir timberland, which will be managed for conservation. The coastal tract acquired by the state includes four and a half miles of "bold coast".

Steep cliffs. rock outcrops, sheltered pebble beaches and dense coastal spruce-fir forests characterize this last wilderness of the Maine coast.

The Bureau of Public Lands will manage this parcel and develop a management plan that includes use of the area for passive recreation such as hiking, hunting and camping.

27

1•800•253·7887

n May 25, 1989, Operation Game Thief (OGT) was put on line in Maine. During the first few months of operation, the number of complaints received was small, yet representative of hunting and fishing activity in the field.

In August, we registered 29 complaints; this jumped to 73 complaints in September! The fall momentum was starting to build.

In October, 266 complaints came in; in November, we hit the peak, with 325 complaints in a 30-day period. The program was truly working - and working very well.

People now have a toll-free number to call to report a fish and wildlife violation. Not only is the call free, but the caller can remain anonymous and, if an arrest is made, collect a reward of from $50 to $1,000.

In its first complete year of operation, OGT handled 907 complaints. Of these 907 callers, 538 of them wished to remain anonymous; 355 of the callers requested a re·.?t ward if an arrest was made.

Il~Ih: Some evenings in October and November, two J~;~@t.. dispatchers were kept busy answering the phone

O

Your Tool To Combat Fish and Wildlife Law Violators

~-~-~-~-~;~·r~·~·'.·'.·'.·:·=:=:

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an:~~=:~o;11:i!:~:~~~~ along to game Many people have worked very hard to IIb.. make this program a success, and we ..:'.:'.:'.~;'.:'.:'.:'.... ·. thank them! From the dispatchers at

m~:!~~o:~etii: ~a:;e5~~Je~~~r~ ,r r have done their parts to help apprehend

by Warden Sgt. William Allen fish and wildlife violators: they have made a difference!

As a result of the 907 complaints received, 158 apprehensions were made for poaching. 91 of these 158 apprehensions were for more serious violations. These violations have a mandatory sentence: a minimum fine of $1,000, three days incarceration, and loss of the weapon used.

Following is a list of violations, and the numbers of people apprehended, during OGTs first year of operation.

•illegal Possession of Moose (15) •illegal Possession of Deer (42) •illegal Possession of Bear (2) •Killing Moose In Closed Season (5) •Exceeding Bag Limit on Moose (1) •Exceeding Bag Limit on Deer (2) •Night Hunting ( 17) •Killing Deer in Closed Season (3) •Hunting Deer After Killing One (1) •Hunting Deer in Closed Season (3) illuminating Game (1)

;;;:::::;:;:;·:·:·:·=-=.=

Failure to Register Deer (2) Possession of Unregistered Deer (19) False Registration of Deer (1) Killing Anterless Deer Without Permit (4) Possession of Unlabeled Deer Meat (6) Failure to Attach Anterless Deer Permit (2) Failure to Attach Transportation Tag (1) Treestand Violation (2) Killing Ducks in Closed Season (1) Killing Geese in Closed Season (2) illegal Angling (1)

Unlabeled Bait Trap (1) Fishing Without License ( 1) Using Lures in Fly Fishing Waters (1) Possession of Short Trout (1) Littering (1) Twilight Hunting (2) Driving Deer (7) Hunting Without License (1) Possession of Unlabeled Moose Meat (1) Possession of Untagged Fur. ( 1) Fishing in Closed Waters (2)

• $1,000 Violations

Operation Game Thief has become a very valuable tool in the arsenal of weapons the Maine Warden Service uses to stop the people who destroy the very things that make Maine such a good place to live. For OGT to continue, money to pay the rewards and administer the program must be raised. Numerous individuals, clubs, and businesses have supported the program in the past. It is hoped that this support will continue.

A donation to Operation Game Thief is an investment in the Maine lifestyle. It is an opportunity to become actively involved in protecting our fish and wildlife. Anyone may contribute by sending a check or money order to: Operation Game Thief, PO Box 2684, Augusta, ME 04338-2684.

Perhaps some day there will be no need for Operation Game Thief. For now, however, it is needed - it is successful - it is making a difference.

The author, a sergeant in Warden Division 8, Augusta, is also the statewide coordinator for Operation Game Thief.

28

Maine Fish and Wildlife -

Fall 1990

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS Bear Hunters Note Bear hunters are reminded of important changes affecting their sport this fall.

A new law passed by the Maine legislature requires anyone hunting bear from August 27 through October 26 to possess a bear hunting permit. Permits, available from license agents, cost $2 for Maine residents, $10 for nonresidents.

Also, in an effort to reduce the bear kill, the Fish and Wildlife Department has made some changes in the hunting season. The open season for bear hunting is from August 27 through November 30.

Dogs may be used to hunt bear from September 15 through October 26.

Dogs MUST be used from September 24 through October 26; it will be unlawful to take a bear during this period unless it is being pursued by dogs or treed or held at bay by dogs.

The new bear season is intended to reduce the haivest below 2,300 animals. The change was prompted by a dramatic increase in interest in bear hunting during the 1980s, and a bear harvest that exceeded the department's upper haivest objective of 2,500 in both 1988 and 1989.

The department has been closely monitoring the bear population and feels that the annual harvest must be reduced to maintain the population. If hunting pressure continues to increase, however, the desired reduction in the haivest may not be achieved and further restrictions will be needed. These would likely be in the form of additional season reductions in September, since the majority of the haivest occurs during the first three weeks of the season.

replaced the retired Lt. Stephen Hall. Game Warden James F. Ross of Cornville has been promoted to sergeant and will fill Beny's former position.

Several recent graduates of the Maine Warden School have been sworn-in and assigned as follows: Philip J. Richter of Portage Lake, assigned to Division E, headquartered in Ashland; Gregory W. Sanborn of Fiyeburg, assigned to the Berwick District in Division A; Reginald R Hammond of South Portland, also assigned to Division A; William R Livezey of Montville, assigned temporarily to the Skowhegan District in Division B; Calvin D. Hale of Sargentville, assigned to the Blue Hill District in Division C.

We hope you DIDN'T notice ...

Beginning with this issue, MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE is being printed on recycled paper. Actually, the paper stock is about half recycled material; to maintain strength, a portion of all recycled paper must be new.

Every ton of recycled paper uses about 17 fewer trees, takes 64 percent less energy to make, uses 58 percent less water to make, and produces 7 4 percent less air pollution. It also cuts down on the amount of waste paper going to landfills. In short, it makes sense, which is why Governor John McKeman directed Maine state agencies to use paper with recycled content wherever feasible.

One of the problems for publications like this one has been that the .·.·.·.:-:-:.:-:•:

Warden Service Changes

·:::'.::::!iii}\:):\::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::!

Recent personnel changes in the Maine Warden Service include the following: Nathaniel L. Beny, IV, of New Gloucester has been promoted to lieutenant and assigned as commander of Warden Division A, headquartered in Gray. He replaces Lt. Carter Smith, who transferred to Division D, Greenville, where he

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

quality of color reproduction suffers on recycled paper. New developments in paper manufacturing technology have cured that one, but two remaining problems - temporary, we hope - are that this high quality recycled paper costs more than the paper we used to use, and it is not yet available from Maine mills.

Nevertheless, recognizing our leadership role as a prominent representative of a state agency dedicated to the wise use of natural resources, switching to recycled paper was not a difficult decision to make.

We hope you DID notice ...

The centerspread of this issue was reproduced from a new brochure published Jointly by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Conseivation.

TREAT ME RIGHT, which addresses key points of proper recreational use of private land, was produced with the cooperation of the Maine Forest Products Council, the Maine Office of Tourism, the Paper Industry Information Office, the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine, and the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine.

The brochure has been widely distributed at places frequented by outdoor recreationists and is also being given to students in hunter, trapper, A1V and other recreational education courses offered by the Fish and Wildlife Department.

Maine land is 95 percent privately owned, much of it still open to public recreational use. The brochure stresses that the good will of landowners can be maintained through appropriate behavior. .. ·.•.·.•.·

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29

Wildlife Photo Contest The fourth annual wildlife art competition and show has been announced by the Maine Arts Commission and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. This year's entries will be limited to photographs taken by Maine residents.

Alternate year competitions feature wildlife paintings.

The subject matter must be live wildlife, fish or other fauna in their natural habitat, and the photos must have been taken in Maine.

Winning entries will be displayed this winter in the Governor's Gallecy in the Maine State House.

For a copy of the contest rules, write to Photo Contest, Maine Fish and Wildlife Department, State House Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04333.

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A new water-control structure and extensive repair work on 80 feet of dam at the Scarborough Wildlife Management Area has created 450 acres of prime waterfowl nesting habitat in Cumberland County.

The site was dedicated in June to Todd S. Bayley, son of a local contractor who was instrumental in providing equipment and materials necessary to complete the construction work.

The project was funded jointly with duck stamp revenues from the Fish and Wildlife Department and Ducks Unlimited's MARSH (Matching Aid to Restore States Habitat) program.

Located on Jones Creek, the water-control structure will allow wildlife biologists to establish water levels conducive to waterfowl nesting and brood-rearing. The area will provide excellent breeding habitat for black ducks and other waterfowl. A variety of species will also use it during spring and fall migration .

The project is the first in Maine to employ Ducks Unlimited MARSH funding . Several others are under development. The MARSH program channels a portion of monies raised by DU committees in each state to local wetland enhancement, maintenance and acquisition .

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License Sales Report The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released figures for hunting and fishing license sales throughout the United States in 1989. Nationally, hunting license sales dropped

30

slightly, while fishing license sales held steady. In Maine, both were up.

A total of 15,858,063 people bought hunting licenses in fiscal year 1989, compared with 15,918,522 in 1988. Fishing license purchasers numbered 30,302,244, compared with 30,182,544 in 1988.

Hunters paid $400.402,099 for their licenses, while anglers paid $340,512,666 for theirs. Hunting license revenues were $19.7 million more than the year before, and fishing license receipts were $10. 7 million more than in 1988.

In Maine, hunting license sales increased by almost 5 percent to 143,683, generating $4.482 ,283.

Fishing license sales jumped over 22 percent to 234,352 and raised $3,999,799. Combination licenses, allowing both hunting and fishing, increased 14 percent to 86,352 and contributed $2,686,398 to support the department's conservation programs.

What'• new ..• what to do ••. how to stay legal in the Maine outdoor•

g. When I'm taking my deer home, does it have to be prominently displayed on my car?

A. The law says that a deer, bear or moose must be "open to view" until after it is legally registered. The whole animal needn't be visible, only some prominent part such as a leg or the head. Once registered, it can be transported anywhere in or on the vehicle.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

New Laws of Interest To Sportsmen Several bills affecting Maine's inland fisheries and wildlife statutes were enacted during the Second Regular Session of the 114th Legislature and signed into law by Governor John R. McKeman. The following is a summary of these new laws. It is an advisory interpretation only. Unless otherwise indicated, the new laws are already in effect.

HUNTING • The laws which prohibit the use of ..drives" for hunting deer and moose have been modified slightly to help clarify the intent of the legislature in enacting these measures. To drive deer or moose now means an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase or otherwise frighten or cause a deer or moose to move in the direction of any person or persons who are part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer or moose. A person is guilty of driving deer or moose if that person participates in a hunt for deer or moose during which an organized or planned effort is made to drive deer or moose.

• Bear registration laws have been rewritten to make it clear that the entire bear, except for the viscera and rib cage, must be presented for registration, although the animal may be dismembered for ease of transportation. A prohibited act has been included to aid in the prosecution of persons who do not present the entire bear (minus viscera and rib cage) for registration or who present a bear for registration which is not field dressed so as to permit determination of the sex of the animal.

The law has also been changed to ensure that the criteria for establishing and closing bear registration stations is consistent with similar laws related to the registration of deer.

• A decision by the commissioner of inland fisheries and wildlife to shorten the statutory bear hunting season in any year must now be made prior to February 1st (previously January 15th).

• The term .. long bow" has been removed from the list of legal hunting methods and replaced with the term .. hand-held bow." This makes it clear that modern compound bows (which are not technically .. long bows") may legally be used for hunting purposes. (Crossbows remain illegal.)

• Another clarification in the archery laws ensures the legality of hunting wild birds as well as wild animals with bow and arrow during any open season on that bird or animal.

• The law is now also clear that a person who hunts any species of wildlife with bow and arrow during the special archery season on deer may also carry a handgun provided that the person holds a valid license to hunt with firearms in addition to an archery license.

• Laws pertaining to training dogs on wild birds and wild animals have been revised as follows: Dogs may be trained on foxes, rabbits and raccoons from July 1

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

through the following March 31 (previously August 1 through April 30). Sporting dogs may be trained on wild birds at any time. Residents may train up to 4 dogs at any one time on bear from August 1 to the first day of the bear hunting season, except south of Route 9 in Washington and Hancock counties. During any open training season, dogs may be trained on Sundays as well as on other days of the week.

• The month of April has been included permanently as part of the night hunting season on coyotes.

FISHING • Whenever the last day of the open water fishing season falls on a Saturday, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is now required to extend the fishing season by one day to allow fishing on Sunday.

• Beginning January 1, 1991, it will be illegal for any person who sells any type of bait for fishing purposes to provide or sell the bait (including live fish) in containers that are composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam plastic (styrofoam).

TRAPPING • It is now clear in the law that a person who

catches a bear in a trap may not cause or allow another person to kill or register that animal.

• The definition of trap has been expanded to address both the implement itself as well as the act of using the trapping implement. Trap (the noun) means any device designed to catch or hold wild animals, including but not limited to foothold traps, killer-type traps, cage-type traps and snares. Trap (the verb) means to set, place or tend any trap in the fields, forests or waters of the state or to kill an animal which is caught in a trap. Aiding or assisting another person in these activities is also considered trapping.

BOAT,SNOWMOBILE,ATV • The amount of property damage which must occur before a boating, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle accident must be reported to a law enforcement officer is now $300 (previously it was $100 for boat and snowmobile accidents and $200 for A'IV accidents).

• A prohibited act has been established to assist law enforcement officers in enforcing a 1989 law which limits the operation of watercraft to headway speed only within a water safety zone.

• It is now unlawful to operate a snowmobile or an A1V across a railroad track after having been forbidden to do so by an agent of that railroad, either personally or by conspicuously posted notices.

GUIDING • Prohibi ted acts have been established for several guiding related violations, including: assisting a client in a fish and wildlife related violation; failure to report a fish and wildlife related violation which a client is known to have committed; guiding a party of more than 12 people on any watetway at any time; and hiring a person as a guide while having knowledge that the person does not hold a guide license.

31

TAXIDERMY The law relating to the licensing of taxidermists has been completely rewritten. Major changes in this lengthy and comprehensive legislation are as follows: • A five-member Advisory Board has been established to assist in examining applicants for taxidermy licenses and provide advice on administration of taxidermy law and development of taxidermy rules.

• Anyone who practices taxidermy for commercial purposes must have a taxidermist license ($13 annual fee). The new law explains in detail what a taxidermist is allowed to do pursuant to this license.

• Anyone who wants to learn taxidermy under a licensed taxidermist or through a bona fide taxidermy training program must first obtain a training permit ($5 annual fee).

• First time applicants for either a taxidermist license or a training permit must satisfactorily pass an examination in such form as determined by the commissioner through rule.

• Language in the new law provides the opportunity for members of the public to register complaints against taxidermists in situations involving misconduct such as fraud, negligence and incompetency. The department has considerable latitude in revoking taxidermist licenses. A taxidermist whose license has been revoked may not apply for another license for at least three years.

LICENSES AND PERMITS • The live bait laws are now specific that any person whose license to deal in live smelts or baitflsh is under revocation may not assist another bait dealer in selling or transporting live smelts and bait.fish.

• The law is now clear that an employee of a licensed hide dealer may, without a license, aid or assist the hide dealer in conducting business only at the dealer's fixed place of business.

• There is now a uniform fee for guide licenses, regardless of whether the guides are residents, nonresidents or aliens. The uniform fee ($75 for a three-year license) is the result of a lawsuit brought by a nonresident guide which challenged the constitutionality of the requirement that nonresident applicants pay a higher fee for a work-related license.

FINANCIAL • The General Fund reimbursed the department in the amount of $168,728 for expenditures made to carry out search and rescue operations durtng fiscal year 1988-89.

•Asa result of legislation passed last year the department will be funded up front from the state's General Fund beginning July 1, 1990. All revenues collected from the sale of licenses and from most other sources will be deposited into the General Fund as they are collected.

The Legislature this year passed a bill to provide funding for the department to operate as a "General Fund" agency during fiscal year 1990-91. The ortginal "dedicated revenue" budget which had been approved for fiscal 1990/91 prtor to enactment of the legislation which placed the department in the General Fund was used as the basis for establishing the first "General

32

Fund" budget. The approved budget was largely consistent with the ortginal "dedicated revenue" budget except that certain adjustments were required (about $600,000 worth) to help resolve the state's revenue shortfall.

Some of the "dedicated revenue" which the department had in reserve at the end of the last fiscal year (6/ 30 /90) will be used to fund employee contracts next year. However, the Legislature authorized the spending of approximately $1. 7 million of these "reserves" on the following capital improvements: • New Region B headquarters building ($385,000) • New Gloucester fish hatchery renovation ($1,150,000) • New Warden residence at Round Pond ($65,000) • New radio equipment for Warden Service ($124,193)

LEGAL/LAW ENFORCEMENT • A certificate, signed by the commissioner or deputy commissioner, stating what the records of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife show on any given matter is now admissible as evidence in all courts of the state to prove what the records of the department are on that matter.

ADMINISTRATIVE • The department's Advisory Council has been increased from eight to ten members, and Advisory Council districts are now set up on the basis of county lines rather than wildlife management units so as to provide Maine people with better access to council members and more equitable representation on fish and wildlife issues.

MISCELLANEOUS • The legislature passed a Resolve, authorizing the Governor and the Atlantic Sea Run Salmon Commission to enter into an agreement with Edwards Manufacturing Company, Inc. This lengthy piece of legislation is intended to result in removal or breaching of the Edwards Dam no earlier than January 2, 1999. In the interim, the state will support Edwards' application to Join the state as a co-licensee and for an extension in its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license to allow for the continued operation of the facility until the dam is removed or breached by the state at state expense. If Edward's operates the dam after 1/2/99, any revenues which accrue from operation of the dam durtng 1999 must be shared equally with the state, and the state will be required to use these funds to pay for the costs of dam removal. There are numerous terms and conditions included in this resolve to ensure that all parties are protected regardless of what decision is made by the FERC in regard to the application for extension and colicensee arrangements.

• In 1988, a law was passed to allow for possession of fallow deer for purposes of breeding stock or sale as food under provisions of a new license issued by the Department of Agriculture. Red deer may now be possessed and sold pursuant to this same license. Fallow or red deer retained or sold by virtue of a license issued by the Department of Agriculture fall under the definition of "domesticated deer" and are not considered wild animals.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

1990 MAINE HUNTING SEASONS EFFECTIVE THROUGH MARCH 31, 1991

This is not a legal presentation. See hunting law booklet for full details.

BASIC LIMITS DEER

Firearms season ............................................... .. ........ .

FIRST DAY

LAST DAY

Oct. 29

Nov. 24

DAILY

POSSESSION

ONE DEER PER YEAR regardless of season or method. Only deer with antlers at least three inches long may be taken from Oct. 27 - Dec. 1 , except that any deer may be taken in designated deer management districts by hunters with any-deer permits. Permit application

Maine-resident-only day .. ....... ...................... .............. .

Oct. 27

Archery ....................................... ............................. .

Oct. 1

Oct. 26

Muzzleloader............................................................ .

Nov. 26

Dec. 1

BEAR* Hunting Season ..................................................... .

Aug. 27

Nov. 30

Hunting With Dogs Allowed ..................... .............. .

Sept. 15

Oct. 26

Hunting ONLY with Dogs ..................................... .

Sept. 24

Oct. 26

MOOSE (by permit only) ......... : .................................... ..... ...... .

Sep. 24

Sep. 29

RUFFED GROUSE (Wildlife Management Units 1 & 2) .. .... .. ..... .

Oct. 1

Nov. 30

4

8

(Wildlife Management Units 3 - 8) .... ..... ..... .

Oct. 1

Dec. 10

4

8

PHEASANT (Wildlife Management Units 1 & 2) ........... ............. .

Oct. 1

Nov. 30

2

4

(Wildlife Management Units 3 - 8) ... ..................... .

Oct.1

Dec. 10

2

4

WILD TURKEY (by permit only) .............................................. .

Maya

May 28

WOODCOCK .. ...................................................................... .

Oct. 1

Nov. 14

3

6

Sep.1

Dec. 16

8

16

COMMON SNIPE ......................................................... ......... .

DUCKS, GEESE, SEA DUCKS (scoter, eider, old squaw) ....... .

RAILS (Sora and Virginia) .... ... ................. ........ ...... .. ..... .. ...... ... ..... ..

period:

mid-June to Aug. 15, annually.

ONE BEAR OF EITHER SEX

Permit application period: mid-Jan. to Apr. 30.

Permit application period: mid-Dec. to Feb. 1.

Seasons set early in September. Regulations available mid-September from license agents, game wardens and Fish and Wildlife Dept. offices.

Sep. 1

Nov. 9

25

25

Sep. 1

Nov. 9

15

30

Mar. 14

Apr. 30

-

-

July 16

Sep. 29

-

-

BOBCAT............................................................................... .

Dec. 1

Jan. 31

-

-

FOX ...................................................................................... ..

Oct. 22

Feb.28

-

-

GRAY SQUIRREL .................................................................

Oct. 1

Nov. 30

** ....................... .

4

8

Oct. 1

Mar. 31

4

8

RACCOON ........................................................................... .

Oct. 22

Dec. 31

-

-

SKUNK.......................................................... ................... .... .

Oct. 22

Dec. 31

-

-

GALLINULES .. .................................................................... ..

CROW ....................................................................................

RABBIT(Cottontail) and HARE (Snowshoe)

COYOTE, WOODCHUCK, PORCUPINE, RED SQUIRREL

NO CLOSED SEASON FOR HUNTING

ANY SPECIES NOT LISTED ABOVE ................................ .

NO OPEN SEASON FOR HUNTING

* Bear permit required (resident, $2; nonresident, $10), in addition to hunting license, between August 27 and October 26. See law booklet for other recent changes. ** Unlawful-to hunt rabbits with dogs during any open firearms season on deer in Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, and Washington counties.

SUNDAY HUNTING: Illegal in Maine .

LEGAL HUNTING HOURS: On animals, 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset except during any firearms season on deer, when hunting closes at sunset for all

species except raccoon. On game birds, shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. See law booklet for details on special night hunting season on coyotes.

LICENSES: Hunting license is required. Archery license authorizes hunting with bow and arrow only during any open season on that species. Regular hunting license allows

hunting with bow and arrow, except during special archery season on deer. Special license-stamp required to hunt during muzzleloader season on deer. and a federal duck stamp and/or a Maine pheasant stamp if you intend to hunt these species.

STAMPS: Don't forget to purchase a Maine duck stamp

OPERATION GAME THIEF: Poachers are Thieves. Rewards are paid for information on game law violations. Call 1-800-ALERT US (253-7887). Caller identification protected.

Maine Department of Inland Rsherles &.. Wildlife â&#x20AC;˘ 284 State Street â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta ME 04330

Late summer sunset. Photo by Peter Cross