Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Winter 1990-91 by Maine State Library

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FISH AND WILDLIFE

Winter 1990-91 $3.50

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Bobcat

Photo Â© Leon.rd lee Rue m

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FISH AND WILDLIFE Governor John R. McKeman, Jr.

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 Council

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

WINTER 1990-91

VOL. 32, NO. 4

Features Lessons Learned: Maine's Caribou Project

by Mark McCol/ough & Bruce Connery

What's happened over the four years since the first transplant attempt?

Editorial

by Tom Shoener

Proper behavior outdoors ts everyone's job--year-round

1990 Wildlife Photo Contest Winners

A first look at the judges' choices

Bralnworm: Harmless AND Deadly?

by Richard Dressler

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

Carried by deer--a killer of moose (and maybe caribou). What ls it?

All photographs in this issue were made by the Public Information & F.ducation Division unless otherwise indicated.

With half a decade under its belt, how's the chickadee "checking" out?

MAINE ASH AND WILDLIFE OSSN 0360-00SX) Is published quarterly by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and WUdlife, 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, Maine and at addiUonal mailing 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 FISH 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 FISH 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, 284StateSt., Sta. #41, Augusta, Maine 04333. QUESTIONS ABOlJf YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Just call toll-free 1-800-288-8387 The Department of Inland Fisheries and WUdlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Accordingly, all department programs and activities 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.

Endangered &.. Nongame 1990 Annual Report

Meet Fly Tyer Butch Carey

by Alan E. Hutchinson

by Tom Chamberlain

Welcome aboard to our new resident fly expert from Gardiner

Portland's Warden

by Cathy Genthner

How's a warden's job different in the "people districts?"

The Forest Practices Act

by Joe Wiley

How will this new law affect forest and wildlife managers--and wildlife?

Depart111ents KID-BITS

THE FLY TYING BENCH: The Barney Google

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS

The Front Cover: Barred owl. Photo by Scott Nielsen.

Lessons Learned From Woodland Caribou Editor's Note: Few wildlife programs have gained public attention more than the attempt over the past four years to reintroduce woodland caribou to Maine. Periodic articles on these pages followed this privately-funded effort from its inception. As explained in this final article, the project was recently terminated.

Long

before presidential aspirations ever entered his mind, Theodore Roosevelt took to Maine's north woods in pursuit of woodland caribou. His hunt in the late 1880s was unsuccessful, but he was witness to the end of an era. Woodland caribou had traversed the bogs and barrens of northern Maine since the retreat of the last glaciers. However, in four short decades following the Civil War, the small Maine populations of woodland caribou were exploited and joined the eastern timber wolf, eastern cougar, Labrador duck, passenger pigeon and others on a growing list of extirpated wildlife species. Although gone from the Maine bogs they had trod for centuries, their paths not only left visible trails, but recurring dreams of restoring this magnificent species to our state. Governor Percival Baxter was the first to propose a reintroduction of caribou to Maine, in 1923. Nothing was done, though, until a reintroduction attempt was undertaken in 1963 by the Maine Fish and Game Department, as it was then known. That attempt failed. Then in 1986, a group of Maine citizens united on the dream and established the Maine Caribou Project. They proposed to conduct the reintroduction as a scientific investigation to answer whether woodland caribou could be restored to Maine. We sought the help of biologists from Canada to Alaska in designing the reintroduction. These discussions resulted in a release strategy using a

Mark McCollough is the former leader of the Maine Caribou Project and now works in the department's Endangered and Nongame Project. Bruce Connery was formerly a field biologist with the Caribou Project and is now its leader.

..nursery herd," in which the young pen-raised animals would be released over several years. We received the endorsement of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Newfoundland Wildlife Division, and the project began with the transfer of twenty-seven woodland caribou from the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland to the University of Maine. The nursery herd flourished and had doubled by autumn, 1988. This success prompted the first release of twelve radio-collared caribou in 1989 and a subsequent release of the remaining caribou in the nursery in 1990. Four calves were born in the wild, one of which was captured and radiocollared. Unfortunately, all of the radio-collared caribou have died. Predation accounted for seven of the 23 documented caribou deaths and was the probable cause of mortality of another five. Black bears were responsible for five of the predation deaths and suspected in two other cases. Coyotes killed one caribou and are suspected for two other mortalities. Six caribou died from the brainworm parasite and another three mortalities were likely caused by the parasite (nine of 23): all of these caribou likely contracted the parasite while they were in the nursery herd, as sufficient time had not elapsed from the time of release for these animals to have contracted the disease in the wild. The remaining caribou died from natural causes including calving complications and stomach ulcers. Two wild-born calves died shortly after birth to unknown causes, the third was killed by a bear and the fourth calf died from a bobcat attack. These results suggest that predation is likely the primary factor limiting the success of reintroducing caribou to Maine. In sharing this information with other caribou projects in Idaho and Ontario, we found that predation was responsible for at least 40 and 70 percent, respectively, of the adult Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1990-91

Maine's Project mortality in these two reintroduction projects. We now hypothesize that releases of larger groups of caribou may be needed to overcome predators and establish a core group of caribou. This strategy would encourage the herding behavior that may help caribou in avoiding predators, while also compensating for any animals that may disperse after the release, leaving the remaining caribou to form successful breeding populations. In reviewing these recommendations, the Board of Directors of the Maine Caribou Project realized that the cost of the necessary transfer of 50 to 100 caribou for the next few years, at least $300,000 per year. was too great a burden for a private organization. Although the Caribou Project has raised about half a million dollars to date, the failing economy and increasing difficulty in maintaining public enthusiasm for the project's funding were viewed as being ultimately prohibitive. Consequently, the Board voted reluctantly to discontinue the project.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1990-91

by Mark McCollough, Ph.D. and Bruce Connery

The caribou project did not succeed at answering whether caribou could ever be returned to Maine. However, tremendous scientific and social accomplishments resulted from the four-year project. Experience gained in maintaining the nursery herd and in monitoring the released animals will benefit other states and provinces as they seek to restore caribou to traditional ranges. Parasite research associated with the project will benefit moose and deer management in Maine, the northeastern states and Maritime provinces of Canada. Also, the Maine Caribou Project should be exemplary of significant contributions that can be made by a grassroots conservation initiative. The Maine Caribou Project also exemplified that wildlife reintroductions take tremendous time, effort and money to bring a species back 'after extir-

A few members of the original "Orono" family, some transplants from Newfoundland, some native Mainers. Photo by Mark McCollough

pation. Our forbearers were directly to blame for the demise of the caribou, wolf, and cougar in northern Maine. Some species like the passenger pigeon, Labrador duck, sea mink and great auk will never grace our skies or rocky coastline again. We have lamented the loss of the caribou, but would not it be just as tragic that our children deplore us for the loss of species that is occurring today? Our natural heritage continues to be in

jeopardy of being lost, as at least 25 species are threatened with extinction in Maine today and thousands more are in peril worldwide. Not diminishing the caribou project's accomplishments, this experience also demonstrates that time and money are far better spent to conserve all endangered species and their habitats today, while they still exist, than try to engage in costly reintroduction programs of uncertain outcome in the future. â&#x20AC;˘

Editorial

DON'T LET UP NOW! M aintaining good relations with landowners and behaving properly are fundamental obligations of sportsmen and others who recreate in the Maine outdoors, regardless of the season. Much of the concern about land-posting and unethical outdoor conduct occurs in the fall and centers around the sport of hunting, but winter brings problems of its own that must be dealt with for the future good of all who enjoy outdoor recreation. An organization in the forefront of national efforts to promote more responsible hunting, angling and recreational behavior is the Izaak Walton League of America, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. IWLA Executive Director Jack Lorenz has summarized the need very nicely: 'The country's outdoor recreationists are - by either their own improper actions or by ignoring those of their companions painting themselves into a recreationless comer. As the gates to private land are closed, outdoor users are forced to crowd into areas that are already often heavily-overused, which encourages further abuses of land, landowners Wld stru1dards of outdoor ethics. Something must be dDne to tum this trend around." 4

Inappropriate behavior outdoors is as offensive in the winter as du~g the rest of the year. Just as property posted in the fall remains posted in the winter, the opposite is true. A recent survey in Maine revealed that two of the things that upset landowners most are litter and motorized recreation where it isn't welcome. Everyone who plays outdoors should carry home their trash and dispose of it in a proper place. Cans, bottles and other packaging weigh more on the trip in, so there is no excuse for not carrying it back out. Snowmobile and A1V enthusiasts should stay on the trails or areas designated for their use, or where they have the landowner's permission. They should also steer clear of other parties who may not appreciate the mechanized intrusion. Winter recreationists should also be careful when building warming or cooking fires. Landowner pennission is always required before building a fire on private property, and there are times and places when a permit from a town fire warden or a state forest ranger is also needed. Fires on the ice of lakes require no permit but should be no larger than needed and fueled only with wood. Trash left behind in campfires is litter - and it's illegal.

Ice fishermen should also be mindful of the important points of angling ethics: Keep only the fish you need. Obey the rules of fishing and safety. Respect other anglers' rights, and the rights of property owners and others who aren't anglers. Don't release live bait into waters. Encourage others to become knowledgeable, skillful, and ethical anglers. Those who participate in winter activities as seemingly innocuous as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing must also recognize their responsibilities, particularly when it comes to landowner relations. Litter, trespass and illegal fires are among the transgressions they must guard against, lest they be part of the problem. All recreationists should be aware they have an obligation to the future of their sports that goes beyond their own personal behavior. Offensive behavior by others should not be ignored, and illegal acts should be reported to the appropriate authorities. It is generally believed that outdoor behavior has been going in the wrong direction for a number of years. That trend must be reversed. If it isn't, the recreationless corner Jack Lorenz spoke of will become a painful reality for all who enjoy the Maine outdoors - regardless of when, where or how. Tom Shoener

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1990-91

Hampden photographer Bill Silliker's photo "Bonding" is the winner of the 1990 Wildlife Art Competition sponsored by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Arts Commission. It, along with six other top rated entries in the contest, will be displayed in the Governor's Gallery in the Maine State House January 31 through March 20, 1991. Thirty-five photographers entered the contest this year. The judges were: Jay Reiter, photo editor for the Portland Press Herald; Henry Hilton, wildlife biologist, Maine Fish and Wildlife Department; Susan Woodward, biologist and consultant from Stonington: Paul Salisbury, chief photographer for WLBZ-lV in Bangor, and Tom Chamberlain, managing editor of MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine. Photographers were allowed to submit no more than two entries. Photos had to feature live wildlife, fish, or other fauna in their natural habitat in Maine. Entries were judged on sharpness, exposure, lighting, composition, and artistic ability. The contest was the fourth state-sponsored competition with subject limited to native Maine fauna. The contests alternate annually between photography and painting.

WILDLIFE PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

first Place

BIii Silllker, Hampden Bonding (moose)

Third Place (tie)

Dr. Jim Parker, Farmington Mine! (American kestrel and prey)

Second Place

Leigh Kelly, Brunswick Heading Down East (puffin)

Third Place (tie)

BIii Sllllker, Hampden Reflection (white-tailed deer) 6

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 199~91

Honorable Mention

Mark Paradis, Old Town Morning Monarch (white-tailed deer)

Honorable Mention

Tom Bushey, Ashland The Fall Rut (moose)

Honorable Mention

Kendra Shaw, Gardiner Dragonfly 8

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1990-91

Brainworm

armless ND Deadly? by Richard L. Dressler Maine's native moose. Also, much of the concern about the success of the caribou reintroduction effort in Maine centered on the effects of deer brainworm on caribou. How can deer pass the brainworm to moose or caribou? Adult worms on the brain of a deer produce eggs that are carried in the blood to the lungs.

There they become lodged and develop into first stage larvae, which then move into the air passages of the lungs, up to the throat, are swallowed, and pass through the digestive tract and out of body in the feces. At this point, terrestrial snails or slugs enter the picture. In order to develop further, brainwonn laivae must enter a

Over 80 percent of white-tailed deer in Maine may be infected with-brainworm. Photo by Bill Byrne.

B rainworm,

meningeal worm, or Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, no matter what you call it, is an important parasite of white-tailed deer throughout their range. A majority (up to 85 percent) of deer in Maine normally harbor this parasite without apparent problems. Adult brainworms are usually dark, thread-like in appearance, and less than four inches long. Infected deer may have one or more of them on the surface of, or in spaces around, their brains. If the worm is generally harmless for deer, why worry about it? The answer to that is because the parasite causes disease and death in other ceIVids (members of the "deer family"), including

Snails or Slugs Accidentally Consumed by Deer, Moose or Caribou

â&#x20AC;˘

Larvae Mature in Snails or Slugs

Larvae in Feces

Larvae Enter Terrestrial Snails or Slugs

The author is leader of Wildlife Division deer and moose research.

The life cycle of the brainworm involves several stages and an intermediate host.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 199~91

Brainworm in moose may cause abnormal behavior, and eventually death. Photo by Keith Smith.

snail or slug (gastropod) as it moves over the surlace of deer fecal material. It talces about a month for the first stage larvae to develop through to the third stage laivae in the snail or slug. As the infected snail or slug climbs onto leaves and other vegetation, it may be accidentally consumed by a deer, moose, or caribou. This is probably the least understood aspect of the brainworm life cycle. While it is clear the parasite is transmitted when the ceivid eats an infected gastropod, the observed infection rate in snails and slugs is generally very low. Either deer consume many snails and slugs, or there are "hot spots" where large numbers of infected gastropods occur. When the new "host" swallows the infected snail or slug and it is digested, third stage brainworm larvae are released to penetrate the gut wall and migrate along nerves to the spinal cord. Here, larvae develop into adult worms (after reaching the spinal cord, it talces about 40 days to mature) before travelling to the brain and settling down to complete the life cycle and pro10

duce eggs. It talces around three months before the newly infected deer starts shedding larvae in its feces. What happens in the moose or caribou that is different from the deer? Since the moose or caribou is not the "normal host" for the worm, third stage larvae may get lost during their migration to the brain and become lodged in neives or in the spinal cord. Some worms do make it to the brain, but they may enter the brain instead of staying on the surlace (as they usually do in deer). In moose or caribou, they usually don't produce eggs. Often only one worm is found on the brain or the host dies before eggs are produced. Only rarely do we find a brainworm-infected moose that has laivae in its feces. In the moose, the brainworm causes neurologic disease (parelaphostrongylosis) and usually death. Caribou are similarly affected, but the disease is believed to be fatal for all infected caribou. "Moose sickness," as the disease in moose is commonly called, can often be detected by their abnormal behavior. An

early sign of brainworm infection is loss of alertness or naturalÂˇ wariness. A moose may become very tame, allowing humans to approach, and even pet it. It may wander into a farmer's field or a nearby town, where it usually draws a crowd that may create havoc for the local game warden or wildlife biologist! As the disease progresses, an infected moose may walk in circles, become uncoordinated, hold its head or ears at odd angles. or become blind. Eventually the moose may become paralyzed and die. The only way to confirm the presence of a brainworm is by examination of the brain and spinal cord after the moose dies. However, looking for one brainworm in a moose is like looking for the proverbial "needle in a haystack." The task is even more difficult if the specimen is decomposed or bloody. Often the final diagnosis is based on signs obseived before death. Although researchers have suggested brainworm can cause moose populations to decrease, it does not appear

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

this is happening in Maine. Within the last decade, the moose population here has continued to grow. With brainworm infected white-tailed deer occurring over much of the state, how can moose numbers continue to increase? The two most likely reasons are that deer population levels were low in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and only recently have they begun to rebound; low deer populations would reduce the likelihood of brainworm transmission. Also, the overlap in moose range and deer range in Maine has been reduced due to changes in habitat (large forest clear cuts). If moose do not use areas frequented by deer, they are less likely to pick up the worm (larvae are only transmitted during the warm months when snails and slugs are active).

What about brainworm and the caribou reintroduction effort? One of the factors evaluated in the selection of caribou release sites was deer density. The Maine Caribou Project selected release areas where potential for contact with brainworm was minimized. The outcome of the project depended on whether caribou could find areas where overlap with deer range was minimal in the warmer months of the year. Several transplanted caribou contracted brainworm in Maine and died. Unfortunately, caribou dying from brainworm after the 1989 and 1990 releases probably encountered the worm in the pens at Orono, located in an area of high deer density. Maine Caribou Project staff attempted

to control snail and slug populations in the pens, and they treated caribou with drugs to control brainworm. Nevertheless, some of the caribou contracted the worm before being released from the pens, so it is still not clear how important this mortality factor is in the wild. Further releases of radio-collared "uncontaminated" caribou would be required to answer that question. As long as white-tailed deer occur in Maine, the brainworm will be with us. There is currently no way to control this parasite in wild deer, so whatever you want to call it - brainworm, meningeal worm, or Parelap1wstrongylus tenuis - it will continue to be a cause of death for native moose or other ceIVid species brought into Maine. â&#x20AC;˘

What

does all this mean in terms of moose suIVival and management? Maine Fish and Wildlife Department biologists are concerned about potential impacts an increasing deer herd (and the brainworm) may have on the moose population. We are monitoring reports of moose sickness and have cooperated in several studies related to detecting prevalence of brainworm in deer in Maine. Numbers of reported moose sickness cases have been relatively low since 1980 - less than 12 per year, except in 1989 when there were 25 - and the moose population is thriving. Moose are currently producing more than enough calves to compensate for all causes of mortality, including brainworm. If brainworm deaths increase dramatically, though, the people of Maine may be forced to decide which has management priority in some areas, moose or deer.

Because caribou are highly susceptible to the brainworm, introduction of caribou into areas with high densities of brainworm-infected deer should be avoided.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 199~91

Maine's Endangered Annual ! , Âˇ.. \ and Nongame Report \Are.W,LU'-\~} Wildlife Program 1990 -~~\)ANG~~~

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by Alan Hutchinson Photos by the author Maine's Endangered and Nongame Wildlife program took some giant leaps foxward in 1990. Especially noteworthy were successes in some of our long-term recovery efforts, such as the protection of 154 bald eagle nest sites under the Maine Endangered Species Act, the nesting of six pairs of peregrine falcons, and the successful production of least terns and piping plovers from several nesting beaches. 1990 also saw recovery plans initiated for several additional species such as the threatened Blanding's and spotted turtles, and the endangered black racer. Also, a number of key habitat acquisition and protection projects were completed or initiated, greatly increasing the safety net under Maine's rare and endangered fauna. All this was accomplished in 1990 because of the broad and strong circle of conservation-minded landowners, businesses, individuals, and organizations that have so willingly joined into the cooperative conservation ventures presented in this annual report. One other key and noteworthy factor contributed to the long list of achievements this year. It was the successful effort the department undertook to integrate endangered and nongame wildlife issues into all parts of the 12

agency to a level never before done. Although stretching its resources and staffing to the limit in the process, the change brought tremendous expertise and capability to bear upon this new and growing challenge of endangered species conservation. The report that follows touches on many of the most significant achievements of the year. Special acknowledgement is due the many people of Maine who support all this work,

through their voluntary contributions to the Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund through the checkoff on their Maine income tax returns. These voluntary contributions continued to provide key funding for the core programs that make all else possible. All of you who annually contribute to the effort, read on with a personal sense of accomplishment, and please think of these accomplishments again as you prepare your tax returns in 1991.

SPECIES RECOVERY PROGRAMS

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BALD ~ EAGLE

Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: 123 pairs Location: Statewide Threats: Poor reproduction, loss of nesting sites, chemical poll ution Actions: Through designation as Essential Habitats under the Maine Endangered Species Act, 154 of the most important bald eagle nest sites were protected in 1990. State agencies and municipalities cannot issue permits for, fund, or carry out projects within the designated areas without approval of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Voluntaiy agreements are also in

place with landowners of about 70 percent of the nest sites. giving additional protection to the sites. A statewide nesting and production survey of 436 historic and current nest sites was flown in April and June, locating 123 pairs of eagles. Ninety-eight eaglets were produced, the highest number in Maine in decades, yet still below the level 123 healthy pairs of eagles should be producing. Also of note in 1990, Maine's Bald Eagle Recovery Plan was completed and an important nest site in Cobscook Bay was acquired with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy. The author is the department's Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Project leader.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

PEREGRINE FALCON

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GOLDEN EAGLE

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Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: 6 nesting pairs Location: Mountain areas Threats: Restricted nesting habitat, human disturbance. chemical pollution Actions: Six young peregrine falcon chicks were raised and released from a mountain-top site in Piscataquis County. as part of a continuing reintroduction program for this cliff-nesting species. Since 1984, 108 young falcons have been released into the wild from seven sites throughout Maine. Success is starting to be seen. More then eighty remote cliff sites were searched for nesting peregrines in 1990. Six pairs were found, up from three in 1989. (The first nesting attempt was recorded in 1988). Unfortunately, only one of the six was successful in 1990, producing two chicks. Six chicks were produced in 1989. Lone adults were also seen at several other sites that will be closely monitored next year. The nesting sites are being closely watched, and cooperative management plans are being developed with the landowners. Baxter State Park, Acadia National Park, the White Mountain National Forest, Maine Department of Conseivation. and others are contributing to this project's success. A recovery plan is being prepared.

Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: One pair Location: Mountain areas Threats: Chemical pollution, impaired reproduction. human disturbance Actions: The golden eagle may be one of the most endangered species in Maine. This bird once nested south to Virginia. Today. there is only one pair of golden eagles left nesting in the eastern United States: Maine's last pair. No young have been produced for the past seven years. Although the cause of their decline is unknown, residual influences of DDT are strongly suspected. Searches for nesting pairs have been done each spring, focusing at historic nest sites. Maine's last pair is being well monitored from a safe distance, minimizing disturbance, to learn as much as we can in an effort to prevent their permanent loss from Maine and the eastern United States. A Species Recovery Plan is being prepared for the golden eagle.

Tern nest on Matinicus Island.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 199~91

PIPING PLOVER Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: 15-20 nesting pairs Location: Sand beaches in southern Maine Threats: Human disturbance, loss of habitat. predation Actions: Maine Audubon Society, The Nature Conseivancy, Bureau of Parks and Recreation, and others combined forces with the department again in 1990 in a monitoring and protection program on the nesting beaches of southern Maine. People using the beaches, predation.unleashed cats and dogs, and the development of sand dunes..are the problems facing this species. Fences around nest sites, signs, predator control, public education and nest site "guardians" on busy beach weekends protect the plovers. As a result. 16 pairs were able to nest in 1990, and they raised 26 young, down from 38 in 1989. A Recovery Plan was completed for the piping plover in 1990, setting a population goal of 20 pairs at seven nesting sites by 1995.

LEAST

TERN

Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: 50-100 nesting pairs Location: Sand beaches in southern Maine Threats: Human disturbance, loss of habitat, predation Actions: Like the piping plover, the least tern requires sand beaches for nesting. Also like 13

the least tern, it's endangered because of disturbance from people and pets, loss of habitat, and predation. Fences, signs, public education, predator control, and nest site ..guardians" are keys to maintaining these birds. In 1990, efforts by Maine Audubon Society, The Nature Conseivancy, Bureau of Parks and Recreation, and others resulted in 55 pairs of least terns producing 46 young.

ROSEATE TERN Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: About 100 nesting pairs Location: Nests on a few coastal islands Threats: Competition from gulls, limited habitat, human disturbance Actions: The roseate tern is restricted to nesting on coastal islands. Competition and predation by gulls ahnost eliminated the roseate tern from Maine. The removal of gt1lls from a few islands has again given a toe-hold for this species in Maine. A coalition of groups including the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Maine Audubon Society, National Audubon Society, College of the Atlantic, and Bureau of Parks and Recreation is cooperatively inventorying, monitoring, and protecting the roseate tern in Maine. In 1990, 108 pairs nested on 5 coastal islands. Common and arctic terns, two other species of management concern in Maine, are also bene-fitting from this work since rose-ates are usually found nesting with them. A Recovery Plan is slated for completion in early 1991.

SEDGE WREN Status in Maine: Endangered Population estimate: Less than 5 pairs 14

Location: Freshwater wet meadows Threats: Experiencing a rangewide decline for unknown reasons, although habitat loss is suspected. Actions: The sedge wren, formerly called the short-billed marsh wren, has undergone a dramatic population decline throughout the northeastern U.S. in the past 30 years. In 1949, this bird was reported in small to fairly large breeding colonies at about 21 localities in 10 Maine counties. Since 1988, only one or two birds a year are being found, and on a very irregular basis. All reports are being verified and followed by the department. The sedge wren nests in areas of tall, dense sedges and grasses, preferring wet meadows. Changing agricultural practices, farm abandonment, and increasing land development may all be affecting the sedge wren on its breeding grom:ids. There is also concern that problems in its winter range may also be causing the decline in numbers.

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW Status in Maine: Endangered Population Estimate: About 40 pairs at 4 sites Location: Restricted to grasslands and barrens in southern Maine Threats: Loss of habitat, some agricultural activities, herbicides Actions: The grasshopper sparrow is a small sparrow of open fields. It is found in sand plain grasslands characterized by bunch grasses rather than sodforming grasses. The grasshopper sparrow has shown significant declines throughout its continental range. In Maine it is found at just four sites. Significantly, all four sites are "managed grasslands" (two blueberry barrens, two airfields). managed,

though, for reasons other than wildlife. That is changing. The most important of these sites, the Kennebunk Plains with about 25 pairs, is being acquired as a wildlife management area. Coordination is also underway with the land managers at the other three sites for the benefit of the sparrows. Many people are working on this endeavor, including Peter Vickery, the lead scientist on the topic in Maine, The Nature Conservancy, Brunswick Naval Air Station, and department wildlife biologist Phil Bozenhard. A Recovery Plan is being developed, outlining long-term goals and management.

BLACK RACER Status in Maine: Endangered Population Estimate: Recorded from 12 sites Location: Southwestern Maine Threats: Habitat loss Action: All records and sightings of the black racer in Maine are tracked in the department's Endangered Species and Natural Heritage Database. Black racers are known to have occurred at only 12 sites in Maine, all in southwestern Maine. With funding from the Department of Economic and Community Development, standard procedures for the verification and assessment of black racer habitat are being developed. Work will continue towards determining the distribution, abundance, and limiting factors of this secretive reptile.

BLANDING'S

TORRE Status in Maine: Threatened Population estimate: Known from fewer than 15 sites

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1990-91

Location: Wetlands in York County, Maine Threats: Habitat loss, water quality, predation, low reproduction Actions: A major project was undertaken in 1990 to increase our understanding of this rare turtle, which is listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern by states throughout New England. Forty-eight different wetlands in 17 towns in York County were intensively searched. As a result, 16 Blanding's turtles were recorded from eight locations. 1\velve of these were captured, measured, marked, and released. The York and Kittery Water Districts own and manage wetlands of significance to this rare species. A cooperative relationship has been established and both water districts are now partners in the conseivation actions. Coordination is also taking place with other conseivation interests and landowners in the Mt. Agamenticus area. A Recovery Plan has been initiated.

of these were captured, measured, marked, and released. As with the Blanding's turtle, the Kittery and York Water Districts own or manage significant wet-

NATURAL HISTORY SURVEYS

WERAND BIRD SURVEY The second year of a two-year suivey and habitat analysis for wetland birds was completed in 1990. Least bitterns, American bitterns, green-backed herons, black terns, sora and Virginia rails, marsh wrens, pied-billed grebes, coots, and moorehens were the species targeted. As a result, dozens of new sites for these species were recorded, a standardized inventory technique was developed and tested, and habitat needs were described.

YELLOW RAIL

SPOTIED TORRE Status In Maine: Threatened Population estimate: Known from 11 sites Location: Wetlands in southern Maine Threats: Habitat loss, water quality, predation, low reproduction Actions: Along with the Blanding's turtle, the spotted turtle was a major target of a 1990 study in southern Maine. This species is listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern by many states in the Northeast. Fewer than ten records had come from Maine. In 1990, 48 wetlands were suiveyed in 1 7 towns in York County. As a result, 46 spotted turtles were recorded from 11 different locations. Thirty

lands for this species and both are cooperating with the department on the conseivation of this rare turtle. A Recovery Plan has been initiated.

In conj unction with our wetland bird suivey, the yellow rail was discovered at four wetland sites in Downeast Maine during the summer of 1990. This was a very exciting find and could be very significant, for there is only one other record of this uncommon species from Maine in the nesting season, and that record is nearly 100 years old! The yellow rail is uncommon throughout its range and probably is limited in Maine by special habitat requirements. Follow-up work will undoubtedly occur in 1991.

special management concern, due either to declining population numbers or to their extraordinary numbers at special feeding or roosting areas. In recognition of that concern, shorebird sites are now eligible to receive protection under Maine's Natural Resource Protection Act. To begin putting that protection in place, more than 15 years of suivey data was compiled, analyzed, mapped, and entered into the Endangered Species and Natural Heritage Database. A preliminary evaluation documented about 300 shorebird roosting or feeding sites, some of which are undoubtedly of global significance due to the diversity and abundance of species using them. This shorebird conservation work will continue in support of the Natural Resources Protection Act.

THE "TOMAH" MAYFLY

SHOREBIRDS

Siphlonisca aerodromia is so rare it does not even have a common name, although it has been nicknamed the Tomah Mayfly, after the primary site where it is found. Until recently thought to be extinct, this species may be Maine's rarest species. A major study, funded jointly by the state departments of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Economic and Community Development and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Seivice, was conducted by Dr. K. Elizabeth Gibbs of the University of Maine to de-

Thirteen species of shorebirds are listed in Maine as species of

(continued on page 18)

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Winter 1990-91

(continued from page 15) termine the mayfly's status. Known to exist in fewer than ten sites worldwide, this species apparently has very special habitat requirements, which are a major part of Dr. Gibb's study.

South end of Grand Marsh Bay, Gouldsboro, Hancock County.

III HABITAT PROTECTION HANCOCK COUNTY COASTAL HABITAT STUDY A detailed survey was completed of coastal wildlife habitat in 22 towns of Hancock and Washington counties. The most significant wildlife features were inventoried and identified, in-

eluding seabird islands, shorebird roosts, seal haul-outs, wading bird feeding and nesting areas, and Class A wildlife concentration areas. This information is being provided to town officials, state agencies, conservation interests and is supporting the department's conservation programs.

TOWN ~ PLANNING ~ As towns across Maine complete comprehensive plans they require information on significant wildlife habitats. With financial assistance from the Department of Economic and Community Development, site specific information on more than 60 rare and endangered species was mapped and provided to 73 towns throughout the state. Habitat protection guidelines also were developed and distributed. The information is being incorporated into town plans, and the plans are being reviewed and assistance is being given in their implementation.

SEABIRD NESTING ISLANDS Twenty species of colonialnesting seabirds, totaling more than 100,000 nesting pairs, use a relatively small proportion of Maine's coastal island as traditional nesting sites. The importance of these islands has now been recognized with their inclusion in Maine's Natural Resources Protection Act as habitats of special significance and, 18

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

therefore, warranting special protection. Nesting populations on these islands are periodically monitored by department biologists and other researchers. About 100 islands were smveyed this past year. These data are managed in the Endangered Species and Natural Heritage Database, which now contains more than 15 years of survey data on about 350 nesting islands. They are also serving as the basis for the comprehensive, Seabird Island Management Plan that is being developed.

with the help of the department in 1990, making it a very exciting year. Some of the most noteworthy include a peregrine falcon nesting site, two bald eagle nesting sites, two seabird nesting islands, a major shorebird roost in Washington County, and three unique wetlands containing rare and unique species and ecosystems. the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Land For Maine's Future Board, The Nature Conservancy, and others have worked together on these accomplishments.

ACQUIS~~: ~路 . ,({""~

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT REVIEW

路路路,

Habitat protection is the most critical need facing most rare and endangered species, and habitat acquisition is the most essential tool for the long-term protection of the most significant sites. Several very important acquisitions were made by or

Fishermen's Island, just off Spruce Head, Penobscot Bay.

The department reviewed more than 6 ,000 environmental permits in 1990, making recommendations on developments ranging from subdivisions to construction of major transmission lines and shipping ports. All applications are screened to en-

sure the protection of the most sensitive areas for rare or endangered species. In 1990, about 100 sites important to rare or endangered wildlife received protective action from the department through this process.

COOPERATIVE PROTECTION

Cooperative management of important sites for rare or endangered wildlife, on lands owned by state or federal agencies, by businesses, or by individuals is now a regular occurrence for the department. In 1990, cooperative management arrangements of various types were in action on dozens of sites important to rare or endangered wildlife. The Bureau of Public Lands, Baxter State J>ark, Acadia National Park, Bureau of Parks and Recreation, and most of the major timber industry landowners are included.

IV PUBLIC SERVICE &._ EDUCATION I COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

~ . .

More than 50 talks, slide shows, and other presentations on Maine's rare and endangered wildlife were given to clubs, groups and schools. Department biologists also participated in many radio and television shows, led field trips, and helped in training workshops. Many informational meetings were held with landowners and town planning officials. Several new publications were produced and hundreds of general requests for information on particular species or topic were answered. 19

FEED THE

Thousands of people feed Maine's native wild bird populations during the harsh winter golclfmches months, and even year round! Since different kinds of birds like different kinds of foods, establishing a feeding station with a variety of feeders and foods should attract a great assortment of birds. Try putting food at different heights and locations around your yard, for instance on a tray close to the ground with mixed seed, a suet or beef fat wire feeder attached to a tree trunk, or a pine cone rolled in peanut butter and sunflower seed hanging from a tree branch! Bird feeders can be as simple as a large jar hung sideways with a hole cut in the lid, an elevated wooden platform, or a nylon onion bag filled with beef suet; or as fancy as a triple hanging tube feeder. Your local feed, pet, or hardware store generally has an assortment of feeders and bird seed from which to choose. Some popular wild bird foods include:

BIRDS!

Sunflower seed

high in oil content and nutritive value, and will attract anything from evening grosbeaks to chickadees.

Wild Bird seed mix

contains red and white millet (tiny annual cereal grains), peanut hearts, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds. This mixture can tempt such ground feeders as fox sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, mourning doves, and brown-headed cowbirds.

Niger (thistle)

a small, black seed imported from India and Africa which appeals to goldfmches, pine siskins, and house finches.

Cracked corn

will entice groundfeeders such as mourning doves, possibly a ruffed grouse or wild turkey!

Beef suet

a high-energy food item found at the local grocery store. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees love it! Make sure to set it out when temperatures are cool enough to prevent spoilage.

Feeding the birds during the winter months can bring you hours of pleasure. Remember, though, that once birds in your area become used to your feeding station, they become very dependent upon it as a supplemental source of food. If you leave for a winter vacation, try to arrange for someone to fill the feeder while you are gone - insuring that the birds will still have a steady source cf food. In addition, maintaining a source of unfrozen water, perhaps by using a heater or a bubbler, is very valuable to winter bird populations. To help you identify the birds using your feeding station, take a look at a field guide, such as Field Guide to the Birds by Roger Tory Peterson.

purple.finch

THE BIRD NAME GAME The scientific names of birds often come from other languages such as Latin or Greek, and most often describe the size, form, color, habits, or other characteristics of the bird. There are two parts of the scientific name, the genus and species. The "genus" name is written first, is capitalized, and is defmed as a group of related living things descended from a common ancestor. The "species" name is written after the genus, and is not capitalized. The "species" is the kind of bird - a blue jay, robin, cardinal and crow are each a memevening grosbeaks ber of a separate, easily recognizable species. Listed below are several birds' common English names, their scientific names, and the literal translations of the scientific names. black-capped chickadee-Parus atricapillus (PAY-rus ay-trih-cap-ILL-us) Parus-a titmouse atTi-black capillus-hair or crown goldfinch-Carduelis tristis (Car-dyou-EE-liss TRIS-tis) chickadee ... carduus-eats seeds of thistle tristis-sad song or call downy woodpecker-Picoides pubescens (pick-oh-EYE-deez pew-BEE-senz) Picoides-(picus)-woodpecker pubescens-downy and soft evening grosbeak-Hesperiphona vespertina (hes-per-ih-FOE-nah ves-per-TINE-ah) hesperios-at evening phone-voice vespertinabelonging to evening purple finch-Carpodacus purpureus (car-POD-ah-kus purr-PUE-ree-us) Karpos-fruit dakos-biter purpureus-purple blue jay-Cyanocitta cristatus (sigh-ah-no-SIT-ah kris-TAY-tah) kyanos-blue kitta-chattering bird cristatus-crested bluejay

downy woodpecker 21

Meet Butch Carey

His Flies Catch Fish! by Tom Chamberlain If you want a beautiful trout fly, there are lots of places to get one. But if you want a beautiful trout fly that'll fool a trout, the field of choices narrows. Meet Butch Carey-an angler, and an angler's fly tyer. As an angler, we're talking trolling at Tomhegan at 4 a.m., with maybe a trout before breakfast. We're talking fishing Moosehead Lake every year since 1932. We're talking a camp built 22 years ago on the Baker Brook Road. And we're talking FLIES!! For the next whoknows-how-many issues, Butch (real name Earl), as a fly tyer, will be sharing his fly patterns, patter, and techniques with our readers. We've had several false starts with Butch (our fault, not his), and some of these first few flies have been photographed more than once. But Butch has remained the quiet gentleman through it all, and MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine is finally back in the fly tying business after four issues off. Even though Butch supplies several vendors with his thread-and-hook creations, he still insists that this is a "retirement hobby, not a business." And what a hobby! With standing orders from major sporting goods dealerships in Maine, customers being referred "like crazy" from outdoorsmen who are satisfied customers themselves, and at least five original patterns to his credit, Butch is actively retired! Consider the case of L. L. Bean, Inc., who sent a late-summer 1989 order for 16,000 trout flies to be ready by June 1, 1990. Replies Butch, the hobbyist: "I don't want to promise something I can't deliver. How about 8,000?" And he made them-on time! For Butch, this has been "business as usual" with Bean's for the past 13 years, and with other dealers during the nearly 20 years he has been tying commercially. He sends them his prices, and they send him their orders. If he has specialties (he ties them all beautifully!), they would be Atlantic salmon Bombers, bucktail streamers, Woolly Worms, and his own favorite to tie, the Devil Bug. He has been known to turn out a gross of those a 22

day! (For us eight-hour-a-day people, that's one fly every three minutes and 20 seconds!!) For the necessary record, Butch retired from Central Maine Power Co. eight years ago after 32 years with the firm, 17 as a lineman and 15 in station work. He currently teaches two fly tying classes in adult education, tutors students in English, is an avid hunter and fisherman, and is even taking guitar lessons! But that's several other stories. Let's get back to flies! The original patterns for which Butch is credited really began as attempts to catch fish, not to sell pretty flies. For instance, when a particular fly was not doing well one morning, Butch added some moose hairs to it and immediately started catching fish. Other anglers naturally noticed this and started following them around the lake; when one asked what Butch was using, he said the first thing that he thought of: "Barney Google!" A fly is born! Colors can end up in fly patterns for several different reasons. Red materials, Butch says, are often used to simulate blood-a wounded fish is a vulnerable fish. One pattern which Butch originated was built around a large amount of pink material. Why? Because someone asked him for a fly containing pink! Reason enough! Butch has plans for the fly tying series in MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE Magazine, and I don't know what some of them are. Although readers may be used to "one fly per issue," I have a feeling we may see some more general how-to articles in coming issues-like how to choose and use tinsel, what thread works for what use, how to select natural or manmade materials, wise words on "matching the hatch," etc. The choice is his-and I think we stand to learn a lot from Butch. I, for one, am looking forward to it!! â&#x20AC;˘ Maine Fish and Wlldllfe -Winter 1990-91

BARNEY GOOGLE ~ e Fly Tying Bench

Tandem Streamer

by Butch Carey Photos by John Norton THE PATTERN

HOOK: Size 4, #94840 TIIREAD: 30# test, steel covered monocord TAIL: Red hackle barbules BODY: Flat silver tinsel RIB: Embossed silver tinsel WING: White bucktail over which are 2 light blue saddle hackles flanked on each side by brown saddle hackle EYES: Painted white with black pupil

Place hook in vise for back hook of fly. Wind on an even layer of black nylon thread (I use monocord) on the hook from eye to bend and return. Cement. Insert tandem lead into eye of hook, run it back to just between the barb and the point of the hook. Then wind the thread close and tight down to the end of the wire. Seal end with thread. Cover with coat of cement.

For the tail attach small bunch of red barbules from red saddle hackle (the tail fibers should not extend behind the bend any further than the gap of the hook-the distance between the shank and the barb). After winding, apply two good coats of cement (drying after each).

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

For the body, wind silver mylar from eye to bend and return, then tie off and make a small black head. Coat body and head with cement, and the back hook is now complete.

To connect the back and front hooks together, place front hook in vise and wind on a thread base, as on the first hook (both hooks turned down). Take tandem lead (already dressed to back hook)and lay it on top of front hook, keeping both hooks level. Leave room between front of lead and eye for attaching additional materials. Wind thread in nice close winds around hook and wire, eye to bend and return. Then tie off and cement twice.

Double wrap front hook with silver mylar, as you did the rear hook, to complete the tandem hook. Tie a small bunch of white backtail on top of hook behind the eye, the same length as the tail.

Finished fly with painted-on eye (white dot with black pupil). The overall length should be about 2 3/4".

TIPS t/ To prevent the wing from rolling over on the hook when trolling or casting (especially on streamer flies), apply a good even base layer of thread on the hook and cement it before you begin.

t/ When wrapping tinsel bodies, double wrap the tinsel side by side; do not overlap or it will be uneven. Always double wrap tinsel, floss, and thread bodies.

Tie in two silver Dr. Blue saddle hackles, facing each other, curved side in and matched up. Then tie in two brown saddle hackle on the outside of the blue ones. The curves of all feathers should face into each other and extend backwards the same length as the red bucktail. Tie the four feathers down to the front hook; cement.

t/ When selecting feather wing materials, choose the same section from one left and one right feather. The curved (or dull) side goes inside, and the curve of the feather from stem to tip must curve down when put together, or married. If there are four feathers in the wing, tie them all In at the same time.

t/ When tying materials to the hook, always tie at least one half hitch to secure materials if bobbin gives slack.

t/ Barbules are small bunches of hairs taken from the base of a feather or saddle hackle. Don't spoil a good feather by going up one side; If you take a few fibers from each side, your feather will last longer.

t/ A drop of head cement after each operation helps to secure the materials to the hook.

7 24

For the throat, take a small bunch of red barbules or calftail about half the length of the hook and tie in up under the front hook.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

The popular image of a Maine game warden •s "beat" is not likely to include congested streets, tall buildings, and crowds of people. Instead, we•re likely to think of a warden working in the woods or on a marsh, or on a river or lake. Yet, every one of Maine•s 31,857 square miles, including the cities, is in one warden or another•s assigned area - 95 areas in total. While most ofMaine•s game wardens do work in rural or forested areas (some where moosefar outnumber people), it is the lot of some to be assigned to heavily peopled, "city" districts. What is life likefor the warden with more people than any other? That's what I wanted to.find out.from ...

''This Is A People District''

alne's largest city Is ajlgsaw puzzle of busy streets, multiple-story buildings, Old Port yuppies and boats coming and going in the harbor. Like Union Station, most of Portland's wooded areas are long gone, and with them, most of the "typical" wildlife habitat. Nevertheless, Portland still has its very own game warden, 23-year old Chris Simmons. "Once in a while, we get a complaint about a skunk in a garage or a dead deer," said Simmons. "But usually the only time I'm in Portland is to appear in court." Where the action is, and plenty of it, is in the wooded, heavily-populated suburbs of Portland, and on 44-square-mile Sebago Lake. The district extends from South Portland to Windham and includes Standish, Westbrook, and Gorham. "This is a high complaint area because of all the people," said Simmons. It is also an area that is changing rapidly. Miles of woods which used to be habitat for deer and hunting grounds for sportsmen have given way to housing developments. The deer have adapted pretty well, and are actually increasing, but what has been lost (and this is partly why deer numbers are growing) is some of the hunting opportunity. Hunters more frequently come within view of homes now, and part of Simmons' work entails Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

by Cathy Genthner keeping peace between the hunters and landowners - not always an easy job. The warden says more landowners are posting their land because some hunters are abusing the land and hunting too close to the homes. "It's harder than ever to find a place down here where you're not too close to somebody's home," he says, "but most of our hunters are real careful about it because they know how close together everything is. Still, more and more landowners are simply unwilling to take the risks anymore." "There's a lot of woods in the neighboring warden district," said Simmons. "I don't have a lot of woods, but I do have a lot of hunters." A day spent with him in late November revealed the truth of that statement. The 0° temperature, topped off by a cloudless blue sky, didn't keep many hunters at home. As we drove through Gorham and some of the back roads in Standish,

The author is a freelance writer who lives in Gorham.

Chris spends a lot of time patrolling the semi-rural roads which connect the numerous communities in his district. As one might expect, many of the complaints he receives involve discharging firearms too close to dwellings-or trespassing on posted land-or some other version of a "people too close to each other" complaint. Photo by the author.

flashes of bright orange could regularly be seen through the "pines. When we came upon three vehicles parked together, Simmons thought it might mean an illegal deer drive in progress. He called in the license plate registrations to the State Police barracks to find out who owns the vehicles. If he .. knows" the name, then he has most likely had run-ins with the person in the past. This time, though, he knows none of the vehicle owners. ..In a deer drive, the deer doesn't stand much of a chance. It's the most effective way of killing a deer. You're just pushing the deer out to someone else," said Simmons. Another sign of a deer drive is a group of hunters spaced out along a pole line about 100 to 150 yards apart. Simmons keeps watch for these and other evidence of deer drives throughout the hunting season. "Tilis (firearms season on deer) is the best time of year right here," said Simmons ...It's busy ... straight ahead busy. Every day of the week, there's something to do."

The firearms season may be the busiest time for Simmons, but his district is known as the .. Sebago District"-he has responsibility for Sebago Lake (sharing it with Warden Mike O'Connell), the second largest and perhaps the busiest body of water in Maine. There are several reasons for this 1) it's the deepest lake in Maine, so it's cold, so it's good for salmon, trout, and togue fishing, 2) it's close to most of Maine's population-Portland, Biddeford/ Saco, Lewiston/Auburn, Augusta, etc., 3) it's only two hours from real serious population-metropolitan Boston, and 4) it's one of literally dozens of fine fishing waters, an accessible resort area without parallel in the Northeast. The key word in all this is accessible! Chris says that much of his work other than deer hunting cases is involved with boating-oriented complaints, most of these involving boating accidents. These, coupled with all-terrain vehicle accidents, take much of the Sebago warden's time. Most of the rest of Simmons' work can be handled .. over the phone." Complaints involving injured squirrels in Portland or skunks under the porches of Westbrook are mostly referred to the Department's animal damage control agents now, but Simmons still has to handle an occasional complaint of that nature ... People in the larger cities don't have the regular contact with wildlife that the rural Mainers do, so they simply don't understand them as well," he said. Talking with the young warden, I discover that he loves to keep busy with his work. He is a game warden 24 hours a day. There's a very thin line between where his work ends and his personal life begins. "I wouldn't trade it for the world," he said. Simmons' enthusiasm for the job, love for the outdoors and respect for wildlife are evident in his friendly, patient manner. His patience paid off. Twice he applied before being admitted to the Warden Service Academy at the Criminal Justice Acad-

Shootin' the breeze with a pair of orange-clad deer hunters can tell a warden a lot about what's going on in the neighborhood. Photo by the author.

Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

emy in WateIVille. He graduated from the academy in May 1988, and worked as a game warden in Greenville, Skowhegan, and Kittery before coming to the Sebago district in June 1989. Simmons' desire to be a warden goes back years and years. He grew up in the central Maine town of Morrill, and graduated from Belfast High School in 1984. When he was a junior in high school, Simmons found an illegally killed deer behind his house. He reported his find to Warden Dave Allen (now a warden sergeant in Ashland), sparking a strong friendship that is alive and well today. Warden Allen often let Simmons ride with him on his rounds, giving the young man a taste of what it is like to be a game warden. And after his first ride with Allen, Simmons knew that a warden was what he wanted to be. A few years later, after attending Unity College, Simmons became the deputy warden with Warden Tim Peabody in Belfast. The experiences he gained

Checking out a well-decoyed goose blind-with a city skyline in the background-is something few Maine game wardens have an opportunity to do.

as a deputy inspired him even more to be a fulltime warden. Simmons has been a warden for almost two-andone-half years. While Maine largest citsy is in his district, Portland doesn't offer the right kind of excitement for him. Rather, you will find him 10 or 20 miles away, in Portland's backyard, traveling on the few dirt roads that remain in southern Maine. He might be checking for night hunters in Windham, or capturing a moose with brainworm in Gorham. For complaints about his job, well, Simmons says he doesn't like being limited to a 40-hour work week. He'd rather be working 24 hours a day! It is rare these days to find someone who is completely happy with himself and his job. Simmons says he "couldn't ask for anything more" - a very unusual statement in a time of materialism and ladder-climbing. •

Problem with your MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE subscrlption?Want to place an order? call

• Maine Fish and Wildlife - Fall 1990

•

• 27

The Forest Practices Act by Joe Wiley

ildlife managers use timber hruvesting as a cost effective way of manipulating wildlife habitat to create or maintain desired habitat types for specific species or groups of species. The vast majority of wildlife species in Maine require habitat in the early stages of regeneration (early successional habitat) or habitat .. edges" for at least part of their life cycle. Clearcutting is one of several forest management practices used to create early successional habitat types. Which wildlife species will benefit most is determined by the size of the clearcuts and their distribution. Is clearcutttng good or bad for wildlife? This question cannot be answered without being more specific: What wildlife species? What forest types? What size and age stand? What shape? What borders the cut? Any type of timber hruvesting, including clearcuts, will improve conditions for some wildlife species while at the same time making conditions less suitable for others. So the basic question has no answer. A management system which maintains all forest habitat types will provide habitat for all wildlife species. Widespread and increasing public concern over clearcutting in Maine was one of the motivations behind passage of a bill in the Maine legislature in 1989 known as L.D. 429, "AN ACT to Implement

CATEGORY I CLEARCUT

Sound Forest Practices." Commonly known as the Forest Practices Act, the law contains several components plus a legislative directive for the commissioner of the Department of Conservation to develop rules that establish standards for clearcuts and forest regeneration following timber hruvests. The law further directed that the standards ..... protect water quality, minimize soil erosion, ensure adequate regeneration, address adverse impacts on wildlife habitat (emphasis added) and provide for a healthy and sustainable forest." Following 15 public workshops, numerous technical and citizens advisory group meetings and three public hearings, the clearcutttng and regeneration rules were refined and adopted, effective January 1, 1991. What effects, will the implementation of the law and rules have on wildlife? Generally, wildlife will benefit, particularly compared to the situation existing before they were adopted. Let's examine what the rules actually do, as far as wildlife is concerned. First they establish two categories of clearcuts: from five to 35 acres, and 35 to 125 acres, with an exception permitting larger clearcuts, up to 250 acres, when increasingly stringent requirements are met. Clearcuts of this size will be substantially smaller than many existing clearcuts in Maine today.

CATEGORY II CLEARCUT

250'

Size: 35-125 acres Size: 5-35 acres Separation Distance (from another clearcut): 250' Separation Distance (from another clearcut): 250' .Q Separation Zone Area: 1.5 times clearcut area Separation Zone Area: none required ~ .E Management Plan: required for <50 acres Management Plan: none required E Regeneration Standard: required Regeneration Standard: required i 0 u. Regeneration Certification: required Regeneration Certification: none required en.__ _ ____ _________________ ____ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ~::, Reporting: required Reporting: required E

~ C

Maine Fish and Wlldllfe -Winter 1990-91

nd Wildlife

All clearcuts must be buffered by 250 feet (or 500 to 1,000 feet for the larger category II). In addition, clearcuts larger than 35 acres must be accompanied by lands not clearcut and 1.5 to 2 times as large as the clearcut. This buffer requirement, depending on the number of trees left, provides both habitat and travel corridors for wildlife. Buffer requirements will also tend to distribute cuts more evenly. Because of the increased requirements of the Category II clearcuts, some landowners may choose the smaller Category I clearcut. The effect of these requirements will be to distribute clearcut areas more evenly across the landscape and should result in better habitat conditions for most species of wildlife. The 10-year regeneration requirement for clearcuts will prevent clearcuttlng in an area adjacent to a clearcut for 10 years. This will provide two or more age-classes of forest on a fairly small unit of land. A forest with a variety of age-classes (three or more) provides habitat for more wildlife

The author is a department wildlife biologist on assignment with the Bureau of Public Lands in the Maine Department of Conservation.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

The new FPA rules will regulate the size and spacing of clearcuts.

species in greater numbers than a single-aged forest. This requirement will limit the so-called "rolling clearcut" in which adjacent blocks are clearcut over a short period of years eventually creating a very large clearcut. Many people worked very hard to arrive at reasonable rules which would accomplish all the requirements of the legislative mandate of the Forest Practices Act while allowing forest management to remain economical. A trial period of five years or more, with adjustments possible during this time, will be needed to see how well the rules are meeting their purpose. While no legislation can be all things to all people, wildlife habitat across Maine will be better off with the new Forest Practices Act.

Copies of the Forest Practices Act rules are available from: Maine Forest Service, State House Station #22, Augusta, Maine 04333, or by calling 289-2791. 29

FISH AND WILDLIFE BRIEFS Roach River Acquisition Dedicated The department's recently-acquired management area along the Roach River has been dedicated to two well-known retired biologists, Roger AuClair of Rockwood and Harold "Doc" Blanchard of Greenville. For many years, AuClair was the regional fisheries biologist and Blanchard the regional wildlife biologist in the vast north woods surrounding the new Roach River Fish and Wildlife Management Area. Bought with monies from the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Land Acquisition Fund, the area includes a 500-foot strip along both sides of the 6.3 mile stretch of the pristine river between First Roach Pond and Moosehead Lake, as well as several points of access to remote stretches of the river which require walking-in over privately-owned land. The Roach River is considered the most important salmon spawning and nursery tributary to Moosehead Lake. AuClair worked in the Moosehead Lake region from 1956 until his retirement in 1985. He was much involved in fisheries management on the Roach River and supervised

efforts to restore pools and other habitat in the river after they were damaged by log-driving. Blanchard began work for the department as a wildlife biologist in 1951, serving 26 of his 34 years in the Moosehead Region.

Two Named To Endangered and Nongame Council Commissioner Vail has announced the appointments of two new members to the department's Endangered and Nongame Advisory Council. They are Beth Nagusky of Litchfield and C. Hasty Thompson of Portland. Nagusky has been a staff attorney with the Natural Resources Council of Maine since 1987. where she has concentrated on issues related to land use and development, wetlands and energy. Thompson is known for his .. On Nature" column in the Maine Sunday Telegram. His special interest is ornithology. The council is an outgrowth of the Citizens' Steering Committee which was formed in 1984 when the Maine Legislature established the Nongame Wildlife Project donation program known as the .. Chickadee

Checkoff' on the Maine Income Tax Return. It is composed of nine members appointed for three-year terms by the commissioner of inland fisheries and wildlife. The council's functions include acting as liaison between the public and the commissioner, advising the commissioner on issues pertaining to endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife: and assisting with the development and promotion of endangered and nongame wildlife programs. The other members of the Maine Endangered and Nongame Advisory Council are: Jane Arbuckle, chairperson, New Gloucester. Dr. Malcolm Hunter, Milford; Thomas P. Skaling, Brunswick; Carol Boggis, Portland; Charles D. Duncan, Machias; Peter Vickery, Richmond; and Cherie Mason, Deer Isle.

New Wildlife Report Available The department's popular annual report on its work with wildlife is now available to the public. Published by the Wildlife Division, the booklet contains detailed information about the division's 1989 research and management activities on Maine's wildlife. Major sections are devoted to game birds, ceIVids (moose, deer, caribou), endangered and nongame wildlife, black bear and furbearers. Illustrated with maps, graphs, charts and sketches, the 60-page booklet is offered to the public free of charge. Copies may be obtained by writing to: 1989 Wildlife Report, Maine Fish and Wildlife Department, Public Information and Education Division, State House Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04333.

Narraguagus River Research Grant

Commissioner Bill Vail, center, honored retired biologists Roger AuClair, left, and Harold Blanchard at ceremonies at the new Roach River Fish and Wildlife Management Area.

Maine's Atlantic Salmon Commission recently received a $217,000 grant from the National Marine Fisheries Service for a research program on the Narraguagus River in Washington County.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

Fish and Wildlife Commissioner William Vail, who serves as chairman of the Atlantic Sea Run Salmon Commission, announced the grant. Edward T. Baum program coordinator for the commission, said the study will attempt to determine the status of the river's Atlantic salmon resource and obtain information to guide future management decisions. Baum said that beginning in 1991 a trapping facility will be installed at the Cherryfield Dam fishway in order to count and collect biological information from the adult salmon run. In addition, a detailed juvenile salmon population sampling program will be conducted annually, and a complete inventory of salmon habitat will be made. Baum said the project will also include continuous pH monitoring of the river and sampling of small salmon for toxic substances. He added that during the latter years of the five-year project the study is expected to include work on other rivers in Washington County.

1991 Duck Stamp Art Contest The ring-necked duck will be species featured on Maine's 1991 duck hunting stamp. The painting that will appear on the stamp will be determined next March in a contest open to Maine resident artists. Artists interested in entering the competition can obtain a copy of the contest rules by writing to: Duck Stamp Contest, Maine Fish and Wildlife Dept., State House Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04333. The department uses proceeds from the duck stamp program to acquire and manage waterfowl habitat in Maine.

All-Terrain Safety Workshop While fatalities, injuries and illegal uses mount among operators of all-terrain vehicles, fewer owners are attending safety courses - a situation which has state officials and others involved in the sport concerned. All-terrain vehicle use is growing in Maine each year - and so are the numbers of serious accidents. According to Ronald Bennett, A1V safety coordinator for the Depart-

ment of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, four people have died in Maine this year in A1V accidents. In hopes of addressing the problems and gaining some direction, the state Bureau of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recently co-hosted a workshop for land managers, recreation managers and A1V enthusiasts. Scott Ramsay, supervisorofthe Off-Road Vehicle Division of the Bureau of Parks and Recreation said a total of 55 people representing state agencies, private land owners, the Maine All-Terrain Vehicle Association, Motorcycle Industry Council Inc., and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America participated in the three-day workshop, which covered such areas of interest as law enforcement strategies, risk management, trail system management, vehicle inspection, sound testing and hands-on rider safety training. Ramsay said it's hoped that knowledge gained by attendees will be brought back to their respective situations and used in further educating off-highway vehicle users and providing safe opportunity areas.

Free copies are available by mailing a stamped self-addressed envelope to: Whitetails Unlimited, Inc., P.O. Box 422, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

Moose Season Report Hunters registered 882 moose during the six-day season in September. The kill was down from the previous year's total, 922, largely because heavy foliage hampered visibility, due to the season being several weeks earlier this year. Hunter success again was highest in the southcentral and southwestern zones (97 percent) and lowest in the northwestern zone (74 percent). The heaviest moose recorded weighed l, 180 pounds, field dressed. It was taken in the northwestern zone by Randy Taggett of St. Francis.

Wetlands Losses Report A new report released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that the U.S. has lost more than half, or 120 million acres, of wet-

Habitat Improvement Brochure Available A new brochure on improving woodlots for wildlife is now available from Whitetails Unlimited, Inc. The brochure entitled .. Habitat Improvement Guidelines for the Whitetailed Deer" cites three specialized areas: · • Deer Management Objectives • Deer Population Management • Deer Habitat Management About 75 percent of our nation's deer live on private land. The size and condition of our deer herd is very dependent on private land use practices. In some areas, there are too many deer and the herd needs to be thinned. In other areas, people want more deer and are interested in ways to improve deer habitat. The brochure is an introduction to techniques that can be used to better manage deer and deer habitat. .. Habitat Improvement Guidelines for Whitetailed Deer" was produced by Whitetails Unlimited, with technical assistance provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

what to do .•• ...;:.::how to stay legal 4,=·· in the Maine outdoors

g. What's the law on the use of ice fishing shacks? A. On inland waters, it's illegal to place a shack on the ice more than three days before the ice fishing season begins on that body of water, and it must be removed within three days of the close of the season. Also, the name and address of the owner must be displayed in 2-inch letters on the outside of the shack. On coastal waters, some municipalities have adopted their own ordinances concerning ice fishing shacks, and it's best to check at the town office before putting one in place . Owners and users of ice fishing shacks should also be mindful of Maine's litter law and not leave any trash on the ice after a day's fishing or when the shack is moved.

lands since the American Revolution. The report, requested by Congress, is the first such update of wetland losses since 1984 and focuses on wetlands remaining in each state. Leading a pack of seven midwestern states responsible for more than one-third of the nation's wetland losses is Ohio, where only 5 percent of all original wetlands remain. Other states that have lost more than 80 percent include Indiana (87 percent), Illinois (85 percent) and Iowa (82 percent). Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin make

Northem Wetland Project Near Completion Reconstruction of a unique wetland habitat about 40 miles west of Ashland in Aroostook County is near completion, though hampered by wet weather this fall. Replacement of an old log-driving dam at the outlet of Mooseleuk Lake with a concrete, low-head water control structure was made possible by a 50-year lease the department signed last year with the Seven Islands Land Company. Donald Taylor, the department's chief engineer., who designed and supeIVised construction of the new dam, said the pouring of a fmal concrete wing to the dam, and installation of a modem flshway, will be completed next spring. The department is building the structure in order to stabilize water levels on the lake's wetlands at 6 to

up the final three midwest states with large wetlands losses. Conversion to agriculture is the chief cause of wetland loss in these states, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service report. Florida has had the second largest loss - nearly 9.3 million acres - but still has 11 million acres of wetlands remaining. Kentucky, California, Connecticut. Maryland and Arkansas were the only other states to lose more than two-thirds of their wetlands. Alaska statistics stand out in the report in that it has more remaining 12 inches deep during the dty summer months. Uncontrolled, water levels in these wetlands drop undesirably during the summer as the lake level drops. Con trolled water levels on Mooseleuk Lake's wetlands will benefit a variety of wildlife, particularly waterfowl. Two types of highly productive waterfowl habitats, shallow freshwater marsh and deep freshwater marsh, both relatively scarce in the north woods, will be provided. These wetland types are especially preferred habitats for black ducks and Canada geese in northern Maine. Mooseleuk Lake has been used by department biologists in past years as a study site for moose research. Television reports of the moose work conducted there have appeared on national television, including a segment on the "Wild Kingdom" program.

wetlands - 170 million acres worth - than the whole lower 48 states combined. More than 45 percent of the state is considered wetland and it has managed to maintain more than 99 percent of them thus far. Maine has held on to 80 percent of its original wetlands. Florida and Louisiana are the leading wetland states in the contiguous U.S. with 11.0 million acres and 8. 7 million acres of wetlands that represent 30 percent and 28 percent of the total area of these respective states.

Wetlands Act Starts Working The 1989 North American Wetlands Conseivation Act is beginning to pay off, the Wildlife Management Institute reports. Almost 360,000 acres of threatened wetlands will be acquired, improved and restored with the first projects approved for funding under the Act. The statute encourages partnerships to protect and restore wetlands important to migratoiy birds and other wildlife. It authorizes annual appropriations of up to $15 million, with an additional sum of $10 million a year from a special fund generated by interest on invested funds that eventually are used to finance the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program. This money comes from excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition and archety equipment. It is collected one year and apportioned to state wildlife agencies the next. During the year the money is held by the federal government, it is invested in government securities, with the proceeds supporting the North American Wetlands Conseivation Act. Other funds are provided

Principals involved in the Mooseleuk Lake project gathered in October at the site of the nearly-completed dam to dedicate the Leighton-Wellman Water Control Structure, honoring Seven Islands officials Alan Leighton, second from right, and Bradford Wellman, second from left. Representing the department at the dedication were Commissioner Bill Vail, right, and Donald Taylor, the department's chief engineer.

Maine Fish and Wildlife -Winter 1990-91

KID-BITS ANSWERS (1) sad-voiced chattering bird= (c) trlsttphone kitta

Help Us Stop Maine's Fish8 Wildlife

La~ Violators 0 PER AT IO .N

cw.,:; #Ii;; i #f ii from fines collected for violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and from private contributions.

(2) black chattering bird = (e) atrt kitta (3) purple-crested woodpecker = (d) pwpureus crtstatus Plcoides (4) downy thistle seed-biter= (b) tpubescens carduus dakos (5) sad blue titmouse = (a) trlstis kyanos Parus The Act established a North American Wetlands Conseivation Council which recommends projects to the Migratory Bird Conunission for funding. The Conunission then approves or rejects or modifies the recommendations. The Commission selected 30 projects of 168 submitted for funding in the first go-round. 1be approval of these projects signals the first major increase in the federal conunitment to support the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and related wetlands program," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director John Turner. Included are ten projects in prairie Canada, ten in eastern Canada, one in Mexico, and nine in the U.S.

Togue's Origin Anglers new to Maine soon learn of a fish called TOGUE. Natives talk about fishing for togue ... the fishing law booklet lists an open season on togue ... and there is a togue length limit and a togue bag limit. What, they wonder, is this fish? If curious enough and ask the right person they learn that the fish Mainers call togue is the same fish known in the rest of the world as lake -·~ trout. An ichthyologist might do them one better and identify it as ~~\ Salueltnus namaycush.

That's as far as most ever take the matter. If they wonder why it's togue in Maine and lake trout eveiywhere . .1 ~, .• · .-. · ·, .: ...· . . .· ~ .· ~-. else, they never · · . -:. _ :t ·~··// J;),0,·'/• ,./, C/.··:,,.. .:.>Al'// · · ~ -, . • :'V •; zr -* I"/. ~, · < ,· . <\) . ':;~ )".' find out. That's '··· ..: , :·:.'·--~r,i-:. _w.:: ~:-.:.r,.)': ,.% -~'~:.:·/.-:z::,'.Y;».y·-/'..:..}~.:, /../ -''/,., '· •:(. . ·.· . .. . . . .. ·//·... /.' ' • 0 just the way it is. ·-· - °;f:, · :~..-.· · · · : ; · ·· · <·:. /. . , · .,

gj; '.·~ ·. - ..

Fisheries Biologist -~ - - - - - - ~ long time among the curious, but recently he couldn't stand it any longer and dashed off to the Maine State Library toresearch the derivation of the word togue. Convinced by the editor that millions of people worldwide are anguishing over this same issue, Bill agreed to share his findings. The three references he checked- American Place Names (Oxford University Press), Ind.tan Place Names of New England (New York Museum of the American Indian), and A Dictionary ofAmericanisms (University of Chicago Press) all pointed to togue as one of the words used by the Maine Algonquian Indians for the large, deepwater trout now known as lake trout. They also called the fish tuladi and namaycush (meaning long fish). Now you know!

Funding for these projects will include a federal share of $14.4 million and over $27.8 million in partnership contributions from Canada, state governments, and state cUid national conseivatlon groups.

Department of Inland Fisheries and WIidiife • 284 State Street • Augusta, Maine 04333

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Ermine. Detail from a palndng by Gene R. fuller of West Poland, reprinted courtesy of the artist.