Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Summer 2000

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Maine State Documents Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

6-1-2000

Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Summer 2000 Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine Recommended Citation Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, "Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Summer 2000" (2000). Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine. Book 96. http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine/96

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MANE Fish and Wildlife Governor Angus S. King, Jr. Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Lee E. Perry, Commissioner Frederick B. Hurley, Jr., Deputy Commissioner Kenneth H. Elowe, Director, Bureau of Resource Management Richard Record, Director, Bureau of Administrative Services Tim Peabody, Colonel, Bureau of Warden Service Andrea Erskine Assistant to the Commissioner Advisory Council Richard A. Neal, Acton, Chairman Harold Brown, Bangor, Vice Chairman Millard A. Wardwell, Penobscot F. Dale Speed, Princeton Lila S. Ware, Skowhegan Russell E. Dyer, Bowdoinham Matt Libby, Ashland Don Palmer, Rangeley Ken Bailey, Camden Ellen N. Peters, New Gloucester Magazine Don Kleiner, Editor MAINE Fish and Wildlife (ISSN 0360-005X) is published quarterly by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St., Station 41 , Augusta, Maine 04333, under appropriation 010-09A-0529. Subscription rate is $9.95 per year.

Permission to reprint text material is granted, provided proper credit is given to the author and to MAINE Fish and Wildlife. Clearance must be obtained from artists, photographers and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work. Š Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 2000.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send both old and new addresses to: MAINE Fish and Wildlife Magazine, P.O. Box 1457, Yarmouth , Maine 04096. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to MAINE Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 1457, Yarmouth, Maine 04096.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Call 1-800-276-0883 Out of state call 207-846-9501 The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of 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 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 Design and Prepress by Harry Vanderweide and The Maine Sportsman

Summer 2000

Vol. 42, No. 3

Features Golden Eagles

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William T. Sands

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Comm. Lee Perry

Rare raptors soar in Maine's skies.

Editorial

Simple acts of courtesy preserve access.

Moose Changes

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Ken Allen

Hunting season alterations are being carefully studied.

Rangeley's Fisheries

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Trout and salmon thrive in this beautiful region.

Loon Plates

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Emily Stadler

These vehicle plates do wonders for wildlife.

Kidbits

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Join Lisa and Joey as they spend a day fishing .

Threatened Wildlife

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Bob Humphrey

The creatures most in need of protection in Maine.

Fish Inspections

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G. Russell Danner

Making sure Maine's Trout and Salmon are disease-free.

Maine Wildlife Park

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Al Lamanda

Vibrant and growing, it's highly educational.

Meet MOSES

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Ken Allen

The department 's new computerized licensing system .

About the Cover: Bull moose photo by Maine wildlife photographer Bill Silliker Jr. Summer 2000

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Golden Eagles ¡n Maine

Photos by

William T. Sands Only a single pair of golden eagles (Aquil chrysaetos) is known to nest in Maine and - for reasons unknown -they have not produced young for the last couple of years.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is keeping a watchful eye on the pair. The golden eagle is listed as endangered in Maine.

Two characteristics identify the juvenile golden eagle: the fine feathers that go down all the way to the toes and the white tail feathers with a dark band at the base. The white fades as the eagle matures, becoming completely dark.

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While they feed on carrion, golden eagles prefer such prey as woodchucks, foxes, skunks, rabbits, squirrels and bird~.

Summer 2000

Editorial

By Lee E. Perry, Commissioner Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Simple Acts of Courtesy Preserve Access It's a beautiful day - you're enjoying quality time with family, the natural setting and the fish and wildlife that abound in Maine. If you' re fortunate, you own the land and you do own the fish and wildlife that you are enjoying. For most people, days in the woods of Maine are spent on someone else's land, enjoying the public resources that are a product of that land.

Over the years neighbors have been good neighbors - sharing the land and allowing others to hunt, snowmobile, or hike on it or to cross it to fish, hunt or boat on public waters. Some charged fees to park in parking lots, or camp in their campsites, or use their roads, but access to the woods and water were reasonably accessible to all people for their use throughout the state.

People knew the people whose land they crossed or shared in common while in pursuit of fish, game and recreation. For the most part neighbors treated neighbors with courtesy and respect. Leaving the land as they found it, carrying out what they carried in, perhaps even cleaning up after someone else who was not quite as thoughtful.

Today land ownership is changing. We don't always know our neighbors or the people who use our land. We see the signs of a changing society - no trespassing, private property, no public access - and in the end, no hunting, no fishing, or no outdoor recreation as we know it.

As Maine's landscape changes we need to maintain the old values. Maine owns little "public land." While conservation groups actively seek to secure public access and land for the future, private land predominates and private landowners will continue to play an important role in fish and wildlife management and outdoor recreation in Maine. The simple courtesy of asking before you enter private property, treating the land with respect and saying thank you when you leave will go a long way toward preserving Maine's outdoor heritage.

If traditional values and relationships are not maintained, your beautiful days afield may be restricted to your own back yard. Please do your part as you enjoy a great summer outdoors.

MAIN E Fi sh and Wildlife

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6 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Summer 2000

When the modern Maine moose hunt began in 1980, the Legislature determined the number of permits and designated the hunting zone in orthern Maine. Without a doubt, this political body did a credible job with its responsibility, and indeed, the hunter success rate averaged over 90 percent.

Indeed, the continuing high hunter success rate caught the eye of traveling sportsmen with the means to hunt anywhere. They recognized the Pine Tree State moose herd offered one of the best big-game opportunities in the entire world.

The tough part of the hunt was getting chosen in the lottery - roughly one in 80 odd.

For several years, though, many outdoor leaders believed the Department hould manage the moose hunt because, after all, the Department paid wildlife biologists to manage this state's game and non-game animals. These professionals

had the expertise to finetune the hunt. In 2001, the Department will finally have full control of the moose season, and veteran observers of this state's outdoors scene look forward to the move.

Department management, though, doesn't mean wildlife biologists will exclude the public from the decision-making process. To help wildlife biologists and Department leaders, a public working group representing a geographical mix and variety of interests insures the Department receives valuable input from the private sector. Hunters, sporting-camp operators,

Proactive Approach to Wildlife Over 30 years ago, the Department approached the future of Maine's wildlife and fish resources with a dramatically new idea, one of the first states in the Northeast to attempt such a program. Biologists began by identifying the information needed to make sound management decisions, and then , they systematically collected the data. From these steps, they could develop sound, efficient strategies and regulatory proposals. This proactive approach has widespread acceptance now across the country in management of fish and wildlife species.

Maine's physical features helped spur the above approach .¡ Topography, geographical location , land-use practices and climate have created an incredible array of habitat and wildlife. From coastal flatlands to mountains, fields to woods, huge swamps to blueberry barrens , vast clear-cuts to dense, mature stands of forests, all these considerations force wildlife biologists to tailor different strategies for each corner of the state . (Wildlife Management Districts are one such example .)

Another all-important point: Maine lies at the northern extreme for many species such as cottontailed rabbit and the southern extreme for others such as Canada lynx, just to name two examples. Our geographical location gives the Pine Tree State an incredible variety of wildlife, which numbers over 375 species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The same rule holds true for plant life, too. We're at the northern extreme for such trees as white oak and at the southern extreme for many plants .

Scientists who manage our resources must consider this wide array of animals and habitat. In the next two years, MDIF&W biologists must prepare or fine-tune a strategic plan for 40-plus species with extremely different needs , including such species as moose , box turtles , bear, Tomah mayflies and whitetailed deer, just to name a few - a daunting task.

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guides, ecotourism leaders, conservation organizations, moose watchers and more contributed to recent plans for the 2001 moose season. This group offers a proactive rather than reactive approach, and several proposals guarantee to addre s problems that may occur in the future.

Also, group members have put forth ideas to address current concerns that need solutions.

Moose Season 2001 The public wor)cjng group recognizes complex issues have developed in the Maine moose hunt, which include hunter crowding, hunting safety, potential conflicts with other recreational users (hikers, anglers, bear hunters, bird hunters and tourists, particularly leaf peepers), meat quality, meat processing, season logistics for wardens and biologists, public outreach, harvest goals and quality of hunt.

The proposals for 2001 will clearly address many concerns, but it is important to note they are just that - proposals.

When the 200 I moo e-season proposal goes through the rule-making process later this year, the public will have plenty of opportunity for comment .

As permit numbers have increa ed for the moose hunt, crowding ha become a real problem, causing conflicts, particularly between moo e hunters them elves as we! I as between moose and bird hunter . Because of that, the public Summer 2000

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working group proposed two ideas to address the issue.

1) They recommend a two-week, split season to spread moose hunters over a longer time period. If adopted, the first week would begin on Monday following the end of the bear-baiting season in September, which normally would be the last week of September and in some years, run into the first two or three days of October. The last half of the season would occur in the second full week of October.

2) The hunting area would expand in the area north of Bangor and Down East.

Moose hunters have an impressive safety record in the past 20 yea.rs, so safety may not seem like an issue. Crowding could potentially create future problems, though, so spreading hunters into a twoweek season, expanding the hunting area and distributing permit holders into different Wildlife Management Districts

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MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Goals and Objectives The Department has specific meanings for the terms "goal" and "objective," a crucial point for understanding management strategies.

A Department spokesman said, "Goal is a general statement of the end result that management hopes to achieve. Objective means the specific level of achievement that management hopes to obtain toward fulfillment of that goal."

A football analogy clarifies the meaning. The coach's goal would be to win the game, but the objective throughout the game would be to score touchdowns.

(WMDs) address the safety issue before it develops.

To folks unacquainted with the north country, late September may seem like a poor time to hunt because it would

interfere with tourists viewing fall foliage.

However, during normal yea.rs in much of Northern Maine above Baxter State Park, fall foliage has declined significantly before the last week of September. Also, some anglers, hikers and other non-consumptive users besides leaf peepers do not want moose hunters in the woods at that time, interfering with their pursuits.

A real plus for the last week of September concerns lack of conflict with bird hunters. Grouse season opens October 1 so bird hunters wouldn't be in the woods at that time.

Another positive point for this week involves the framework of the bear hunt.

Hunting over man-placed baits has also ended, so most of the bear enthusiasts have gone home. The only ones left are folks with hounds, still-hunters and people sitting over natural baits such as beechnuts. These groups make up a small percentage of bear hunters.

The second full week of October arrives with colder weather, which appeals to many moose hunters. They need not worry as much about meat spoilage, and at that time, the only potential conflict is with bird hunters.

The split season also spread hunters as thinly as possible, certainly contributing to the quality of the hunt. This explains why the public working group and the Department have spent time and energy, coming up with that olution. No one wants crowds to ruin the thrill of chasing such a magnificent game animal in remote regions, particularly because of the long odds for being chosen for the hunt.

Summer 2000

Some Dissenters One point is important to note. No matter what time frame the Department chooses for the moose hunt, some people will be happy and others less so, depending on the year. Some autumns, a cold snap may make late September ideal for hunting and that same year, an unseasonable warm front brings 70-degree temperatures for the second week of October.

Bear and bird hunters may also complain, but the split moose eason will decrease user-group complaints.

Meat quality is a concern expressed by some people because after all, that's why many people hunt to fi 11 their freezers with healthy meat that unlike beef, lamb or pork is free of preservatives, hormones and antibiotics. The rut begins in late September, and as the days progress through October, bulls lose more and more weight. In short, a late October season might insure cold weather; however, meat quality would have deteriorated significantly from that of an earlier hunt.

The Maine Sportsman magazine conducts an annual survey of moose hunters, and in recent years, participanLs have complained about a problem that has grown with the increased permits.

There are not enough meat processors to handle all the moose. Splitting the season will help solve this problem.

The Department has proposed that the permits will conservatively increase to 3,500 to 3,800 to ensure a harvest that would begin to achieve management goals and objectives developed by the public working group. Also, a combination of MAINE Fish and Wildlife

any-moose and antlerless-only permits will be allocated as needed to meet population goals. Approximately half of the total permits will be issued in the first weekof the season and the remainder, including all of the antlerless-only permits, will be given out in the second week of the season. Antlerless-only permits will force hunters to shoot more cows, crucial for MDIF&W to meet goals and objectives for the harvest.

moose on the highway. Many of these same people personally know someone who has died in one of these accidents.

This has helped spur a proposed increase in the harvest in some parts of the State.

The working group also recommended issuing permits in Southern Maine as a means of regulating moose numbers and of reducing moose vehicle collisions. The preferred methods of achieving that objective would be to issue permits to hunt moose concurrent with the open firearms season on deer rather than with a separate moose-hunting season.

While the concept has merit, public acceptance of expanding moose hunting in southern and coastal sections of Maine is untested and will require public outreach before implementation. Because of that, the Department will not propose allocating permits in that part of the state for 2001. We may see this move in future years, though.

Public Outreach

The Department's objective would be to harvest x-number of moose, which helps reach a goal of having a herd compatible with the amount of habitat as well as with social considerations. In the latter category, one concern of most Maine residents involves vehicle-moose collisions. Many residents living in moose country personally know someone who has been injured after hitting a

Public participation is crucial to the success of the Department's management programs. This can be a tough job because sometimes the public may want something that is economically or physically unfeasible or worse yet, injurious to the resource.

Right now, the Department is involved with a planning process that will guide management activities for the next 10 to 15 years. Since June 1999, a Big Game Working Group has worked on developing goals and objectives that will guide the management of deer, bear, moose and coyote. The group consists of people from the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, Maine Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, chamber of commerce people from Bethel and Greenville, Maine Trappers Association, Lyme 's Disease Working Group, Maine Sporting Camp Owners Association, Maine Professional Guides Association and residents from four geographical areas of Maine. These members have attended more than 70 hours of meetings , often at their own expense.

In the future, additional public working groups will convene to develop management goals and objectives for other wildlife species.

Wildlife biologists draft goals and objectives that go to the Wildlife Summer 2000

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Advisory Council, which votes on the ideas.

"The Department put forth the moose season proposal after considerable debate by the public working group," said Sandra L. Ritchie, a wildlife resource planner for the Resource Management Bureau at MDJF&W. Initially, everyone in the working group supported the reccomendation. It is no longer supported by the Maine Sporting Camp Owner's Association or the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce.

10 MAI E Fish and Wild life

Final Step After the public working group arrives at goals and objectives, MDIF&W prepares or reviews biological management systems that offer a blueprint for documenting and evaluating information for making management decisions. This gives personnel the tools to appraise the present management strategy, develop new jobs if needed, and monitor the programs annually to ensure the Department is progres ing toward the objectives developed by the

public working group. This part of the management plan must impress the average sportsman because it clearly shows public input is important. Our wildlife resources are there for everyone, and this current system guarantee maximum use and benefits for all Maine people.

Attitudes Shift When an experimental moose season ran in 1980, 700 hunters with companions descended on the north woods and concentrated in a few selected areas, creating a problem of hunter crowding and overharve Ling in spots that attracted moose watchers.

In 1981, Maine had no moose season as MDJF&W and legislators evaluated the 1980 hun. and prepared for future years.

When the moose season resumed in 1982 with 1,000 permits with designated sub-permittees, a new regulation forced hunters to hunt in ju. lone of six zones that was determined in the lottery. This alleviated the crowding problem.

At the time, Maine's moose hunt was a huge media event, attracting national coverage on the evening news . This generated sympathy for ending the moose hunt, and at least one organization gave hunters a scare. The public eventually voiced its approval in a referendum, and part of the reason involved a growing problem - moose-vehicle collisions.

As the moose herd grew and spread south, vehicle collisions increased, and with this eventuality, public attitude changed about hunting this wary biggame animal. Non-hunters began feeling threatened by moose and have accepted the increase in permits far better than they would if a very real problem didn ' t exist.

The Department recognizes that moose are a great asset to the State of Maine. Through management, we hope to maintain a healthy population that will continue to bring enjoyment to Maine citizen and visitors. Moose also provide a significant contribution to the state 's economy. Wildlife associated recreation and hunting are important byproducts of a healthy moose population.

The Department wi 11 not manage for one opportunity to the detriment of another user group.

Summer 2000

Rangeley Lake¡

Rich Hist In its long and colorful history as a fishing destination, Rangeley Lake has evolved from the home of giant brook trout to a destination for great salmon fishing.

The Victorian-era hotels that housed the "sports" who traveled from New York and Boston by rail and buckboard in the 1800s are gone, replaced by private camps, hotels, sporting camps and a state park. Anglers have easier access to the lake today and trailer boats to Rangeley from all sections of Maine and beyond.

Rangeley Lake is one of several large lakes - including Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Upper and Lower Richardson Lakes, Aziscohos Lake, Parmachenee Lake and Kennebago Lake - that make up the headwaters of the Androscoggin River drainage. Of all these waters - and a host of smaller ones in the area Rangeley Lake is the only one with a substantial village on its shores. The lake itself is 6,000 acres in size - about six miles long - and lies among the hills and mountains that make Western Maine so attractive.

The township of Rangeley was settled in the 1820s and anglers traveled to Rangeley Lake as early as the 1840s specifically to fish for the giant brook trout. However, word of the large brook trout in Rangeley Lake did not escape to the outside world - through publication in the journals of the day - until the 1860s.

Once the word was out, anglers came by the score from urban areas such as Bo ton and New York. ln the absence of effective fishing regulations, the giant brook trout - eight-pound fish were reportedly common; several weighed over 12 pounds - were slaughtered. Catches of a hundred fish an outing - with weights of several hundred pounds - are reported in the early journals and in camp logs. At the same time, local people were taking both brook and blueback trout for their own consumption and for the MAINE Fish and Wildlife

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Portland and Boston markets.

Blueback Abuse Blueback trout. the forage fish on which brook trout grew so large, were taken in large quantities during their spawning runs into Rangeley Lake's tributaries. The first law protecting brook trout was passed in 1869, but bluebacks were exempted due to their food value to the local populace. By 1876, general fishing laws stipulated that trout fishing was closed from October 15 to March I; again, blueback trout were excluded. That same year, it was reported that one man caught 130-140 pounds of brook trout in September. It was not until 1880 that it became illegal to fish for blueback trout using nets, seines, weirs, or traps; nonetheless, their numbers began to decline in the 1890s. In 1899. it became unlawful to "fish for, take, catch, or kill blueback in any waters of the State at any time." Nonetheless, bluebacks were declared extinct from the Rangeley Lakes in 1905 (in fact, one final fish - the last recorded blueback - was caught the following year).

By the 1870s, the Rangeleys were well known and bu iness was booming at

the many hotels, lodges, and fishing camps that had sprung up in the area.

Transportation was by rail and stagecoach to the lakes, where steamboats were available. At this time, too, the famous Rangeley boat was developed. This double-ended lapstrake was a beauty to look at, rowed easily, and, in the hands of an experienced guide, provided access to the better fishing sites. By the mid- l 890s, rail service was available as far as nearby Mooselookmeguntic Lake, and eventually to Oquossoc, near Rangeley Lake's outlet.

The Giants Pass This fabulous brook trout fishing couldn't - and didn't - last. By the 1890s, it was evident that the number of giant brook trout in Rangeley and surrounding waters was declining. Too late, clubs imposed restrictions on harvest and gear. In addition to the excessive harvest of large brook trout, however, there were other changes that affected their wellbeing.

In 1875, landlocked salmon and smelts were introduced to the Rangeleys.

The first recorded salmon at Rangeley Lake was caught in 1887, though there is

a record of salmon being caught in the Richardsons as early as 1882. Smelt numbers increased dramatically in the mid J 890s, about the time that the bluebacks began to decline. By 1900, a magazine article reported that salmon fishing was fabulous at Rangeley Lake; no brook trout were taken. In 1905, the limit - for those fishing from boats was reduced to no more than two trout or salmon per day, with no greater than 15 pounds of trout or salmon. Salmon continued to grow at phenomenal rates, with fish up to 18.5 pounds being caught at Rangeley Lake.

Despite the demise of the large brook trout and the blueback trout, fish continued to be wasted. In 1908, a hotel owner on Mooselookmeguntic Lake said that "it was not uncommon to throw 1,000 pounds of trout and salmon to the hogs every morning during the fishing season ."

The first dam on the Outlet of Rangeley Lake was built as early as 1836, and driving dams were built on the outlets of the other Rangeley lakes in the mid 1800s, but were acquired and rebuilt after the Union Water Power

Summer 2000

Company was incorporated in 1878 with the purpose of raising and storing the waters of Rangeley, Mooselookmeguntic, and Richardson lakes "to augment the flow of water in the Androscoggin River for power and manufacturing purposes."

Regulation Begins In the early 1900s, additional regulatory restrictions were imposed, including the closure of Rangeley Lake's tributaries to fishing. The lake was closed to ice fishing, and remains so to this day. Although there is salmon reproduction in Rangeley's tributaries, the extent of habitat is insufficient to provide a satisfactory fishery, so salmon are stocked to supplement the wild population. The principal salmon spawning tributaries are Long Pond Stream and Dodge Pond Stream. Brook trout spawn in South Bog Stream.

The first fishery survey of Rangeley Lake was conducted by Dr. William C. Kendall in 1915. The resulting document, published in 1918, assessed the status of the fisheries and the effects of overfishing, introductions, and the construction of dams. He concluded that "where the indigenous fish is all that can be desired in game and food qualities to attempt to conserve or increase the supply, as need be, rather than to introduce others, the possible disastrous effects of which can not always be foreseen " should be the goal and concludes that "the suggestion now offered is that no other fish than the trout and salmon be planted in the lakes."

Perch Introduced Nonetheless, yellow perch were illegally introduced into Haley Pond in 1953, from which they quickly spread into Rangeley Lake and other waters downstream. As a result, all waters experienced a decline in the growth rates of salmon and brook trout. One of the most dramatic results of the yellow perch introduction was the severe decline in the smelt population, which Jed to the decline in salmon growth.

Landlocked alewives were introduced to Rangeley Lake in 1971 and 1972 to provide an alternative source of forage until the smelt population recovered. Salmon growth rates began to improve in 1973, but did not recover fully until the late 1970s when smelt abundance increased.

In 1939 a biological survey of the Rangeley Lakes was conducted by Dr. Gerald P. Cooper of the University of MAJNE Fish and Wildlife

trout fishery has never recovered. earby Mooselookmeguntic Lake now has an excellent wild population of brook trout despite the presence of yellow perch. The difference in the number of wild brook trout may result from the different physical characteristics of the two lakes. Mooselookmeguntic has extensive shallow shoals that provide excellent habitat for young trout, while more bowl-shaped Rangeley lacks this type of habitat. Nonetheless, there is opportunity for improving Rangeley Lake's brook trout population through stocking of larger, spring yearling brook trout. The feasibility of restoring habitat in South Bog Stream, the primary trout-spawning tributary, affected by Landlocks Jmpro\-ing forestry cutting operations within the During the last two decades, the drainage, will be investigated. salmon fishing has improved significantly Keeping Count at Rangeley Lake due to several factors.

Rangeley is one of our most pro1. Illegal introduction of yellow perch ductive lakes , and that productivity is had a tremendously negative effect on the lake. Perch numbers increased rapidly after reflected in the excellent growth rates their introduction, but eventually declined of its fish populations. However, at the end of the 1970s. salmon grow well only if there is an 2. The quality of hatchery-reared adequate forage supply of smelts. To salmon improved markedly about the same that end, Rangeley Lake is monitored time. Fish were healthier and larger at the annually by live-trapping salmon at the time of stocking, resulting in better suroutlet during the fall and by conducting vival and growth. There is now little naturseason-long angler surveys every secal mortality of salmon after they are ond or third year. This information, stocked. As a result, the annual stocking rate was reduced from I 0,000 in the 1970s coupled with aerial counts of anglers throughout the season, makes it possito the current 3,000 or fey.,er salmon per ble to estimate the number of anglers year.

3. More stringent regulations, such as fishing the lake, the number of salmon the one-salmon limit, resulted in fish surthey catch, number kept, growth rates, viving to older ages - and larger sizes. and age structure of the salmon.

4. Anglers deserve a lot of credit for These surveys, indicate from the quality salmon fishery that has develJ0,000 to 15,000 angler fish Rangeley oped at Rangeley. The number of legalLake, harvesting from 1.000 to 2,000 size salmon voluntarily released has salmon per year. Three-year-old almon increased steadily over the years; the are the most abundant, fish as old as majority of these fish live to grow to more age six and sometimes age seven are attractive sizes.

Of 186 salmon sampled at the seen.

5. As more salmon have survived to older age, the number of wild fish has also Outlet in the fall of 1999, the average increased. Though spawning habitat is not size was 19 inches and 2.7 pounds; the abundant in Rangeley's tributaries. the largest wa 23 inches and 5.4 pound . older fish seem to be making the most of This information is used to adjust what is present to produce more wild offthe stocking rates - and occasionally spring. regulations - to assure that the lake produces the best fishing possible. As a Despite the imposition of restrictive result, Rangeley Lake provides exciting regulations and many years of tocking, fishing for quality-size salmon . the once-famous Rangeley Lake brook Maine. Survey techniques had improved considerably since Dr. Kendall's survey in 1915, and extensive data on water quality and plankton were included in his report.

As¡ a result of his survey, Dr. Cooper recommended that tributaries be closed to smelt dipping and repeated Dr. Kendall's admonition that no additional fish species - coldwater, warmwater or baitfish species - be introduced.

Scientific management of the Rangeley Lake fishery began in 1957 with the initiation of the Rangeley Research Project, when the fish growth and longevity rates and movements throughout the system of lakes were monitored.

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MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Summer 2000

It is the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's responsibility to make sure our wildlife resources continue to thrive for future generations. The department cannot do this, however, without public support.

An estimate for state wildlife conservation funding needs is over $1 billion annually.

"The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife faces tremendous challenges to conserve declining wild life and dwindling habitats, while meeting skyrocketing wildlife conservation education and recreation demands - all on a shoestring budget," said Mark Stadler, Wildlife Division Director. On ly five percent of their budget can be dedicated to programs that focus on conserving nongame (non-hunted) species and habitat.

With the growing interest and concern for nongame and endangered wildlife resources, MDIFW has greatly expanded programs in these areas; including projects that focus on endangered species, songbirds, amphibians and reptiles, and invertebrates.

Funding for hunted wildlife comes from dedicated monies such as license revenue and federal aid.

Unfortunately, there is no . tate or federal revenue available to MDIFW for nongame wild life projects. Funding for these programs comes from sources such as the loon license plate, the Outdoor Heritage Lottery, and a checkoff on the state income tax form, known as the Chickadee Checkoff.

Opportunities like these allow people to voluntarily contribute to nongame and endangered wildlife management programs.

MAINE Fish and Wildllife

In 1994, the loon license plate was initiated. Sixty percent of the proceeds from these plates goes to the Department of Conservation's state parks program, while the remaining 40 percent is deposited into the Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, a special interest-bearing account from which money is spent for the conservation of Maine's nongame and endangered species. Loon plates are available for disability, car or truck, trailer, motor home, and commercial vehicles.

Residents pay $20 to register a new vehicle and then a $15 annual renewal fee for the conservation plate. The Department of Conservation receives $9 from the plate, while the remaining $6 goes to MDIFW. In 1998, MDIFW received revenue from the plate that added up to approximately $607,000, with I 08,397 registered vehicles.

In I 999, revenue was $622,059.20 with 111,082 plates registered. In the first five months of fiscal year 2000, MDIFW received $236,667 in revenue with 42,262 plates registered this year.

In 1999, a general issue plate, depicting a chickadee, was released. Since this release, loon plate sales have dropped l 9-20 percent in the first quarter alone.

"Loon plate money is critical to endangered and threatened wildlife projects.

Without these fund , our ability to address species needs is greatly compromised," said Mark McCollough, Endangered and Threatened Species Group Leader for the Department.

Developing partnerships with such organizations as The National Audubon Society, The Forest Society of Maine, Maine Audubon Society, Wagner Paper Company, The University of Maine, Champion International Paper Company, The Nature Conservancy and Maine's new

Outdoor Heritage Fund, enables MDIFW to spread out the loon plate revenue while backing more projects.

Projects currently funded in part from "loon license plate" registrations include: land acquisitions at Weskeag Marsh, Mt. Agamenticus, and the Kennebunk Plains; endangered and threatened species management and recovery programs to benefit such species as the piping plover, Tomah mayfly, rare dragonflies, songbirds, shorebirds, Lynx research; and the lead sinker exchange with Maine Audubon (turning in lead fishing tackle that is fatal to waterbirds for steel, tin, bismuth or plastic tackle instead). For more information on these projects, you can log onto MDIFW's website at: www.state.me.us/ifw, or request a copy of the Wildlife Division Research and Management Report for 1999.

Maine is poorer for having lost magnificent animals and birds such as the woodland caribou, sea mink, Labrador duck and great auk. Even songbirds we see at our feeders and in our backyards are suffering significant population declines; the American goldfinch has declined by 20 percent.

In the past 30 years, other birds, including the Eastern Meadowlark declined by 8 percent, black terns by 60 percent and American bitterns by 50 percent.

Once gone, we cannot revive extinct wildlife or destroyed ecosystems. We can however, help to conserve all the things that make Maine such a wonderful place to live. The Loon Conservation License Plate program does amazing things for Maine; by registering your vehicles with a loon plate, you can too!

Summer 2000 15

Lisa and Joey walk to water close to home. They drop their line in the water and wait.

Keep your line tight.

When the bobber goes under or starts to move around, jerk the rod towards you.

"That fish took my bait!"

:

16 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Fish can steal your bait without you knowing. ,, Check your line once in a while to be sure you still have bait.

"They're pretty sneaky. Hey. Someones • II coming.

Summer 2000

"Hey, the bobber went under!"

"Try to keep the line tight and the rod tip up. If your line is loose the fish can spit the hook out."

"Hi! I'm a Maine Game Warden.

How's the fishing?"

"Joey had a bite, but we haven't caught anything yet."

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

0 • 0

"That was fun.

Let's do it again!"

Summer 2000 17

whose populatio are in peril.

Headed by Dr. Mark McCollough , the T reatened and Endangered Species Within the Department of lnla oup works with species from a broad ra e oft e animal kingdom including isheries and Wildlife's Wildlife Resource Assessment Section is a -..i...,_ s, terr stria! and marine mammals, group dealing exclusively with species reptiles , amphibians, insects

18 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Summ er 2000

and other invertebrates like freshwater mussels. Their duties include endangered species listing, habitat management and protection, research and monitoring, and securing funding. Their overriding objective is to ensure all of these species remain with us for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Listing For eons, thousands - perhaps millions - of species have held temporary residence in Maine. We will likely never know just how many species have come and gone, victims of natural selection, climate changes and catastrophic events. We do know however, at least 14 species have been extirpated (made locally extinct) from Maine since European settlement. Recognizing the importance and value of wildlife to the people of Maine, the Legislature passed Maine's Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1975 to ensure protection of all wildlife in the state.

The Act charged the Department's commissioner with designating a species as threatened or

endangered when certain criteria of imperilment are met. In 1983, the Department established an Endangered and Non-Game Wildlife Project.

Among their responsibilities was preparing a list of species for proposed listing under the ESA. The first list, which contained 23 species, was adopted in 1986.

After reviewing the status of several other species through the midl 990s, 20 more were added in 1997 (Table 1).

This process was hardly arbitrary or casual.

Rather it required a

Table 1. Maine and Federally listed Endangered and Threatened species (as of June 10, 1997).

Maine Endangered Species Golden Eagle - Aquila chl)¡saetos Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus* Piping Plover - Charadrius melodus** B Roseate Tern - Sterna dougallii* Least Tern - Stema antillarum Black Tern - Chlidonias niger Sedge Wren - Cistothorus platensis American Pipit - Anthus rubescens B Grasshopper Sparrow - Ammodramus savannarum Maine Threatened Species Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus** Razorbill - Alea torda Atlantic Puffin - Fratercula arctica Harlequin Duck - Histrionicus histrionicus Arctic Tern - Stema paradisaea Upland Sandpiper - Bartramia longicauda Northern Bog Lemming - Synaptomys borealis Spotted Turtle - Clemmys guttata Blanding's Turtle - Emydoidea blandingii Box Turtle - Te"apene Carolina Black Racer - Coluber constrictor A Flat-headed Mayfly - Epeorusfrisoni Ringed Boghaunter (dragonfly) - Williamsonia lintneri Clayton's Copper (butterfly)- Lycaena dorcas claytoni Edwards' Hairstreak (butterfly)- Satyrium edwardsii Hessel's Hairstreak (butterfly)- Mitoura hesseli Katahdin Arctic (butterfly)- Oeneispolixenes katahdin Loggerhead Turtle - Caretta caretta** Swamp Darter (fish) - Etheostomafusiforme Tidewater Mucket (freshwater mussel)- Leptodea ochracea Yellow Lampmussel (freshwater mussel}- Lampsilis cariosa Tomah Mayfly - Siphlonisca aerodromia Pygmy Snaketail (dragonfly) - Ophiogomphus howei Twilight Moth - Lye/a rachelae Pir.e Barrens Zanclognatha (moth) 'Z.anclognatha martha Federally Listed Endangered or Threatened Species, currently or historically occurring in Maine but not listed under Maine's Endangered Species Act Eskimo Curlew - Numenius borealis*/?

Gray Wolf - Canis lupus*/" Eastern Cougar - Felis concolor couguai*/1 Right Whale - Eubalaena glacialis* Humpback Whale - Megaptera novaeangliae* Finback Whale - Balaenoptera physalus* Sperm Whale - Physetercatodon* Sei Whale - Balaenoptera borealis* Leatherback Turtle - Dermochelys coriacea* Atlantic Ridley Turtle - Lepidochelys kempi* Shortnose Sturgeon - Acipenser brevirostrum * American Burying Beetle - Nicrophorus americanus*/'?

Karner Blue - Lycaeides melissa samuelis*/'?

=

Black Tern

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

=

Note: * Federally listed Endangered Species: ? current presence uncertain in Maine ** = Federally listed Threatened Species; B = breeding population only.

(For the companion list of Endangered and Threatened Plants in Maine, contact the Maine Natural Areru Program, DOC, State House Station ~3. Augusta. ME 04333)

Summer 2000

19

thorough and comprehensive collection and analysis of available information for each species proposed for listing. Nor wa it final. Department staff continues to monitor and investigate the status of listed and un-listed species. While their duty is to list all species worthy of protection under the Act, their ultimate goal is to be able to eventually de-list as many species as possible.

Habitat Management and Protection A large part of the T&E Group's efforts involves habitat management and protection. Through land acquisition, voluntary cooperative agreements, conservation easements, permit review and regulation, they work with other groups and agencies like the Nature Conservancy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and local land trusts, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and private landowners to ensure the protection of sensitive wildlife habitats like bald eagle ne t site , piping plover and least and roseate tern nesting and feeding areas, and vernal pools, to name a few.

In addition to listing species, the Department is also responsible for de ignating Essential Habitat under the Maine ESA. At present, the Department has identified 320 bald eagle nest sites, nine piping plover and least tern nesting, feeding, and brood-rearing area and 21 roseate tern-ne ting areas as Es ential Habitat. Thi program has been an

20

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

unqualified success, not only in terms of species' response to habitat protection, but in demonstrating cooperative partnerships between state agencies, municipalities, and private landowners, thus avoiding land-use conflicts. Many owners of land containing Essential Habitat are pleasantly surprised to learn that the Department's restrictions are limited only to those activities that could directly impact endangered species.

Often, the land can still remain pro-

ducti ve and useful.

Through this group, the Department is a partner in a cooperative national and international network of Natural Heritage Programs that inventory and monitor the status of rare specie and ecological communities, track their locations, and facilitate site protection programs and conservation planning. Their primary tool is a Biological and Con ervation

Data System (BCD), a complex data system designed to track information on the status, life history, conservation needs, and occurrences of rare species and natural communities throughout the Country.

Studies and Monitoring The T&E group is involved in a number of ongoing research and management studies and routine surveys to monitor the status of imperiled species such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, grassland birds, colonial nesting eabirds, reptiles and amphibians, dragonflies and mussels. The list of species ranges from the large and familiar to the small and obscure and activitie vary from simple monitoring to intenive management and research.

The bird that probably most exemplifies endangered species to Mainers is the bald eagle.

For many years the Department has been monitoring the status of nesting eagles and examining factor affecting productivity. In 1998, they recorded 202 nesting pair and a productivity level of one fledgling per nest. Such a high level is more typical of eagle populations in other parts of the country, where contaminant level are lower and less likely to impair productivity. Unfortunately, it is this high contaminant load that has hampered local recovery efforts and ha biologists cautiously optimistic as Maine's bald eagle population near a level that may eventually merit deli , ting.

Another charismatic raptor f amiliar to many Mainers is the peregrine Summer 2000

falcon. Like those of eagles and other birds of prey, falcon numbers declined throughout much of the U.S. , largely the result of environmental contaminants like DDT and DDE. Fortunately, successful reintroduction programs have bolstered Maine's peregrine population. The process, termed hacking, involves taking young (4 - 5 week-old) peregrines raised in captivity to historic nesting sites. After being acclimated to their new environment, the birds are released at six weeks of age, though field technicians will remain for another five to six weeks to feed and monitor the birds. Since 1984, 144 young peregrine were released in Maine. In 1998, wild peregrines nested at eight sites, three of which were successful, producing a total of eight young.

Another species that has gained notoriety and spawned some controversy in recent years is the piping plover. This tiny, sand-colored bird of coastal dunes and beaches is listed as endangered by the tate a well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Dramatic declines in this species are largely the re ult of their habitat preference. Plover nest in coastal dunes MAINE Fish and Wildlife

and feed along beach fronts from South Carolina to Newfoundland, the same habitat so revered by humans.

Thanks to intensive management efforts involving beach closures, nest enclosures and predator control, and voluntary cooperation with landowners and municipalities, the population is showing signs of recovery.

The piping plover shares its range and habitat with another imperiled species, the least tern. These tiny seabirds resemble gulls in miniature and, like the plovers, nest along the sand and cobble beaches of southern Maine. Thus, they face the same dangers from human di turbance or destruction of nests or young by humans or predators like foxes, skunks, raccoons, crows, dogs and cats. Another major detriment to both species is habitat alteration from coastal development. The Department works closely with Maine Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy to monitor and protect both the terns and plovers.

The list of T &E species contains several reptiles, of which the spotted and Blanding' turtles are among Maine's rarest. Both prefer smaller ephemeral or permanent wetlands

including vernal pools and small ponds. Little was known about the status of either species until the Maine Amphibian and Reptile Atlasing Project, conducted in the 1980s. This effort ultimately led to publication of The Amphibians and Reptiles of Maine, which is now in its second printing. In several studies, done in cooperation with the University of Maine, biologists have monitored marked or radio-tagged turtles to gather information on nesting and hibernation sites, movements, population size and habitat use.

The T&E group also works with several invertebrates, which includes dragonflies, butterflies and moths, and freshwater mussels. One of the more fascinating is the Tomah mayfly. Once believed to be extinct, it was re-di covered in the Washington County stream that bears its name in the 1970s. Sometimes termed a "living fossil," this species has several unique characteristics including carnivorous young that prey on the young of other mayfly species. Despite the relative abundance of its required habitat, seasonally-flooded sedge meadows along large streams or rivers, it is found at only a few sites.

In 1992, the Department began a statewide survey to determine the status, abundance, and distribution of freshwater mussel . Currently only ten species are documented in Maine.

Two of the e, the tidewater mucket and the yellow lamp mussel were found in range and distribution sufficiently limited to be listed as threatened in Maine. Though most species are widely distributed, each has unique habitat requirements. Mussels face a host of perils including: pollution, dams and water control structures, channelization, dredging, sedimentation, and poaching of shells for sale to the Orient's pearl culture industry. Despite a relatively low Summer 2000 21

species variety, Maine appears to have some of the best remaining populations, and may represent a last stronghold for several rare species.

The T &E group is also actively involved in efforts to protect habitat used by a number and variety of both rare and common species. A prime example is their work with vernal pools. These seasonal wetlands provide required habitat for amphibians and reptiles including: four-toed, spotted and blue-spotted salamanders; wood frogs and spring peepers; and Blanding's, spotted and wood turtles. Using grant funds from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Non-Game and Endangered Wildlife Fund, and the Outdoor Heritage Fund, the Department, University of Maine, and Maine Audubon have conducted several studies of invertebrate and amphibian use of vernal pools in Maine.

Vernal pools are protected under Maine's Natural Resources Protection Act. However, seeing the success of voluntary cooperative agreements for deer wintering areas, the Department is following suit with vernal pools in seeking voluntary, not regulatory compliance for the protection of these important habitats. They provide citizens workshops throughout the state for landowners and managers, educators and land trusts. Cooperative efforts have also produced several documents including a "Citizen's Guide to Locating and Describing Vernal Pools," and a set of best management practices for forest management and development surrounding vernal pools is currently in the works.

In yet another example of cooperative efforts, the Department, The Maine Natural Areas Program, Champion, International Paper Company, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Forest Society of Maine, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the University of Maine Cooperative

22 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Extension recently completed the Champion Forester's Guide to Endangered Species. This pocket guide is designed as an aid for foresters and loggers involved in working on and managing lands for endangered species. It contains information on how to identify endangered and threatened plants and wildlife and their habitat, the range of these species in Maine, and includes management recommendations.

Funding Unlike other programs, which are funded by dedicated general funds and license sales, non-game and endangered species programs are funded primarily by alternative sources including: an income tax check-off, proceeds from the sale of loon license plates, the Outdoor Heritage Fund and federal funds.

These creative funding sources have been a boon to the non-game and endangered species programs, but their tenuous nature precludes long term secure funding and contributions have been waning in recent years.

The Chickadee Checkoff, which averaged $95,000 a year in voluntary contributions via state income tax returns, dropped dramatically to roughly half that amount in 1998.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of loon license plates goes toward non-game and T &E species work and sales have raised more than $500,000 annually. Maine currently has one of the highest participation rates in the country for conservation license plates (13 percent of eligible vehicles). However, adoption of a new chickadee plate may detract from those numbers in the future. Outdoor Heritage Fund lottery tickets generate somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.5 - 2 million each year and fifteen percent of those revenues are dedicated to T&E projects such as endangered species surveys.

The future of endangered species funding is not all gloomy however.

The U.S. Congress is expected to vote on a landmark piece of legislation this year known as the Conservation and Reinvestment Act. The bill calls for distribution of roughly $2 billion from federal Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas taxes to states for a variety of wildlife, conservation, and land acquisition programs. Maine's share is projected to be approximately $21 million, $3 million of which the Department would receive for wildlife programs.

Summer 2000

Maine's Salmonid Health Inspection Program

By G. Russell Danner MS, DVM, Fish Pathologist July 1999, in keeping with our primary mission to conserve, protect and enhance Maine's inland fisheries and wildlife resources, the Department adopted new salmonid (trout and salmon) health inspection regulations (Authorization 12 M.R.S .A. §7011 , 7035 and §7201 , 7202) .

The rules protect wild and farmed salmonid populations and apply to the culture and movement of live fish , eggs and milt. The rules establish salmonid health testing procedures and standards to permit the introduction

Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis virus: a viral disease associated primarily with salmonids that causes significant mortality among hatchery fish. The virus has also been isolated from a number of non-salmon id fishes.

The disease occurs worldwide. IPN has been reported in all species of trout and salmon. Acute infection occurs primarily in young, rapidly growing fish, 1 to 4 months old. Fish older than 6 months can also get the virus but the associated disease isn't usually fatal. Currently there are no effective treatments for TPN .

Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis virus: a viral disease of salmonids. The disease occurs on the west coast of North America from California to Alaska and inland as far as Idaho. IHN has also been reported in the Far East and throughout Europe.

Susceptibility to IHN decreases with age until the fish reaches sexual maturity.

Deaths are highest among fry and fingerlings, although natural outbreaks have been reported in older fish. IH is typically an acute disease that can quickly kill large numbers of fi h. Currently there are no effective treatments for lHN.

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus: or Egtved disease is a serious disease of hatchery fish, primarily rainbow trout. VHS occurs throughout Western Europe and recently has been located in western orth America. Outbreaks can involve fingerling to yearling rainbow trout and typically occur when water temperatures are I 0° or lower. Currently there are no MAINE Fish and Wildlife

of salmonids into Maine waters. This is to prevent introduction or spread of salmonid pathogens in Maine.

During the development of these regulations advice was solicited from private fish growers, academic researchers , technical , medical and scientific experts, as well as from regulatory agencies and public interest groups.

The regulations require that all salmonids reared in public or private hatcheries be screened for the following fish pathogens at least once per year:

effective treatments for VHS.

Oncorhynchus Masou virus: is an exotic viral disease that causes mortality in salmon fry and can induce tumors in survivors. The disease occurs on the islands of Japan. Currently there are no effective treatments for OMVD. Infectious Salmon Anemia virus:

Infectious salmon anemia:

a

serious emerging disease of hatchery fish.

The disease occurs in Europe and parts of northeastern North America. It has not been detected in Maine, but diseased fish have been found close to Maine's border. The disease causes mortality in young fish, and typically occurs in late summer. Atlantic salmon are primarily affected although research is currently being done on this virus. Currently there are no effective treatments for ISA.

Young fish are more susceptible to furunculosis than are older fish. Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat fish for furunculosis; however, septicemic fish are difficult to save.

Yersinia ruckeri: Enteric redmouth also known as Hagerman redmouth disease produces a systemic bacterial infection of fish, predominately found in rainbow trout. The disease was first detected in the l 950's from farmed rainbow trout in the Hagerman Valley of Idaho. ERM

Brown Trout with VHS

Renibacterium salmoni-

narum: bacterial kidney disease is caused by these small bacteria. Lesions in the kidney and other organs of infected fish characterize the disease. BKD has been detected in both free ranging and cultured salmonids. All species of salmonids are susceptible to BKD in vary ing degrees. Currently there are no comp letely effective treatments for BKD.

RBI & IHN displaying fecal pseudocast

Aeromonas salmonicida: Furunculosis is a serious, ystemic bacterial disease found principally in cultured salmonid species. It may also occur in some warrnwater fishes, including minnows and basses. A. salmonicida may be widespread in natural waters, however, a seasonal pattern of infection occurs with most disease occurring in warm months.

Furunculosis Summer 2000

23

is responsible for severe hemorrhagic infections in cultured salmonids throughout Canada and the United States. Other non-salmonid fishes and crayfish can harbor the pathogen with or without showing any associated disease. Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat fish for ERM; however, septicemic fish are difficult to save.

Myxobolus cerebralis:

Whirling

disease is a chronic parasitic infection of cultured and wi ld salmonids caused by the myxosporean parasite M. cerebralis.

The parasite has a specific tropism for cartilage. Infections can result with bone and nerve damage. Whirling disease probably originated in Europe, where it

The above pathogens are not the only disease-causing organisms of salmonids. There are hundreds, if not thousands , of fish pathogens in the world . It would be impossible to screen fish for every possible fish pathogen and largely unproductive. Instead, these pathogens have been selected, because they represent a specific threat to Maine's inland salmonid populations.

These pathogens have been identified by many fisheries organizations as of regulatory significance .

Maine's adoption of these fish health regulations makes us part of a worldwide fish disease containment and monitoring program.

In addition to screening all groups of salmonids for pathogens, fish health inspectors must certify fish are free of clinical signs of other diseases. This makes Maine's fish health inspections similar to veterinary inspections of other live agricultural products and pets.

It gives consumers a degree of assurance the fish they purchase won' t introduce pathogens into their private ponds and the adjacent environment.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife , the Department of Marine Resources, the Atlantic Salmon Commission , and the United States Department of Fish & Wildlife inspect their fish according to these regula-

was first reported in 1903 and now occurs throughout European countries. It was accidentally introduced into the Uni ted States around 1950. It currently has been found in 23 states. It has never been found in Maine, but poses a very significant threat to our natural brook trout populations.

tions. Some agencies are even more thorough .

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Governor's Office each provided grant funds to private fish growers after the adoption of these regulations to help grower's offset the initial cost of annual inspections. The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund has provided funding for three years to this program. A private fish health inspection laboratory, Microtech , Inc. in Richmond , Maine , is doing testing .

Individuals who purchase fish from private growers in Maine can receive a copy of the fish health inspection report along with their fish . In 1999, 700+ individuals requested permits for stocking of private ponds . Anyone intending to stock private ponds must complete an application from the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

Anyone who finds or catches fish with diseases in public waters is encouraged to contact the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife . Call the nearest regional biologist or the Department's Fish Health Laboratory (207-287-2813). The Department also provides information about fish pathogens on its web page at http ://www.state.me.us/ifw.

Private Maine Fish Hatcheries Pine Tree Trout Robert Marsh 1126 Main Street Sanford, Maine 04073 (207) 324-9664 email: pttrout @cyberwc.net fax: (207) 490-0249

Dunham's Pure Water Hatchery Bruce H. Dunham RR1 Box 1998 Phillips, Maine 04966 (207) 639-2815 email: marydunham56 @hotmail.com

Dead River Hatchery Evelyn S. Sawyer 339 River Road Arundel , Maine 04046 (207) 985-7957 emai l: pjs @cybertours .com fax: (207) 985-4519 24 MAINE Fish and Wildllife

Pierce Associates, Inc. Sonny Pierce PO Box 258 West Buxton , Maine 04093 (207) 727-5841

Pep's Trout Hatchery Paul S. Pepin 145 S. Waterboro Road Lyman , Maine 04002 (207) 499-7273 and (207) 4997770

Mountain Springs Trout Farm PO Box 32 Frenchville , Maine 04745 (207) 543-6887 email: mt_springs @nci 1.net fax: (207) 543-6887 Summer 2000

Maine Wildlife Park They' re coming by the thousands to see the bright new facility that's emerging

By Al Lamanda Eighty-two thousand visitors passed through the gates of the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray to picnic, wonder at the distinctiveness of Maine wild life and to learn.

As successfu l as 1999 was for the Park, this year promises to be even better. While remaining a place of serenity, the Park has evolved into a tool for educating ourselves on wildlife. For most of us, a visit to the Park is our only opportunity for a close encounter with such wildlife as black bears, coyotes, bobcats, lynx and even adult mountain lions.

Success, notwithstanding, it was only nine years ago the Park was threatened with closure. Poor attendance and state budget cutback had the Park on the chopping block.

From this darkest hour, the Friends of the Wildlife Park was born. Two local

businesswomen, Jeanie Adams and Sara Holman , . after reading about the pending closure in the newspapers, decided to do something. A petition to save the Park, then known as the Game Farm, was undertaken.

Sixty to 70 signatures were required to send the ,:.. petition to Augusta.

To everyone's surprise, 30,000 people signed the petition to keep the Park open. When 30,000 voices speak, they are generally heard. Budget meetings were held, funds to keep the Park open were allocated, and a bill was even passed to ensure the future of the Park. A raise in gate fees, then collected on the honor system, would offset operational costs and help make the Park selfsufficient.

However, this was far from a happy ending.

There was still plenty of work to do. On May 8, 1991 , the first meeting of the Friends of the Wildlife Park was held with lO volunteers in attendance, along with Dave Wilbur, Park superintendent.

From that first meeting, the volunteer corps has grown to more than 100. Marjorie Traub Winslow was elected president of the Friends and served in that capac- Top: First Prize, Plants - Cynthia Curtis. ity until 1993 when Joe Middle: 1st Prize Kids - Katharine Armstrong.

Jones assumed the role Bottom: First Prize, People, Maryann he sti II holds.

Robinson. At left, First Prize, Animals, Who are these volunteers, and why do they Cynthia Curtis.

Park photo contest winners:

MAINE Fish and Wild li fe

Summer 2000

25

from people and corporations swelled the fund. In 1995, a sales trailer was constructed with proceeds contributing to the bear fund. Various PARK fundraisers were held and private donations continued to roll in . By Robinson has assumed the role of Snack Shack manager, a task she has taken to 1996, the Friends were able to donate $25,000 of the $75,000 needed for new heart. To date, more than $20,000 has pens . With fanfare and a dedication cere- been raised through Snack Shack promony, the bears moved into their new ceeds. In addition to snacks and soft home . drinks sold at the shack, Maryann is Not content with this accomplishorganizing a Friends cookbook that will ment, the Friends began a fund drive for be for sale at the shack with all proceeds new raptor cages. In 1997, six new benefiting the fund raising cause. If you cages for raptors were constructed at a have a fami ly recipe you would like to cost of $16,000. share, bring it to the Snack Shack on Since then, your next vi it to the Park. improvements for Joe Jones, President of the Friends is furbearers, begina retired Navy Lt. Commander. After his ning with the coy- retirement, an interest in flowers led to a otes have been venture into the flower business in started. At a cost California. It is no small coincidence of $15,000 per that he raises the flowers for the seven pen, this is a beautiful gardens that adorn the Park. $90,000 commitSpace doesn't allow a complete listment. Much of ing of the accomp lishments of the that money will Friends, nor the many goals they have come from profor the future at the Park. Suffice it to say ceeds raised at the funds are desperately needed to reach the new "Snack next level.

Shack."

If you would like to become a member of the Friends, but live out of reach, Built in 1998 or like most of us, can't find the time, with donated materials and volyou can still make an important contribuunteer labor, the tion by subscribing to the Friend Snack Shack is newslelter at a cost of $5. Call Joe Jones For information or reservations visit us on the web ¡ staffed by Friends at 207-657-2304 for more information. who toil at all www.GreatNorthernPaper.com Whether it's your first or hundredth 1-877-6-CABINS (toll free) hours to ensure its visit to the Park, this special place offers or Call: 1-207-723-2105 (local residents) success. Recruited you the opportunity to enjoy and learn by her daughter, about our unique and precious, Maine Friends Vice wildlife. We must ensure now that this President Brenda, gift is there for the next generation to PAPER , INC .

Maryann celebrate.

serve so faithfully? For the most part, the Friends is composed of people from all walks of life, both young and old, who share a common bond: a deep devotion to Maine wildlife and the Park.

While the number one goal of the Friends is fund raising, they cross over into many diverse duties. Some collect gate fees at the entrance, while others act as tour guides and roving rangers, plant flowers and operate the Park's Snack Shack. On a busy Saturday, there is a good chance the only Park affi liates you will encounter will be volunteers. Even groups such as the United Bikers of Maine got into the act by constructing the eagle pen as far back as 1991.

Even with all this, the Friends remain basically focused on fund-raising, a job they do that exceptiona ll y well.

In 1993, a fund drive was started to build new bobcat and lynx cages. In 1994 the cats were moved to their new homes. In 1994, a "That's for the Bears" fund began, kicked off with a Friends of the Wildlife Park golf tournament.

Throughout the year, private donations

r========================;i

Great Northern Cabins A Wilderness Experience in our Working Forest

ÂŁM~thcttwor4 in the Katahdin Region

26 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Summer 2000

By Ken Allen

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has worked quietly, but feverishly, on an exciting new way to purchase licenses , registrations and permits, a significant advance for Maine's sports folks . the Department calls the system MOSES, an acronym from Maine Online Sportsman 's Electronic System .

Scheduled to be completely in place by Dec. 1, 2001 , MOSES stores data in one central location, and the information includes 1) license, registration and permit history, 2) hunter-safety figures, 3) revocation records and 4) customer demographics. This enables licensing agents, game wardens and other officials to have instant recall for better servicing customers, a huge step in making life easier for Maine's sportsmen and women.

Many of us who have run into problems with the present, woefully antiquated , mainframe-computer system can quickly see the advantage of MOSES. In the past, access to information in the mainframe required a telephone call during office hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday to retrieve data. With MOSES, high-volume agents such as L.L. Bean , Kittery Trading Post, cities and large towns can connect directly to the central database over the Internet via personal computers. With such capabilities, agents can easily check information

that will better service customers .

For example , a resident hunter shopping at L. L. Bean may want to buy a hunting license , but needs to show proof that he has held a Maine hunting license at least once since 1976 or has co_mpleted a hunter-safety course , a requirement before buying a new one. This customer may have forgotten to bring his old hunting license or hunter-safety card , so w:::,uld have been out of luck in the past.

Now, the sales clerk can log onto the central database and verify the customer indeed held a previous Maine hunting license. If a non-resident hunter had bought a Maine hunting license in the past, that information will be there also. Lower volume agents will have a CD with customer

• • • • • •

information from the central database that they could pop into a personal computer. The CD will be updated once a day with current information by connecting to the central database via the web or a phone line. Sales from across the state would be recorded with in 24 hours.

Sounds Too Good MOSES is one of the few examples you 'll find in life that sounds too good to be true for customers, but nevertheless, it is true - a win-win situation for customers, agents and the Department For starters , the system will offer one-stop shopping capabilities. In the past, customers couldn 't always buy certain permits or licenses from all agents. (An agent in Southern Maine might not have bear licenses .)

Multiple hunti ng-and-fishing licenses will be on a single piece of paper with no stamps , and customers can apply for special permits at the time of the purchase .

Replacement of lost or destroyed licenses will be a snap. An angler might buy a fishing license in Augusta and lose it while on a trip in Rangeley.

With MOSES, an agent in that small hamlet can quickly check the central database and reissue the license . No longer will sports fo lks have a problem of receiving two licenses for the same activity, common when people receive a license for a gift after they had bought one. Temporary registrations wi ll be obsolete because the agent can issue a permanent reg istration on

GUIDED FLY FISHING & INSTRUCTION FAMILY VACATIONS MOOSE, LOON, WILDFLOWER FIELD TRIPS SCENIC PLANE RIDES HUNTING. FISHING ICE FISHING, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Located in Allagash Wilderness Region north of Baxter State Park. Fullservice lodge, seven log cabins on Haymock, Spider, and Cliff Lake (T8R11, T9R11, T9R12). American Plan or Housekeeping. Indoor plumbing available.

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(MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) P.

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OPEN YEAR ROUND

0. Box BFG. PATTEN ME 04765

207-528-2855

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CAMP ASSOCIATION

MAINE Fish and Wild life

Summer 2000 27

the spot. Furthermore , you can buy a license directly on the Internet.

Agents will enjoy MOSES' advantages, too. They need not inventory preprinted forms , deal with tedious, manual reporting , worry about annual account balancing or spend as much money on postage . They'll be able to electronically transfer payments, sell licenses and registrations more easily and quickly and have the system calculate fees. No longer will the customer and agent have a problem because the correct form such as a bear license isn't on hand. Also, the customer no longer needs to provide proof of hunter-safety information, license history or revocation alerts because it will be on the database.

The Department also benefits greatly from MOSES, beginning with financial considerations. After spending $2.5 million to put MOSES in place, the Department will be able to run the new system for less money

than the old one . Another plus concerns revenues from license , registration and permit sales . This money goes to the Department within 10 days, a huge improvement from past years when money trickled in months later. Also, mailing costs will be reduced significantly. Printing costs have increased greatly over the years, but now, agents will use far fewer preprinted forms than in the past.

There will also be better agent account control and management.

Immediate access to DIF&W records on license and registration information helps law enforcement as well as helping customers replace lost licenses.

MOSES will also help the Department make more money, which benefits programs across the state. Here's how: Knowledge of customer demographics helps the Department better plan advertising campaigns targeted to geographic

areas, age groups, gender and user information. For example , do highpopulation areas such as eastern Massachusetts buy Maine hunting and fishing licenses? If so, what resources in the Pine Tree State attract them the most, deer, bear, bass or salmonids? What age group comes to Maine from that region?

Answers to these questions lead to successful advertising strategies. No longer will ad campaigns be hit-ormiss affairs.

Homework Done When the Department decided to adopt MOSES, they randomly surveyed 2,500 license holders to see what customers wanted . Most resident respondents preferred buying license::. from municipal agents, but non-residents opted for purchasing licenses from local retailers , over the telephone or via the Internet. In the near future , though , you can bet your 401 K that residents will see the

Maine Fish & Wildlife

OUTDOOR ROSTER !

. KENNEBAGO RIVER KAMPS

North of Rangeley between Kennebago Lake Your Hosts Olive & Dean Paisley Registered Maine Guide Bear - Deer - Moose - Coyote Phone 207-444-5379 Eagle Lake

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Write : Kennebago River Kamps, R. Hammond PO Box 677, Rangeley 04970 207-864-2402

To arrange for your advertising to appear in this listing, contact:

on FISH R IV ER LAK E Northern Maine's Last Frontier Portage, Maine 04768

28 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

George Pulkkinen Maine Fish & Wildlife Magazine PO Box 1457, Yarmouth, ME 04096 Telephone: 1-800-276-0883

Phone 207-435-6156

Summer 2000

advantage of doing business over the Internet. Over 60 percent of the survey participants own personal computers , higher than the national average.

This is a plus for an agency headed toward computer sales.

The Department also surveyed 100 percent of the agents, and nine out of 1O of them favored the automated license and registration system .

Ninety-seven percent have telephone access at the sales location , and 93 percent favor electronic transfer of DIF&W funds. Many agents have personal computers already or plan to buy one within a year. Three-quarters of them approve of restructuring agent fees , based on the amount of work necessary to complete a transaction .

The new system would save agents considerable time and money, so it's understandable why they are enthused with it.

Time Schedule The State of Maine's HoneywellBull Mainframe Computer, over a quarter-century old , will be shut down on June 30, 2001 . Because of that, Department has been on an aggressive schedule to get online . On that

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day in 2001 , large-volume agents will sell licenses electronically, and the small-volume agents will be online by With the present system for purchasing licenses, registrations and permits, problems occasionally developed between customers and agents that created hard feelings sometimes a public-relations nightmare. For instance, have you ever needed a stamp for a season such as muzzle-loading for deer, but the agent had none available? Have you needed a bow-hunting license for the season opener the following morning, but the town office had already sold the last one? Have you needed a hunting or fishing license the following day and your town office was closed, and the nearest alternative agent was a long drive away? Have you ever wanted to apply for a turkey, moose or anydeer permit the day you bought your hunting license? Many of us can relate to these problems, especially the last one. Some of us can add more questions. MOSES will solve most of these dilemmas.

Dec. 1, 2001 .

"Without a new licensing and registration system ," said Vesta Billing, director of Licensing and Registration , "The Department is out of business ."

This sounds serious, but the time schedule is moving nicely toward a successful completion . Fifteen states now use automated telephone sales technology and five states have automated Internet sales for customers.

At the moment, Maine's DIF&W accepts applications on the Internet, but it fulfills the sales with manual labor, resulting in more work and effort than a regular sale.

MOSES has a cute caricature in red-and-black woolen plaid to represent the system , and his name is appropriately called "Moses." The little guy's task is simple, too , as a Department brochure says. "His job is to guide Maine into the 21st century with a convenient, cost-effective license, registration and permit system ."

Lots of folks at the Department are working hard right now to make this innovative, positive step happen in the next several months.

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utdoors~ Woman </3ishopl t~oocl c¡cnnp on [gkr! Nleg1inlicook Hope, Maine

This workshop is primarily aimed at women 18 years and older interested in learning or honing outdoor skills in firearms , range safety, fly fishing , canoeing , sea kayaking , herbal and medicinal plants, map and compass , whitetailed deer hunting , hiking and backpacking and much more .

Workshop fee : $180. Includes instruction in all sessions, program materials, use of equipment, all meals and lodging. Some funds are available for partial financial assistance.

f1n1itecl to 100 participants.

Call 207-287-8000 for a full brochure and application.

{{_eg:istral io, i cncls.J[ug'Llsl 2-5 Sponsored by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Warden Service Association

MA INE Fish and Wi ldlife

Summer 2000 29

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PET DOORS Weathertight (they seal tight all around) Super Quiet • Safe • Easy to Install Sizes for any dog or cat

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FOR SPORTING 8 PET BREEDS e-mail or Call f or a FREE color brochure

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Signed limited-edition prints by Tom Hennessey, Arthur Taylor, Terry Redlin, Persis Clayton Weirs, Roger Blum, Susan Jordan

W1ng~ Authorized dealer for Wild Wings Hadley House Applejack

Ph & Fax 207-947-1227 e-mail: rivercitygallery@earthlink.com

Seen enough monster Maine bucks yet?

If not, subscribe to the Maine Big Game Magazine and see more trophy deer, bear and moose-and read the exciting stories from the hunters who harvested them!

MAINE BIG GAME MAGAZINE has dozens of first hand hunting tales each issue with exciting color photos .

One year subscription : :$15.50 (four issues) Two year subscription : $30.00 (eight issues ) Send check/ money order to : Maine Big Game Publications 36 Ames Road- Dept. FW Dove r- Foxcroft , ME 04426 (207-564-7614)

30 MA~E Fish and Wildlife

HUNT BIRDS YEAR ROUND!

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ROME, ME

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Malcol m Charles, Registered Maine Guide

PHEASANTS • QUAIL • CHUKAR PARTRIDGE Over 200 Acres of Upland Bird Cover

HUNT OR TRAIN YOUR DOGS OVER LIVE BIRDS Full or 1/2 Day Hunts • Up to 4 Hunters Per Group Guided hunts with a Maine guide and dog available

FOR MORE INFO CALL 207-397-HUNT(4868) e-mail : pointers@tdstelme.net

;Nebsite: www.mint.net/pointersrun

Summer 2000

HOMEOF1HE

ATLANTIC SALMON The Main Southwest Miramichi River HOWARD, N.B. CANADA

• 4 Salmon Pools • Accommodations Our main lodge and two and three bedroom cottages are finished in pine and cedar. All facilities provide a magnificent view of our salmon pools. Meals are customized to your taste. Home-made breads, rolls, pies and donuts are our specialty.

Individual instructional casting sessions available at no extra charge. Satellite TV, Fax and e-mail connections available.

• Rates Package includes lodging , meals, housekeeping, use of four private pools, guide services and day canoe trips . The charge is $165 US/day/angler during April , May, June, July, August. In Sept. and Oct, the charge is $220 US/day/ angler.

Since 1946 we have provided superb, personalized service to anglers as they enjoy exclusive use of our well equipped lodge, cottages , and four productive, private pools.

•

• Guides Our guides are experienced, skilled and , congenial.

• Travel Arrangements We are located 70 miles northeast of Fredericton , 35 miles southwest of Miramichi City. Highway travel time from Bangor, Maine is 4-1 /2 hours. There are airports in both Fredericton and Miramichi City, and in Moncton. We will pick you up.

• Reservations can be made by calling or writing: Martyn Vickers 122 Winthrop Street Augusta, ME 04330 207-623-4879 vickers@gwi.net

Visit our website at www.miramichisalmon.com MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Summer 2000

31

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With over 60 years of experience, and three levels of the most extensive selection of outdoor equipment and clothing, we're sure to have what you need to make your hunting or fishing experience enjoyable and successful.

We have the largest selection of top quality firearms, ammunition, reloading equipment, components, scopes and accessorie on the east coast!

Our archery department features a full line of compound and recurve bows as well as crossbows, arrows, target , tree stands and accessories for both hunters and target shooters.

Our fishing department caters to saltwater and freshwater fishermen , including an extensive selection specificalJy for the fly fishennan. In addition to our diverse selection of rods, reels and lures, we stock dowruiggers, electric moto1 -, electronic fish finders, canoes and all the accessories. ®

Open Daily 9-9, Sundays 10-6 Rte 1 Kittery, ME • 207-439-2700 • 1-888-KTP-MAI E (587-6246) • www.kitterytradingposc.com