Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Spring 2001

Maine State Library

Maine State Documents Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

3-1-2001

Maine Fish and Game Magazine, Spring 2001 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, Spring 2001" (2001). Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine. Book 50. http://digitalmaine.com/ifw_magazine/50

This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at Maine State Documents. It has been accepted for inclusion in Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Magazine by an authorized administrator of Maine State Documents. For more information, please contact statedocs@maine.gov.

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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 Ellen N. Peters, New Gloucester Millard A. Wardwell, Penobscot F. Dale Speed, Princeton Russell E. Dyer, Bowdoinham Matt Libby, Ashland Don Palmer, Rangeley Ken Bailey, Camden Don Kleiner, Editor (ISSN 0360-005X) MAINE Fish and Wildlife 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 the Department.. Clearance must be obtained from artists, photographers and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work. Š Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 2001 .

Features Editorial

4

Comm. Lee Perry

Fish and wildlife play an important role.

Maine's 'New' Wildlife 5

Tom Seymour

Changing conditions are bringing new animals here.

Endangered & N ongame 10

George Matula, Jr.

Great progress, but much more needs to be done.

Toxins Update

14

Ken Allen

State.officials walk a tightrope on concerns.

Kidbits

Lisa Kane

The vocabulary that defines endangered wildlife.

Measuring Rivers

Forrest Bonney

Volunteers making a big difference in Department's study effort .

Leavitt WMA

21

Management area contains 6,500 acres of upland habitat.

Gobbler Basics

Phil Bozenhard

CHANGE OF ADDRESS : Send both old and new addresses to 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

Technology comes to the sale of Maine hunting and fi shing licenses.

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

About the Cover: Sunny Overlook by Rollie Brandt.

Courtesy of Wild Wings (www.wildwings.com)

How-to advice for success with Maine's spring trophy bird.

Here Comes MOSES

26

Spring 2001

3

Editorial

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

Time for an Upgraded Department Fish and wildlife play an important role in the lives of Maine people. Maine ranks near the top of the list nationally when comparing the percentage of people who participate in hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife related outdoor recreation. But fish and wildlife provide more than a source of enjoyment and recreation. A University of Maine report published in 1998 estimated that fish and wildlife related recreation contributed over $1 billion dollars in economic output, $342 million in payroll, 17,680 jobs, and $67 million in sales and income tax revenue. Clearly, Maine's quality of life and its economy are strongly influenced by the diversity and abundance of fish and wildlife that inhabit our state.

By law, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is the state agency responsible for the conservation and enhancement of the state's inland fisheries and wildlife resources. Maine has had laws protecting its fish and wildlife since becoming a state. Although the mission of the Department has always included protection of nongame species, there has been a continual shift in the focus of the Department from that of the state agency concerned mostly with the administration of laws dealing with hunting and fishing to a Department with considerable responsibility for the preservation and enhancement of all the inland fisheries and wildlife resources of the State.

As the responsibilities of the Department have evolved over time, so has the method of funding fish and wildlife protection and management activities. Prior to its formal establishment as a Department, fi hand wildlife law enforcement was funded with state appropriations and money received from fines. In 1929, the concept of dedicating funds to the Department for specific programs was establi hed at the state level. Federal laws were enacted which further strengthened the concept of dedicating funds to fish and wildlife management. The first of these, the Wildlife Restoration Act passed in 1937, apportioned federal taxes on firearms and ammunition to each state on a matching basis to supplement wildlife restoration activities. By 1944, all monies collected by the Department from fines and licenses were transferred to the Department for its operation.

During the 1970s, the Legislature enacted several laws that clearly broadened the Department's functions. The name of the Department was changed from Inland Fisheries and Game to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Laws pertaining to endangered species and non-game wildlife were enacted which clearly established that the Department was expected to protect, maintain and enhance all fish and wildlife species in the state as well as their habitat. Similar legislation was passed by Congress promising the expansion of a highly successful state and federal sport fish and wildlife restoration program to include all species.

Unfortunately, reliable, continuing financial support for fish and wildlife habitat and non-game species conservation has not developed. At the state level a voluntary income tax donation program (the chickadee check-off), a special vehicle registration option (the loon plate) and a special lottf'..ry ticket (Heritage Fund) were enacted to support new programs. At the federal level, there has been no reliable funding for non-game species and limited funding for threatened and endangered species. Although the Department is responsible for all fish and wildlife, less than 5% of its revenue is dedicated to programs that focus on conserving non-game species and their habitat.

Since 1975, the Legislature has conducted at least seven studies to attempt to determine whether the Department had adequate funding to meet its statutory obligations. Each of these studies recognized the need for additional funding to meet operational needs and to re pond to its expanded respon ibilities. Through the cooperative and supportive efforts of the Legislature, Governor and Department, the Department's financial status has been improved for the short term . However, to date we have not established

4 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Spring 2001

an assured source of funding for programs to protect fish and wildlife.

In June 1999, Governor King signed a bill establishing the Citizen's Advisory Committee to Secure the Future of Maine's Wildlife and Fish. The Committee, composed of 24 members representing a broad spectrum of Maine outdoor enthusiasts, legislative leaders and state agencies, was charged with examining future needs and recommending ways to insure the future of Maine's fish and wildlife heritage. The Citizens Advisory Committee has recognized that fish and wildlife are at risk, recommended new funding for expanded programs and proposed a specific financing strategy involving a combination of sales tax and traditional dedicated revenue sources.

So, what's different this time? Why should the outcome of this latest report be different? We are dealing with more than a perception that the public desires a more balanced effort between game and non-game programs or a concern that anglers and hunters are providing more than their fair share of funding for fish and wildlife conservation. These needs and inequities have been documented.

In recent months we have been involved in debate and faced with increasing challenges over management of species that some consider to be threatened or endangered. A lack of resources has not allowed the Department to conduct necessary fish and wildlife population monitoring and provide appropriate protection or respond to various proposals with scientific data.

Unfortunately, decisions can not wait until information is developed. Consequently, decisions are made on available information, which may be incomplete or nonexistent. These decisions may adversely affect not only fish and wildlife management and related recreational activities but people's livelihoods and Maine's economy as well. This approach is not in the best interest of our fish and wildlife resources and it is not in the best interest of Maine people.

Think of the Department in terms of a half-ton pickup. We have been driving a l 940's model. We have maintained it. We've tinkered with it to gain the highest efficiency; and we've added accessories allowing us to can¡y and haul more. It did a great job hauling its maximum load. Now the load exceeds carrying capacity every day. The structural engineers say it's no longer safe the load is at risk as well as the safety of others on the highway. Perhaps it is time to upgrade to a one ton model - nothing fancy, just one big enough to do the job that Maine people want us to do.

The Department is required to do an ever-expanding amount of work, ranging from keeping snowmobilers safe to ensuring that freshwater fisheries are productive. (Mark Latti photos) MAINE Fish and Wildlil'e

Spring 2001

5

By Tom Seymour Motivated by a legion of natural and manmade influences, a host of wild creatures have moved into Maine, some through natural immigration and some through introduction or reintroduction. Range maps of birds and mammals are like amoebas, pulsating, lengthening and widening. Change is the norm in nature; nothing is static, nothing remains the same for long.

Consider, for instance, the fossilized remains of marine animals in northern Maine. Once, ocean waves lapped the primeval shores within a stone's throw of Mt. Katahdin. Corals, sponges and a host of shellfish thrived in what i now "the northern Maine woods." But the sea withdrew and the animals are gone, leaving only a legacy in stone to proclaim that they once existed.

Opossum, Dide/nhi r1cr ' ,,inli Opossums are a recent immi grant to Maine; filterin g in from the south . A unique mammal, opossums have certain distinguishing features that set them apart fro m any other North American mammal .

Opo sums are the only marsupials o n the continent. The young are born early and complete their development in the furry pouch on the mother's bell y.

A bout the size of a ho usecat, opossums are light gray in color, have fi ve toes on each foo t, with an opposable in ide toe on each of the hind feet. The naked, caly tail is prehen ile; it can wrap around tree branches. Ameri can fo lklore pictures opo sums a hanging by their tail, leeping complacently.

The fa miliar term "pl aying ' possum " is derived fro m the opossum 's habit of avoiding attack by fe igning death and emi tti ng noxious odors. Young opos um

6 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Opossums and bobwhite quail, creatures normally associated with more southerly climes, have establi hed themselves here in ufficient numbers to warrant open hunting sea ons. Wild turkeys, reintroduced over 20 years ago, are common sights in fields and along roadsides in much of Maine.

Our changing climate is most assuredly a contributing factor to the northward trek of the various wildlife species. Human activities, too, have served to welcome new wildlife to our state. Development of farmland, the spread of the suburbs and along with it, the increase in numbers of people who maintain bird feeders, all are factors in attracting new species of birds.

Maine's new wildlife species will quickly assimilate, and in time, will no longer be considered new.

But surely as the sun rises and sets, others will follow.

sometimes hitch rides o n their mother 's back, tails entwined with the parents'.

Oposs ums are omni vores and are equally fo nd of insect , earthworms, vegetables, fruit and caiTio n. Like raccoons, opossums raid trashcans.

The slow-mov ing opos um does not

hibernate in winter, but becomes sedentary.

And, as if opossum were not already odd-looki ng, sometimes indi vidual lose all or part of their ear and tail s to fros tbite.

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Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Turkey vultures have been seasonal Maine residents since around 1980. Each spring, the giant, soaring carrion-eaters follow closely behind the retreating snows, feasting on winter killed deer and

turkey vultures locate carrion and descend to feed, others soon join them from outside the range of human vision.

Besides haunting our highways, turkey vultures frequent farm regions, where they devour discarded, dead farm animals and glean grains of corn from manure piles.

Northern Cardinal Cardinalis "ardi "ali \'

Bill Silliker Photo

devouring fresh roadkill. Because of their great size (turkey vultures have a wingspan of almost six feet) , the vultures were often mistaken for eagles. Now, turkey vultures are common and abundant, familiar sights to all who drive on Maine highways.

The turkey vulture immigration i variously attributed to a warmer climate, more highways (thus more roadkill) and a growing deer herd.

Turkey vultures have a naked, red head, perfect for cleanly eating dead animals. The vultures are easily spotted as they soar high overhead ; they hold their wings in a dihedral , or "Y" shape. When viewed from beneath , the primary feathers are easily distinguished because of their I ighter color.

Turkey vultures have remarkable vision. When one or two MAINE Fi sh and Wildlife

The first confirmed breeding of northern cardinals in Maine was in 1969. Since then, this brilliantly colored bird with its "wha-cheer, cheer, cheer" song has become firmly established in Maine. The northward cardinal migration 1s directly attributable to an increase in the number of bird-

feeding stations offering sunflower seeds.

Northern cardinals are part of the group of birds known as grosbeaks. Grosbeaks have stubby, conical beaks designed for cracking seeds. Cardinals average about 7 .5 inches long. The male is the howier of the two, being completely red, except for a black facemask. The name cardinal, by the way, is taken from the color of the coat worn by cardinals of the church.

Cardinals like forest edges and open woodlands, particularly hardwood stands. Parks and wooded suburban neighborhoods provide suitable habitat, especially when the birds have access to feeding stations that offer sunflower seeds.

In the wild, cardinals search for insects, seeds and grains by scouring the ground. It is thought that northern cardinals are monogamous and mate for life.

Besides the red of the male,

Spring 200 l

7

the female has traces of red on the bill, crest, wings and tail.

Otherwise, she is grayishbrown.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus The glossy ibis is a heron-like bird with a long, thin, downwardcurved bill. In flight, the ibis holds its neck outstretched, as opposed to the great blue heron, which crooks its neck and draws its head to its shoulders during flight. The ibis has faster wingbeats than a heron.

Additionally, the ibis alternately flaps and glides in flight, and the heron does not.

The glossy ibis is about 19 inches long when mature, with a wingspan of 37 inches. The adult ibis has a uniform chestnut-bronze color, but in flight is often perceived as black.

The glossy ibis is new to Maine, with the first confirmed breeding taking place in 1972, beating Massachusetts by one year.

Interestingly, bird field guides published over 40 years ago noted that the glossy ibis is extending its range. A profile of New England wildlife, published by the United States Department of Agriculture in

place in the 1980s.

Cattle egrets have a blacktipped, sharp bill and are similar in shape to the great blue heron, except that the neck is shorter and thicker; and of course, the cattle egret has white plumage.

Cattle egrets, when in breeding plumage, have buff-colored crests, breasts and shoulders. The legs of adult birds range from yellowish to pinkish shading.

Cattle egrets average 17 inches Bill Silliker Photo 1987 contained a similar comment. Jong and have a 17-inch wingspan.

The ibis winters in Florida and lu the south, flocks of cattle the Gulf states. There, it probes egrets share pastures with cattle fresh and saltwater mudflats for (thus the common name), where crustaceans, and any insects it can they sometimes roost on the find. The ibis is so new to Maine, though, that little is known about its bovine's backs. The insect-eating egrets share a symbiotic relafeeding habits here. tionship with farm animals; the cattle, when grazing, disturb Cattle Egret insects, which the egrets catch Bubulcus¡ ibis and consume. And the egrets eat The cattle egret is so new to not insects that might bite or sting only Maine, but to North America, the cattle. that it was not included in Roger Tory Peterson's original, 1934 edi- Mourning Dove tion of A Field Guide to the Birds.

Zenaida n1acroura An old world species, cattle egrets The mourning dove is about first appeared in the Deep South 10.5 inches long, with a tapered, around the middle of the twentieth pointed tail and a slim body. The century. The first confirmed breedbody is light brown, and the ing of cattle egrets in Maine took upper part of the wings suggests a light gray. Dark, round spots on the upper wings provide another identifying feature.

Mourning doves are not entirely new to Maine; they have, in limited numbers, visited the southern end of the state for ome time. What is new is that now, doves are present in most of the state except for the extreme north. And, instead of

A cattle egret, at left, shares a Maine marsh with a pair of Glossy Ibis

8 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Spring 2001

migrating in fall, the mourning doves are year-round residents .

Doves are ground feeders and flock to recently harvested cornfields. Dove are also common around bird feeders. Sometimes, mourning doves learn to fly to the feeders and select their own seeds, rather than wait for another bird to drop a eed.

Mourning doves are a popular game bird in the rest of the country. Their great speed make them sporting targets. Some people mistakenly equate our native mourning dove with the biblical dove.

That dove, though, was the European rock dove ... the socalled "pigeon" of our nation's cities. The rock dove, by the way, is an introduced, exotic species.

Blue-Winged Warbler VPrt>zi ¡or'' pin11 Except for its name, not much about the blue-winged warbler is blue. The shoulders, or upper part of the wings, have a bluish-gray

cast, with white wingbars. This bright, yellow warbler measures about 4.5 inches long. A black eyebar, looking like something drawn on either side of the eye with a fine pencil, is a further aid in identification.

Historically, blue-winged warblers were never very common anywhere, much less in Maine, where they never ventured until 1980, when the first breeding pair was noted. The best time to observe thi new songbird is during the annual spring and fall warbler migrations. In May, warblers of all types pour into Maine, stopping at local thickets and woodland edges. Also, the fall migration brings quite a few warblers, including the blue-winged variety.

A good place to watch migrating warblers i on any of the offshore islands. As late as the first of October 2000, blue-winged warblers were sighted on Monhegan and Grand Manan island .

The blue-winged warbler feeds mostly on in ects, which it gleans from twigs and leaves. Rarely seen near the ground, the bluewinged warbler prefers to forage in branches near the top of trees.

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MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Spring 200 l 9

How Maine's Endangered and Nongame Species Program Fared During the 1990s

By George J. Matula, Jr. The Good The 1990s wa a decade of significant advances and accomp li shments for Maine's endangered and nongame wildlife, despite considerable fiscal constraints. The primary reason was a major

10 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Mark McCullough Photo

Linda Welch bands a puffin chick at Petit Manan Island. philosophical shift in the Department's approach to nongame wildlife management. What began as a one-person responsibility is now widely integrated into the Wildlife Division 's overall program.

During the early 1990s, nongame responsibilities were mainstreamed throughout the Wildlife Resource Assessment Section (WRAS) and the Wildlife Management Section (WMS).

Within the WMS, regional biologists began committing substantial portions of their time to permit reviews, many of which addressed nongame concerns.

They also began working closely with towns, land trusts, and landowners to increase awareness of all wild Ii fe issues and to encourage land acquis itions, conservation easements, and comprehensive plans that addrc sed conservation concern of nongame wildlife.

Within WRAS, the Mammal and Bird Group shifted their focus from purely game species to embrace all mammal and bird species. The Mammal Group now has responsibility for all non-listed mammals plus wolves, Canada lynx, and Eastern cougars, and the Bird Group has responsibility for most birds, including loons, seabirds, shorebirds, and most raptors and passerines. The Endangered and Threatened Species Group was reorganized to address endangered species, amphibians, repti les, and inve1tebrates.

Currently, all Wildlife Divi ion biologi ts and admini trators pend a significant portion of their time on endangered, threatened, and nongame species' issues.

Management decisions arc now made by weighing the benefit and impacts to all wildlife, regard le s of whether they are game or nongame pecies.

Spring 2001

What fueled this transformation from a game agency to a wildlife agency? In 1975, the Maine State Legislature passed the Maine Endangered Species Act and established the first Endangered and Threatened Species list, which included only federally listed species. This list was expanded in 1981 and again in 1986 when seven endangered and four threatened species were added. In 1989, the Maine State Legislature clarified that the Department was also responsible for the conservation of invertebrate species. This greatly expanded the Department's responsibilities and eventually resulted in the Legislature adding 20 new species to Maine's Endangered and Threatened Species List, many of which are invertebrates.

To help fund these growing responsibilities, the Legislature established the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund in 1983. Funds from individuals, who voluntarily contribute to the "Chickadee Check off' on their state income tax forms, are deposited in the Endangered and Nongarne Wildlife Fund. These funds, which were initially over $100,000 per year, and federal Section 6 funds from the US Fish & Wildlife Service of roughly $70,000 per year, allowed the Department to establish the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Project in 1984.

In order to supplement the meager funding, Department biologists diligently cast about for grants from federal and

Nesting ospreys at Bog · Brook. George Matula Photo

private sources. They successfully landed nearly $1 million in funding during the 1990s from sources such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Partnerships for Wildlife, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, L.L. Bean, Wildlife Conservation Society, Central Maine Power, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Oil Spill Conveyance Fund moneys of approximately $70,000 per year became available to the Department in 1992 . These funds are used to inventory and map coastal wildlife resources and to develop strategies for responding to oil spills and rehabilitating oiled wildlife.

Additional funds became available in 1993 , when the Maine Legislature established the Environmental Registration

A rubber raft carries a researcher across the water at Eastern Egg Rock, a major seabird research Site. George Matula photo

MAlNE Fish and Wildlife

Plate (loon plate), which contributes approximately $500,000 per year to the Endangered and ongame Wildlife Fund.

The most recent source of funding has been the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF), which is based on the sale of MOHF lottery tickets. These funds are distributed on a competitive basis. The Department has received over $650,000 toward nongame management since the fund 's inception , not counting funds awarded for acquisition of lands that benefit nongame wildlife .

The Department's commitment, and the infusion of funds, produced an impressive list of accomplishments during the 1990s. A few of the major accomplishments include: • The Endangered and Threatened Species Group has grown to four fully funded positions and a partially funded fifth position.

• A full-time position was created in the Bird Group to focus solely on nongame bird issue . including coordination of the state 's Partnerships In Flight program. Another existing position was refocused on shorebird surveys and management.

• Four full-time positions were created in the Habitat Group to focus on habitat issues for all wildlife, including habitat measurement and analysis, habitat con servation, landscape planning, and oil spill planning and response.

• Two limited period positions were created in the Mammal Group to tudy Spring 2001

11

Canada lynx, a species that was federally listed in 2000 as Threatened.

• The bald eagle was down listed from Endangered to Threatened, and will likely be completely down listed. In 1990, 123 pairs of bald eagles produced only 98 eaglets. By 1999, the bald eagle population had grown to a level where 216 pairs produced 207 young.

• By the end of 1999, 340 bald eagle nest sites, 22 roseate tern nesting islands, and 12 piping plover/least tern nesting beaches were mapped and protected as Essential Habitats (habitats essential to the conservation of Endangered and Threatened Species).

• In 1998, 234 Maine Islands were afforded protection as Significant Wildlife Habitat under the atural Resource Protection Act. • Broad surveys for many listed species and some Special Concern species were conducted in the Central Interior, Midcoast, Penobscot Bay, Eastern Interior, East Coast, Southern Interior, and South Coastal ecoregions, thus significantly enhancing our knowledge of the status of many wildlife species and important habitats.

• Specific surveys were initiated and/or completed for amphibians, reptiles, breeding birds, owls, shorebirds, nesting seabirds, harlequin ducks, dragonflies, damselflies, salt marsh birds, wading birds, grassland birds, freshwater mussels, bats, black terns, Canada lynx, and wolves.

• Major research studies or spotted and Blanding's turtles, vernal pools, bald eagles, Atlantic puffins, wood turtles, Tomah mayflies, harlequin ducks, Canada lynx, New England cottontails, sharp-tailed sparrows, and black terns, provided, and are providing, data critical to making management decisions.

• Species assessments (comprehensive documents that summarize current knowledge about a species in Maine) were compiled for the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, island nesting terns, rednecked phalarope, Leach's storm petrel, razorbill, Atlantic puffin, harlequin duck, piping plover, least tern, golden eagle, black racer, island nesting seabirds, shorebirds, Tomah mayfly, and passerine birds.

• Several new species were discov-

12 MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Jim Hall and Charlie Todd doing research by canoe at Bog Brook.

George Matula

photo

ered in Maine including: the Quebec emerald dragonny (formerly found only in bogs in Quebec), scarlet bluet damselfly (historically found only in ponds and lakes of southern New England), and the dusky dancer damselfly. The sedge wren and Tomah mayfly were rediscovered after they were believed to be extirpated from Maine.

• A major mapping effort named the Habitat Conservation Area Mapping Project (HCAMP) was developed.

Statewide maps were produced that highlight areas containing animal and plant resources and habitats of special management concern to MDIFW and the Maine Natural Areas Program. These maps are updated annually with newly acquired data.

• Informational materials were developed for the public including: * The book, Threatened and Endangered Species in the Forests of Maine - A Guide to Assist with Forestry Activities, was produced in cooperation with Champion International Corporation and a number or other tate, rederal, and non-governmental partners. * A book and compact di c entitled, Maine Amphibians and Reptiles was produced cooperatively with the University or Maine. * Maine's Magnificent Coast, a 24 minute video about Maine' coastal wild Ii fe resources, was produced and aired on Maine Public Televi ion and is now available to schools through the Maine State Library.

* Permanent, full color, wildlife informational signs were designed, printed, and erected at 15 coastal viewing sites. * Web sites entitled, Endangered Species, Maine Damselfly and Dragonfly Survey, Maine Partners in Flight, Wolves in Maine - a Status Review, and Wildlire Division Research and Management Report, were developed and are available to the public. (http:/.www.mefishwildlife.com)

The Bad Although much was accomplished for endangered, threatened, and nongame species in the 1990s, there are many unmet needs and some serious problems exist.

Fir t, Maine's major funding sources for nongame specie conservation are unreliable: Chickadee Check-off funds, once over I 00,000 per year, have plummeted to less than $50,000 per year due to competing check-offs and its placement on the tax form ; loon plate runds slid 20% in 1999 from the previous year's $617,000, with the relea e of the chickadee plate, which replaced the much scorned lobster plate; and MOI IF runds fluctuate with the whims or tho e who purchase lottery ticket . econd, Wildlife Division personnel have been stretched to their limits. In order to keep critical programs viable in the face of declining runds, biologists pend much of their time searching and Spring 2001

Amy Meehan searches for Barrows Goldeneyes on the Penobscot River. Tom Hodgman photo

vying for outside funds and trying to administer what they receive. Since there are not enough Wildlife Division personnel to conduct the work, most surveys and studies are done by contractors via grants and contracts. Thus administration of grants demands inordinate chunks of biologists ' time and dilutes the purpose for which they were hired.

Th ird , traditional species have been neglected. Biologists, who formerly focused exclusively on game species, now spend a significant portion , if not all, of their time on listed and nongame species. This is ex tremely unfortunate, because the intent was to expand responsibilities and the resources to do the work - not rea ll ocate already inadequate resources.

Fourth, demands on Wildlife Division personnel and public expectations are increasing. Biologists are now faced with the dilemma of deciding whether to address an issue in a scientifically rigorous manner and risk not addressing other important issues, or to cur orily address an issue to get at other matters, and ri k losing professional credibility.

Fifth, some areas of unmet needs desperately need attention. A few of those areas of need include the personne l and resources to: • Determine the population status MAINE Fish and Wildlife

and trend of I/3 of the state's endangered and threatened species, and most special concern species; • Conduct research into the basic life requirements and limiting factors of most endangered and threatened species, which is imperative to the design of sound and effective species assessments and management systems (recovery plans); • Develop species assessments and management systems (recovery plans) for most of the Endangered and Threatened species; • Work with land trusts, municipalities, and private landowners to implement landscape habitat conservation strateg ies for wildlife; • Provide basic outreach materials for Maine's teachers, students, and citizens on nongame and listed species (fact sheets, posters, brochures, etc.)

• Satisfy numerous public speaking requests; and to • Support Watchable Wildlife programs (viewing blinds, wildlife trails, interpretive kiosks, etc.).

The Future The crux oftfie problem is the Wild life Division is woefully under funded and understaffed for the mis ion they have

been given. An adequate, stab le, and predictable source of funding is imperative if the Division is to operate at the high professional plane the public expects.

There is a glow of hope on the horizon ; however, several proposals are now under consideration.

At the Federal level , the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) was origina ll y proposed to annually provide roughly $2.2 million for Maine's fish and wildlife under Titl e fll.

A version of this legislation was passed last year that makes a one time grant of $485,000 to the Department. In Maine a legislative study committee has proposed a portion of the state sales tax to the Department as well.

Missouri faced a similar dilemma.

Convinced that the state's fish and wildlife resources are the responsibility, and for the benefit, of all citizens of the state, they chose to earmark one-eighth of one percent of the state sales tax to help conserve the state's forest, fish, and wildlife resources. This has allowed Missouri's natural resource divis ions to become some of the most dynamic and responsive agencies in the country.

Do you think it could work in Maine?

Common tern chicks on Eastern Egg Island.

George Matula photo

Spring 200 I

13

Toxin Update Creates:

Tightrope for State Officials

By Ken Allen In 1994, the Maine Bureau of Health issued its first statewide mercury-related fish consumption advisory due to mercury. Maine is now just one of 40 states with such an advisory.

Recent developments have put the Bureau of Health and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in a delicate position. Well -documented research ha updated the potential hazards of eating fish from Maine's inland waters, which instigated tighter consumption guidelines.

The toxin study also added information on saltwater species, offering conclusive recommendations for eating fish from the sea. Officials must continue publicizing advisory warnings for consuming fish, but they must do it without frightening people into giving up this healthy food altogether.

Simple Message The important message about fish consumption is short and sweet, too. We can safely dine on the catch by following prescribed guidelines, but it would be foolhardy to exceed the recommended number of meals. However, well-meaning institutions, old beliefs and ignorance cloud the simplicity of the message.

For starters, when the Bureau of

Health released the updated information last fall, the big news was the inclusion of saltwater fish to the list. Maine's media sort of ignored that angle and roared off with the story about tighter

Consumption Advisories The Bureau of Health advises that pregnant and nursing mothers, women who may get pregnant and children under eight years old should eat only one meal a month of brook trout or landlocked salmon, and no meals of other freshwater fish species. All other adults and children over eight years old can safely eat up to one meal per week of brook trout and landlocked salmon and two meals per month of other freshwater fish species.

The Bureau of Health has also issued a warning on saltwater fish such as striped bass, bluefish, swordfish, shark and canned tuna. Pregnant women, nursing women, women who may get pregnant and children under eight years old should NOT eat swordfish or shark. Meals of striped bass and bluefish should be limited to two meals per month for everyone, including the at risk-group. Also, The at-risk group should eat no more than one can of white tuna or two cans of light tuna per week. There is no limit on tuna for all others.

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MAINE Fish and Wildlife

guidelines for freshwater fish, which did scare people into not eating part of their catch. The Bureau of Health and the Department feel confident that anglers can feed themselves and the family an occasional meal of freshly caught fish without worrying about harm befalling loved ones. Over 95 percent of Maine's inland waters contain fish that are safe to eat as long as you follow recommended guidelines clearly outlined in the regulation booklets for open-water anglers and ice fishers. (Check Sidebar One) These advi ory warnings follow toxin limits formulated by the National Academy of Science (NAS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

NAS lean decidedly toward the side of caution, comforting insurance behind the EPA, which also drifts in the same direction.

Anglers can reduce the mercury risk by keying on certain species that have lower levels of thi toxin. For example, sa ltwater dwellers suc h as sharks and swordfis h accumulate high conccntraSpring 2001

tions, so folks must limit this food in the diet. Freshwater species such as bass, pickerel and pike also have high levels.

Brown trout, lake trout and white perch can be a problem, too. Brook trout and landlocked salmon are the safest choices.

Here's another point that confuses one segment of society. Many of us grew up, listening to members of the medical profession and the American Heart Association saying one meal of fish per week was an important health consideration. This simple, diet regimen allegedly reduces the risk of death from heart disease. one of the leading killers in this country. Indeed, we've heard again and again about the benefits of this valuable source of protein, vitamins, minerals and oils, the food for the health conscious.

Now, we're hearing another tune. Levels of mercury and other toxins in fish create a definite risk. Some adults and children over eight years old can only eat one fish meal per week, depending on the species.

Pregnant women, nursing women, women who may become pregnant and children under eight years old have stricter guidelines for consuming fish.

Future Questions When word gets out about low mercury levels in brook trout and landlocked salmon, Department officials wonder if anglers will concentrate too heavily on these species. Time will tell, and fisheries biologists will carefully monitor these salmonids.

Whether the warnings will discourage young anglers from taking up fishing is another concern. The Depa11ment is currently making a significant effort to encourage kids to take up fishing through the Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs program and through Youth Field Days.

Hopefully the concerns about mercury will not keep them form taking up the sport.

Here's another twist on the story. Do all people object to toxins in fish? You might automatically think, "Of course they do!" However, some anglers quietly think toxins are not all bad for the sport because rivers with stricter consumption guidelines allow fish in these water to grow older and larger, resulting in trophy fish. This causes some people to admit that toxins have led to a superb fishery in some polluted waters, and stretches of the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers jump to mind. This logic may have faults, but it has its followers.

However, this attitude infuriates MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Mercury Warnings Mercury warnings on fish are no idle threat. Small amounts of methylmercury can damage a brain starting to form or grow. That's why babies in the womb, nursing babies and young children are at most risk.

Too much mercury may affect behavior and how well children learn, think, and problem solve later in life. Methylmercury may also cause an increase in blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects. Older children and adults can also be harmed by methylmercury, but it takes larger amounts. This is why the Bureau issues one set of warnings for pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, and children under age 8. Another less restrictive set of warnings is issued for adults and children 8 and older. anglers with a strong commitment to protecting the environment, and they ask a pertinent question. Where's the outrage about mercury? This is a small group, but they abhor the idea that waters in semi-remote areas such as the Allagash have fish contaminated with mercury.

They wonder why anglers generally accept airborne toxins drifting into the state.

Tough Sell Even more troubling to state officials, is that too many Maine anglers dismiss the idea that toxins are a threat. TheBureau of Health has a tough sell to doubting Thomases who refuse to abide by the guidelines. Some well-meaning anglers live under the misconception that toxin lie in fatty tissue just under the skin so skinning and filleting eliminates the problem. Dr. Andrew Smith, the state toxicologist with the Environmehtal Toxicology Program at the Bureau of Health, said that is simply untrue. Toxicologists performed the analyses on fillets, not whole fish. Mercury resides in the muscles and not all dioxins and PCBs can be eliminated by skinning and filleting.

Many of the skeptics don't believe the threat is real which is denial in the rawest form. Recently, a man with a master's degree from an acclaimed university told this writer that he could eat swordfish at will because he was neither pregnant, nursing, nor planning on childbearing.

You can add plenty of examples of denial behavior to this list.

What really concerns state officials is obvious, too. If someone wants to eat more fish than toxicologists have suggested, then it is the consumer's decision.

However, caring individuals worry that unsuspecting children and unborn fetuses arc being fed contaminated fish that far exceeds the safe limit. The only thing that can be done to remedy this situation

begins with public announcements outlining the dangers.

Rosy Future The problem seems so bleak.

Industries and a dense population beyond Maine's borders and indeed beyond the Northeast region add to mercury pollution in this state's waters. Furthermore, this cataclysmic event caught many leaders by surpri e. Thirty years ago, it was incomprehensible for Peter Bourque, the director of the Fisheries and Hatchery Division, to predict that excessive level of mercury in remote waters would lead to consumption warnings. "When I started working as a fisheries biologist in Aroostook County," Bourque said, "I couldn't imagine airborne pollution wou Id become such a problem."

Bourque explained that in his early years at the Department, toxins in water came from the paper industry, or more often from agriculture. A farmer might spray a field and then a heavy rain would wash the chemical into a nearby stream, causing a fish kill. That was a problem fisheries biologists could see and grasp.

Spread the Word Not all is bleak, though. State officials have played a leadership role in regional initiatives. In 1997, northeast governors and eastern Canadian premiers saw a need for developing and implementing a regional Mercury Action Plan.

In July 2000, regional mercury emissions were reduced by 40 percent, and a regional goal of virtual elimination of mercury by 2010 is possible.

As the rest of the country follows suit and continues to be more responsive to environmental concerns, the future does look bright as far a mercury contamination in fish. For now, we need to read the fishing-regulations summary about fish advi ory warnings and spread the word.

Spring 2001

15

EXTIRPATED from Maine 5. EASTERN MOUNTAIN LION

Endangered Species VOCABULARY Can you imagine Maine without wildlife? Over 16,000 insect species, 400 birds, 60 kinds of mammals, 10 different salamanders, 9 frogs and toads, 8 turtles and 11 kinds of snakes reside within our borders. But some wildlife species lose habitat, or places to live; their sources of food and shelter are destroyed, or are no longer available and opportunities to breed and reproduce are eliminated. When this happens, wildlife may become endangered, extirpated or, at the worst, extinct.

Endangered - threatened with extinction.

Extirpated -driven off or eliminated from a certain region, but still exists elsewhere.

Extinct - no longer existing anywhere on earth. ~ - imported from another part of the world; often out-competes native species.

Endemic - native or limited to a certain region of the world.

1. PASSENGER PIGEON During the 1600s it was written t hat flocks of passenger pigeons were so huge during migrations that they darkened the sky. The last one was shot in Maine in 1896 in Dexter. A lone survivor of the millions that once lived across the country died 18 years later at the Cincinatti Zoo.

EXTINCT from Maine

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Once common throughout Maine, a statewide bounty was placed on it in 1832 and remained in effect until 1916. Wolves were reportedly eliminated from New England by 1850. Tracking and howling surveys are now conducted each winter and we are on the lookout for possible returnees to the state.

7. WOODLAND CARIBOU Gone from northern Maine and New Hampshire by 1910, the last caribou was reported on Mount Katahdin in Maine in 1908. Habitat loss, along with overhunting, are thought to have caused its extirpation.

WHICH IS WHICH? See if you

9. HOUSE SPARROW

2. GREAT AUK Another coastal bird, this large, flightless, penquin-like bird was slaughtered for food for sailors, fishermen and island/ coastal residents.

4. LABRADOR DUCK

3. GIANT SEA MINK

16

6. EASTERN TIMBER WOLF

can match the animal with its description.

D.

Once common in the Penobscot Bay area, this 3-foot-long mammal was hunted to extinction for its reddish pelt, or fur.

With guns and dogs, humans had exterminated the sea mink by 1860.

The last reported cougar was taken around Lake Umbagog about 1920. By that time, this big cat had virtually disa peared from the eastern US, exc~t for in Florida. Today, frequent sigh-tings are reported to biologists throughout Maine and some tracks have been verified.

Drawings

by Lucio Deleiris, ~

by Dean B. Bennett

~

This little sea bird probably wintered off the Maine coast.

In the 19th Century, humans took millions of seabirds for food and their feathers. The last known Labrador duck was taken in Long Island, NY, in 1875.

Spring 2001

8. EUROPEAN STARLING These prolific and competitive birds were originally introduced to the US from Europe by a fan of Shakespeare who thought the US should know all the birds mentioned in Shapespeare's plays.

Unfortunately, they compete with and often overwhelm our native bird species.

These ubiquitous birds were actually imported by US towns and cities to eat the cankerworms and spanworms that were destroying our park and street trees.

Portland, Maine, received a shipment in 1854. They really didn't do the job they were brought in to do and now they compete with many cavity-nesting native songbirds such as the eastern bluebird.

ENDEMIC to Maine '

KATAHDIN ARCTIC BUTTERFLY The only place in the world this butterly is found is on top of Maine's own Mount Katahdin. It is listed as an endangered species.

Butterfly collectors have been caught illegally capturing this rare animal for their own personal collections.

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

J.

Answers on Page 27 Spring 200 l

17

Taking Measure of Maine's Rivers Text and Photos

By Forrest Bonney aine's 33,000 miles of rivers, streams, and brooks - most of which contain brook trout and other game fish species are tremendous natural resources that provide nearly unlimited recreational opportunities.

Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, waters that had been polluted for decades have become clean enough to support both warm and coldwater fisheries. Nonetheless, there is emerging evidence that many of our streams still suffer from physical degradation, much of which occurred many decades ago. New survey techniques are being used on Maine rivers to assess the physical state, or "health" of river systems. These techniques assess the physical condition of streams, rather than their water quality.

How can we tell if a stream is healthy? For many years we assumed that if a stream had clear water, good water quality, and a fish population, it was in good shape. In recent years, however, methods have been developed to measure a stream's physical health.

When these measurements are applied to

Electrofishing to determine the fish species present, as well as to determine their abundance, is an important part of river surveys.

Maine's streams, we are finding evidence of degradation. One of the most difficult aspects in determining whether a stream is healthy or not is to find out if the stream is currently in a natural or degraded ( changed) state. In other words, has the stream always looked the way it does? Or did it once have different characteristics? With standards derived from measurements taken from thousands of streams throughout the nation, we can compare our streams to these standards and see how they measure up.

Stream degradation frequently results when alterations are made directly to the channel. However, degradation can also result from changes within the watershed that affect the rate and dura-

Volunteers relax after a day surveying the Magalloway River. A total of 32 people, including 22 volunteers, surveyed 15 miles of river in three days.

Volunteers have also helped survey the Cupsuptic and Sunday rivers.

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MAINE Fish and Wildlife

tion of discharge - the amount of flow or that increase sediment in the water.

Channel alterations include straightening and clearing. Watershed changes from human activity such as development, agriculture, and forestry result in modified runoff patterns that include extremes in flows - dramatically high runoff in the spring followed by unusually low flows during the dry summer months. Streams respond to changes in the flow - and to sediment loading in several ways: Entrenchment. One of the earliest indicators of a stressed stream is often downward cutting, resulting in a 'lowered' base level. An entrenched stream becomes isolated from its floodplain so that more water moves through the channel at a high velocity rather than spreading out onto the flood plain where velocity - and erosion - is reduced. , Overwidening. If a stream is wide and shallow, the water is more susceptible to solar warming, reducing its value as habitat for coldwater fish. In extreme cases, a degraded stream can form several channels, further reducing its value as fisheries habitat.

Streambank instability. Although healthy streams tend to slowly migrate laterally that is, move across the flood plain over a period of time - the rate of migration accelerates in unstable streams, often resulting in property damage.

Loss of pool s. Pools provide Spring 2001

Volunteers stop frequently to measure river widths, depths and to record substrate types. important habitat and cover for adult coldwater fish, particularly during warm summer months and low-flow winter month s. Degraded streams tend to have fewer pools.

Loss of large woody debris.

Trees that have fallen into streams provide ecological complexity in the form of cover, they protect stream banks from erosion, they stabi li ze streambeds, reduce flow velocity, provide habitat for macro invertebrates, and serve as ' pool diggers'.

Change in sinuosity. Degraded stream often become straighter in response to higher flows as river bends are cut off. The slope increases as the stream is effectively shortened; the increased slope in turn results in accelerated erosion, entrenchment, and lateral migration. , Aggradation. At points where the stream's slope decreases (flattens out), ediment drop out and the channel builds up. In addition to forming bars and filling pools, this sediment buildup al o forces the water against the banks, causing erosion and widening.

Several river urveys recently conducted in Western Maine have documented many of these indicators of instability.

What's more, it appears that much of this degradation can be traced back to logdriving day . On all of the streams we surveyed we recorded the remains of log-d riving dams and evidence of channel clearing and straightening, which has been prohibited by law in Maine for many year . There were al o fewer M !NE Fish and Wildlife

pools present than would be expected, and overwidening was common. Most of the sections measured were found to have poor stability ratings. A lack of large woody debris may we ll be the result of river clearing to accommodate log drives, but another factor is the harvest of large riparian trees which deprives streams of their natural source of large woody debris. In more developed portions of the state, clearing for agricultural use and the construction of dams and bridges had profound impacts on streams.

To be sure, land use changes are still occurring and stream continue to be degraded. Forestry cutting affects flow regimes as does residential, commercial, and industrial development. Studies in the Western United States indicate that

stream flows and stability are altered when as little as 10% of the drainage area is converted to impervious areas such as roads.

Maine 's river survey program was undertaken in an effort to document not only the abundance of fisheries such as salmon and brook trout in stream habitat throughout the state, but also to assess the condition of the habitat itself.

Several techniques are used to measure stream habitat: A methodology known as the Habitat Evaluation Procedure makes it possible to measure the quality of habitat not only for different fish species, but also for different life stages of those species. This assessment method allows habitat variables to be rated numerically and thus compared to other waters.

River morphology measurements assess the physical condition of the stream itself and are used to classify streams and to determine whether they are functioning efficiently or are degraded.

These measurements, when used in conjunction with fish population estimate (typically derived from electrofishing) make it possible to correlate fish abundance to different habitat types.

Although Maine's biologists have conducted river surveys for many years, it is only within the last few years that we have combined the use of these methodologies - some of them are relatively new - with the use of volunteers to

Much of the distance along rivers can be waded, but deeper sections require working from canoes. In this section of the Magalloway it was necessary to drag the canoes over the 'bony' sections and canoe the deadwaters.

Spring 200 I

19

increase the amount of stream survey work we are able to do. If new methods have given us additional tools to evaluate rivers, they have also greatly increased the amount of data that need to be collected. Volunteers who, for a variety of reasons, have a deep interest and appreciation for their rivers, have willingly stepped forward to help us survey rivers and to take an active part in restoration projects. In Western Maine, several river surveys have been completed within the last few years: In 1997, 15 volunteers, including six members of the Rangeley Area Guides' and Sportsmen's Association, assisted biologists in surveying the 19mile long Cupsuptic River. , In 1998, 12 volunteers, five of whom were members of the Sunday River Watershed Interest Group, assisted in a survey of the 14-mile-long Sunday River. \ In 2000, 22 volunteers assisted eight Department biologists in a survey of the 13-mile-long Upper Magalloway River. This group included five members of the Rangeley Guides and Sportsmen's Association, four members of the Mollyockett Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and one volunteer each from American Rivers, Trout Unlimited ational, the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, the University of Maine at Farmington, and the Parmachenee Camp Owners Association. In addition, six individuals helped with the river survey.

Because the remoteness of the location made it feasible to camp on-site for the duration of this survey, 11 additional volunteers - most of whom were members of the Rangeley Guides' Association and Sportsmen's Association, - helped in "support" capacities to provide direction , food preparation, and lodging.

In addition to the volunteers, Fisheries Division staff from other Regions and agencies played a vital role by serving as crew. River surveys are labor-intensive, typically requiring many workdays to collect data from even relatively small rivers. We make an effort to walk or canoe every mile of each river in order to get detailed information, stopping frequently to take measurements.

The results of these surveys are compiled into river reports, which are avail-

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1AINE Fish and Wildlife

able from Department headquarters in Augusta or from the author.

Makmg a Difference Before volunteers became involved in these efforts, it took our staff an entire summer - in addition to our routine work - to conduct a river survey. With the help of volunteers, the same amount of work is accomplished within a week or less.

An additional advantage in employing the assistance of volunteers is that they frequently have a rich knowledge of a river's history and can provide valuable information on changes that have occurred within the drainage.

Techniques for conducting river surveys have progressed markedly within the short time that these surveys have been conducted. Habitat evaluation procedures, developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, consider and evaluate habitat variables such as water temperature, depth, and cover, rating them for different life stages; a value ofO is unsuitable as habitat and a value of I indicates ideal habitat. For example, an average maximum water temperature of 61 °F. or less during the warmest period of the year is ideal for brook trout and therefore receives a rating of I; values decrease rapidly with increased water temperatures, however, and a water temperature of 71 ° is given a value of 0.5; a value of 75° or greater is given a value of 0. A compilation ofthese values for all life requirements yields an overall rating for each Ii fe stage.

River morphology allows the classification of rivers by physical types using such variables as width-to-depth ratio, slope, sinuosity, and entrenchment. For example, a stream with a width/depth ratio greater than 12, sinuosity exceeding 1.4, a slope of 2% or less, an entrenchment ratio greater than 2.2, and a riffle/pool bedform morphology indicates a "C" type stream. This type of stream has a well-developed flood plain and frequently has point bars. Pools typically occur at a frequency of one to every 5-7 bankful widths. If water quality i suitable, this stream type provide excellent habitat for coldwater fishc and might be the type of habitat we would seek out if we were going trout fishing.

By conducting brook trout popula-

tion estimates on difTerent types of streams, we have discovered that abundance varies with stream type. The estimated number of legal-size (6-inch and greater) brook trout per stream mile averaged I IO for C type streams such as the one described above. Streams that are B type, those that are steeper, straighter, and have fewer pools, have a value of 83. Additional work remains to be done to estimate brook trout abundance for other stream types.

5eeking Changes As mentioned previously, river degradation typically results from changes within the watershed. The first step toward stream restoration, then, is to identify problem sites with the ultimate goal of controlling sedimentation, - the rate of runoff and, to whatever extent possible, restoring historic flow regimes.

This goal is frequently accomplished through watershed surveys, in which destabilizing factors and sediment and nutrient sources are identified. These surveys, which have been conducted on many drainages throughout the state, are frequently a joint effort between the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and volunteers. Clean Water Act monies support both surveys and demonstration projects. Accelerated runoff and nutrient loading can be controlled or diminished through the implementation of effective sediment control structures, control of runoff, and the maintenance of adequate riparian bu/Ters.

Because rivers are complicated ecosystems, restoration e/Torts require a great deal of survey work, planning, design, knowledge of effective techniques and money. However, money is well invested if it results in reduced flooding and restored fisheries habitat.

We hope to continue the river survey program in Maine to gather enough information in order to predict the response of di /Te rent river types to restoration efforts and to determine their capacity to grow fish. In doing so we will be doing nothing less than working toward restoring the natural function of our streams and restoring fish populations to what they were long ago.

Spring 2001

Bud Leavitt Wildlife Management Area Bud Leavitt Wildlife Management Area is centered on the common corner of Dover-Foxcroft, Atkinson, Garland and Charleston in Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties. Most of the Janel was purchased in the late 1970s with state bond monies.

In 1980, the Maine Department of Corrections established a vocational training facility in the former Air Force base on Bull Hill in Charleston. The two Departments signed a cooperative agreement allowing the facility to use the WMA as a wood harvesting training area under the supervision of DIF&W biologists.

Inmates also do public restitution work on other phases of the management plan.

Under the agreement, the Department is able to achieve wildlife and timber management objectives not feasible on any other WMA in the State. The former Bull Hill WMA was renamed in honor of Bud Leavitt, a well-known sports writer for the Bangor Daily News.

HABITAT The area's approximately 6,500 acres are dominated by upland habitats including abandoned fields and orchards; hardwood, mixed-wood, and softwood forest stands.

Softwood stands of varying sizes, age classes, and densities occur primarily on the lower and wetter sites or as softwood plantations in former agricultural fields.

Hardwoods occur primarily on the higher lands, which are often steep and rocky, and usually occupy sites that have always been forested. Intolerant hardwoods dominate former agricultural lands, dry sites, or areas that were heavily cutover in the past.

Mixed wood stands occupy transition zones between softwood and hardwood areas on moderately drained, midslope sites. They also occur in areas with a history of regular timber harvesting and, due to their diversity, are productive wildlife lands.

Abandoned agricultural lands include approximately 110 acres of orchards, fields in early successional stages, and longabandoned fields, which are dominated by alders.

The area contains approximately 191 acres of wetlands including bogs and fresh meadows, which occur on several small MAIN E Fish and Wildlife

streams and abandoned beaver flowages that flow through the management area, and a large bog (approximately 100 acres) on the east side of Route 15.

DOMINANT SPECIES The area contains a variety of wildlife species common to this part of the state. Active and abandoned beaver flowages provide marsh habitat for aquatic furbearers, waterfowl, and marsh birds. Diverse uplands support terrestrial furbearers; small game such as grouse, woodcock, and hare; and large game including deer, bear, and moose.

MANAGEMENT Leavitt WMA is a large, predominantly upland WMA capable of producing high quality timber as a by-product of many wildlife management practices.

For this reason, the primary management goal is to achieve wildlife management objectives, at little or no cost to the Department, using commercial timber harvests. This serves to demonstrate the feasibility of..incorporating wildlife and timber management on private lands at no net cost.

A second goal is to maintain reverting farmlands by mowin_g and cutting and avoid gradual loss of these early succession habitats. A final goal is to increase the volume and number of mastproducing red oak and beech trees, using forest management techniques.

Various management activities have been conducted by crews from the Charleston Correctional Facility. These include: over 2,000 acres of forest management to enhance wildlife habitat, regeneration cuts of alders for woodcock management; release, pruning, and fertilization of apple trees; maintenance of reverting fields by mowing and clearing; herbaceous seeding of log roads; planting of wildlife shrubs; and installation and maintenance of waterfowl nest boxes.

Informational signs identify many of the habitat management practices that have been conducted over the years.

Bud Leavitt Wildlife Management Arca is owned and maintained by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Its operation and mainte-

nance are supported by your fees as well as revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, and federal monies under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program.

LANDS MANAGED BY DIF&W Maine's Wildlife Management Areas, administered by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, are located throughout the State. The primary objective for each area is to maintain or create the highest quality upland or wetland wildlife habitat possible by employing management techniques designed to utilize existing habitat types to benefit either the greatest variety of wildlife or to provide an important habitat for a specific or featured species.

Wildlife Management Areas are also used by the public for recreation. It is the policy of the Department to allow public access and recreation on these areas o long as they do not conflict with wildlife management objectives.

Recreational activities include hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking, wildlife observation and nature photography.

Intensive recreational facilities and opportunities, such as overnight camping, are generally not available or permitted activities on these areas.

Finally, the Wildlife Management Areas serve as demonstration areas where the public can see and learn about wildlife and habitat management techniques and practices that could also be implement on private lands.

ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES Typical recreational activities include hunting. fishing, trapping, hiking, snowmobiling, ATV riding, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, berry and apple picking. There are several miles of roads, trails, and log roads, some of which provide vehicle access.

DIRECTIONS The area is bisected by, and accessible from Route 15. Numerou management roads and trails also provide access.

Sprin g 200 I 21

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Spring 200 I

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23

Spring Gobbler Hunting Basics

By Phil Bozenhard ave you heard the classic turkey-hunting story? Hunter locates roosted gobbler.

Hunter calls, gobbler responds, flies down, struts to within 20 yards and runs into the hunter 's load of copper-plated No. 6 shot.

I am certain that this scenario plays out dozens of time each year during the pring turkey season; however, I am also certain that many hunters view this scene as a fairy tale at best.

It's true that gobblers can and are called to the gun right off the roost, but as most hunters are likely to agree, a roosted bird does not ensure meat on the table. After locating the roosted gobbler, throw in an abundance of hens , call-shy gobblers, rainy weather, lots of hunting pressure and you have the makings of lots of frustration. Experienced hunters have a plan A, a plan B, and often a plan C to cover the inevitable variables. On opening day of spring turkey eason, you can bet all of these plans revolve around extensive preseason preparation.

Let's take a look back at how Maine turkey hunters reached this point.

The re toration of wild turkeys started in 1977. Through many years of trapping and moving wild turkeys throughout the southern and central parts of the State, we now have birds in areas never envi ioned as turkey habitat. Birds are abundant and trends of increasing population and expanding hunting opportunities will continue into the 21st century.

This bright picture is attracting many new hunters to the sport each year.

A population increase and ex pand their range, hunters see bird in their area and decide to try their luck in baggi ng a gobbler. These newcomers quickly learn what veteran turkey hunters have known for years - wild turkeys offer excitement like no other game bird. When a gobbler is in close and so unds off, or is strutting just out of range, it is enough to make any turkey hunter 's heart pound.

The excitement is because the bird's

H

24 f.1Al E Fish and Wildlife

senses are extremely keen. Its eyesight and hearing are among the be t in the woods and the turkey's nature is to flee at the first hint of danger.

Make one wrong move and a gobbler will disappear in a heartbeat.

This is the challenge that makes turkey hunting so intriguing. To be consistently uccessful , hunters must master several skills: scouting, camouflaging, caJJing, maneu vering, and shooting. Being persistent will increase the hunter's knowledge of turkey behavior and increased "gobbler encounters" will improve a hunter's success. v Scouting Before you can hunt wild turkeys, you mu t find the turkeys. For any expectation of success, you must locate an area where turkeys live and obtain landowner permiss ion Pre-season scouting will go a long way to making certain you bring home a Maine Gobbler. Don't to hunt. The most likely scenario for new turkey hunters forget landowner permission begin to leaf ou t, change to another patis to drive the roads a week or so prior to tern with more green mixed in. Matching opening clay, in the early morning or late foliage color<, as close as possible will evening, and li sten for gobblers. Using a improve your odds for success. Be sure locater call such as an owl or crow call not to wear red, with or blue to avoid will often provoke a tom into gobbling. being mistaken for a gobb ler.

Another option is to glass farm fields to , Calling locate feeding birds.

Good ca lling is often a key to havThe three most helpful hints l would ing success in turkey hunting. The give a new turkey hunter are, I ) pre-seamajority of hunters imitate hens to lure son scouting, 2) pre-season scouting, 3) gobb lers into gun range. Hens make a pre-season scouting. To be prepared for variety of ca ll s: ye lps, clucks, cutts, and any event, successfu l turkey hunters purrs.

The best way to learn to imitate scout several locations before the season, these sounds is to buy an instructional locating roosting, feeding, strutting, and video or cassette, then practice the calls loafing areas. Lt is particularly helpful to over and over aga in . locate the travel routes birds use during Many types or calls arc now avai 1their daily activities. to the point of confusion for able, often v Camoufla1.1m1.1 the beginning turkey hunter.

The more Because wild turkeys have such popular types include the box, slate, keen vision, hunter'> must be totally campush-pull diaphragm, and tube cal ls. ouflaged to avoid being seen. This Beginning hunters s,hould consider the includes a camou flage suit, hat, faceslate, or push -pull call for their ease box, mask, glo ves, and boots. In the early seaof use .

Any of these ca ll s may work on a son, it's best to wea r patterns with mosthas its own distinctive given day.

Each ly brown and gray co lor'>. A<, the trees

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pring 200 I

sound. Sometimes a gobbler will answer on call but not another. Many hunters carry several calls and take turns using them. If one call doesn't get a response, another might. Once a bird gobbles, call sparingly. The goal is not to make a bird gobble, but to make him come to you. ../ Maneuvering Once you locate a gobbler, the next step is moving in close to call him. This is where maneuvering and woodsmanship become important. The goal is to slip in as close as one can. Terrain and foliage often dictate how close you can get before setting up. A hundred to 150 yards is a good, average calling distance.

Using terrain such as hills, thickets, and gullies will screen your movements.

When setting up, choose a location that offers the gobblers an easy route to your location. Be careful that there are no

brooks, fences, gullies, or thick undergrowth between you and the bird. Also, pick a calling spot that is on the same contour or slightly above (hill advantage) the gobbler's location. Do not try and call a gobbler down a steep hill.

When setting up, sit against a tree. The tree should be as wide as your back for the best camouflage and safety.

Face the turkey's direction and keep your movement to a minimum as you call. If a gobbler is coming in and then goes silent, don't move. Some gobblers will sneak in silently. If the gobbler is moving, try and anticipate where he is going, move and try to get ahead of him. It's not hard to make a gobbler veer a short distance off its intended path, but extremely difficult to convince a gobbler to back track if it's with hens.

The best shotgun and load for turkey

John William "Bill" Peppard EDDINGTON - John William "Bill" Peppard, 78, husband of Virginia (Hager) Peppard, peacefully passed away with his loving fami ly by his side, March 2, 2001. He was born September 12. 1922, the son of John Tufts and Mildred (Coll ins) Peppard.

Bill grew up on Vinalhaven Island, attended Hebron Academy and upon graduation attended the University of Maine. In 1942, he chose to forgo college and enlisted into the U.S. Marines. He served for three years as a platoon sergeant in the Pacific Theatre and participated in the initial landing by U.S. troops on Guam. After the war, he again enrolled in college at the University of Maine, evertu-ally graduating with a BS deg ree in zoo logy. and a master's degree in wildlife management.

After graduation, he was hired as a wildlife biologist for the Maine Fish and Game Department in July, 1951. He wa first assigned to the Eastern Penobscot. Hancock and Washington Counties. He was the Department's migratory game bird research leader from 1968 to 1972 and he was well known for the work he did researching woodcock.

Bill was selected by Maynard Marsh to become Deputy Commissioner of the Department in 1972. aposition he held until retiring in November of 1982. During that time. he served as acting commissioner of the Department from March through June. 1979.

He was a dedicated community member of Eddington, and served on the school board and planning board. He was an original member and founder of the Eddington Volunteer Fire Department and a strong supporter of the East Eddington Community Church, serving as a trustee for several years. He also was a mason and belonged to Star in the East Lodge in Old Town. He was an active member of the Penobscot County MAINE Fish and Wildlife

hunting is a combination that delivers a dense, hard-hitting pattern at 30-40 yards. To achieve this, most hunters use large gauge (12 or 10) with tight chokes (full or extra). They shoot 3 or 3 1/2 inch magnum shells with #4, #5, or #6 copper, coated, buffered shot.

Because performance will vary with different guns, patterning your shotgun is a must. To pattern your shotgun, use a target depicting a turkey's vital head/neck area. Set the target at 40 yards and move it closer until you have 6-8 pellets consistently in the vitals.

Opening day of turkey season can be one of the best days of the year or one of the worst. If you want to be lucky on opening morning, remember that 90% of good luck is really just hard work and preparation paying off.

1922 - 2001

Conservation Association, the Penobscot Salmon Club. the Eddington Salmon Club and the Eddington Grange. Hunting and fishing, especially for Atlantic salmon, were favorite pastimes. along with gardening. cutting firewood and mowing his fields with his John Deere tractor.

Surviving, in addition to his wife. Virginia "Ginny" Hager Peppard, to whom he was married for 54 years, are two sons, Joshua Peppard, his wife, Tina. David Peppard and fiancee.

Sharon; two daughters, Helen and her husband. Louie Dougherty. Martha and her husband, Guy Smith; grandchildren. Katie. Jacob, Aaron, Isaiah, Bran-don. Hannah, Jessica, Danielle and Dylan. Bill was predeceased by sisters, Alice Carroll and Susan Hall. He will always be remembered by his family and all that knew him as a man of his word. committed to trying to help anyone in need. The fish and wildlife resources of the state are in a better condition because of his dedicated effotts.

Spring 200 l

25

There is nothing more natural than hunting and fishing: once for survival and now for sport. Today, these activities are preserved by regulation that protects the future of fish and game species and the management of habitat.

The process of assuring that these valued resources are available for the use and enjoyment of all has become a complex effort involving numerous paper forms, multiple steps, and the time and energy of many dedicated individuals.

Technological Solution Ironically, it is now modern technology that provides the opportunity to return the management and conservation of outdoor sports to a more convenient form.

Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is introducing a new automated licensing system that is designed to make the process of acquiring a hunting or fishing license or registration quick and easy for agents and convenient for customers. In coordination with the Department, MOSES (Maine Online Sportsman's Electronic System) is being designed and developed by WorldCom who is a leader in digital communications to enable business and governments to conduct e-business.

Based upon the Department's business rules, the new system will improve the presently used manual licensing and registration processes through the use of WorldCom digital technology and ongoing customer support services.

WorldCom is currently designing and developing similar automated fish and

26 !\1AINE Fish and Wildlife

Top, license agents, town clerks and others involved in sporting license sales gather to offer input on electronic licensing. Below, Vesta Billing, director of licensing and registration, gives insight into one aspect of MOSES. Mark Latti photos game programs in four other states.

The Benefits Purchasers of hunting and fishing licenses and registrants of boats, snowmobiles, and ATVs will benefit from MOSES in several ways. The application process will be streamlined allowing for straightforward data entry and the recall of information entered during the most recent previous Department transaction.

The system will make it easier to obtain multiple license types by using a check list format and eliminating the need to record duplicate applicant information (i.e., name, address, etc.).

Also, upon full implementation of MOSES, consumers will be able to

buy hunting and fishing I icenses over the telephone or via the Internet using a credit card.

1 00 g nts The Department's staff has exchanged priorities with and gathered feedback from stakeholders including sportsmen and sportswomen, retail licensing agents, RV and boat dealers, and town clerks.

Coupled with the agency's require-

Spring 200 I

ments for administrative processing and reporting, WorldCom is designing and develop ing the MOSES program to be a well-rounded system with the end users' needs in mind. Supporting approxi mately 1,200 agents when comp leted, the MOSES imp lementation wi ll occur in phases to include sufficient tra ining, a pi lot program, rollout, and fu ll production.

The MOSES sales application is run on an agent's own personal desktop computer whi le connected to the Internet. Windows-based, the agent maneuvers through the license or registration sales process utilizing a mouse to point and click on desired license or registration types, and keyboard to enter required information coll ected from the customer.

Communicating wi th the Department's database hosted by WorldCom, the system will be able to recall a previous customer automaticall y, recognizing an identifier such as a phone number or driver' license number. This wi ll eli minate the need for an agent to re-enter data that was collected during an earlier purchase, speedi ng up the sales process.

In addition, the opportun ity for error and lost or damaged paperwork is greatly reduced.

Agents will benefit from MOSES in mu ltiple ways . Convenience is an invaluable asset in that this new system will allow agents to provide their customers with cost effective and effic ient processing. In addition to eli mi nating the paperwork now associated with license and registration sales, Department fees can be paid electronically, inventory will be automatically

tracked and managed , and online training will be available.

For a small number of agents in remote areas for whom the system is not practical, the Department is permitting the continuation of paper-based manual sales.

s

J

The implementation of MOSES is a significant advancement and a change for most. It wil l be fully aided by the Department and WorldCom with support and education. A comprehensive training program on how to use the computer-based app lication wil l be provided to agents participating in the program. The curriculum for the hands-on training is designed to introduce and explain the new system tooL , build user confidence through real experience, and provide a forum for all users to voice questions and concerns. A number of training sessions wi II be held across the state to accommodate agents in various regions.

During the program rollout and for the first year of the MOSES program WorldCom will provide additional support to all users via a dedicated customer service hotline. Through a tollfree number, agents requiring technical support will have acces~ to the Help Desk for troubleshooting technical issues. The Help Desk will determine the nature of the problem and resolve or escalate it appropriately.

After the first year of operation, the Department will assume the Help Desk function and continue to provide technical support to agents in the field.

• GUIDED FLY FISHING • FAMILY VACATIONS

&

· irt) 1d Fasc Automating the sale of licenses, registration of boats, snowmobiles, and ATVs, and application for other miscellaneous permits will improve customer service on all levels, returning the enjoyment of outdoor activities to a simpler time.

MOSES is being developed to suit the needs of Maine agents, dealers and consumers, while providing the Department the support it needs to remain focused on the protection and enhancement of the State's fish and wildlife resources. For additional information, please visit the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website at: http ://www.mainemoses.com

Kidbits Answers (From Page 17) 1. Passenger Pigeon - D 2. Great Auk - B 3. Giant Sea Mink - C 4. Labrador Duck - A 5. Mountain Lion - E 6. Timber Wolf - F 7. Woodland Caribou - G 8. European Starling - I 9. House Sparrow - H 10. Katahdin Buttlerfly - J

INSTRUCTION

• 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.

OPEN YEAR ROUND

Box 696FG, PATTEN, 207-528-2855 (LET IT RING!)

(MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) P.O.

MAIN E Fi sh and Wildlife

ME

04765

Spring 2001

27

Remember catching that first pumpkin.seed with Grandma? Or the sizzle of your first trout hitting the breakfast skillet? And what about the excitement on your Dad's face when you asked him to go fishing?

The magic behind these memories is alive and well in Vermont. To see for yourself, call us for a free fish o ing guide.

~YERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT BDZ-241 -3700

~21

OF MAINE

Real Estate for the Real Worl d~

We're working hard to sustain it.

Plum Creek is proud to be the first timber c:ompany to have all our lands nationwide earn third-party verification of our sustainable forestry practices. We invite you to come inspect for yourself-with or without your fishing pole-and to call us toll-free at 1-877-219-2647 to learn more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

Or visit www.plumcreek.com to learn more about how we keep our Maine lands beautiful, healthy, and open for your recreational use.

Plum Creek Leaders in Environmental Forestry

Centurv 21 First Choice Realty

Century 21 Nason

Gorham, Windham & Standi sh, ME

Win slow, ME

Century 21 Northeast Associates

Century 21 Newson Associates

Westbrook, ME

Kittery, ME

Century 21 Baribeau

Century 21 Action Realty

Brunsw ick. ME

Rumford , ME

Century 21 Samia

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Skowhegan, ME

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Century 21 Venture Ltd.

Lewiston, ME

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Century 21 Muzzy Real Estate

Century 21 Barbara Patterson

Greenville. ME

South Berwick, ME

Century 21 Surette

Century 21 Alliance

Waterville. ME

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Century 21 At River Town

Century 21 Coughlin Agency

N. Hampden, ME

Oakland , ME

Century 21 Queen City

Century 21 Shore & Country

Bango r, ME Topsham, ME We have 23 omces located around our di versified state that arc spec iali zed in ma ny difTe rent avenu es fo r all of you r real estate need . Pl ease check out our statew ide websi te. It will enable yo u to reach any of th e above listed omces for all the erv ices th ey provide.

www.Cenrnry21.MaincBrokers.com or ,~ww.MaineBrokers.Tripod.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

28 I\J\AINE Fish and Wildlife

Spring 2001

Erratta

DOG DOORS

JI,

The fi nal thought from the fis h stock ing policy arti cle in the winter issue was omitted. It should have read " A lot of thought and work went into fo rmul ation of thi s fis h stocking policy. It should be emphas ized that adju stments will be made as new research findin gs co me to li ght. lt is only through continuing rev iew, apprai sal, and updating of these guidelines that we are sure of the best possibl e use of the hatchery product and, in turn , the best return s to the angler."

Our humbl e apolog ies to the wri ter, and to our readers fo r the omi ss ion.

Weathertight (they seal tight all around) Super Qu iet • Safe • Easy to Install Sizes fo r any dog or cat

'-'

FOR SPORTING 8 PET BREEDS

e-mail or Call for a FREE color brochure

e..®.,:,c.·.

RIVERSIDE PRODUCTS

W7909 Green Valley Road Spooner, WI 54801 715-635-2644 Toll Free 1-866-635-2644 www.riversidespooner.com e-mail: torn @riversidespooner.com

Signed limited -ed iti on prints by Tom Hennessey, Arthu r Taylor, Terry Redl in, Persis Clayton Weirs, Roger Blum, Susan Jordan

Open daily, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m April 15 to November 11

A uthorized dea ler fo r Wild Wings Hadley House Applejack National Wildlife Federation River City Gallery 11 8 Main Street

~,r;{?fv

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

Ba ngor, ME 04401

MAINE WILDLIFE M#·iltMCII

HUNT BIRDS YEAR ROUND!

.

A 200-acre park with 25 different species of wildlife on exhibit.

Moose, black bear, whitetailed deer, wild turkey, fisher, lynx, mountain lion , bald eagle, trophy trout and more!

Group rates: $1.50 per person No reservations needed

-~ 1un Huntino n

GI F!~;~L1:~~~ES

• A..\t•c1tartes ~ " rl'ei Farm Tra;J e~~.

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ROME, ME

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Malcolm Charles, Registered Maine Guide

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

For more information, call 207-657-4977 or 207-287-8000 .

MAINE Fish and Wildli fe

Guided Hunts with Maine Guide & Dog Available

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

website : www. mint. net/pointersrun

Winter 2001 29

nset Ridge Lodge & Outfitters on Sebec Lake BIG BUCKS • BIG BULLS • BIG BEAR The Fishing Is Great!

Master Guide Ben Pinkham 158 Sunset Drive-MFW Sebec, Maine 04481

207-564-3559

Maine Fish & Wildlife

Outdoor Roster .

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~~ -' ~·,_ .....-~~i'~·-. ... '~·~~ ' ~

~ -~~\: -

.

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DEAN'S DEN

1

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KENNEBAGO RIVER KAMPS

; North of Rangeley between Kennebago Lake I 1 and Little Kennebago Lake

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

\._ _

~~

Camp Rental

Firearms - Bew: Black Powder

Fishing

• Fly Fish for native Salmon & Brook Trout in Kennebago's rivers & lakes • Excellent Deer and Grouse Hunting • Snowmobiling on ITS 84 and 89 • 3 Housekeeping Camps • Gated Access • Reasonable Rates 1 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 RIVER LAKE Northern Maine's Last Frontier Portage, Maine 04768

30

MAI E Fish and Wild life

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

Phone 207-435-6156 Spring 200 1

HOMEOF1HE Vickers' Pools Limited

ATLANTIC SALMON The Main Southwest Miramichi River e>

HOWARD, N.B. CANADA

• 5 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 sessons available at no extra cost. Satellite TV, Fax and e-mail connections are available.

• Rates Package includes lodging, meals, housekeeping , use of five private pools, guide services and day canoe trips. The charge is $175 US/day/angler during April and May; $125 US/day/angler during June, July, and August; and $225 US/day/angler in September and October.

,

Since 1946 we have provided superb, personalized service to anglers as they enjoy exclusive use of our well equipped lodge, cottages , and five productive , private pools.The wading is easy. If you prefer fishing from a boat, Jon boats are available for the Spring and Old Town Canoes are available for the Summer and Fall.

• Guides

Our guides ~re 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 Fredericton , Miramichi City, and Moncton .

• 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 MA INE Fish and Wildli fe

Spring 200 I 31

A HUNTING 81 FISHING TRADITION SINCE 1938

...::11.-.........._ • .-.a 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. :rr:.1,1 We have the largest selection of top quality firearms, ammunition, reloading · ·• equipment, components, scopes and accessories on the east coast!

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

Our fishing department caters to saltwater and freshwater fishermen, including an extensive selection specifically for the fly fishe1man. In addition to our diverse selection of ' rods, reels and lures, we stock dowruiggers, electric motors, electronic fish fmders, canoes and all the accessoties

®

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