GREENVILLE – A 79-year-old Millinocket man drowned Saturday morning (July 26) while walking alongside his boat in waist-deep water in Lower Wilson Pond, according to the Maine Warden Service.

Richard T. Thaxter had retrieved his boat from one location on the pond around 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26, and apparently was walking it to a second location approximately 30 feet way when he lost his footing on rocks in the water, according to Warden James Babiarz.

“He had one arm on the boat, but was struggling to get his footing on the rocks,” Warden Babiarz said.

Mr. Thaxter tried to regain his balance but was unsuccessful, Warden Babiarz said. His wife called out for help, and neighbors came over to assist her with getting her husband out of the water and resuscitation efforts.

Greenville Fire and Rescue and an ambulance crew from C.A. Dean Hospital in Greenville tried for about an hour to revive Mr. Thaxter. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Posted by Tom Remington

The Fishing Report is written by biologists at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. For more information, call 287-8000.

Region A – Southern Maine

Most of our previous fishing reports focus on fishing and what area anglers are catching. However, this week I’d like to talk about the management of two Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife-owned boat launch sites.

This past week regional staff spent about six days addressing management issues on Little Sebago Lake (Windham) and Cold Rain Pond (Naples). What I learned from these “projects” is just how many good and helpful members of the public are out there working to keep our public waters and access sites clean. I would like to recognize just a few of these people and highlight some recent accomplishments.

The public launch at Little Sebago in Windham was built over 15 years ago and remains one of our most heavily used regional water access sites. The size of this waterfront property limits parking and at times the demand for access exceeds available parking. Fifteen years of tree growth had encroached upon the facility, interfering with access and parking. This growth was removed over a tow-day period to restore full use and function to the launch facility and address the need for improved visibility of the property to discourage unwelcome deviant activities.

Anyone who regularly launches at the Little Sebago Lake launch facility has likely met very personable Jim and Jacky Fitzgerald, who greet boaters and request that their boats be inspected for invasive aquatic plants. Jim and Jacky, however, are more than milfoil inspectors; they have become stewards of the facility, voluntarily maintaining a trash receptacle and actively collecting trash to help keep the site clean at no cost to the state or the public. They also try to help with traffic flow during heavy use times and do what they can to maximize available parking capacity in the lot by making sure all space is well used.

Jim also recently volunteered his time to repaint the parking area lines on the asphalt which had faded, in an effort to ensure limited parking space is being well used. When I asked Jim where he got the paint striper and paint and who paid for it, I was informed that Ed Steward (Windham), a regular user of the launch, paid to rent the striper and paint.

At Cold Rain Pond in Naples, a very large ice fishing shack was abandoned (no name or address of its owner), creating quite an eyesore on this picturesque undeveloped pond. While we don’t ordinarily go around collecting abandoned ice shacks, our only neighbors on the pond (MDIF&W owns about two-thirds of the shoreline), the Buck Family, were concerned with the eyesore created by the structure.

In a cooperative effort, members of the Buck Family somehow managed to tow the barely floating ice shack using a canoe and lots of brawn to the IF&W launch site (hand carry site), where we were able to dismantle it and haul it to the dump.

Without the assistance and concern from the Buck Family, this unsightly structure left by some inconsiderate sportsmen would still be marring the views on this pretty undeveloped pond. Signs were also posted prohibiting camping and fires, as these activities are not supported and are inconsistent with the management of this property for water access.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the many caring folks like the Buck Family (Naples), Jim and Jacky Fitzgerald (Windham), and Ed Steward (Windham), who are out there (you may be one of them), trying to make a positive difference by getting involved. Thank you!

Anyone proposing to volunteer time on a maintenance project at one of our MDIF&W water access sites in Region A should contact one of the regional fisheries biologists in Gray (657-2345) to obtain permission prior to undertaking any work, unless of course you’re assisting with trash removal, which is always a welcome activity.

– Francis Brautigam, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Gray

Region B – Central Maine

Mid-summer finds the Region B staff completing a variety of field evaluations on the area’s lakes, ponds and streams. There is also the ever-present office management and on going data analysis and reporting too. In short, we’re always busy.

While fishing for brook trout and other salmonids has slowed somewhat due to rising water temperatures and lower than normal flows, fishing for bass has picked up considerably. Reports coming in from around the region indicate that anglers are having success in both large and small still waters and in our larger rivers, most notably the Kennebec and Sebasticook.

Concerning bass, we are in the midst of tournament season. Along with Region A to the south, the mid-coast area is witness to the largest number of tournaments held in the state. Within the region, there are both “Club” contests put on by a particular club or association, and “Open” tournaments, where entry is open to non-club members.

Bass tournament anglers take their competition very seriously. Many have significant investments in both vehicles and equipment. And, many have countless hours of experience chasing their quarry. The best time to visit a tournament is either at the start or at the end. The start is exciting in that everyone leaves from a specific location, either as a timed or a race-like start.

A better time for a novice angler wanting to learn more about bass fishing is to visit a tournament, especially an open tournament with a weigh-in. At the weigh–in, each fish caught is measured and, of course weighed and compared to the others caught. Prizes are awarded in a variety of ways: largest fish, most fish, total pounds of fish, etc. Also at the weigh-in, a novice will find the opportunity to speak with tournament anglers. Many, if not all, are more than happy to discuss techniques. They probably won’t let on where they fished, after all it is a contest, but most will talk at length about their sport.

In closing, I want to bid a “farewell” to a friend and consummate angler. Last week, Maine’s outdoor community lost Gail Hulsey in a tragic accident. Gail’s enthusiasm about anything to do with the outdoors was infectious. Not only was she an avid learner, but once she learned something, she would willingly pass her knowledge along to anyone who asked. She was very understated about her fishing, and never bragged about how big or how many fish she caught and almost always released. It really didn’t matter to her, as long as she could fish. And fish she did.

Robert Van-Riper, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Sidney

Region C — Downeast

The hot and humid weather that comes with a Maine summer is upon us now. During the last few weeks we have been sampling brooks and streams in the area around the Stud Mill Road, north of Route 9. The sun was bright, the air was muggy, the alders were thick, and the deer flies were abundant but we gained valuable information about many little streams and the areas where they cross the Stud Mill Road.

After about a week of electrofishing our observations led us to make some conclusions about streams in the area. The things we were seeing are quite common throughout most of the region. First and foremost, we observed where we found brook trout and where we didn’t. The number one factor in determining where trout were found was water temperature. As long as the water temperature was less than about 70 degrees we found trout. (We did not electrofish any stream with a temperature greater than 73 degrees since if salmonids are in the stream they will be greatly stressed already and the stress caused by electrofishing could kill the fish.) Even in streams that didn’t look like the “classic” brook trout stream, as long as the water temperature was acceptable, we found trout.

One example is a small brook that is only about 4-5 feet wide and about a foot deep. This brook meanders through some tall grasses and alders, the flow is quite slow and almost appears stagnant. We recorded a water temperature of about 70 degrees, which indicated that this brook has spring influence contributing cold water from underground. The bottom of the brook was very soft and had at least one foot of soft organic sediment (muck!) on bottom. We electrofished a section of 150 feet and were pleasantly surprised with the result. In that section we netted 127 brook trout, ten times more than I would have guessed! The brook was not very well shaded, except for a few alder trees here and there, but it did have undercut banks that provided good shade and cover for brook trout. Only four of the 127 fish were over six inches, the majority of the fish were ones that hatched out this spring and at this time of year are between an inch and a half and three inches in length. This brook truly is a small wild trout hatchery.

Another observation we made is that a very high percentage of the brooks we sampled showed signs of road washouts at some time in the past. In most cases gravel and rocks from the road had filled in portions of the streams downstream of the road. Sometimes this sediment could be seen 75-100 feet downstream of the road. The washouts were likely caused by undersized culverts that could not pass high flows adequately or by beaver activity.

When water levels reach their summer lows, the affects of these washouts can cause isolated pools with water flow traveling underground through the rocks. This causes a barrier to fish movement and, if the flow is slow enough, the pools can become stagnant, devoid of dissolved oxygen, and can warm up rapidly. Unfortunately, many of those fish will not survive through the summer.

Lots of people drive over brooks just like the ones we sampled last week and would never think that they could hold so many wild brook trout. They truly are an amazing little fish and an important part of this state.

Joe Overlock, Fisheries Biologist Specialist, Jonesboro

Region D – Western Mountains

Stream flows in the Rangeley region are finally beginning to look normal. Late-afternoon thunderstorms seemed like a daily occurrence through much of June, and this kept flows in our major rivers unusually high. On the positive side, the high flows were generally coupled with cooler than average temperatures, so the fishing held up well in places like the Rapid River, the Magalloway River, and the Androscoggin River. As flows and temperatures return to normal, salmonid fishes will seek thermal relief provided by cool tributaries, spring seeps, and in the case of larger lakes, the deeper water.

This is the time of year our work schedules really heat up. Over the six weeks or so, we’ll be conducting a variety of fishery surveys throughout the region to assess our management programs. These surveys will be conducted on small trout ponds with both wild and hatchery stocks, larger lakes for salmon, togue, and brookies, small streams for trout and salmon, and larger streams for brown trout, rainbow trout, and bass.

We’ll also complete our assessments of bass populations in Wesserunsett and Wilson Lakes. Sprinkled in among all that work, we’ll monitor several stream restoration projects, complete a few initial surveys of remote ponds, and assist other Regions with their survey work.

Aldro French, a fixture on the Rapid River for nearly 50 years, hosted several disabled military veterans for several days of fishing and relaxation. Aldro and several Trout Unlimited volunteers have made this event a great success in recent years, and I expect this year’s affair was the same.

David Boucher, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Strong

Region E – Moosehead Lake

The summer is certainly passing by at a rapid rate and the fisheries crew here in Greenville has been taking advantage of the nice weather we’ve been experiencing. One of the many tasks we’ve been working on is collecting a lake-wide sample of lake trout from Moosehead Lake.

Many readers may remember that this past winter new regulations went into effect on Moosehead Lake allowing anglers to keep two lake trout over 18 inches with a no size or bag limit on lake trout under 18 inches.

As usual during the winter season our staff put forth a substantial effort to collect creel census data from the Moosehead. A variety of data is collected from the coldwater species we encounter during the winter. We collect lengths, weights, and stomachs from all salmonids, as well as scales from brook trout and salmon for aging.

In order to accurately age a lake trout, however, we have to obtain otoliths from the fish. Otoliths, which are sometimes called ear bones, are located in the head of the fish. The process to extract these from a fish is not a simple task, especially when temperatures are hovering around or below freezing. Otoliths, lay down a layer of calcium carbonate each year. The layers appear much as the rings on a tree. The otoliths are examined under a viewing scope and the rings counted to determine the age of a lake trout.

This summer we will obtain a sample of lake trout from Moosehead to further evaluate this population. We have divided the lake into 3 areas. Generally, these areas can be described as the upper, middle, and lower portions of the lake. The “upper” section ranges from the top of Farm Island north to Seboomook, the “middle” portion of the lake from Farm Island south to the top of Deer and Sugar Islands, and the “lower” from Deer and Sugar Islands south to Greenville. Our goal is to collect a minimum of 30 lake trout from each of these 3 areas to obtain length, weight, condition, sex, maturity, stomach content and otoliths for aging.

This past week we spent 3 days netting Moosehead Lake and were successful in collecting 30 lake trout from the lower and middle areas. A total of 65 lake trout were collected. Sixteen (25 percent) of the lake trout were greater than 18 inches, 33 (50 percent) were between 14 and 18 inches, and 16 (25 percent) were less than 14 inches. The average condition factor or the overall fatness of the fish, for each size category is still fairly low. The condition factor of the two smaller-size groups [under 18 inches] were very similar to what we observed last winter. Condition factors on fish over 18 inches show some slight improvement compared to those observed last winter but are still below our management objectives.

We are finding a variety of food items in the stomachs of the lake trout, such as insects, smelts, suckers, and a few other minnow species. A couple of the bigger lake trout in the sample contained some interesting food items. One, a 24-inch, 4¼ pounds lake trout had a 14-inch lake trout in its stomach, and a second 26-inch lake trout weighing 6 pounds had a 13-inch white sucker in its stomach.

One notable fish we collected and were able to successfully release was a lake trout that measured approximately 32 inches long and weighed between 10 and 12 lbs.

Lake trout sampling will be completed by the end of the month and aging of the fish will be conducted over the course of this winter. At that point we will have a better understanding of the age structure and condition of the lake trout in Moosehead Lake.

Jeff Bagley, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist, Greenville

Region F — Penobscot

As the summer progresses we are getting more and more inquires from parents and grandparents looking for angling opportunities for young anglers. There are a number of obvious places throughout the region to go, including those waters open to “Special Opportunities for Kids” listed on page 6 in the Open Water Fishing Regulations Book.

Pickerel Pond, in T32, has as recently as last week given up brook trout from 10 to 18 inches in length. Other regional hot spots for kids include Rock Crusher Pond in Island Falls, Cold Stream between the hatchery and the lake in Enfield, Jerry Pond in Millinocket and Harris Pond in Milo. As always, the Penobscot River remains one of the premier locations to take kids for an enjoyable evening of bass fishing.

Regional staff will be heading to Baxter State Park this week to do some stream and pond surveys in the southern portion of the Park. Center Pond, Abol Pond, Lower Togue Pond and Draper Pond will al be checked for any changes in species composition and water quality. We will be conducting brook trout population assessments on all waters. Windy Pitch Pond will be surveyed for the first time, collecting physical, chemical and biological information. Based upon what we find, we will be exploring additional management opportunities at Windy Pitch.

We will also be performing a stream habitat survey and an electrofishing survey on Sourdnahunk Stream from the outlet of Sourdnahunk Lake to Sourdnahunk Field Campground. Surveyors will be measuring stream widths, depths, substrate composition, cover, etc. to evaluate brook trout habitat in the project area.

Nels Kramer, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist, Enfield

Region G – Aroostook County

Summer weather has warmed the surface water of northern Maine waterways so that trout and salmon have retreated to deeper, cooler water. A recent check of a small pond in southern Aroostook County showed trout to be active during evening hours in 15-20 feet of water. Larger trout were observed eating small minnows and occasionally smelt and various aquatic insects. From our survey it was clear that evening and early morning would be productive times to use small fish imitations to have success in stocked trout ponds.

Frequent rain storms in the County are maintaining excellent flows in rivers and brooks, and springs, those important refuge areas for trout, are running well for this time of year. Trout seek out these cooler inlets when temperatures in the main stem increases much beyond 65 degrees F. The week of July 21 is forecast to be wet and much cooler than recent weather; this could bode well for trout and salmon activity late in July.

By many accounts trout fishing is very good so far this summer and with light traffic in the North Maine Woods (NMW), anglers can have a solitary experience on their favorite trout brook.

Our northern most region of the State has nearly 7,000 miles of flowing water, most of which support wild brook trout during the summer. Anglers searching for good waterways this time of year can refer to the Maine Gazetteer; look for spots on streams that are higher in the drainage, where the blue lines are lighter in color, but far enough downstream to still have a few inlets that have a cooling influence.

For example, on map page 63, Greenlaw Stream in the area of Ten Mile Brook to Greenlaw Crossing would be a good bet for lots of wild brook trout up to about eight inches in size. This location is just beyond the NMW’s Six Mile Checkpoint so anglers don’t have to travel far to find good trout fishing.

– Frank O. Frost, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist, Ashland

Posted by Tom Remington

WINDHAM – The Maine Warden Service tonight recovered the body of a 19-year-old Windham man who was missing and presumed drowned since Friday afternoon on Highland Lake.

Patrick Mackerron was located at approximately 8:25 p.m. by Warden Rick Stone on the west side of the lake.

More than 20 officials from the Maine Warden Service, the MWS Dive Team, the Maine State Police and the Maine Marine Patrol have been searching for Mr. Mackerron since he was reported missing at approximately 3 p.m. on Friday, July 18. They were assisted by the Windham Police Department and Windham Fire and Rescue.

Today’s search began at approximately 5 a.m., and continued throughout the day even though heavy rains fell on the area. By this afternoon, the search focused on a hole in the lake that was located through specialized mapping software owned by the Maine Warden Service and what’s called a side-scan sonar that is owned by the Maine State Police.

“The combination of this equipment was able to locate Mr. Mckerron,” said Maine Warden Service Lt. Patrick Dorian.

Mr. Mackerron was riding on a 20-foot Checkmate boat with three friends, Richard West, 38, of Windham, Nathan Jackson, 20, of Casco, and Richard Tarvers, 28, of Westbrook, when he and Mr. Jackson decided to jump off the moving boat. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Tarvers previously had jumped into the water off the boat.

“Mr. Jackson came up but Mr, Mackerron did not,” Lt. Dorian said.

Mr. Mackerron was taken to Dolby Funeral Chapel in Windham. The Maine Medical Examiner’s Office will determine a cause of death.

Friday’s search was suspended at approximately 8 p.m. due to harsh weather conditions, including lightning, in the area. The search resumed at 7 a.m. Saturday, and was suspended at approximately 3 p.m. because of severe weather. Visibility below the water’s surface was extremely limited, and depths of between 45 and 60 feet were searched. The water temperature at those depths was 44 degrees.

The incident remains under investigation.

Lt. Dorian said he is appreciative of the assistance given to rescue crews by the residents of Highland Lake and the Salvation Army.

“The people of Highland Lake and the Salvation Army were remarkably generous,” Lt. Dorian said. “Anything we needed to do, they helped make it happen. We thank them for their support.”

HARTLAND – Two people from Massachusetts were seriously injured in an ATV incident at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday (July 19) in Hartland, according to the Maine Warden Service.

Heather Gould, 20, was riding on a 4-wheel All-Terrain Vehicle being driven by Doug Surette, 22, on what’s called Sappi Road in Hartland when they approached a corner that gradually goes to the left, said Game Warden Aaron Cross. Both are Massachusetts residents. Their hometowns are unknown at this time.

“They missed the turn, drove into the slash and ended up about 40 yards off the trail,” Cross said. “There wasn’t even any skid marks. They just went into the woods.”

Neither Ms. Gould nor Mr. Surette were wearing a helmet, Cross said. Driving too fast for conditions and alcohol were factors in the incident, he said.

Mr. Surette was transported by LifeFlight to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Ms. Gould was transported to Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield. Both suffered head and other injuries.

“Luckily there injuries are not life threatening,” Warden Cross said. “They’re lucky to be alive.”

Warden Cross said Mr. Surette was cited for operating under the influence of alcohol.

The Maine Warden Service was assisted by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

AUGUSTA – In appreciation for their support of state parks and the protection of endangered and threatened species, drivers whose vehicles sport the Conservation “Loon” Registration Plate will receive free admission to state parks and historic sites this weekend (July 19 and 20).

“Conservation Plate Holder Appreciation Days” is an annual event sponsored by the Maine Department of Conservation, in conjunction with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, to show off the beauty of state parks to those who help support their access and maintenance.

The pass only is valid at parks managed by the Maine Department of Conservation and at participating historic sites. Conservation “Loon” Plate holders who visit the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray or Swan Island in Richmond this weekend will be asked to pay regular admission. The MWP is self supporting and managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, as is Swan Island.

The Conservation “Loon” Plate is a valuable fund raiser not only for state parks, but for the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, which is managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Since the Conservation “Loon” Plate’s inception in 1994 more than $14 million in funds have gone to the Departments of Conservation and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

“These funds have allowed us to complete much needed upgrades in our state parks and historic sites, and support wildlife conservation efforts through the Endangered and Nongame Species Fund,” said Patrick K. McGowan, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation. “However, the number of Conservation ‘Loon’ plates being issued each year is in decline, and as a result, so are the much needed funds to do these important works.”

Because of declining Conservation “Loon” Plate sales in recent years, the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund is in danger of running out of money. With more license plate options available to motorists, including the Chickadee Plate, a 30 percent reduction in funds over the last several years threatens the loss of matching federal dollars. And it puts in peril the jobs of 10 experienced IF&W wildlife biologists who protect and manage many of the 49 species of birds, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and fish that are endangered in Maine. These include the Piping Plover, Blanding’s Turtle, Black Racer snake, rare butterflies, dragonflies, and freshwater mussels. Threatened species include the Canada Lynx, Atlantic Puffin and the Arctic Tern.

“The annual free admission weekend is a wonderful appreciation gift for those Mainers who invest in wildlife and park programs through their purchase of the Conservation ‘Loon’ Plate,” said Roland “Danny” Martin, Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “But it is our hope as well that this weekend enlightens all motorists to the value of the programs this registration plate supports, and they choose the Conservation ‘Loon’ Plate the next time they register their vehicles.”

Thanks to Loon Plate supporters, Bald Eagles no longer are endangered in Maine, but remain a threatened species. And, thanks to motorists sporting the Conservation “Loon” Plate on their vehicles, Peregrine falcons can again be seen on the cliffs of Borestone Mountain and Acadia National Park.

With the money it has received from Conservation “Loon” Plate sales, the Department of Conservation has built toilet and changing facilities at many waterfront parks, and improved access roads and parking at many state parks and historic sites.

The plate costs $20 for first-time buyers, plus regular registration fees, or $15 to renew. After processing fees, $8.40 of the plate’s annual cost supports the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands and $5.60 supports the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, which is managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The Loon Plate became available to motorists in 1994, and reached an all-time high of 110,265 plates in 1998. In 2007, only 63,425 cars carried this plate.

“People live in Maine because they love its vast outdoors and its wide variety of fish and wildlife,” said Commissioner Martin. “Please consider supporting the program that protects what we love – the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund and our beautiful state parks.”

For more information on the Loon Plate and the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, visit www.maine.gov/ifw and click on the Loon Plate.

To purchase the plate, visit www.sosonline.org.

Posted by Tom Remington

Washington, D.C. – Cap and trade policies ostensibly designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could have the opposite effect, says the National Center for Public Policy Research’s Justin Danhof in an op-ed published today by the Christian Science Monitor.

That’s because of an established principle of behavioral law and economics explaining that when a stigmatized behavior is turned into a commodity that can be bought and sold, that behavior tends to lose the stigma associated with it.

Writing in the Monitor, Danhof describes a social science experiment in which parents were fined if they arrived late to pick up their children from child care. After the fine was imposed, the number of parents arriving late increased, because guilt associated with arriving late had been replaced with the opportunity to buy the right to arrive late, guilt-free. “Parents,” says Danhof, “were no longer ‘arriving late,’ but rather, purchasing extra child-care hours.”

Danhof continues: “A similar situation could occur under a cap-and-trade regime. Under cap-and-trade rules, the government places an artificial cap on the amount of carbon each regulated facility may emit. Facilities producing more carbon than they are allowed are required to purchase additional credits to make up the difference. The opportunity to purchase these credits creates a market where none previously existed. As in the example of the fined parents, the purchase of the right to emit greenhouse gases would likely reduce any stigma associated with doing so. Emission levels, consequently, could rise.”

Danhof says there are real-world examples of this principle at play in the global warming arena: “Al Gore says the risk of catastrophic global warming is so great that Americans should act immediately to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Yet his home uses 20 times more energy than the average American home, according to the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. That’s OK, the former vice president assures us, because he purchases offsets to ensure that he lives a carbon-neutral lifestyle… If Mr. Gore could not purchase offsets, would he feel more pressure to reduce his energy use? The likely answer is ‘yes.’”

The article goes on to cite works by Santa Fe Institute researcher Samuel Boles and columnist Charles Krauthammer, and to review the results of Europe’s cap and trade program before concluding: “The social stigma of carbon emissions grows stronger each day. As this stigma grows, companies are increasing their investments into research and technologies to reduce and store carbon. If Congress removes the stigma associated with these emissions by assigning a price to them, it may not like the results.”

The complete article can be read on the Christian Science Monitor website at http://tiny.cc/4HhHG. Visit the National Center for Public Policy Research online at www.nationalcenter.org.

The National Center for Public Policy Research is a non-profit, non-partisan educational foundation based in Washington, DC and established in 1982. The National Center received less than 1% of its 2007 budget from corporations, has received no corporate funding in 2008, and receives approximately 99% of its funding from some 72,000 active individual donors.

Posted by Tom Remington

BIRDS, BIRDS, BIRDS!

In the mid 1980s, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife began to integrate nongame bird management throughout what was then referred to as the Migratory Bird Project. Before this time, the Department’s accomplishments in bird conservation focused on waterfowl and American woodcock research and management, and marine wildlife studies.

Currently, in addition to their traditional gamebird work, Bird Group biologists spend a significant portion of their time on “all bird” issues, including Endangered and Threatened birds. The breadth of the Bird Group’s programmatic responsibilities involve stewardship of 223 bird species that nest in Maine, and many more that migrate through or winter in Maine. Below is a sample of MDIFW’s bird management projects.

Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon has benefited greatly from federal and state partnerships in endangered species conservation. Formerly a breeding resident of coastal headlands and cliffs in mountainous regions, the species was extirpated from Maine and the entire eastern U.S. by the early 1960s. Like bald eagles and many other birds of prey, peregrines were the victims of DDE, a persistent by-product of the insecticide DDT. Decreased reproductive rates among peregrines persisted for decades, and worldwide threats of extinction coincided with eggshell thinning caused by this contaminant. Today there is no evidence of residual contaminant impacts on Maine’s re-established peregrines, but the population needs careful attention to monitor for this possibility or other related problems.

More than 35 nations have conducted programs to restore peregrine falcons. A total of 144 young peregrines produced in captive-breeding programs were successfully released at 8 different locations in Maine during the period 1984 through 1997. The Peregrine Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Acadia National Park, and MDIFW jointly conducted this venture using methods based upon traditional falconry techniques. Some peregrines reintroduced in Maine were encountered as breeding birds in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York. Others have been documented as migrant visitors to points as far away as Cuba and Venezuela!

Despite these dramatic movements, others have returned to breed in Maine. A peregrine from the 1984 release in Baxter State Park found its way back to the same Penobscot County cliff in 1985 and reappeared in 1986 as the first adult peregrine searching for a home (and a mate) in Maine. The first pair of peregrines to reside in Maine chose a historic eyrie, Mount Kineo in Piscataquis County, as their new home in 1987. In 1988, a second pair appeared at “The Precipice,” the Acadia National Park cliff last inhabited by peregrines before their disappearance in the 1960s. Also that year, an Oxford County cliff became the first site of successful breeding by reestablished peregrines.
Throughout the recent past, most peregrines breeding in Maine inhabited southern Oxford County near the state’s western border; but new peregrine eyries were found during 2007 in Cumberland County and Knox County. The first documentation of peregrine nesting in either in at least 50 years! Peregrines have inhabited a total of 26 different eyries over the last several years.

Many land managers have championed stewardship of peregrines nesting on their property: White Mountain National Forest, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Seven Islands Land Co., Hancock Timberlands, and especially Acadia National Park. MDIFW and cooperating agencies manage several settings to mitigate potential recreational disturbances. Biologists can advise rock climbers where breeding peregrines are present. Hikers and rock climbers have assisted by reported peregrine sightings during their recreational pursuits. Peregrines have proven quite adaptable, and managers have successfully maintained peregrines in some high profile settings with only modest precautions.
Maine and most eastern states are now dependent mostly on state budgets for annual peregrine monitoring and management. Major increases of peregrines in the western U.S. are largely responsible for federal delisting of peregrines in 1999, but they are still recognized as Endangered Species under state jurisdictions in Maine and throughout the eastern U.S. For those who have witnessed the spectacular flight of a peregrine (whether in Baxter State Park or downtown Lewiston), it is an event not readily forgotten. Centuries of mankind’s fascination with the peregrine as the fastest-flying bird and an accomplished predator continue on!
– Charlie Todd, Wildlife Biologist, Bangor

Freshwater Marshbirds

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund sponsored a series of marsh bird surveys as part of the Ecoregional Survey Project conducted by MDIFW. A total of 137 wetlands were surveyed for marshbirds in the southern, central, eastern, and northwestern portions of the state. Based on these surveys, MDIFW identified several marshbird species that warranted management concern because they are uncommon, have limited distributions, or show evidence of population decline. Also, three marshbird species support hunting seasons (i.e., Virginia rail, sora, common snipe), and population data are required for harvest management. The least bittern, common moorhen, American coot, and pied-billed grebe were found in relatively few wetlands during these surveys. All are considered rare or uncommon, and the hunting season for the common moorhen has been closed because of low numbers. Least bittern and American bittern populations also may be declining. Least bitterns were not found recently in a few wetlands where they have been present in the past.
American bitterns were encountered less frequently in southern than northern Maine, suggesting that population declines in southern parts of New England also may be occurring in southern Maine. Population trend data are important for managing hunted species, to identify significant population declines in game and nongame species, and to provide a basis for conservation actions.

Information on population trends for marshbirds is sparse throughout the northeastern U. S., because these species are inconspicuous, often widely dispersed, and difficult to routinely monitor. However, we have a unique opportunity to measure long-term population trends in Maine because there are data available from two separate marshbird surveys; the first conducted during 1989-90 and the second from 1998-2000.In 2005, we began a project to resurvey most of these wetlands to determine 15+-year trends in wetland occupancy and relative abundance of marshbird species. We also examined short-term trends (approximately 5-8 years) by resurveying about 20 sites that were originally visited during the 1998-2000 ecoregional surveys. We focused our efforts on the least bittern, American bittern, pied-billed grebe, common moorhen, Virginia rail, sora, common snipe, American coot, and marsh wren, but data for other wetland species was recorded. A graduate student from the University of Maine led the fieldwork for this project.

Survey crews revisited 75 wetlands during spring and summer. Each site was visited on at least 3 occasions. Virginia Rail was the most frequently encountered target species. Based on our preliminary data and comparisons with earlier surveys, we observed a significant increase in the number of wetlands occupied by American Bitterns and Virginia Rails, yet a significant decline in the number of wetlands occupied by Least Bitterns. We found no change in wetland occupancy by Pied-billed Grebes or Soras.

An assessment of habitat use by American Bitterns, Virginia Rails, Soras, Pied-billed Grebes, and Least Bitterns is nearly complete. In brief, based on preliminary data analyses, Least Bitterns, Virginia Rails, and Soras prefer wetlands with substantial components of emergent vegetation, Pied-billed Grebes are strongly associated with large wetlands that contain a high proportion of open water. American bitterns prefer shrub wetlands, but will nest in wetlands that are dominated by emergent vegetation as well. This work is being supported by Outdoor Heritage Funds, the Loon Conservation Plate Funds, the University of Maine, and the Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.
– Thomas P. Hodgman, Wildlife Biologist, Bangor

Rusty Blackbird

The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a wetland-breeding blackbird of the boreal regions of northern North America. Formerly considered common, it has shown dramatic declines in numbers during the past century, with these declines accelerating since 1970. The cause of this continent-wide decline is not clear, although experts suggest several anthropogenic factors, including draining and conversion of wetlands in their wintering range, wetland acidification leading to declines of invertebrate prey, and disturbance from landscape changes. However, none of these hypotheses clearly account for both the magnitude and prolonged duration of this decline. During recent Ecoregional Surveys, sponsored in part by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, MDIFW conducted roadside surveys of nearly 200 wetland sites in northwestern Maine. They found breeding Rusty Blackbirds at only 18 locations, and some of these were of just single singing males.

In late 2005, MDIFW began a study that involves a baseline inventory of the current geographic distribution and abundance of Rusty Blackbirds in Maine. These data will be used to a) examine the validity of state and regional population targets and b) to make recommendations for an effective monitoring program for this species on their breeding grounds. We also will compare current records with past distributional information to evaluate whether the species’ well-documented decline has a) effected its distribution in Maine, and b) if populations show fidelity to known breeding locations. Finally, we will assess a) how habitat selection in Maine differs from that reported from elsewhere in North America, and b) compare habitat features at currently occupied breeding sites with other seemingly suitable potential breeding sites in the state, to test hypotheses on why this species has declined and what habitat management options exist to aid in its recovery.

Based on a survey of 327 wetlands, Rusty Blackbirds were observed in only 19 (5.8 percent) wetlands. In comparison, during 2001-2002 Ecoregional Surveys, 187 wetlands were surveyed for Rusty Blackbirds yielding 18 (10 percent) observations. Of the 18 observations made during 2001-2002, 14 of those sites were recently re-sampled and produced only a single Rusty Blackbird observation.

We also thoroughly re-sampled 21 atlas blocks (the area encompassed by a 7.5’ topographic quadrangle), where Rusty Blackbirds had been reported previously by the Maine Breeding Bird Atlas. Only 5 of these 21 blocks produced observations of Rusty Blackbirds. Results of this resampling effort suggest both a population decline and a range contraction. Further surveys will be needed to confirm these findings.

An unexpected outcome of our surveys was our ability to locate Rusty Blackbird nests. We found seven nests among the 19 sites and monitored each nest periodically and confirmed that 100 percent successfully fledged young. We collected habitat data around each nest to better understand nest site selection by this species in northern Maine. We anticipate further surveys, nest searches, and habitat measurements, plus if sufficient birds can be captured, we will attach radiotransmitters to a few birds to monitor their movements and better understand their habitat use. This work is being supported by Outdoor Heritage Funds, Loon Conservation Plate Funds, Pittman Robertson Funds, and the University of Maine.
– Thomas P. Hodgman, Wildlife Biologist, Bangor

Sharp-tailed Sparrow

Two species of sharp-tailed sparrows occur in Maine saltmarshes. Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows (Ammodramus caudacutus) occur from the Penobscot Bay area southward, whereas Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow (A. nelsoni) occur coastwide. Partners in Flight lists the Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow as a “species of continental importance for the U.S.” and among a small number of watch list species in need of immediate conservation action due to multiple threats across their entire range. Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows are recognized as a Priority 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Maine’s Wildlife Action Plan and are considered a Species of Special Concern in Maine. The subvirgatus subspecies of Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow is nearly endemic to Maine and the Maritimes, where their range is disjunct from the two other subspecies in North America. Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow likely warrants Special Concern status in Maine.

Both species complete their entire life cycles within estuaries, nesting just a few centimeters above ground in tidal marshes. Oil spills, therefore, threaten both local populations and their habitats. Additionally, high levels of mercury in the blood of Sharp-tailed Sparrows, rising sea levels, and habitat degradation threaten populations. Despite similar appearance and habitat use, Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows have much higher blood mercury levels than Nelson’s suggesting differences in food habits. Understanding differences in diet between these species would begin to illuminate differences in habitat use that could be used to help mitigate for habitat damaged during an oil spill and could provide a critical link to understanding the pathways of mercury uptake for sharp-tailed sparrows. Specifically, diet information may help explain why Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows accumulate mercury at an alarming rate, while Nelson’s, feeding in the same marsh do not.

The Department has undertaken a study to 1) determine diet of nestlings of both species of sharp-tailed sparrows, 2) determine intraclutch, age-specific, and temporal differences in diet, 3) examine abundance (i.e., availability) of different insect taxa within habitat types in the high marsh, and 4) examine relationships between adult sparrow habitat use and diet of nestlings. This study was catalyzed by two significant opportunities. First, 68 dead nestlings were collected during a previous graduate study. Nestlings died as a result of tidal flooding of their nests; the key cause of nest loss among these species. Second, an intern at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve has expertise in identification of insects and insect parts and an interest in gut analysis. This work is being supported by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Maine Oil Spill Contingency Fund, and Loon Conservation Plate Funds.
– Thomas P. Hodgman, Wildlife Biologist, Bangor

Northeast Coordinated Bird Monitoring Partnership

In the Northeast, dozens of state, federal, and nongovernmental organizations operate hundreds of bird monitoring programs. Results have been used to guide conservation, research, and management actions throughout the region. Although some effort at alignment has been made in recent years, most programs operate independently. The lack of coordination has resulted in redundant data collection, inconsistent field protocols, and occasionally flawed survey designs. Meanwhile, several high-priority species and habitats receive little or no monitoring attention. A coordinated approach is needed to better address bird conservation and management issues in our region.

In response, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations have teamed up to develop a coordinated approach to monitoring bird abundance, distribution, and demographics in the thirteen states of the Northeast (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV). The Northeast Coordinated Bird Monitoring Partnership was formed to develop and implement a regional bird monitoring framework that will assist state wildlife departments, federal natural resource agencies, and other organizations in improving the coordination and effectiveness of their monitoring efforts. This initiative will catalogue existing bird surveys, build consensus on monitoring priorities, and develop and implement needed new programs in the northeast. It will draw on bird conservation plans and state wildlife action plans to identify key management issues that can be addressed through monitoring. Annual workshops will afford opportunities for coordination among existing surveys, while enabling program biologists to consult with leading statisticians on matters of survey design and analysis. The project’s website www.nebirdmonitor.org will provide easily accessible resources for coordinating bird surveys across the region, including an innovative data management system. This system, to be administered by the Avian Knowledge Network at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, will feature a secure data archive, owner-specified access, and several options for data display and analysis. By providing new tools and collaborative opportunities, the partnership will help build the fundamental basis for science-based bird conservation in the Northeast.

Implementation is already underway in Maine. A pilot project begun in New Hampshire to monitor Whip-Poor-Wills has been expanded into Maine and other states in the northeast. Furthermore, Maine’s successful owl monitoring program has been modified by adding Northern Saw-whet Owls surveys to the newly implemented Whip-Poor-Will survey. This simple change both expands owl monitoring beyond Maine and more efficiently uses volunteers on both surveys. Efforts are underway to solidify funding for monitoring mountain birds, begin coordinated monitoring for marshbirds, and design a program for monitoring Rusty Blackbirds. The Northeast Coordinated Bird Monitoring Partnership is made possible by a 3- year multi-state grant of Pittman Robertson Funds. Participation in project implementation is supported with Loon Conservation Plate Funds.
– Thomas P. Hodgman, Wildlife Biologist, Bangor

Least Tern

Least terns are the smallest of four species of terns that nest along the coast of Maine. These Endangered birds nest on the same sandy beaches used by piping plovers in southern Maine. Nesting colonies of least terns in Maine are monitored and protected by biologists from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Audubon, and Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. During the recent past, the statewide population has fluctuated from 39 pairs at 3 sites in 1982, to 157 pairs at 5 nesting beaches in 2004. Since 1979, total productivity in Maine has ranged from 12 to 123 young fledged annually. In 2005, least terns nested on Stratton Island in Saco Bay for the first time, as well as on Western beach, which had been nourished the previous winter from dredge spoils from the Scarborough River. Western beach had not been occupied by least terns since the 1980s.

The erratic productivity of these birds in Maine can be attributed to human-related disturbances such as destruction of nests or young by humans and their pets or from predators such as crows, gulls, foxes, skunks, and raccoons, which are attracted to heavily used beaches because of food items and other bits of garbage left behind by beach-goers. Terns are also faced with challenges from natural events (e.g., tides, storms) and habitat alteration from coastal development.
Production of chicks in the last decade likely has not been sufficient to maintain the population. Management of least terns in Maine includes placing fencing and signs around nesting colonies and predator control. Public education, to inform recreational beach-goers and local residents about the conservation needs of least terns, is another important management activity. MDIFW and Maine Audubon have developed management recommendations for each of the nesting beaches to aggressively confront predation and disturbance problems. Funding for this work comes from the Outdoor Heritage Fund; Loon Plate and Chickadee Check-off funds; hunting license and permit revenues; and excise taxes on sporting arms, handguns, ammunition, and archery equipment (Pittman-Robertson Fund).
– Lindsay Tudor, Wildlife Biologist, Bangor

Posted by Tom Remington

Region A – Southern Maine

Lake fishing for trout and salmon has held up relatively well in southern Maine due largely to the cooler (and rainy) weather pattern. Sebago is still producing decent catches of salmon and lake trout, particularly the later.

Anglers also have also reported some good fishing for browns and rainbows in the 2- to 4-pound range from several regional waters. Good bets for rainbows and browns include Crystal Lake (Gray), the Range Ponds (Poland), Kennebunk Pond (Lyman), Worthley Pond (Peru), and Pennesseewassee Lake (Norway).

As the summer progresses and the surface becomes too warm for salmonids, lake
anglers will need to change their gear and tactics to target deeper, cooler water. For salmon, browns, and rainbows anglers should be targeting water depths in the 15- to 40-foot range, depending on the individual water and/or species. Lake trout will typically be even deeper during the summer, anywhere from 40 to 100 feet. Lakers will reside even deeper, but targeting them at depths over 100 feet is more difficult.

Fishing for warmwater species like bass, perch, and pickerel has been good and will hold up all season. An angler recently reported a great day of bass fishing were he and his partner landed over 30 largies. Pickerel and yellow perch are relatively easy to target this time of year by fishing shallow, weedy areas. They’ll take almost any lure, but weedless versions can help keep down on the frustration level.

White perch fishing is best in open water areas in the morning and evening hours where they can often be located by their continual surfacing. A variety of lures will work, but it’s hard to beat the old worm and bobber! Deep fried, batter white perch fillets are excellent eating. White perch are prevalent throughout southern Maine, a few good bets for some medium to large sized white perch include: Little Sebago Lake (Gray), Woods Pond (Bridgton), Lower Range Pond (Poland), Crescent Lake (Raymond), and Pennesseewassee Lake (Norway).

Surface water temperatures on rivers and streams in southern Maine have gradually been climbing, and as a result anglers have reported slower fishing for trout. There is still some good fishing to be had as the season progresses, but anglers will need to target smaller, cooler streams. These little gems support wild brook trout in the 4- to 10-inch range, with a 10 inch or larger being a trophy. “Trophy size” is relative to the species and size of the water being fished. For those stream anglers that don’t want to beat the bushes and prefer larger quarry, try hitting the larger rivers where smaller, cooler streams enter and provide a thermal refuge for these larger trout.

Good luck and enjoy the variety of fishing opportunities that the State of Maine offers. By the way, did I mention the mackerel are running in the Saco and
Biddeford area?

– Jim Pellerin, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist, Gray

Region B – Central Maine

In the past month we’ve received disturbing news of anglers catching and releasing walleye in Long Pond. Walleye are a non-native fish species to Maine but are a very popular sport fish primarily in the Midwest and Canada.

The Belgrade Lakes did have an introduced population of walleye back in the 1940s but this population was thought to have been eliminated possibly through over harvesting. People discovered that large concentration of walleye were very susceptible to harvest during their annual spring spawning run. The eyes of walleye illuminate green at night when light is reflected. People took advantage of this fact by illuminating the fish with a flashlight and then spearing them in the shallows. This practice probably played a significant role in the demise of walleyes in the Belgrade Lakes.

During our 1996 routine fall trapnetting operation in Long Pond we captured a single walleye, this was the first walleye observed in Long Pond since the 1940s. The following 10 years we captured a total of 31 walleyes. These fish were all from the same cohort (all were spawned the same year). The first one caught was age 3, and it was 17.8 inches long and weighed 2.2 pounds. We followed this cohort through age 12 in 2005, and it was 23 inches long and weighed 4.8 pounds. Since these fish were all from the same age class we believe they were illegally stocked. Until this summer we thought no natural reproduction from this illegal stocked fish had occurred but now it appears there may have been some limited reproduction.

The fish caught this summer are approximately 16 inches in length which indicates that there’s either been another illegal stocking or the fish have reproduced naturally in the lake. We will be trapnetting Long Pond this fall and if we should catch any walleye we’ll try to determine the origin of these fish. In the meantime if anyone should catch a walleye please save the fish and contact the Sidney Regional Fisheries Office.

– Jim Lucas, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist, Sidney

Region C — Downeast

We invite the angling public to attend one of two informational meetings to discuss and comment on a set of proposed regulation changes for Hancock and Washington counties that will create increased conformity of general law fishing regulations among 10 of Maine’s counties.

Meetings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on July 29 at the Bucks Mills Rod and Gun Club in Bucksport and at 6:30 p.m. on July 30 at the Calais Rod and Gun Club in Charlotte.

The proposed changes are largely the result of ongoing efforts to consolidate ice fishing and open water regulations into a single two-year law book. Our aim is to increase angling opportunities where possible, further simplify the law book, save time and financial resources, and to continue protecting the resource. Most of the proposed changes will affect southern, central, and eastern Maine angling opportunities.

The following general fishing laws are being proposed for lakes and ponds in Hancock and Washington Counties, although special restrictions may apply for specific waters:
 Lakes and ponds are open to open water fishing year round. (Note: Two lines per angler, general law.)

 Lakes and ponds are open to ice fishing from Dec. 1 through March 31. (Note: We provided this liberal time frame in order to account for years when ice forms early on waters. A time period was decided rather stating “presence of ice or safe ice” given the “fuzzy” nature of such terms.)

 Lakes and ponds will be Catch and Release for all salmonids from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. (Note: General law for all other species would apply during this time period. Special regulations, more liberal or conservative, can be provided on specific waters as appropriate.)

 For lakes and ponds the General Law bag and length limits for salmonids apply from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30. (Note: Special regulations, more liberal or conservative, can be provided on specific waters as appropriate.)

 Under the proposed general law fishing regulations, both ice anglers and open water anglers could fish lakes and ponds in December, but could not harvest salmonids, unless provided by special regulation. From Jan. 1 through March 31, both groups of anglers could fish lakes and ponds and harvest salmonids under respective bag and length limits.

 Unless otherwise provided by rule, the number of lines an angler may fish at any one time will be limited to two lines while open water fishing and five lines while ice fishing. At no time can an angler fish more than five lines. (Note: This modification in wording for the number of lines that can be fished by an angler at any one time is being made to address the potential for anglers to simultaneously ice fish and open water fish in lakes and ponds in the eight southern counties and two eastern counties. They are Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Hancock, and Washington.)

The current statewide aggregate bag limit for salmonids of five fish will be removed. (Note – IFW management decisions regarding bag limits, length limits, open seasons, etc. for salmonids are already focused at the species level and the removal of this regulation would not impact current management strategies.)

The term salmonids includes the following Maine fish species– Arctic charr, brook trout, brown trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, splake, and togue (lake trout).

– Rick Jordan, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Jonesboro

Region D – Western Maine

A study to evaluate the effect of adding large woody debris (more commonly known as trees) to headwaters of the Sunday River has grown to a major brook trout research effort thanks to the involvement of Stephen Coghlan, PhD., of the University of Maine. The original study, funded through the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, involved restoring wood to two tributaries of the Upper Sunday River in extreme western Maine and monitoring the results, which are expected to moderate flows and improve brook trout habitat by creating pools and adding organic matter (notably by trapping leaves) to increase the abundance of macroinbertebrates (aquatic insects), a major food source for brookies.

Enter Coghlan and his crew, including graduate student Paul Damkot. They are not only helping to monitor the existing project, but have expanded it to determine the role of brook trout as macroinvertebrate predators. They are in the process of sampling streams both with and without brook trout, and have plans to introduce brook trout into fishless reaches to monitor resultant changes to the macroinvertebrate population.

To return to the original project, Maine streams (as well as many streams nationally) are thought to be devoid of naturally occuring wood, which was removed to facilitate log/pulpwood drives and hasn’t really reoccurred naturally since log driving days because of cutting near the shores of streams. We found several log-driving dams on the Sunday, even high in the headwater streams, supporting this notion.

Jay Milot, who works in the White Mountain National Forest, has had good results from adding trees to a number of streams, and did the work on the Sunday River. We have a similar project on the headwaters of Bemis Stream, a tributary to Mooselookmeguntic Lake, which is also being monitored.

– Forrest Bonney, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Strong

Region E – Moosehead Lake

There certainly were some explosive fireworks this weekend in the Greenville area and not just from the annual Fourth of July celebration. The hex hatch has started in earnest in the region and now is the time to enjoy some of the best dry fly fishing of the year.

I am a firm believer that if you want to catch big brook trout while fly fishing then you must fish below the surface with a sinking fly line. I’ve pawed through enough gut piles to know that big trout feed primarily on small fish, leeches, and crayfish. But this week is one of the few times when the big boys will be coaxed from the depths to feed on the surface for the those massive mayflies sometimes referred to as Green Drakes.

On many ponds the hatch begins around sunset and continues well after dark. I have seen some hatches that dribble off and on all day when the conditions are good, including a flat calm pond surface and warm air temperatures. Friday night was the best night in the area. The light west wind subsided and both the bugs and fish were ready. We have had a southerly wind since Saturday afternoon which has persisted through the prime evening hours. I suspect the next calm night will be very good hex fishing.

The East Outlet continues to provide some of the best fishing in the region even though the flows have been high recently. Salmon and brook trout are stacked in the river and those anglers that know where to fish during high water have been rewarded with great catches. The salmon are looking very good in the river, obviously taking advantage of the abundant supply of caddis and stoneflies in the river. Water temperatures remain cooler than normal and the fish are very feisty when hooked. Don’t drive by the East Outlet without taking a cast.

Don’t despair if you’re not into fly fishing. This is also a good time to dunk a bait or troll. The Greenville Junction Wharf is always a favorite spot for anglers who don’t have a boat. Most folks lob a worm or shiner off the end of the pier in hopes of catching a salmon or togue. The fishing is best in spring but it has some ups and downs throughout the summer. Right now the fishing is pretty good. We are hearing multiple reports of good salmon catches and a few lake trout as well.

This is also a good time to troll for lake trout and brook trout. As the surface temperatures approach 70 degrees, these coldwater fish slip down to the thermocline. If you know where to look, you can find these fish. I prefer a flat fish for both lakers and brookies this time of year. Size, speed, and depth are very important to be effective with a flat fish. Most people troll too fast with these lures which are meant to just crawl along.

– Tim Obrey, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Greenville

Region F — Penobscot

The summer field season has been in full swing for several weeks now for the fishery biologists in Region F. Staff has been busy conducting lake and pond surveys around the Penobscot Region to assess the condition of warm and coldwater fish populations as well as the condition of their habitat. Staff may visit 30-50 waters in a summer, along with keeping up with normal office paper work and other responsibilities of the job.

During a pond survey, we collect water quality information including a temperature and dissolved oxygen profile from the surface to the bottom of the lake (deepest point), as well as testing the pH, alkalinity, conductivity at the surface and bottom of the lake. A Secchi disk reading helps determine the clarity of the lake or pond, and biologists record the level of turbidity seen in the water at the same time. While this water quality “snap shot” can vary greatly depending on the weather conditions in the days prior to the survey, it gives us a general understanding of the basic physical and chemical properties of the lake. Since most of the lakes and ponds in Region F have been surveyed at least once (often more than once), biologists have prior readings to compare current results to. If anything were drastically out of the ordinary then further, more precise sampling would follow.

Fish samples, typically collected with traps or nets, can help fishery biologists determine if management strategies (stocking rates and regulations) are effective at producing desired growth rates of principal sport fish populations; mainly brook trout, salmon and lake trout. Usually we need a 15 to 30 fish sample across several age classes to determine the current condition of a population. Equipment such as traps and nets help us to quickly obtain a sample and are set from one hour to one day depending on the water body. Based on the results from our surveys we can then make recommendations for future management changes (if needed) to help maintain or enhance the sport fisheries in the region.

Recent fishing reports indicate, as expected, that cold water fish species have moved down with the cool water, generally to depths greater than 25 feet. Salmon have been biting off and on at Cold Stream Pond, and a good number of the spring yearling brook trout stocked this spring as a well as fall yearling brook trout stocked in 2007 have been providing for some steady action.

We’re still receiving reports of better than expected togue fishing at East Grand Lake, and Matagamon Lake has been hot as well. The green drake hatch has finally started in the Baxter State Park waters, so evening dry fly fishing should be fantastic!

The bass fishing in the Penobscot should be good all summer, but can be slow during the mid-day heat… anglers will do better on over cast days or during the morning or evening hours. Trolling or drift fishing for white perch in the evenings should be very productive, and if there happens to be a hatch coming off, fly fishing over a school of perch can be very entertaining.
Good luck, and be safe on the water.

– Richard Dill, Regional Fisheries Biologist, West Enfield

Region G – Aroostook County

The recent hot weather from the weekend is quickly dropping flows in the rivers, brooks and streams. As this water drops, fishing for trout should be excellent until the water becomes to warm and the fish search out spring holes to get them through the warm summer months. Larger rivers such as the Aroostook and Allagash, where trout have been spread out due to cool water temperatures, should now see trout actively feeding in the riffles. We would note, however, that flows in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway have been running high due to the abundant rainfall in that area of the state.

Whitney Brook, Three Brooks, River des Chutes and the North Branch of the Presque Isle Stream are a few of the good trout brooks in eastern Aroostook County that could be visited for a productive day of trout fishing. Behind North Maine Woods gates, the many tributaries to the St. John River remain cold and full of trout for those looking for some pan size trout to go with breakfast. As the days warm up, black flies should be less of a nuisance but the deer flies will become more of a plague. Troublesome as they can sometimes be, they are, however, much better than the hurricanes, firs, tornados and poisonous snakes that must be endured by our southern and western states!

– David J. Basley, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Ashland

Posted by Tom Remington

CARIBOU – A 28-year-old woman from New York was injured in an ATV accident at approximately noon today in the Caribou area.

Nicole Pone, of Albany, N.Y., was traveling with two others on three separate ATVs on the multi-use trail from Caribou to New Sweden when she hit a mud puddle and flipped her vehicle at least twice, according to Game Warden Ed Christie of the Maine Warden Service.

“She broke her right ankle,” Christie said. “It’s a pretty serious injury that could require surgery.”

Ms. Pone is visiting Maine with Gerald Tardiff and his son, Gerry, both of Albany, N.Y. They were not injured.

According to Warden Christie, Ms. Pone was not wearing a helmet. She was transported to Cary Medical Center in Caribou, and then to Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle.

The accident remains under investigation.

Posted by Tom Remington<a

Milt Inman Photo

This flag proudly flies in a field overlooking a rural Maine farmhouse! Hope you Independence Day if a great one!

Tom Remington