Restoration projects don’t always result in desired outcomes. Maine’s Penobscot River once provided a bounty of resources; a multitude of fish species, nutrients to care for the fish and other aquatic plant life, along with numerous opportunities that benefited the natives and residents within the river watershed. Then progress got in the way, so to speak.

Several dams were built along the river stretching from near Ellsworth north toward the Millinocket region. These dams, all a part of progress, were built mostly for producing electricity and water control. The result played a pivotal role in the destruction of a natural fishery that included several species of sea-run fish.

Man has been the culprit of many things but man being an intelligent creature with instincts for survival, learns from the mistakes and over time works to correct them. Efforts are currently underway to remove some more of the dams and construct fish ladders, fish lifts or fish ways as they are commonly called. The dream is to restore the Penobscot River to what it used to be.

Even though man is all too often blamed for every bad thing that happens to the environment, there is one thing that is certain and yet is overlooked. Man is still here. Man isn’t going away anytime soon, we hope. And with this knowledge, man must also become a part of the equation to solving our environmental problems.

While it certainly is a commendable dream to want to restore the Penobscot River to or near its original condition, we have to ask if it’s feasible, practical and the right thing to do both biologically and socially.

The Penobscot River Restoration Project is lead by the Penobscot River Restoration Trust. The Trust is comprised of the following organizations: 1) the Penobscot Indian Nation, 2) American Rivers, 3) Atlantic Salmon Federation, 4) Maine Audubon, 5) Natural Resources Council of Maine, 6) Trout Unlimited, and 7) The Nature Conservancy. These groups are working with the U.S. Department of Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service), the State of Maine and PPL Maine Corporation, the company that owns the dams.

All of these groups have worked together in forming an agreement that aims to accomplish certain things, as are listed on their website.

# Restore self sustaining populations of native sea-run fish, such as the endangered Atlantic salmon, through improved access to nearly 1,000 miles of historic habitat;
# Renew opportunities for the Penobscot Indian Nation to exercise sustenance fishing rights;
# Create new opportunities for tourism, business and communities;
# Resolve longstanding disputes and avoid future uncertainties over the regulation of the river.

The agreement also will provide for the following:

* The Penobscot River Restoration Trust (PRRT) the option to purchase three dams from PPL Corporation, and subsequently remove the two lowermost dams on the river: Veazie and Great Works;
* The PRRT, after obtaining the approval of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, to decommission and pursue construction of a state-of-the-art fish bypass around the third dam, Howland, that will, if found feasible maintain the impoundment;
* PPL Corporation the opportunity to increase generation at six existing dams, which would result in maintaining essentially all of the current energy generation;
* PPL Corporation to improve fish passage at four additional dams.

There are two issues with this effort that may not be getting the attention and the scrutiny that they should. One is the replacement of the lost electricity from removal of two dams and the closing of a third. The other issue is that of accounting for the spread of other invasive species now living below the dams that were not there back in the days of which the PRRT dreams of restoring the river to.

There are presently two organizations that I am aware of that have come out publicly in opposition to both the loss of electricity and the opening of the waterway to invasive species, namely the northern pike – The Millinocket Fin and Feather Club and the Town of Millinocket.

The Millinocket Fin and Feather Club recently drafted a letter of opposition to the dam removals and sent it to the Federal Energy Regulation Commission. (View a copy of the complete letter here.) FERC controls the licensing of the operation of the dams for the purpose of generating electricity. It is my understanding that the reason the letter went to FERC is because the next step in the PRRT restoration project is for PPL Maine to turn over their licensing in order that the dams can be purchased and removed. These groups want to stop that process.

The Town of Millinocket has also drafted a letter that has been sent to FERC with copies mailed to the Maine Governor, U.S. Congressmen and Women, state representatives, several towns along the river and other key players. Both letters essentially address the same two issues. (Read the Town of Millinocket letter here.)

The issue of invasive species should raise a pretty big debate. According to the Bangor Daily News, PRRT concurs that pike are present in the Penobscot.

Laura Rose Day, the river restoration trust’s executive director, said the trust shares the councilors’ concerns. Pike have been in the Pushaw Lake area of the lower Penobscot since at least 2003, state biologists said.

“We have been aware that pike are in the drainage of the river, and that’s why we had a team of experts that looked at that issue,” Day said Tuesday. “There is a risk, but it’s one factor among many.”

The real argument comes in whether or not northern pike, a known vicious predator of most fish species, including trout and salmon, would find its way north through the Penobscot watershed and into the many tributaries that have some of Maine’s finest trout and salmon fisheries. If this should happen the results could be devastating.

We need to go back for a moment and revisit what I said earlier in this article about the presence of man. The reason that pike are present in the Penobscot River below these dams is said to be the results of man’s illegal introduction of the fish into Maine waters. We can curse and throw worms to show our frustration but it doesn’t change the fact that this deed was done and now we have to live with it. It now becomes part of the restoration equation.

The Town of Millinocket and the Fin and Feather Club raise some serious questions about the spread of invasive species after the dams are removed. Ray Campbell, Jr., President of the Millinocket Fin and Feather Club, explains the possible watershed contamination.

If the surrender of license is to take place as planned, it would introduce invasive species, never there before, into the pristine Piscataquis River, plus giving northern pike, already in the Penobscot River below these dams, access into the Piscataquis River. The northern pike will not only destroy the fishery in the Piscataquis, but recent studies show that they, in all probability, will gain access from the East Branch of the Pleasant River (which flows into the Piscataquis) into upper Jo-Mary Lake, and from there into the West Branch of the Penobscot. This will essentially destroy the entire fishery downstream of
Ripogenus Dam.

Would opening the Penboscot River waterway threaten the existing fisheries? It appears nobody wants or has the ability to answer that question factually. There aren’t an abundance of studies available on northern pike migration. The fish is considered a sedentary species but that certainly doesn’t mean it doesn’t migrate at all.

The northern pike is commonly referred to as the wolf fish because of its notorious feeding habits and pronounced teeth. Essentially it will feed on most any fish species along with other aquatic animals including ducks. Fear runs rampant in trout and salmon fishermen when they hear of pike being found in their favorite fishing hole as the fish are known to destroy existing fisheries by both eating the fish and the fish the fish eat, like smelts.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Northern Pike Management Plan (2001), fully recognizes the existence of the fish in several of Maine’s waters. The plan calls for managing the fish to provide opportunities for fishermen but recognizes that every effort needs to be made to prevent the fish from getting into undesirable waters. The plan offers very little insight into the migration and distribution of the fish.

A study conducted in the mid 1990s in Alaska (Seasonal Movements, Age and Size Statistics, and Food Habits of Northern Pike in Upper Cook Inlet during 1994 and 1995, David S. Rutz) lends us some knowledge of the habits of northern pike.

The Cook Inlet Study in part looks at the migration of pike from the inlet into rivers and other tributaries that feed the inlet. One tracked fish traveled a distance of 13 km (just under 8 miles).

Another study done in Germany (Long range seasonal movements of northern pike (Esox lucius L.) in the barbel zone of the River Ourthe (River Meuse basin, Belgium), M. Ovidio and J. C. Philippart, 2003) also shows us that northern pike can travel a substantial distance during normal migration periods.

In this study, pike were tracked through their migration periods up and down the river. Again, one fish traveled a distance of 15.7 km (9.75 miles). Of note was the fact that tracking of fish downstream was stopped due to what the study calls a weir (obstruction, possibly a dam. It doesn’t say.)

I think we can safely conclude that pike will migrate to distances far enough that other waters north of the dams could face fisheries problems. The question becomes how proliferate will the pike become and what kind of damage will they cause?

Even though Richard Dill, regional fisheries biologist for Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, is hesitant to officially state that pike are in the main portion of the Penobscot, few will argue it’s only a matter of time.

As much as the Penobscot River Restoration Trust would like to bring the river back to its glory days, it would be irresponsible to not fully explore the dangers that exist. Yes, these pike are here because of the ignorance of man but ignoring the problem will not make it go away.

The BDN story says this about whether pike could find their way all the way to West Branch and beyond.

But biologists have not determined whether the connective waters — Upper Ebeemee Lake, Wangan Brook and Sanborn Pond — are deep enough to allow that, Dill said. Their studies are ongoing.

This presents another problem in trying to make a determination. The MDIFW Northern Pike Management Plan I referred to earlier, states some of the difficulties in trying to stop the proliferation of pike. It points out that when pike spawn they move into weedy areas. Biologists would like then to lower water levels to sharply reduce the survival of the northern pike. The problem is that the spawning period, also the period when pike migrate the farthest, coincides with spring when water is at it’s highest. This fact alone can aid in the further spread of the invasive pike.

What we know about the northern pike may not be enough to accurately assess the complete potential danger that exists should the dams be removed. One thing is for sure. It would seem that rushing into the removal could be a huge mistake. I know this may not seem like rushing for the PRRT. Perhaps the millions of dollars that are going to be spent to purchase these dams and tear them down, could be better spent trying to determine what might happen once they are removed; at least enough to satisfy everyone.

I would love to see the Penobscot returned to as close to what it used to be but not if it means ignoring the problems man has created that could destroy a healthy fishery now. That makes little sense.

Tom Remington

AUGUSTA – A New Gloucester man who suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the last day of firearms hunting season last November died as a result of an accidental shooting while hunting, according to the results of a combined investigation conducted by Dr. Edward David, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, and the Maine Warden Service.

Ernest L. Russell II, 55, of New Gloucester, went hunting alone on Prong Pond Mountain in Beaver Cove Township (Piscataquis County) at approximately 12:15 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2008. Mr. Russell’s wife notified the Maine Warden Service through Piscataquis County dispatch at approximately 7:30 p.m. when her husband did not return as planned.

Mr. Russell’s vehicle was located by activating its On Star system, and Game Wardens followed tracks in the snow to locate the hunter.

According to Lt. Patrick Dorian of the Maine Warden Service, who supervised the MWS investigation, Mr. Russell fell approximately 21 feet down a hill after slipping on a large snow-and-ice-covered rock. The hunter had been following skidder trails on a ridge at the time.

“He never broke stride as he was walking, and after stepping on the large rock he fell face first down the hill,” according to Lt. Dorian. “In an effort to regain his footing, Mr. Russell’s gun discharged. We feel that during the victim’s fall down the hill, in all probability the gun became cocked and he didn’t know it.”

Physical evidence at the scene was instrumental in the investigation, according to Lt. Dorian.

Dr. David performed the medico-legal examination in this case. Eight Game Wardens and a Maine State Police Evidence Response Team member took part in the accidental death investigation

Mr. Russell’s death was the only fatality during last fall’s hunting season. Since 1964, 12 hunters have died as the result of accidental self-inflicted gun shots.

Posted by Tom Remington

A 52-year-old Poland man snowmobiling on Hogan Pond in Oxford died Wednesday night when he left a trail and drove underneath a camp’s porch.

Brent Howe, 52, was riding ahead of two other sleds when the incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. Wednesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr. Howe was wearing a helmet. Speed may have been a factor, according to Maine Warden Service Game Warden Jeremy Judd.

The Maine Warden Service Forensic Team is investigating the incident.

Hogan Pond is located between routes 26 and 121 and next to a stretch of Rabbit Valley Road in Oxford.

Mr. Howe’s death is the fourth snowmobile-related fatality this season.

Posted by Tom Remington

*Update* Mar. 9, 2009 – Sen. Trahan offers alternative to salt water fishing license. Read more and sign a letter being sent to Joint Committee on Marine Resources.

Maine Senator David Trahan needs your help!!!!

On Thursday January 22nd, 1:30 p.m., in Legislative Council Chambers, 3rd floor of the State House, Sen. Trahan (R-Waldoboro) will testify on his Resolution to Congress expressing the Legislatures opposition to the adoption of a saltwater fishing license. The Resolution will reinforce state sovereignty rights, express support for responsible collection of information, but clearly state Maine’s total opposition to any salt water fishing license requirement.

The Resolution is the first step that Sen. Trahan will take in his effort to block any attempt by Congress to require the new license. Immediately after the Maine resolution, Trahan will launch a nationwide campaign, reaching out to every state in the nation with a saltwater fishery asking them to adopt a Resolution and enlist the support of their Congressional delegation to defeat this new federal mandate.

Senator Trahan will also work with Maine’s Congressional Delegation requesting their support in stopping this unwarranted intrusion on State Sovereign Rights.

Senator Trahan will need your help. In order for the Legislature to debate the Resolution in Maine, the Legislative Council must approve it for introduction. Legislative Council is made up of Republican and Democrat leadership. Republicans have already indicated initial support so Democrat votes are essential to achieving enough votes for approval. Please call or e-mail Legislative Council members and encourage them to allow a debate on this effort and join in the effort to fight for Maine people and their Sovereign Rights.

Please call or e-mail:

Sen. Elizabeth H. Mitchell, President of the Senate, Vice-chair of the Legislative Council
Phone: 622-2629 e-mail:
SenLibby.Mitchell@legislature.maine.gov

Rep. Hannah Pingree, Speaker of the House, Chair of the Legislative Council
Phone: 867-0966 E-mail:
hannah@pingree.com

Sen. Philip Bartlett, Senate Majority Leader
Phone: 839-7827 e-mail:
phil@philbartlett.com

Sen. Lisa Marrache, Senate Assistant Majority Leader
Phone: 861-0154 e-mail:
drlisa@elmcitymed.com

Sen. Kevin Raye, Senate Republican Leader
Phone: 853-9406 e-mail:
SenatorRaye@wwsisp.com

Sen. Jonathan Courtney, Senate Assistant Republican Leader
Phone: 324-5467 e-mail:
SenJon.Courtney@legislature.maine.gov

Rep. John Piotti, House Majority Leader
Phone: 437-2493 e-mail:
piotti@uninets.net

Rep. Seth Berry, House Assistant Majority Leader
Phone: 522-1609 e-mail:
seth.berry@verizon.net

Rep. Joshua A. Tardy, House Republican Leader
Phone: 368-5858 e-mail:
tardylaw@adelphia.net

Rep. Philip Curtis, House Assistant Republican Leader
Phone: 696-3052 e-mail:
pdcurtis2@hotmail.com

*Note* For a full color, complete with photos, copy of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Ice Fishing Report for January 15, 2009, click this link for download.

Region A – Southern Maine:

Ice conditions in southern Maine have continued to improve since Jan. 1st. Some of the smaller to medium sized ponds are covered in a blanket of ice 8 or more inches thick. Cold temperatures have thickened the ice on lakes that “buttoned up” early, but persistent winds have delayed ice formation on the region’s largest lakes, including Sebago.

Cold weather and windy conditions appears to account for the overall lighter than anticipated early season angler turn out observed and reported on many area lakes and ponds. Although, that said, some bait retailers have reported brisk bait sales.

I recently spoke with one angler who fished for bass with his son opening weekend. The wind was so strong that one of his ice fishing traps was propelled at such a high speed it traveled clear to the other side of the lake and could not be recovered.

A few of our project waters surveyed this winter have produced slower fishing so far this season, including Crystal Lake (Gray) and Sabbathday Lake (New Gloucester). Ironically these two lakes produced outstanding early season action last winter under the same stocking programs. Most of the 2009 angler reports from other waters have been very favorable, especially those targeting brook trout. Waters including Keoka Lake, Bear Pond, Otter Ponds, Center Pond, and Thomas Pond have produced very good early season action for 12- to 14-inch brook trout, including some double digit catches.
– Francis Brautigam, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Gray

Region B – Central Maine:

This is the second winter we have focused on evaluating the effectiveness of stocking large fall yearling brook trout to provide winter fisheries in waters that lack the habitat to provide over summer survival. Although successful anglers have certainly been happy with their catches, the results of last winter’s surveys indicated that approximately 16 percent of the brook trout stocked were harvested during the first winter. Since many of the surviving trout will not survive through the following summer, returns to anglers will have to improve if we to maintain this program.

Biologists from our research unit in Bangor also have been conducting surveys at Biscay Pond where anglers reported nice catches of brook trout, splake, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and white perch. A group of anglers surveyed by the research biologists caught and released two brown trout, one 18 inches and the other 24 inches in length! Anglers report many of the fish they are keeping are full of smelts. Though many anglers were fishing Nequasset Lake this weekend most reported the fishing to be slow for brook trout and rainbow trout.

We have some good fishing for other species, as well as for brook trout. Lake St George and Parker Pond have been very good fishing for salmon and brook trout. We have also received reports of good rainbow trout fishing in Lake George, Canaan. Large pike have been recently caught at North Pond in the Smithfield. Some humpback white perch are beginning to show in Great Pond, Belgrade.
– James Lucas, Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist
and Joe Dembeck, Research Fisheries Biologist, Sidney

Region C — Downeast

Anglers in eastern Maine’s Hancock and Washington counties are catching colorful brook trout at several “magnet waters” where stocking and management is designed to create winter fisheries for trout from 7 to 18 inches.

Regional Fisheries Biologist Rick Jordan said, “we chose ponds with good access and adjusted our stocking plans to add 12- to 14-inch fall yearling brook trout to more numerous stockings of 6- to 9-inch fall fingerling trout. In addition, many of these ponds were stocked with retired 16- to 18-inch adult brook trout that had been used as brood stock in our hatcheries.” The management goal in the magnet waters is to attract families to fish together as well as to interest new anglers in fishing by offering good catch rates for a variety of fish sizes. The program is gaining in popularity, and anglers are enjoying the action.

Anglers wishing to fish these waters can go to Craig Pond in Orland, Lower Hadlock Pond in Orland, Keene’s Lake in Calais, Indian Lake in Whiting, Montegail Pond in Twp 19 MD, or Keeley Lake in Marshfield. In addition, Foxhole Pond in Deblois is stocked with trout from 6-18” long and is open to kids only under the age of 16. The pond is located 0.2 mile east of Route 193 opposite the Deblois airstrip.

For anglers hoping to catch salmon now that ice thicknesses have exceeded 12 inches, proven producers are Cathance Lake in Cooper, Brewer Lake in Orrington, Molasses Pond in Eastbrook, and Long Pond in Mount Desert. West Grand Lake is closed until February 1.
– Rick Jordan, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Enfield

Region D – Western Mountains:

The ice fishing season at Spring Lake, where we stocked 500 large fall-yearling brook trout and 100 salmon this past fall, is off to a slow start. So far, the cold and windy conditions have kept anglers away, but the hardy few that have fished the lake have had good fishing for brook trout and lake trout. Most of the togue, however, are running thin and fifty percent of the total catch is below the 14-inch minimum length limit. Anglers fishing Clearwater Pond and Porter Lake report catches of brook trout, salmon, and togue. Crowell and Norcross Ponds and Webb Lake continue to reward anglers with excellent action and 12 to 15 inch brook trout.
– Dave Howatt, Fishery Biology Specialist, Strong

Region E – Moosehead Lake:

The ice fishing season is in full swing in the Moosehead Lake Region as the cold temperatures firm up the ice on the lakes and ponds in the area. While anglers must always take care while traveling on the ice, most areas up this way are safe with 12-16 inches of ice. The snowmobile trails in the Moosehead Lake – Jackman area are in great shape thanks to the cold temperatures and fresh snow.

Corey Hegarty of Sally Mountain Cabins in Jackman reports that the fishing on Big Wood Pond and Little Big Wood Pond has been terrific so far this winter. Anglers are catching nice colorful splake in the 16-17 inches range along with salmon mostly in the 14-16 inches range but with a few as big as 18 inches. It sounds like the smelts may be biting too for the anglers that know where to jig on Big Wood Pond. Corey reports that the cusk fishing on Little Big Wood Pond has been really good with one lucky angler getting a 9 ½ lb fish. That will make enough chowda’ for the rest of the winter!

We checked a number of anglers on Moosehead Lake this weekend. The anglers in the Rockwood area were picking up a number of the smaller togue that are available for harvest. We also saw a few brook trout on the ice this weekend. January is typically the best month of the ice fishing season for catching brook trout. Folks are still just getting their ice shacks out and we anticipate the fishing activity to pick up over the next few weeks. Don’t forget that the 2nd annual Moosehead Lake Togue Derby is scheduled for Jan 30-Feb 1. Be sure to pick up your tickets at Indian Hill Trading Post, Kineo Flies, Moosehead Bait and Tackle, Northwoods Outfitters, or the Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center. Derby ticket sales end at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. There will be lots of great prizes including $1,500 for the best togue.

Some young anglers were taking advantage of the good weather to fish Drummond Pond in Abbot. This pond is open to fishing for children under the age of 16 in the winter months and is right on Rte. 15, so access is easy. We stocked this little gravel pit pond with fall yearling brook trout and a few retired broodstock brook trout this fall. There are also a few pickerel and perch in the pond which helps to keep the flags flying. We want to thank the local folks that keep the parking lot plowed so the kids can have a nice place to get out of the wind and fish. Attached is a photo of some very successful Guilford/Parkman anglers with a nice pickerel and brookie from this past Saturday. Nice catch!
– Tim Obrey, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Greenville

Region F – Penobscot

With nearly two weeks of the 2009 ice fishing season in the books, the reports from around the Penobscot Region are that ice is safe and the fishing has been fair to excellent. Waters stocked with fall yearling brook trout including Molunkus Lake, Upper Cold Stream Pond, Cold Stream Pond, and Upper Pond having been giving up good catches of fish on most days.

Salmon are biting at Pleasant Lake in Island Falls and East Grand Lake. However, anglers fishing in the eastern part of the region (West, Duck, Nicatous and Spring lakes) report that the salmon fishing has been a bit slow this year so far, but many believe that this is due to noise of the ice forming on lakes. Due to the recent cold snap and lack of snow the ice is building quickly and creating quite a racket out there. Hopefully once things settle down, the fish will start biting.

Both Schoodic Lake and Cold Stream Pond now have 6-10 inches of ice across the entire lake. I suspect lake trout enthusiasts will start pulling their ice shacks out to the deeper waters this week in hopes of catching a “lunker” togue. East Grand Lake continues to produce a quality lake trout fishery, and in recent years we’ve been hearing about some good sized cusk as well.

Regional personnel conducted creel checks this past weekend at Lower Sysladobsis Lake (Dobsis), Junior Lake, Scraggly Lake and Pleasant Lake, all located close to the Penobscot/Washington County line in Lakeville, Pukakon and Kossuth Townships. With ice thickness varying between 10 and 14 inches, ice shacks are sprouting up everywhere throughout the project area. Nice sunny weather and low wind brought good numbers of anglers looking for salmon, whitefish, lake trout and white perch.
Anglers on Dobsis iced a number of salmon, mostly 3 year olds in the 16- to 17-inch category. Lake whitefish were the primary focus at Junior, with a couple fish hitting the 17-inch mark. A few togue were also reportedly taken from Junior in the first week of the season. Scraggly provided white perch action for a number of parties, as well as an occasional migrant salmon from fish stocked in Junior.
Pleasant only had a couple of groups, but all had fast action for salmon in the 16 to 19 inch range. All anglers interviewed were having fair to good success, and most importantly, were having a great day out on the ice.

Finally, this past weekend the Maine Youth Fish and Game Club held its annual ice fishing event at Pickerel Pond. Nearly 200 young anglers participated this year, with many handsome fish being caught over the course of the day. While waiting for the flags to fly, the youngsters ate hot dogs, drank hot chocolate and took turns sliding down the hill out onto the pond.
– Richard Dill, Regional Fisheries Biologist, Bangor

Region G – Aroostook County:

Traditionally, anglers seeking to ice fish the Musquacook Lakes area of the Allagash region used the Realty Road from Ashland. However, the Realty Road from Six-Mile Gate to 21-mile is not currently being plowed. Anglers should access the Realty Road at 21-mile across the Rocky Brook Road and South Branch Road, which lie to the north of the Realty Road. As always, extreme caution is necessary when using these roads which are maintained and plowed for forest management including the transport of wood products with large trucks.

The Fish River Lakes of Long, Cross, Square and Eagle Lakes have had for decades a shortened season from that of general law. January 15 was a traditional “opening day” on these waters for years; 2009 marks a major change in season length, 2 months to 3 months. Biologists from Ashland checked anglers on Long Lake on the new opening day recently, as well as Saturday, January 2nd. These days proved to be brutally cold with low temperatures and high winds; despite the conditions anglers were out in force. We measured more than 30 trout and salmon, the largest of which was 5 lbs 10 oz. Numerous shacks dot the shoreline of Long Lake; these shelters provide some protection from the elements as well as a means to fish for rainbow smelt, the primary forage for salmon and trout, and a highly sought after game fish as well. These shacks commonly have long cut-out “race-ways”, providing a wide view under the ice. Sit at one of these “holes” for just a short time and you’ll likely see some of the huge schools of smelt for which Long is famous. On these days we were out, patient anglers were seeing numerous salmon swim by the holes in shacks, a sign that fishing will get better as the season progresses.
– Derrick Cote, Fishery Biology Specialist, Ashland

Posted by Tom Remington

The Maine Chevrolet Derby 2009 features two ice fishing tournaments this winter. The Sebago Lake Derby is set for February 21 and 22 and the State Wide Derby is scheduled for March 7 and 8.

The tournaments are open to adults and youngsters and subject to all ice fishing regulations as set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Competitors may fish for togue, pickerel, pike and muskie. Says Maine IF&W fisheries biologist, John Boland, “ The Sebago Lake Rotary has always coordinated with Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure their events are consistent with our fishery objectives. The derbies have been a wonderful success-encouraging families to take advantage of ice fishing and most importantly, raising money for charity.”

For the Statewide Derby, first, second and third place cash prizes will be awarded for the largest fish of each species. All anglers who weigh their fish will be eligible for the grand prize drawing of a 2008 Chevy 4 x 4. Other prizes include a choice of 2009 Ski Doo or Can Am ATV, Kittery Trading Post gift certificates, Mission Trailer and Ice Shack and fishing trip to Libby Camps in Ashland, Maine.

Weigh Stations for the Sebago Lake Tournament are Raymond Beach on Route 302 and Jordan’s Store on Route 114 in Sebago.

There are twenty-two weigh stations from Cross Lake in Aroostook County to Acton in York County. Fisherman may fish all legal waters throughout the state.

The Maine Chevrolet Derby 2009, hosted by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club is a fund raiser for The Good Shepard Food Bank which supplies 500 food pantries throughout Maine; Camp Sunshine; Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Rotary Foundation, the DARE Program and local charities selected by the statewide weigh stations.

Says derby organizer Tom Noonan of Raymond, “Over the years we’ve had thousands of fisherman participate and raised over $350,000 for charity. We are recognized by Field & Stream Magazine as one of the five best ice-fishing tournaments in the nation. Our hope is to become the nation’s largest Ice-Fishing Derby and generate awareness and funding for all our charities.”

Other events scheduled in conjunction with the Sebago Lake Derby are a Kid’s Derby on Thomas Pond in Casco on Friday, Feb 20, 9 am to noon; a motorcycle and car ice-racing event in Windham Friday evening from 6-10 pm; the Maine Children’s Cancer Program Polar Dip at Raymond Beach noon, Saturday Feb. 21; hot air balloons, helicopter rides and a general aviation fly-in all day Saturday and a Snowmobile Radar Run at Raymond Beach from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Maine fishing licenses and Derby entries may be purchased at the weigh stations and at the Kittery Trading Post. Entries along with a complete set of rules, prizes, weigh station locations, and registration information is available on line at www.icefishingderby.com or by phoning 1-888-ICE-FLAG. The entry fee is $30 per person for the Sebago Tournament, which includes a free entry into the Statewide Tournament, $20 per individual for the Statewide Tournament. A Kid Pack entry is $50 for Sebago and $30 for Statewide. The Kid Pack includes entry for an two parents and up to 6 children under the age of 18.

The Maine Chevy Derby Fest Awards Ceremony and truck drawing will be held Tuesday, March 10.

Posted by Tom Remington

AUGUSTA – The Maine Warden Service is warning outdoor enthusiasts to use extreme caution when going onto ice particularly in areas near bridges, thoroughfares, culverts and wherever else there may be currents flowing underneath as ice in these areas may be very thin or non existent.

A Massachusetts man went through thin ice on South Twin Lake, near North Twin Dam on Indian Purchase 4 near Millinocket, at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2008.

The area where the man went into the water is in close proximity to where a Connecticut man died in early April 2008 when snowmobiling onto thin ice near moving water on North Twin Lake.

On Saturday night, Dennis Belmonte of Middleton, Mass., was riding in a group of four snowmobilers when they became disoriented trying to follow directions they had been given to a trail. Three of the snowmobilers made it to safety as the ice gave way under them, and Mr. Belmonte, 43, went through the ice. He was able to kick and grab himself onto safe ice, and is unharmed. The rental sled he was driving is in approximately 30 feet of water.

According to MWS Sgt. Ronald Dunham, it was the men’s “good fortune” that they turned away from the area of North Twin Dam to get off the thin ice.

Sgt. Dunham and Warden Andy Glidden investigated the incident.

“There are certain locations in the state that never freeze. Locals usually know about these. Unfortunately visitors do not,” according to Major Gregory Sanborn of the Maine Warden Service. “Recreationalists not familiar with a particular body of water need to use extreme caution. Never follow a track just because it’s there. Also, be aware of any moving water, such as inlets, outlets and culverts.”

It takes colder temperatures to freeze water in culverts, inlets and outlets because it is in motion, Major Sanborn said.

“Areas of moving water never freeze to the point of being safe to cross or ride upon,” Major Sanborn said.

In many parts of the state, lakes and ponds may appear to be frozen, but safe ice conditions cannot be assumed. Most of the bigger lakes still have open water. Also, recent snowfall is covering lakes and ponds, thus slowing the icing process.

If you must go on the ice this winter, the Maine Warden Service offers these tips for ice safety:

· Never guess the thickness of the ice – Check it! Check the ice in several different places using an auger or some other means to make a test hole and determine the thickness. Make several, beginning at the shore, and continuing as you go out.

· Check the ice with a partner, so if something does happen, someone is there to help you. If you are doing it alone, wear a lifejacket.

· If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off! Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots.

· Avoid areas with currents, around bridges and pressure ridges. Wind and currents can break ice.

· Parents should alert children of unsafe ice in their area, and make sure that they stay off the ice. If they insist on using their new skates, suggest an indoor skating rink.

If you break through the ice, remember:

· Don’t panic.

· Don’t try to climb out immediately – you will probably break the ice again. Reach for solid ice.

· Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. Once on the ice, roll, DON’T WALK, to safety.

· To help someone who has fallen through the ice, lie down flat and reach with a branch, plank or rope or form a human chain. Don’t stand. After securing the victim, wiggle backwards to the solid ice.

Posted by Tom Remington

A 53-year-old Island Falls man died at approximately 2:55 a.m. today, Jan. 12, 2009, as a result of injuries he suffered in a snowmobile incident Sunday night.

Raymond Webb, 53, of Island Falls, was operating his Ski Doo MXZ 500SS south on the West Branch of the Mattawamkeag River near Houlton when he struck an overhanging tree on the east side of the river.

The Maine Warden Service received a call about the incident at 11:44 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, according to MWS Sgt. Brian Gray. The actual time of the incident has yet to be determined.

Mr. Webb was transported to Houlton Regional Hospital by Island Falls ambulance service. He was pronounced deceased at 2:55 a.m. today.

Mr. Webb was wearing a helmet.

The incident is under investigation by the Maine Warden Service.

Mr. Webb’s death is the third snowmobile fatality of this season.

Posted by Tom Remington

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and its conservation partners have been awarded more than $2.1 million in conservation grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program.

IF&W Director of Resources Management Ken Elowe said the grants are significant in many ways. Maine competed with many other states for funding, and four of the five proposals submitted by IF&W were accepted by USF&WS. Local and state conservation groups, coordinated by the Maine Wetlands Protection Coalition, of which Dr. Elowe is chair, demonstrated the need to conserve coastal wetlands to benefit fish, wildlife and their habitats, and facilitated the development of creative conservation projects with willing landowners.

The Coastal Conservation funds will be matched by contributions from private landowners and conservation groups.

“It was a cooperative effort that successfully garnered these funds in what essentially is a nationwide competition for money,” said Dr. Elowe. “To receive four out of the five grant proposals we submitted is extraordinary, and it demonstrates the strong desire of conservation groups to protect valuable wetlands and the importance and credibility of Maine’s conservation efforts nationally.”

The groups participating in this effort within the Maine Wetlands Protection Coalition are the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Gulf of Maine Coastal Program, the Pleasant River Wildlife Foundation, the Great Auk Land Trust, and the Kennebec Estuary Conservation Collaboration.

The grants and the projects the funds will support permanently protect nationally significant coastal wetland habitats in the following areas:

· Mason Bay Wetlands Conservation, to protect 496.5 acres of coastal wetland habitat in Mason Bay, Washington County, $521,000;

· Grain Point Wetlands Conservation, to protect 204.4-acres in Pleasant Bay, Washington County, $375,000;

· Upper Maquoit Bay Coastal Wetlands, to permanently protect a 72-acre tract of coastal shorefront on Maquoit Bay in Brunswick, Cumberland County, through the purchase of a conservation easement, $600,000;

· Kennebec Estuary Robinhood Cove Project, to protect 157.5-acres embedded within the greater 3,420-acre Little River subsite of the Kennebec Estuary Conservation Project, Sagadahoc County, $610,185.

Posted by Tom Remington

AUGUSTA – Maine Fish and Wildlife, the quarterly magazine of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, now is available in an online version only – and is free!

The magazine can be viewed at http://www.flipseekllc.com/maine2009winter.html or from the IF&W website at www.mefishwildlife.com.

For more than 40 years, IF&W has published a magazine to showcase the work and dedication of IF&W employees to preserving and protecting Maine’s inland waters and woods. But given recent tight economic considerations, the magazine was facing extinction because of reduced funding.

During the last Legislative session, members of the Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife asked IF&W to come up with an inexpensive way to continue producing the magazine. The best solution was to put it online, according to Roland “Danny” Martin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

“The Maine Legislature didn’t want to see the decades-old magazine cease in existence and neither did we,” Commissioner Martin said. “By putting the magazine online, not only are we saving money but now a greater number of people will have access to the publication and at no charge.”

More than 3,000 people had paid subscriptions to the quarterly magazine’s paper editions. By going online, the Department expects to reach more than 90,000 potential readers through e-mails and its website.

The online version of Maine Fish and Wildlife is produced in cooperation with FlipSeek LLC of Lyndhurst, Ohio, which developed a software application that gives publications such as magazines and catalogs the electronic look of hard copies. FlipSeek’s easy-to-use application lets readers flip through pages, zoom in and out of articles and pictures, and print what they’d like to keep in paper form.

Articles are written by IF&W employees, and the magazine is edited and designed by IF&W’s Division of Public Information and Education.

The electronic version of the magazine is not much different than the paper one. Readers will find insightful articles about projects or programs within the Department, see colorful pictures of biologists, wardens and educators at work, and share the reader-favorite “KidBits” with their children.

Also, readers will find “Field Notes” on Game Wardens’ activities or cases they have closed, “Biologist’s Journal” about an awe-inspiring or introspective event biologists may have experienced, and “Inside IF&W,” a feature about a talented staffer at IF&W.

“The 300 employees at IF&W are dedicated to managing fish and wildlife resources and enforcing the laws that protect them,” said Commissioner Martin. “Like our readers, our staff hunts, fishes, boats, snowmobiles, hikes or canoes/kayaks in the abundance of wilderness Maine offers. Their commitment will be evident in this publication.”

Posted by Tom Remington