Maine Fish and Wildlife Magazine, Winter 2010

MAINE

Fish and Wildlife

HOW SHOULD WE FUND THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE?

WINTER 2010

Letter from the Commissioner

It All Adds Up Just about every day, any one of the 300 employees of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is asked a question that requires a numerical answer.

How many deer were harvested last year? How many people died in snowmobile incidents? How many moose perCommissioner mits will be drawn Roland D. Martin in the annual lottery?

The people who call or e-mail us don’t ask out of idle curiosity. Instead, they take personally the work that is done by Department biologists, wardens, specialists, technicians and support staff. They want to know that the outdoors they love is being well maintained, safe for recreation, and will be there for future generations.

That’s what makes the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife different from other state agencies: what we do has such an impact on all Maine people and guests. IF&W is one of the smallest of the state agencies, but the work that we do to manage the woods and inland waters, and the outdoor activities that we play a role in, contributes $2.4 billion annually to Maine’s economy.

Most people who live in Maine or visit our state take comfort in knowing that our woods are home to moose, deer, eagles

and other wildlife. They appreciate that our lakes and streams are stocked with high-quality fish, making Maine a world class fishing destination.

They may have used one of the more than 100 boat ramps or water access sites that we’ve developed over the years. They may have watched birds, ridden horseback, cross-country skied or hiked at one of our wildlife management areas, which encompass about 103,000 acres.

What also makes IF&W different from other state agencies is how it is funded.

Less than one percent of our revenue comes from the state’s general fund.

It’s primarily funded by sportsmen and sportswomen who hunt, fish, snowmobile, ATV ride or boat, and who purchase their license or vehicle registration to do so from us.

The beginning of each year – winter into early spring – is when we analyze our numbers. You’ll see some of those figures are highlighted throughout this issue. It’s astonishing to see the number of people that we reach, and it’s humbling to know that our efforts play a large role in your outdoor excursions and memories.

This issue also includes an article that tries to come up with an answer to the question, “Who should fund the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife?”

So much of what we do impacts more than sportsmen and sportswomen who primarily fund the agency. The question is being discussed in the Maine Legislature,

and the article is testimony that was presented to the Joint Legislative Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by Dr. Ken Elowe, IF&W Director of Resource Management, and Tom Abello of The Nature Conservancy. Their testimony included the results of a recent poll sponsored by TNC and the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

Poll results are on Pages 10-11.

While we analyze our numbers and contemplate how we should be funded, we’re making more of an effort to get out to you information about what we’re doing. The front page of our website – www.mefishwildlife.com – has been redesigned to make it easier for you to find the information you're looking for.

Three of our employees now are writing blogs, and their observations also appear on the website’s front page. On Pages 24-27, you’ll find samples of the bloggers’ works with links to their blogs. They’re well worth the read.

We’ve also become “social.” You can become a “friend” on Facebook, get our alerts on Twitter, view our videos on YouTube, and see our pictures on Flickr.

Select the icons on Page 25 and you’ll be directed to those sites.

Spring is coming, and soon you’ll be changing your focus from winter activities to spring and summer ones. We’ll be outside, too, counting you as one of the thousands of enthusiasts who love Maine’s outdoors, and who want us to ensure that they remain safe and fun for everyone.

2010 HUNTING & FISHING LICENSES ON SALE NOW! www.mefishwildlife.com PAGE 2

www.mefishwildlife.com

WINTER 2010

Did you know?

The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray received the Governor's "Commitment to Tourism Growth" award?

WINTER 2010

We are stewards of Maine’s fish and wildlife, protecting and preserving Maine’s natural resources, quality of place and economic future.

MAINE Fish and Wildlife

Vol. 50, No. 4

Inside Revenue Stream 'How should we fund the Department?' Plus poll results

By Ken Elowe and Tom Abello

GOVERNOR John E. Baldacci

Pages 4-11

Taking 'Control' of Wildlife

IF&W COMMISSIONER Roland “Danny” Martin

Two specific hunts target County farms, Marsh Island

IF&W DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Paul F. Jacques

By Travis Barrett

BUREAU OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR Kenneth H. Elowe

Pages 12-15

Cobscook Bay WMA

MAINE WARDEN SERVICE COLONEL Joel Wilkinson

Undiscovered treasures abound in acreage, shoreline

LEGISLATIVE LIAISON Andrea Erskine

By Lisa Kane

Page 16-18

PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION DIRECTOR Regis Tremblay

And the Honor Goes To ...

MAGAZINE EDITOR/ DESIGN Deborah Turcotte

Mark Stadler, Lee Kantar earn annual awards

By Travis Barrett

COPY EDITOR Lisa Kane and Travis Barrett

IF&W ADVISORY COUNCIL Cathy DeMerchant, Vassalboro Frank Dunbar, Bucksport Albion Goodwin, Pembroke Alan Greenleaf, Old Town Wade Kelly, Allagash Stephen Philbrick, Oquossoc Richard Thurston, Scarborough Ron Usher, Buxton Mike Witte, New Harbor John Simko, Greenville MAINE Fish and Wildlife is published quarterly by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State St., Station 41, Augusta, ME 04333.

ISSN 0360-005X

WINTER 2010

Pages 20-22

Lieutenants on New Mission Promotion selection undergoes significant changes

By Major Gregory Sanborn

Pages 22-23

Media BLOGS Social Department improves website; starts blogs Legalese

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Interior. Accordingly, all department programs and activities must be operated free from discrimination with regard to race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against should write to the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., 20240.

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Page 24-27

Permission to reprint text material is granted, provided proper credit is given to the author and to the Department. Clearance must be obtained from artists, photographers and non-staff authors to reproduce credited work. © Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 2009.

PAGE 3

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

326, 500 maine

residents bought at least one hunting or fishing license or registered at least one atv, boat or snowmobile in

2008.

And non-residents are our customers, too!

PAGE 4

Revenue HOW SHOULD WE PAY FOR THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE?

By Dr. Ken Elowe Director, Bureau of Resource Management and Tom Abello The Nature Conservancy The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has, for many years, been struggling to meet the expectations of an ever-widening constituent base. Maine people expect the Department to ensure that fish and wildlife resources in Maine will be there for our grandchildren’s children to enjoy. In an effort to meet these expectations, the Maine State Legislature passed LD 225, A Resolve, To Provide for the Longterm Funding of Programs of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The resolve recognizes that the Department provides services to the general public, but is largely funded by sporting recreationalists, and that these revenues alone cannot continue to provide the services expected by either the general public or sportsmen. To meet the goals of the Resolve, the Department reached out to The

(Above) An angler spends his afternoon casting

Continued on Page 6 www.mefishwildlife.com

WINTER 2010

e Stream

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

46, 812

telephone calls and

11, 530

e-mails were answered at the

g a line. (Below) An immature bald eagle sits atop a rock.

Legislative Resolve In 2009, the 124th Maine Legislature passed LD 225: A Resolve, To Provide for the Long-term Funding of Programs of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

LD 225 requires the Department to “consult with hunting and fishing groups, environmental and conservation groups and other interested

WINTER 2010

info desk in augusta

parties to identify long-term funding sources other than the license, permit and registration revenues currently realized by the Department, and to develop language and a strategy for amending the Constitution of Maine to protect funding for those programs administered by the Department that are not related to hunting, fishing or trapping.�

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

last year.

Thousands were helped at the office, too!

PAGE 5

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

55, 147

motorists support our efforts to protect endangered and threatened species by buying a "loon" license plate for their vehicles.

PAGE 6

Continued from Page 4 Nature Conservancy, Maine Audubon, and the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine to help develop a strategy for stable, long-term funding.

The partners conducted extensive research on how other states fund their natural resource agencies, conducted a public opinion poll to gauge support for the work of the Department and reaction to a variety of potential options for long-term funding. Additionally, the group met with some 60 legislators to get feedback, advice, reaction and to test support for widening the Department's funding base.

Overall, the public opinion polling revealed broad, strong support from the public for the Department, for the state’s natural resources and a willingness to invest. Moreover, nearly all the Legislators echoed the public support and offered strong guidance and advice for moving forward.

One of the main points centered on the timing. Given the state’s current focus on budget issues, it is clear that the 2010 session is not the right time to put funding legislation forward, rather 2011 makes the most sense to the legislators contacted.

This report suggests a continued effort to: 1) seek advice and feedback from legislators through the spring, summer and fall; 2) to build a broad coalition of sportsmen, conservation groups, business leaders, and many others. This should place advocates in the best position to work with the Legislature in 2011 to introduce an alternative funding bill and bring this issue to Maine voters in November of 2011.

State of IF&W

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is the state agency charged with conserving, managing, protecting and enhancing our native freshwater fish and wildlife resources.

It carries out a wide variety of fish and wildlife conservation programs. These programs focus on maintaining game resources, as well as managing non-game wildlife and restoring endangered species – as it has done with the recently de-listed bald eagle. The Department is comprised of five Bureaus and Divisions – Administrative Services, Resource Management, Warden Service, Engineering and Realty and Public Information and Education.

Over time, the Department's mission has broadened significantly: it now manages whitewater rafting, registration of watercraft, snowwww.mefishwildlife.com

Necessary Funding Faced with expanded responsibilities to meet the expectations of Maine people and tourists, the Department needs to increase its revenues by two times its current levels.

mobiles, ATVs, hunter, trapper and recreational vehicle safety, conservation education, environmental permitting, and other matters.

As the Department’s role in the state has expanded, it remains focused on the protection and enhancement of the state's inland fisheries and wildlife, while at the same time providing for the wise use of these resources. Assuring the conservation and use of these resources is vital to the state's economy. Fish and wildlife continue to be highly valued by Maine people and hundreds of thousands of visitors to Maine each year. Direct economic value that is attributable to the use of these resources is some $2.4 billion annually. These expenditures play a major role in the state's economy.

However, the Department is at a crossroads and facing a steep financial crisis that threatens WINTER 2010

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

11, 409

motorists support fish hatcheries,

boat ramps, landowner relations and endangered species conservation by buying (Top) Game Wardens perform a search for a missing snowmobiler. (Above) Bear biologist Randy Cross holds a bear cub. to diminish the ability of the Department to fulfill its mission. It also places an undue burden on the sportsmen and sportswomen who pay license fees. As it stands today, the Department receives little funding from the state’s General Fund tax dollars. In 2002, the Legislature enacted a law requiring that 18 percent of the Department’s budget be comprised of General Fund tax revenues in recognition of the services that IF&W WINTER 2010

provides to the general public each year.

Each year thereafter, decisions were made to reduce the 18 percent general fund allocation to a much lesser amount, resulting in the current situation.

The Department’s existing funding structure is primarily dependent on license fees, permits,

a sportsman license plate for their vehicles.

Continued on Page 8 MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

PAGE 7

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

474, 180

hunting and fishing licenses and permits were sold last year.

A regional fisheries biologist measures a native brook trout.

Continued from Page 7 and registrations and matching federal funds dedicated to particular programs. This system has left it chronically underfunded and continues to present significant challenges to its efforts to manage and protect the state’s fish and wildlife.

Moreover, the Department is struggling to meet the expectations of an ever-widening constituent base, all of whom expects that IF&W will ensure that fish and wildlife resources in Maine will be there for future generations to enjoy.

Funding from taxpayers has evaporated and revenues from the sale of licenses and permits are not keeping pace with costs while the mission of the department continues to expand.

Why more funding?

Fish and wildlife-based outdoor recreation provides enjoyment to Maine citizens and visitors and is an important part of our heritage, defining the state’s quality of life that is recognized as our principle asset. Outdoor recreation opportunities are often cited as the reason Maine residents remain in the state rather than move away for more lucrative jobs. They also provide significant PAGE 8

www.mefishwildlife.com

economic benefits. In search of these out-ofdoors experiences, recreationists leave a variety of economic footprints. They buy gear, licenses, supplies, food and memberships. They pay for accommodations, rent equipment, hire boat and float plane transportation and pay for professional guide services. They buy bird feeders and many tons of bird feed.

All of these activities are based on well-managed and well-protected wildlife and habitat, and the assurance of traditional uses of and access to forest and lakes. This management responsibility rests with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Lack of sufficient financial resources is a problem that cuts across the spectrum of our fish and wildlife needs and affects the state’s management and protection work. Current resources are inadequate to collect biological information and develop and implement strategies for habitat protection and species management. For example, the Department currently has two or three wildlife biologists and two or three fisheries biologists focused on each of the state’s seven ecological regions. Each region is roughly the size of the state of Connecticut (in that state, WINTER 2010

Projects that Need Additional Funding Fisheries and Wildlife Habitat management, protection, and enhancement A. Strategic habitat investments to address fish and wildlife needs including incentives to private landowners and acquisition projects to improve habitat, native fisheries, deer wintering grounds, recreational access, facilitate climate change adaptation and ensure long-term wildlife population health.

B. Protect, maintain and enhance opportunities to hunt, fish and recreate by conserving recreational access to land and water resources.

C. Continue to provide municipalities and organizations concerned about the conservation of Maine’s natural heritage a single source of information about plant and wildlife habitat. The comprehensive information on riparian areas, large undeveloped blocks, and important habitats is utilized to inform local planning decisions by town planners, planning boards, and others.

Science and Research A. Improve deer and moose management B. Enhance and maintain comprehensive fish and wildlife programs C. Conduct statewide surveys and expand monitoring of fish and wildlife species

D. Survey the public waters in the state for aquatic habitat health E. Better evaluate management programs and strategies and conduct aquatic habitat enhancement projects F. Continue research and assessment of threats and impacts to fish and wildlife species by environmental toxins G. Provide better coordination of information for environmental permitting and how proposed projects impact fish and wildlife Compliance and Maine’s Outdoor Economy A. Reduce time Game Wardens expend on nuisance wildlife, dead and injured wildlife and crop damage – more than 6,000 hours per year in 2001 - by employing auxiliary personnel B. Increase compliance with conservation laws and reduce impacts on intensive recreation by providing additional Wardens and part-time Deputy Wardens in the field.

C. Build public awareness and appreciation of wildlife and wildlife management and promote access for 'wildlife enjoyment' by working with communities and landowners.

D. Maintain opportunities to hunt and fish and assure that Maine’s natural resources are available to future generation.

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

354, 182 licenses and permits were purchased using our online

more than 20 fisheries biologists are charged with protecting and enhancing its waterways and fish.)

In a state that prides itself on its brook trout, game and nongame animals, canoeing opportunities and its crystal clear waters, a bigger investment must be made or our fish and wildlife resources will decline.

The mission of the Warden Service also has grown to include search and rescue, recreational vehicle enforcement, animal damage control and all sorts of landowner problems – as well as protection of endangered species such as piping plovers. Wardens are not able to spend as much time on traditional fish and game responsibilities.

Leveraging precious state resources is also a concern for the Department. Currently, many of the Department's projects are leveraged and matched by federal dollars. As its budget shrinks, WINTER 2010

it will be unable to provide the required match for these federal investments in wildlife management, and Maine’s natural resources will suffer.

Based on a current budget levels and faced with expanded responsibilities to meet the expectations of Maine people and tourists, the Department needs to double its revenues. Funding is needed all across the Department’s programs, and we anticipate that the money will be appropriated through the normal process by the governor and legislature.

The most pressing needs right now are fisheries and wildlife habitat protection and enhancement, recreational access to land and water, conservation law enforcement, protection of public waters, fostering our outdoor economy, maintaining opportunities to hunt and fish, and assuring that our natural resources are available to future generations.

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

service called moses.

This service is on our website:

www. mefishwildlife. com PAGE 9

POLL proposed ballot measure "Shall the Maine State Constitution be amended to dedicate funding to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to enhance management for fish and wildlife; protect endangered species; and preserve and protect wildlife habitat and natural resources by dedicating 1/8th percent of the sales tax receipts to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife?"

64%

support

31%

opposed

5%

uncertain

In December 2009, The Nature Conservan and the Sportsmen's Alliance of Ma a privately funded statewide poll of 6 How knowledgeable are you about the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife?

29%

familiar

36%

neutral what are your reasons for being in favor of this proposal?

34%

less familiar

43%

protecting/preserving wildlife/resources is important

18%

love outdoors and participate in outdoors activities

17%

support environmental conservation

7%

How do you believe the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is funded?

needs more support

43%

13%

good investment; good for economy/future

Department is under-funded/

state general fund

30%

Agree or Disagree: "In these economic times, we can't afford to spend money on protecting fish and wildlife habitat."

15%

71%

taxes

7%

open space needs preservation; more open space needed

6%

Maine fishermen need protection/support PAGE 10

74%

unaware that if&w budget almost entirely funded by licenses and fees paid by sportsmen

"don't

www.mefishwildlife.com

know'

disagreed

WINTER 2010

ncy, Maine Audubon aine conducted 608 likely voters.

The poll was developed and administered by Critical Insights, a bi-partisan firm based in Portland.

Margin of error is 3.4 percent.

what mix of funding would you be willing to support?

Assess the level of importance of a variety of department efforts

95%

it is important to preserve maine's lakes, streams, and other natural resources for future generations

70%

sportsmen's licenses/fees and public dollars

64%

93%

sportsmen's licenses/fees and a portion of sales tax for related goods/services

57%

equal share from sportsmen's licenses/fees and general public

42%

sportsmen's licenses/ fees only

18%

public tax money only

to non-hunters and non-anglers: would you support the proposed ballot measure?

66%

support of respondents who hike, walk or bicycle

65%

support of respondents who watch birds or other wildlife

63%

support of respondents who canoe or kayak

it is important to protect maine's wildlife and fishing for the enjoyment of maine people, including sportsmen

93%

it is important to preserve maine's natural resources for future generations

92%

it is important to make possible the continued and responsible use of the state's natural reources by all maine people

91%

it is important to provide game wardens to enforce conservation laws

91%

it is important to protect wildlife habitat, waterways and natural resources

90%

agree that maine's natural reources are a critical component of maine's economy and must be protected and preserved

WINTER 2010

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

87%

it is important to work with towns and land trusts to stategically conserve important habitat

84%

agree that the department provides a vital service through its work preserving maine's natural resources for all to enjoy

83%

it is important to review permits and licenses for energy and other industrial development project to assure appropriate protection of natural resources

PAGE 11

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

18, 045

deer were harvested in 2009.

45, 385

any deer permits were issued through the annual drawing.

Bowhunter Tina Richard shoots during the proficiency test prior to the controlled hunt on Marsh Island.

Photos by the Maine Bowhunters Association PAGE 12

www.mefishwildlife.com

WINTER 2010

taking

CONTROL of wildlife populations

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

Two specific, monitored hunts targeted nuisance deer, moose concerns

By Travis Barrett IF&W Staff If moose and people agree on anything in their respective diets, it’s that fresh broccoli is hard to beat.

It’s crisp, nutritious and delicious – and also an extremely valuable commodity to the farmers of northern Maine. Just a few moose honing in on an unguarded field can produce disastrous consequences to a cash crop, as the thousandpound animals clumsily browse through broccoli and damage it by traipsing and tasting.

For the first time in the nearly 30-year history of Maine’s modern moose hunt, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife officials oversaw a controlled late-summer hunt in 2009 aimed at offering registered guides another opportunity while simultaneously helping farmers protect a valuable resource.

Controlled hunts serve very specific purposes.

“In designing controlled hunts, department

biologists typically work cooperatively with a town government or designated committees to address local concerns,” said Lee Kantar, IF&W’s lead moose and deer biologist. “Controlled hunts also give the department flexibility in timing of the hunt, methods used to hunt, bag limits, and participation to ensure the appropriate number of animals is harvested.”

By law, farmers may themselves shoot any moose that is destroying their crops, year-round and without any permits. With the size of the broccoli farms in question – Emerald Valley Farm of Caribou and Smith’s Farm of Presque Isle – the job is too big for farmers to regularly hunt moose themselves to fight crop depredation. In this instance, they turned to IF&W and area guides to help with the problem.

“Guides obviously want to make money,” Nathan Theriault of OMM Outfitters in Eagle Lake told the Kennebec Journal last September. “And Continued on Page 14

13

regional safety instructors plus hundreds of volunteers teach hunting and other safety courses to more than

7,000

people

each year.

Maine Bowhunter Association leadership (from left) Jeff Hopkins, Dan Long and Jerome Richard, poses with IF&W Assistant Regional Wildlife Biologist Allen Starr during pre-hunt scouting work.

WINTER 2010

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

PAGE 13

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

104, 000 people

visited the maine wildlife park in gray

last year.

And they saw a moose!

PAGE 14

Bowhunters sign in and out during each day of the controlled hunt.

Continued from Page 13 with wildlife management, you want to take that mature animal out of the herd. This is one way to do that.”

The controlled moose hunt took place in nine towns across Aroostook County last summer. A total of 100 permits were issued through a drawing, including 55 any-moose permits issued to participating landowners and 45 permits for the registered guides who were selected. Each guide was given three permits – two antlerless permits and one any-moose permit to sell to their sports.

In all, 81 moose were harvested, including 37 bulls, 41 cows and three calves – with the harvest split nearly evenly across landowners and guides.

“I would think anyone that’s going to be hunting on broccoli and cauliflower fields would be two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening and that’s the hunt,” IF&W wildlife biologist Rich Hoppe said. “The moose have a heavy coat on, and during the day when it’s hot, they’re going to be in water or down in vegetation. They don’t want to be out in the sun having that heat radiating down on them.

“It’s pretty warm (during the controlled hunt).

It started in August, and the first week up here (in Ashland) was 87, 88 degrees. Anyone in their right mind is going to think this isn’t going to be a great week for hunting.”

The conditions may not have been ideal for hunters, but they were excellent in that IF&W achieved its goal for harvest numbers with a better than 80 percent success rate. There is no word yet on whether a similar hunt will be utilized in 2010, though Kantar said he is hopeful it can move forward.

“The controlled hunt was monitored closely www.mefishwildlife.com

to assess the impact of this focused hunting pressure on the local moose population and reduction in (crop damage and vehicle collision) impact from moose,” Kantar said.

Last year’s moose hunt over the broccoli farms of northern Maine was not the only controlled hunt in the state – hunts that help manage wildlife populations not for recreational hunting opportunities, but for increased negative interaction with people. Controlled hunts for deer have been taking place in southern Maine for years.

Not only can deer and moose damage the fruits of commercial and private farms alike, but they can also provide life-threatening collisions on roads and – in the case of deer – be hosts for ticks which carry Lyme disease.

“These hunt areas are typically held in places with firearm restrictions or difficult land access so that affecting population change using recreational hunting seasons is not entirely effective,” Kantar said For the second consecutive season, a controlled deer hunt was used on Marsh Island in the towns of Old Town and Orono – with more than 20 bowhunters taking a total of 46 deer.

Like the controlled moose hunt held further to the north, the hunt derived from concerns about both public safety (primarily an abundance of vehicle collisions with deer on the island) and nuisance deer doing a considerable amount of damage to residential areas.

After the Marsh Island hunt’s introduction in 2008 when just eight deer were harvested, the 2009 hunt was extended to three weeks in length. It also was moved to a period earlier in the fall, when deer were still in pre-rut conditions.

“Some of the parcels hunted were areas WINTER 2010

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

d eer, m e 009 SPRING 2

20, 000+ people read each issue of A deer walks in front of a trail camera during the hunt on Marsh Island. frequented by the general public for walking, jogging, and biking,” Kantar said, noting that participating archers were required to keep track of both the number of deer they saw and the number of people they encountered while hunting.

Not only do the controlled hunts serve as excellent management tools for controlling localized wildlife populations, but they do so while having little to no effect at all on recreation hunting seasons or bag limits.

“It just provides greater flexibility for the department to effectively manage moose (and deer) and reduce negative impacts from them in areas that may have limited hunter access or non-traditional habitat that my not attract hunters,” Kantar said. “At the same time, they leave in place the recreation hunt permit levels and their season timeframe.”

WINTER 2010

maine fish

&

wildlife, the online magazine of the maine department of inland fisheries Bob Wengrzynek, owner of Old Town Archery Center & Pro Shop, checks BLIP bowhunter Richard Hitchcock’s bow at his shop.

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

and wildlife PAGE 15

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

IF&W W ildlife M anagement A reas

Cobscook Bay

103, 000 acres are conserved in our wildlife

management areas

throughout

maine.

They're open for recreational uses, too!

PAGE 16

By Lisa Kane IF&W Natural Sciences Educator The Cobscook Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lies within the towns of Lubec, Trescott and Pembroke in eastern Washington County; and consists of 10 geographically distinct Units that lie adjacent, or in close proximity to the shores of Cobscook Bay. Over 2,000 acres of upland and more than 23 miles of Cobscook Bay’s tidal and estuarine shoreline make up this WMA. (Maine Atlas & Gazetteer Map #27) The land acquisition around Cobscook Bay was principally driven by the North American Waterfowl Plan, a federally supported national initiative to protect coastal wetlands to support wintering migratory waterfowl. Cobscook Bay was identified as the highest priority area due, in part, to its value to wintering black duck populations.

Other funding sources include Land for Maine’s www.mefishwildlife.com

Future; and federal programs including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and Pittman-Robertson funds. Short-term funding and in-kind services were provided by NGOs such as The Nature Conservancy, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Quoddy Regional Land Trust (now the Downeast Coastal Conservancy).

The uplands of this well-kept coastal secret are a mosaic of reverting farmlands and woodlands predominated by spruce, fir, pine and a variety of hardwood tree species. Reverting fields are overgrown with aspen, alder and tamarack, with scattered grassy openings remaining. Ocean and bay frontages include a combination of rocky shoreline, mud flats and vegetated salt marsh.

Little remains of the historic farms that were once the primary land use, but numerous cellar holes, stone walls, rock piles and apple trees can be found on most of the Units. Old roads and WINTER 2010

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

1, 158, 035 fish

Photos by Lisa Kane

(Left) Lily Lake and tidal flats (above) are among the wonders of Cobscook Bay.

Undiscovered Treasures

totaling

334, 856 pounds

trails have persisted on many of the properties and have become the foundation for many of the management roads and hiking trails.

Most wildlife habitat management activities have targeted the reclamation and maintenance of the old fields. Fields and paths are mowed annually, while some have been cultivated, limed, fertilized and reseeded. The variety of upland habitats and transitional edges benefit a variety of small game species such as weasel, fisher, marten, bobcat, coyote, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare and red squirrel. Riparian buffers along coastal wetlands and freshwater streams benefit aquatic furbearers including muskrat, mink and river otter.

Woodcock utilize uplands here for courtship, nesting, roosting, feeding, brood rearing and migratory stop-over cover. Old fields provide a rich mix of alder growth, open fields, and hardwood cover that benefit white-tailed deer, bear and WINTER 2010

moose. Signs of all three big game species, with an abundance of bear scat, were observed on a mid September day trip.

Within the 18 miles of inter-tidal shoreline, protected coves provide important feeding, nesting, loafing and staging areas for migratory waterfowl such as Black Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Green and Blue-winged Teal, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads and Canada Geese.

Bald Eagles and the large, shoreline white pines that are potential eagle nest sites and perches are featured in the management of these shorelines. Large numbers of shorebirds use the tidal flats of Cobscook Bay as feeding and roosting areas. These areas are particularly important during spring and autumn migration, and most heavily used during the fall.

Lily Lake is the only ‘substantial’ lake or pond

were stocked in

1, 900 maine

waters

last year.

Continued on Page 18 MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

PAGE 17

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

400+

if&w staff and volunteers work with fish

& game

clubs and civic groups to promote the joys of fishing to families at more than

100

annual events and

7

youth days.

PAGE 18

Continued from Page 17 associated with the Cobscook Bay WMA. A shallow, 31-acre pond, IFW owns the northern and eastern lake sides. MDIF&W stocks 6-8” fingerling brook trout each fall; and 8-10” spring yearlings. Due to the warm, shallow water, little natural spawning occurs; so this lake is managed for spring and early summer fishing, and has a following of mostly local anglers. A high-clearance vehicle can navigate the short access road to the lake, where a kayak or canoe would be very suitable. Lily Lake is closed to ice fishing.

Hunting, trapping and fishing are permitted on all Units of the Cobscook Bay WMA, with nearly all the properties hunted for most every available species. The WMA offers many opportunities for hunting deer, bear, waterfowl and upland game.

Trapping, primarily for foxes and coyotes, occurs on the forested uplands.

Hiking, bird-watching, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are all possible here. Bring binoculars to catch spring and fall warbler waves.

MDIF&W has also been an active participant in the locally coordinated Cobscook Trails Project. A field guide to hiking trails on conservation lands in the Cobscook Bay area is available at many local stores for a small fee.

At this time, ATV use is not permitted on any Units of the Cobscook Bay WMA without a permit from the Regional Wildlife Biologist in Jonesboro.

Photo by Lisa Kane

A water access site within the WMA.

How to Find Them Public access has been made more available on several of the Units by improved access roads, parking area construction and marked hiking trails. At Horan Head, an access road, gate, parking area and a network of approximately 3 miles of hiking trails were created, providing public access to much of the shoreline and several scenic overlooks. The access road into Commissary Point is upgraded with a parking area and a 1.2-mile hiking trail. The access road into Morong Cove is upgraded, a bridge replaced, parking area constructed, and an iron gate installed to limit vehicular traffic.

In partnership with the Cobscook Community Learning Center (CCLC) in Whiting, a 1 mile hiking trail was established which joins the abutting CCLC property with the Dennison Point unit. On remaining Units, former roads and trails are maintained for management

www.mefishwildlife.com

purposes and provide mostly unmarked hiking trails access. Bring a compass or GPS!.

The Dennison Point Unit is accessible from Rt.189 via Commissary Point Road to the junction of Dennison Point Road. Commissary Point Road provides public access to a parking area at the base of the Commissary Point Unit.

The Talbot Cove, Carrying Place Cove, Morong Cove, and Lily Lake Units have road frontage on the Crow’s Neck Road. The Race Point Unit is accessible by a gravel road that continues from the terminus of the Crow’s Neck Road, crossing privately owned land. The Horan Head Unit has road frontage on the Straight Bay Road. The Wilbur Neck Unit is bisected by the Reversing Falls Park Road. All in all, seeking out and exploring these treasures will be well worth the effort.

WINTER 2010

OPEN WATER FISHING + ICE FISHING

State of Maine

Open Water & Ice Fishing Laws and Rules

HIS T E V !

A S K O BO

Effective April 1, 2010 - March 31, 2012 www.mefishwildlife.com

ONE LAW BOOK. TWO YEARS.

The new Maine Fishing Rules and Regulations book puts all of the rules in one place.

No need to carry two books.

Keep it in a safe, handy location for use all year long!

WINTER 2010

The law book is available where licenses are sold and the rules are in effect from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012.

IF&W encourages anglers to take and keep only one book.

Let’s keep costs down! thank you!

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

PAGE 19

IF&W

Manager of the Year

BY THE

NUMBERS

208

bears were tagged,

weighed or collared by biologists last year at

91

dens. handlers counted

92

cubs and

27

yearlings.

PAGE 20

Photo by Deborah Turcotte

Wildlife Division Director Mark Stadler (left) discusses an issue with Sen. Bruce Bryant, co-chair of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, prior to a hearing in February.

Mark Stadler Wildlife Division Director

By Travis Barrett IF&W Staff Mark Stadler wanted to be a wildlife biologist for as long as he can remember. Maybe longer.

“One of my earliest memories is my love for wild things and wild places,” said Stadler, director of the Wildlife Division. “When I was in the fifth grade, I ‘knew’ that I wanted to become a wildlife biologist in Maine, and I set my sights on that goal with dedication.”

It’s that same dedication to wild places that earned Stadler the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s 2009 Manager of the Year award.

Stadler’s strength, it seems, is putting the biology first.

“Working for the Wildlife Division is not just a job, but rather a way of life,” he said. “The division is a team – developing solutions from a diversity of opinion. We care about our mission, we care about each other, and we work well together.”

It’s a culture that Stadler fosters from his www.mefishwildlife.com

supervisory role. With 54 individuals working in IF&W’s Wildlife Division, there’s a wealth of knowledge from an array of perspectives.

Stadler, who was honored with the award at a ceremony that included Gov. John E. Baldacci and IF&W Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin in November, is acutely aware of this.

“The success of the Wildlife Division is a team effort,” he said. “Many (of the individuals) have more than two decades of experience with the division; others are younger, and some are just beginning their careers. The younger staff benefit from the experience and knowledge of the old-timers, and the more experienced staff benefit from the new ideas and technological know-how the younger staff bring with them.

“All are committed to the conservation of Maine’s wildlife and its habitat and to the people of Maine.”

As is Stadler, who has been with IF&W for 32 years now. He's seen firsthand changes in Maine’s wildlife habitat, peaks and valleys in the Continued on Page 22 WINTER 2010

Employee of the Year

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

Photo by Travis Barrett

Deer biologist Lee Kantar pulls a tooth from a deer during last fall's hunting season.

Lee kantar

State Deer and Moose Biologist

By Travis Barrett IF&W Staff If there’s one thing Lee Kantar doesn’t do well, it’s talk about himself. He’s just not a “take credit” kind of guy.

Ask Kantar about his tireless effort to routinely project Maine’s annual harvest of whitetail deer, and he’ll tell you that it couldn’t be done without the regional biologists across the state who collect and translate data. Ask Kantar about special projects he oversees, such as a controlled moose hunt in Aroostook County, and he’ll start explaining the influence others have in making the endeavor a successful one.

Kantar was named the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 2009 Employee of the Year for his work as the Maine’s head deer and moose biologist in 2009. Not surprisingly, Kantar suggested that other people at IF&W had as much to do with such recognition as he did.

“I take to heart my duty as a public servant to provide the highest level of service I can to the public,” Kantar said. “But the groundwork for this WINTER 2010

achievement has been laid by my predecessors and the regional staff who have provided the framework for the deer management program and many fine examples of professionalism.”

Kantar, who was honored at a ceremony attended by Gov. John E. Baldacci and IF&W Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin last November, insists that all he did was add some energy to his bureau.

“What I have added is my work ethic, drive and motivation to do good things for the department and the public we serve,” Kantar said. “We have a unique and challenging role in managing wildlife populations for the people of Maine who hold a multitude of diverse opinions on how wildlife should be managed. Our challenge remains to address these publics using the best available science to guide management decisions even when we do not have all the necessary resources and tools at hand to do so.”

Kantar joined IF&W after Gerry Lavigne retired as Maine’s lead deer biologist in 2005, taking

2, 383

moose were harvested in 2009.

3, 015

moose permits were issued through the annual lottery.

Continued on Page 22 MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

PAGE 21

IF&W

BY THE

NUMBERS

$75, 000 was raised by friends of the maine wildlife park to fund

KANTAR

Continued from Page 21

over management of two of the state’s most treasured resources. While deer and moose populations are managed for hunting opportunity, they also are continuously monitored for wildlife watching as well as human interaction in the form of vehicle collisions and the spread of diseases, for example.

In the face of back-to-back harsh winters in 2007-08 and 2008-09, deer populations in northern Maine specifically have been adversely affected.

Kantar’s work, though, has not. His predictions for the number of deer taken by hunters each fall has never missed by more than 9 percent.

In fact, in 2006, Kantar was just 24 deer off the final number of deer killed.

Not surprisingly, Kantar’s value to the department has been noticed.

“I deeply appreciate the acknowledgement of my unique set of skills, experience and knowledge that I apply every day to this job,” Kantar said.

It’s just that he’d rather see the greater efforts at large recognized – not just him.

“Despite setbacks and shortfalls, we strive to work effectively with what we have,” he said.

“We want to work diligently and dynamically to solve the problems and answer the many questions that we face.”

STADLER

six new

Continued from Page 21

small

populations of different species, and has tried to patiently address the public’s concerns for our outdoors.

“I have greatly enjoyed the privilege of being a wildlife biologist in Maine and doing my part – along with many others – to ensure the wise use of our natural resources and the perpetuation of our outdoor heritage,” Stadler said.

“Much has been made, perhaps too much, of the job knowledge and historical perspective that will be lost throughout the workforce as the baby-boomers retire, but I am optimistic and excited about the future of the division and our wildlife management programs," Stadler added.

"There are many capable and dedicated individuals within our ranks who will guide the division into the future.”

mammal exhibits that open this spring.

PAGE 22

www.mefishwildlife.com

On

MWS improves stan

By Major Gregory Sanbo Deputy Chief Game Warde

The organizational structure of the Maine Warde other law enforcement organizations in the countr made up of sworn officers who handle the policy a tions of the bureau. This includes the Chief Warde Game Warden Colonel, the Deputy Chief Warden, Warden Major, the Game Warden Captain, the Chi the Game Warden Lieutenants.

In 2007, Adam Gormely and Shon Theriault wer of lieutenant, and up until that time it had been w promotion to lieutenant had been made.

During the summer of 2009, two long-serving li Doug Tibbetts, announced their retirements, thus ties for promotion. Prior to their retirements, the M conducted a management review to examine its o policies. One area of concern within the work forc tions. Of course, with any competitive position, th the position usually feels the process was a good get the position often times feel it could be improv view, however, gave recommendations that the Ch during the latest lieutenant promotional process.

The positions were advertised within the Maine sites to apply were six years of service with the M previous supervisory experience, not necessarily w Applicants were scheduled for an interview in fr board. Recommendations from the management r to determine the composition of the board. The p ed of the Maine Warden Service major as the chai the only person to serve on both boards. This was rent labor law and contracts were consistently foll The remainder of the board consisted of anothe mand staff, a senior policy maker from another bu ment, a state police lieutenant, a warden service s the division getting the new lieutenant, and a citiz sion getting the new lieutenant.

Interviews lasted more than two hours for each candidate provided supplementary documents for promotional board member ranked the candidates subject to a work-history review conducted by a w This work-history review included personal inter ment personnel, fire and rescue personnel, distric and citizens in the area the candidate worked. The interviews during his interview with the candidate WINTER 2010

n a Mission

IF&W

BY THE

ndards criteria used in promotions process

NUMBERS

orn en

en Service is like most ry. Its command staff is and administrative funcen, also known as the also known as the Game ief Game Warden Pilot and

19, 249

re promoted to the rank well over a decade since a

calls for

ieutenants, Pat Dorian and creating two opportuniMaine Warden Service had operating procedures and ce was fairness of promohe person who is awarded one and those who do not ved. The management rehief Warden implemented

Warden Service. PrerequiMaine Warden Service and within the warden service. ront of a promotional review were implemented promotional board consistir of both boards, and is s done to assure that curlowed during both boards. er member of the comureau within the departsergeant, a warden from zen leader from the divi-

h candidate and each r the board’s review. Each s and the top two were warden service lieutenant. rviews with other enforcect attorneys, dispatchers, e colonel used all of these es.

WINTER 2010

service, from

search and rescues to injured wildlife, were answered by the maine warden service IF&W Photos

Kevin Adam (top) and Tom Ward (above) take an oath while being sworn in as Maine Warden Service lieutenants by IF&W Commissioner Roland "Danny" Martin on Nov. 16, 2009. The two men fill vacancies left by retirements.

in

2009.

On Nov. 16, Sgt. Tom Ward, a 25-year veteran, was promoted to lieutenant in the Northeastern Division, which is headquartered in Ashland, and Sgt. Kevin Adam, a 17 year-veteran, was promoted to the Central Division lieutenant, headquartered in Greenville.

As the Maine Warden Service continues to meet its missions in the future, these officers will be a tremendous asset to the people of Maine.

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

PAGE 23

N e w We b s i t e . N e w M e d i a .

New

New fishing lawbook looks different, and it is

Inland Tracks

adventures on the water and in the field inlandtracks. wordpress.com

By IF&W Marketing Representative Travis Barrett

PAGE 24

If the only criticism levied against the new combined fishing law book is purely cosmetic, then I’ll take it as a sign that the project is a success.

The biggest “complaint” about State of Maine the law book Open Water over the weekend & Ice Fishing (March 12-14) Laws and Rules – most of which IS was spent at the TH E Eastern Maine SAV OK! BO Sportsman’s Show Effective April 1, 2010 - March 31, 2012 in Orono – was that it didn’t have a glossy cover with a picture of a fish on it. I suppose this makes IF&W look “cheap” and like we “don’t care” about the book. Neither of which, of course, is true.

Hey, it’s a law book, not a souvenir program.

There are a lot of things that were done differently when IF&W rolled out its two-year, combined open water and ice fishing law books earlier this month. And, yes, some of those had to do with the law book’s overall design.

For example, there is no longer a fancy cover, there are no full-color pages included in the book and there is no advertising. Some of the decisions are, in fact, based on finances – in a time where the department exists on almost exclusively on license and registration sales, spending extra dollars on color and fish photos seems frivolous to me. Selling advertising – for

IF&W INFO We know how much you love Maine's outdoors. You tell us so, when you call or e-mails us to find out what we're doing to manage and protect the woods and inland waters.

Through three new blogs, a new look to our website, and four online social media sites, you'll be in touch with IF&W information to help you plan your trip outdoors. Join us! Bookmark these sites!

www.mefishwildlife.com

ww.mefishwildlife.com

the cost of printing the extra pages and having those pages produced in color – often costs the department more in publications like these than it collects.

All of the things we do care about are in the law book.

More fishing opportunities. Organized and easy to interpret laws. Both seasons – open water and ice fishing – in one place. A book that won’t be obsolete by the time next January rolls around.

Those are the things that matter the most, and those are the things included in the new law book.

To me the new law book is a winner – because it has all of the pertinent information I need as an angler, and also because it’s saving IF&W (and sportsmen) money by needing only one printing instead of four for separate books over the next two years.

WINTER 2010

For You!

select an icon to go online with us.

Our Maine Outdoors.

A Click Away.

Buy a license; ensure Maine’s outdoor future “We are stewards of Maine’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, protecting, preserving, and enhancing Maine’s natural resources, quality of place, and economic future.” That’s the core mission of the Department.

However, the 300 employees of the Department are really your hired hands in the field fulfilling that mission. In fact, every citizen of the State of Maine, as well as the millions of non-residents who visit here each year, are the real stewards.

For over 100 years, the mission of the Department has been supported by sportsmen and women who purchased hunting and fishing licenses and registered their recreational vehicles. Today, millions of people use our vast wild places for outdoor recreational activities that do not support the work of protecting, preserving, and enhancing our state.

In 2009, The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife collected about $21 million in license sales and recreational vehicle registrations. All of that money is protected by the Constitution of the State of Maine and can only be used to fund the Department’s mission.

Those revenues cannot used for anything else!

Unfortunately, that revenue source is no longer adequate to properly care for and sustain our natural resources.

License sales and recreational vehicle registrations are how Maine’s fish, wildlife, and habitat are protected, preserved, and enhanced.

For all of us here in Maine, the natural resources are the lifeblood of our economy and that effects everyone of us including car dealers, the

WINTER 2010

media, retail centers and every small business throughout the state.

Our rock bound coast with quaint fishing villages, lobsters and lighthouses; the state’s millions of acres of wilderness; our diversity of wildlife; our incomparable hunting and fishing opportunities; and our hometown hospitality ARE the State’s economy, and attract 30 million people a year who pour $6.5 billion into local businesses and state coffers.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife itself represents a $2.4 billion annual impact on the economy through the outdoor recreational activities we license and regulate.

Realistically, there are not many ways the average citizen or visitor can support this important and critical mission. But, there is a way for the millions of people who love and value this special place to contribute. Purchasing a license, whether we use it or not, is a way to exercise the important role of stewardship.

For $25 you can purchase a resident fishing license and for just $200 you can purchase the Superpack license and every penny goes directly to the Department.

Furthermore, your contribution is matched by the federal government. For every fishing license sold, the Department receives $7 in federal dollars, and a percentage of all hunting license sales goes towards the acquisition of public lands that are available for everyone to use.

So, in 2010, buy a license and do your part to ensure Maine’s outdoor future, our quality of place, and a healthy economy.

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

Director's Cut examining the challenges facing if&w registremblay. wordpress.com

By Information & Education Director Regis Tremblay

PAGE 25

IF&W BLOGGER

'09 Colonial Wading Bird census yields new colonies, confirms coastal decline in great blue herons

Maine Heron

the heron observation network maineheron. wordpress.com

By Wildlife Biologist, IF&W Bird Group, Danielle D'Auria

PAGE 26

I recently finished a 28-page summary report for the 2009 Colonial Wading Bird census effort.

I will be periodically posting segments of that report (on my blog) for all to see. Here is the “Summary� that gives you a quick overview of the effort and results.

Maine is home to several colonial wading birds during the spring and summer: great blue herons, snowy egrets, great egrets, and blackcrowned night-herons, as well as occasional cattle egrets, little blue herons, tricolored herons, and glossy ibis. These magnificent birds build large stick nests in trees or shrubs and nest in groups. The great blue heron is the largest of Maine’s wading birds and nests in the greatest numbers both inland and along the coast.

As recent as 1995, there were as many as 14 coastal islands occupied by 644 pairs of nesting great blue herons. More recently we noticed that many of these colonies no longer existed or that the numbers of nesting birds had waned.

There had not been a comprehensive wading bird survey of the coastal islands since the mid1990s, and there had never been a comprehensive survey effort for the rest of the state.

With funding from State Wildlife Grants and the Oil Spill Recovery Fund, we set out to conduct a nearly statewide census for great blue herons and other colonial wading birds. With the help of pilots from the Warden Service and Forest Service, biologists conducted over 60 hours of aerial surveys. Over 180 historical locations were checked, and 73 new sites were discovered during the surveys or as a result of information provided by the public or other biologists. In addition to aerial surveys, biologists visited 38 colony sites on the ground to help verify colony locations and to gather more precise counts of active nests.

ww.mefishwildlife.com

A great blue heron.

Beaver-impounded wetlands are the most common setting for great blue heron colonies in Maine.

Survey efforts revealed 1,071 nesting pairs of great blue herons at 83 colonies, ranging in size from one to 120 active nests. A majority of the colonies were small in size (less than 10 nests) and located in beaver flowage settings.

As in the past, the largest colonies were located on coastal islands, with the exception of a colony located on an island in Aziscohos Lake in Lynchtown. With approximately 65 active nests, the Aziscohos Lake colony is the largest inland colony in the state and has persisted for at least 23 years.

The coastal breeding population of great blue herons experienced a 46.7 percent decline between 1983 and 1995. Consideration of this decline, evidence of fewer active nests in recent years, and observations of preda-

WINTER 2010

Help Us Count Them It's late March, and herons have just started to return to Maine to initiate breeding. By mid-May most will be incubating eggs, and by midJune the nestlings will be begging for food from their parents.

Volunteers with the Heron Observation Network will wait until early May to visit colony sites to ensure the birds have committed to breeding and will not be easily disturbed by visitors. While volunteers are watching existing colonies, biologists are still on the lookout for new colonies of all heron, egret, and ibis species. This year, extra effort will be made to find current breeding sites of the black-crowned nightheron, a State Threatened species.

Do you want to help? If you know of a wading bird colony or would like to monitor a site, contact Danielle D'Auria at danielle.dauria@ maine.gov, or 207-941-4478.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Photo

tion by an increasing eagle population prompted Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) to list the great blue heron as a state Species of Special Concern in 2007. This year’s census revealed 430 pairs on nine coastal islands, a 33.3 percent decrease from 1995, and a 64.4 percent decrease from 1983. While we are fairly certain we’ve thoroughly surveyed the coastal islands and have detected most colonies containing more than 1 pair, we expect there are many inland colonies that have gone undetected. Thus, it is difficult to make an accurate estimate of the statewide breeding population of great blue herons. Without consistent historical data for inland breeding sites, we intend to use this year’s survey results as a new baseline from which to detect breeding

WINTER 2010

population trends in the future. Given the available data and trend analyses using Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count data, Maine’s great blue heron population appears to be experiencing some level of decline, the causes of which are largely unknown.

The black-crowned night-heron is listed as Threatened in Maine.

Additional on-the-ground efforts included surveys of two coastal islands for nesting black-crowned night-herons, a species that was recently listed as Threatened in Maine. It was encouraging to find 87 active nests between these two islands. National Audubon also reported 21 nesting pairs on Stratton Island, bringing our known total to 108 pairs at these three sites. Blackcrowned night-heron colonies can be

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

difficult to detect from the air because they tend to nest beneath the canopy of deciduous trees or shrubs. Future efforts will be made to conduct on-theground surveys on additional islands.

This year’s survey effort was extremely time and labor intensive, and thus cannot be performed on an annual basis.

To ensure that we continue to collect nesting data for great blue herons and other colonial wading birds, we began a volunteer adopt-a-colony program this year called the Heron Observation Network (or HERON for short). Seventyeight people across the state signed up to be a part of HERON this year! More than half of these volunteers are tracking and reporting their time, which can be used as a match for federal funds for future research and monitoring.

We plan to continue this program in the coming years, and appreciate all who have contributed thus far.

PAGE 27

FEED THE BIRDS THIS WINTER! Wintertime is the most difficult season for birds to survive in the wild.

Consider that: - A typical backyard bird doesn’t weigh as much as two nickels.

- Birds spend most of their waking hours searching for food — using only their beaks!

- Birds may use up 15% of their body weight overnight just to stay warm enough to survive.

- Birds are outside 24/7 in sleet, snow, wind and cold.

The Birding Hobby Close to one-third of the U.S. adult population feeds wild birds in their backyards. Providing food, water and shelter helps birds survive, benefits the environment and supplements wild birds’ natural diets.

Feeding wild birds in the backyard is an easy hobby to start, and it need not overtax the family budget. It can be as simple as mounting a single feeder outside a window and filling it with good-quality birdseed or sunflower seeds. A feeder can be a hopper, platform or tubular variety or one that sticks to the window.

Chickadee sunflower Red-breasted TM nuthatch Cardinal/ sunflower

LK

Hairy woodpecker Goldfinch/thistle

A Family Activity Bird feeding is a great teaching tool.

Children can assume daily responsibility for cleaning and filling the feeders. A variety of feeders utilize different types of seeds; for example thistle seed for finches, sunflower seed for many of our winter birds; wild bird seed mix for ground feeders like mourning doves, sparrows and blue jays; or suet for woodpeckers, nuthatches or chickadees.

All the different kinds of birds you attract to your feeding stations can be identified using a field guide, either in book format or online.

DP

DP

Other critters may sho at your backyard bird feeding station! Some a after the seed, others might make a meal out squirrel, chipmunk or b

Offering a water source, particularly if it’s dripping or running, may attract birds that would not normally visit your feeders. Many interesting and eye-catching species are not seedeaters, preferring insects or berries instead. Adding a birdbath warmer to keep water from freezing during winter creates an oasis for bird watching. To round out the family’s backyard birding program, birdhouses can be purchased to provide shelter in winter and breeding sanctuaries during spring for cavity-nesting birds.

Feeding backyard songbirds is an extremely popular wildliferelated recreational activity around the home. A stress-free and inexpensive activity, backyard birding brings a welcome flash of color, dash of motion and splash of sound into everyone’s daily life.

PAGE 28

www.mefishwildlife.com

Tufted titm tit heated wa

DP

DP

WINTER 2010

Indoor Craft Fun for Kids - Outdoor Food for the Birds One of the sloppiest bird-treat projects, the pine cone bird feeder, is also one of the most successful.

e/

A pine cone bird feeder combines 3 foods that wild birds love, peanut butter, bird seed and pinecones. Wild birds are attracted to the tiny seeds that are hidden deep inside pinecones. The tiny cones produced by hemlocks will attract small birds like chickadees and titmice, while larger white pinecones will attract grosbeaks, crossbills and jays.

Goldfinch/ sunflower

Peanut butter could be considered the perfect bird food. It is high in fat and full of protein - food qualities that are important to wild birds any time of the year, but especially true in the winter when birds really need a boost.

You can use any kind of peanut butter, but chunky provides little pieces of peanuts to give the birds extra to chew on, keeping them close to the feeders longer.

LK

y r/suet

DP

To stretch your peanut butter, mix it with corn meal; and lard or shortening. This is a low-cost product that is readily eaten by the same birds that enjoy peanut butter.

Blue jay

How to make a Pine Cone Feeder TM

* Cut a long length of yarn or ribbon to hang the bird feeder. * Tie the ribbon in a knot around the pine cone near the top (about 3 sections down).

tmouse/ mouse/ ater bath

* Tie a knot in the end of the ribbon.

DP

ow up

* Scoop a large clump of peanut butter onto a paper plate or pie tin.

are s t of a bird.

* Use a knife to press the peanut butter mixture inside the pine cone and around the edges. * Roll the pine cone in birdseed that is spread out on the plate. * Hang the bird feeder on the tree. * Enjoy watching the birds eat their treat!

TM

Photos by Deb Plengey (DP), Tom Merriam (TM), Lisa Kane (LK) WINTER 2010

MAINE FISH AND WILDLIFE

PAGE 29

Ways you can help the Maine Departm Supersport Program

We have a new line of IF&W Merchandise!!

Your donation of $20 goes towards improving landowner Relations. In return we will send coupons and promotional offers from retailers throughout the State of Maine, and a sticker to show your support of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife to be displayed on your vehicle, camp, etc. This is a way to help support the Departments efforts without having to buy a recreational license or registration.

Contact Kristina at 207-287-5244 to make your donation now!

We recently launched a new line of merchandise.

Vests, sweatshirts, long and shot sleeve t-shirts, keychains, hats, etc. Please visit us online to see everything we have to offer and place an order!

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Limited Edition Conservation Prints by Tom Merriam Fine Art Prints Portraying Maine’s Famous Upland Game Birds

"Wytopitlock Woodcock" & "Rangeley Grouse" A signed and numbered edition of only 450 of each print is available!

Purchase as an identically numbered set or individually.

Sets will be sold on a first come first served basis.

Prints are 10” by 15”

No requested numbers.

Name__________________________________________ Address________________________________________ City___________________ State______ Zip___________ Phone_______________________________ Mail to: Order from Online Store at: MDIFW/Conservation Print Offer www.mefishwildlife.com 41 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0041 For Questions please call: (207) 287-5244

Print Items X Price Item Total Wytopitlock Woodcock ______ X $55.00 ________ Rangeley Grouse ______ X $55.00 ________ Both Prints in a Set ______ X $100.00 ________ Subtotal ________ ME State Sales Tax (5%) + ________ Shipping + $2.50 Total Due ________ Please Make Checks payable to: Treasurer, State of Maine

www.mefishwildlife.com

ment of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Registered Maine Guide Merchandise

These license plates are available through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, but the money supports positions and project at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and the Maine Department of Conservation.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife offers clothing and hats to our Registered Maine Guides and Master Guides.

Come into our office or check our website to see what we have available.

www.mefishwildlife.com

come see us!

2010 calendar of events

THE

MAINE WILDLIFE PARK opening april 15 Route 26, Gray www.mainewildlifepark.com

we're on facebook www.facebook.com/mainewildlifepark