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MassWildlife News is published 1-2 times/month. If you are interested in receiving the MW News electronically, send an e-mail to the following address: Join-MassWildlife.news@listserv.state.ma.us

January 2007

Released January 29, 2007

INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES BOOKLET AVAILABLE

A new guide to invasive plants is now available for gardeners, nurseries and garden centers, botanists, naturalists and other plant enthusiasts. A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts is designed to assist in the identification of 66 invasive plant species currently regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These invasive plants are non-native species that spread aggressively and have been determined to pose a threat to Massachusetts' native plants and habitats. The Guide was authored by Dr. Paul Somers, MassWildlife Botanist of the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Karen Lombard and Rachel Kramer of The Nature Conservancy and Bill Brumback of the New England Wild Flower Society. This guide is the result of a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies, private conservation organizations and plant nurseries to further educate citizens about the negative impact of invasive plants. In 2005, the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) finalized a report on invasive plants and developed the 66 plant list with a determination of the relative threat of each species to Massachusetts' native biodiversity based on the latest scientific understanding.

"A Guide to Invasive Plants is a user-friendly product for people who want to learn how to identify invasive plants in their backyard, neighborhood, municipal or conservation property," said Dr. Paul Somers. "Invasive plants impact the Massachusetts environment by competing with native plants for limited natural resources, dominating habitats and reducing food and shelter for a host of native wildlife. This competition can cause forests, wetlands and meadows to become degraded, diminishing their ecological values and functions, as well as the economic and aesthetic values of Massachusetts natural landscapes." In one year alone, Massachusetts spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to control aquatic invasive plants. This figure doesn't take into account extensive containment efforts undertaken by municipalities, private landowners or lost revenue due to decreased recreational boating, swimming and fishing activities.

In the Guide, each invasive plant description includes a photograph, the plant's regulatory status, key identification characteristics, habitats where the plant is likely to be found, type of threat the plant poses to native species and habitats, and its current distribution and place of origin. Similar plant species are also briefly described to aid in plant identification. The guide includes the MIPAG definitions of three categories of invasiveness, brief explanations of how invasive plants are introduced and spread, why invasives are a problem, where to learn more about invasive plant control, and the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources' regulations regarding their importation, sale and propagation. Useful invasive plant websites are also referenced.

Production and funding of the Guide was provided by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and Office of Coastal Zone Management, the Massachusetts Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, the New England Wild Flower Society, the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Falmouth 300 Club. For more information about invasive plants and their impacts, go to www.mass.gov/masswildlife, click on "Natural Heritage" and then "What's New."

Copies of the Invasive Plant Guide will be available for free pick up at MassWildlife District Offices and the Westborough Field Headquarters. A shipping/handling fee will be charged for mail orders. Contact the Natural Heritage Program at 508/389-6360. Copies are available from the Department of Conservation and Recreation Lakes and Ponds Program in West Boylston 508/792-7423 x304; the Nature Conservancy in Boston, www.nature.org or call 617/227-7017, New England Wildflower Society's online store at www.newfs.org or call 508/877-7630 and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association at www.mnla.com.

For more information on invasive plants in Massachusetts and the Mass. Invasive Plant Advisory Group contact:

  • Mass. Div. of Fisheries and Wildlife/Natural Heritage Program-Dr. Paul Somers, Botanist, 508/389-6344
  • Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources-Brad Mitchell, Regulatory Affairs, 617/626-1771
  • Mass. Nursery and Landscape Association-Rena Sumner, Executive Director, 413/369-4731
  • The Nature Conservancy-Karen Lombard, Asst. Director of Conservation Science, 617/227-7017
  • New England Wild Flower Society-Bill Brumback, Conservation Director, 508/877-7630 x 3201

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Released January 29, 2007

NEW PHONE AND FAX NUMBERS AT WESTBOROUGH FIELD HEADQUARTERS

Phone and fax numbers at the MassWildlife's Westborough Field Headquarters were changed recently. In addition, extensions have changed for each staff person. A staff directory is available to callers when they call the main office number. Updates will also be posted on the appropriate agency web pages.

New office phone numbers: Main MassWildlife Office number is: 508/389-6300. Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program: 508/389-6360

New fax numbers: Main MassWildlife Fax number: 508/389-7890. Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Fax: 508/389-7891

Callers contacting the Westborough office regularly are advised to update their records. Clubs and organizations with MassWildlife information on their websites should make sure any listed phone numbers for Westborough are changed.

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Released January 29, 2007

KEEP AN EYE ON THE ICE!

Winter has made its appearance in Massachusetts at last, but the warm weather and uneven temperatures that have prevailed in the state so far this season mean the condition of ice on the Bay State's waterbodies is unpredictable at best and could be treacherous. MassWildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. An ice strength table is posted on the agency website.

How can you tell if ice is safe? There are no guarantees -- always consider ice potentially dangerous. Assess ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don't venture on to ice bound rivers or streams as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable.

What if you fall through the ice? As with any emergency, don't panic! Briefly call for help. It doesn't take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, so you must act quickly. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up using "ice pins" that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you have previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice, don't waste precious time because you need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest fishing shanty, warm car, or home.

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Released January 29, 2007

BALD EAGLE PRELIMINARY COUNT FIGURES

Preliminary eagle count reports from a concentrated surveying effort on January 5, 2007, by MassWildlife staff and volunteer observers resulted in 49 American Bald Eagles and 1 Golden Eagle. This event was part of a two week nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey conducted annually in January. Sightings from observers and other interested citizens are still coming into the office. These reports will be compiled and analyzed at a later date.

A tally of eagle sightings by area from the January 5th survey are as follows: 21 --Quabbin Reservoir (16 adults, 5 immature); 11 -- CT River (adults); 2 -- Westfield River (adults); 1 -- Sandisfield (adult); 1 -- Blandford (adult); 2-- Wachusett Reservoir (adults); 3 -- Merrimack River (adults); 6 -- Lakeville/Middleboro area (4 adults, 2 immature); 2 -- Watuppa Pond, Fall River (adults); 1 -- Westport River, Westport (adult); 1 -- Great Herring Pond, Plymouth (adult). The Golden eagle and two new eagle nests were seen at the Quabbin Reservoir. As of 2006, there were at least 25 known nesting territories in the state with successful fledging of 16 eaglets.

Eagle restoration efforts have been funded over the years from a number of sources; major funding has come from the former Bank of Boston, and hunting and fishing license fees (Massachusetts' Inland Fish & Game Fund), the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund, as well as support from National Grid, federal aid from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Citizens who wish to contribute to other protection and restoration efforts for important rare wildlife and their habitat can donate directly to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund or contribute on the "endangered wildlife conservation" line on your Massachusetts income tax form with all such contributions being deposited into the Fund. To those who have donated over the years: Thank You! For those who haven't, please join us in supporting this important wildlife conservation effort.

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Released January 29, 2007

NEWS AND NOTES 

Massachusetts Turtle Symposium--Don't miss the Massachusetts Turtle Symposium to be held on February 23 & 24 at the UMass Amherst Campus Center. Of special interest to landowners and managers, teachers, and naturalists; this symposium is designed to provide information for the novice and expert alike. The keynote speaker on Friday evening February 23 will be David Carroll, author, artist and MacArthur Award Winner. Experts from across the state, including staff from MassWildlife, will share current information on turtle biology, conservation and management issues. Find out more about turtles and what can be done to help turtles in the classroom, on conservation property or your own land. Professional credits available. Funding for this symposium was made possible in part by MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Registration deadline is February 16, registrations received after the 16th will require an additional fee. Further information and registration materials are available on line at the Athol Bird and Nature Club website: www.millersriver.net/turtles.

Deadline for Forest Plan Comments - February 16 is the deadline for written comments concerning the first draft of the Taconic Mountains and Marble Valley Forest Management Zone (FMZ) plan, and the second draft of the Berkshire Highlands FMZ plan are due. Plans are posted at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/draft_fmps.htm Write: John Scanlon, MassWildlife Forest Project Leader, MassWildlife Field HQ, Westborough, MA 01581 or by e-mail at john.scanlon@state.ma.us, by February 16, 2007.

Fall Turkey Tally--Final fall season figures for the 2006 turkey season have been compiled. Hunters harvested 107 turkeys during the six-day season. 51 of these birds were toms (males) and 56 were hens (females). Breaking the figures down by county, 20 turkeys were taken in Berkshire, 24 in Franklin, 7 in Hampden, 25 in Hampshire, 3 in Middlesex, and 28 in Worcester.

MassWildlife Turkey Project Leader Jim Cardoza noted that fall turkey harvests have varied considerably over the years. "This harvest is not particularly surprising," said Jim Cardoza, Turkey Project Leader, "Due to the prolonged and repeated rainfall in the spring, hatch and poult survival was very low." Hunter effort and participation is important, and can vary with participation in other hunting activities. Weather conditions during the fall hunt and the survival success from the previous summer are also important factors in turkey hunter's success rate.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be meeting on January 30 at 10AM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough off North Drive. Open to all, these public meetings provide Board members with information on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. For directions, check the MassWildlife website in About MassWildlife or call 508/389-6360.

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet on February 8 at 1:30PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. For directions, check the MassWildlife website in About MassWildlife or call 508/389-6360. This meeting is also open to the public.

Calendar of Events

An updated calendar can be found on the agency website

  • Feb. 3 & 4 -- 28th Annual Massachusetts Sportsmen's Show at the Standish Sportsmen's Association, East Bridgewater. Located at 1 Burr Lane this show features many exhibitors. MassWildlife will be selling licenses, providing maps, hunting and fishing laws and other wildlife related material. For more information about the show, contact Hugh Hurley 508/588-9327 or John Fabroski 508/378-7696.
  • Feb. 8-Basic Ice Fishing Clinic, Billerica -- Want to learn about "hard water" fishing? Beginning anglers of all ages are encouraged to attend this workshop which will be taught by instructors from MassWildlife's Angler Education Program. This clinic is sponsored by the Billerica Recreation Department. Learn basic techniques and how to handle the equipment needed to go ice fishing. A second day may be scheduled to include an ice fishing excursion (weather and ice safety permitting). Equipment will be provided, but anyone with equipment is welcome to bring it. The course is free, but pre-registration is required.Contact the Billerica Parks and Recreation Department to register at 978/671-0921.
  • Feb. 8 - 11 - 31st Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition, Worcester--Held at the Centrum Centre, MassWildlife will be hosting booths for the Hunter and Angler Education Programs as well as selling licenses and providing other hunting and fishing information to sportsmen and women. For specific information about the Worcester show, visit www.sportshows.com or call 603/431-4315.
  • Feb. 9--Registration deadline for registering for Mass. Environmental Education Society Annual Conference, Holy Cross College, Worcester --This statewide conference to be held on March 7 attracts classroom teachers, youth group leaders, state and park naturalists and other environmental educators New England. No walk in registrations are accepted. This year's theme is: MEES @30; Exploring Past, Present & Future.
  • Feb. 15 - Basic Ice Fishing Course, Turners Falls (Montague) - Want to learn about "hard water" fishing? For beginning anglers of all ages the clinic is taught by instructors from MassWildlife's Angler Education Program at the Great Falls Discovery Center and is co-sponsored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn basic techniques and how to handle the equipment needed to go ice fishing. The course is free, but pre-registration is required. Equipment is provided. Contact the Great Falls Discovery Center for more information at 413/ 863.3221.
  • Feb. 16-19 - Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show - MassWildlife is teaming up with the Department of Conservation and Recreation with an informational booth about wildlife related recreational opportunities in Massachusetts. For more information, call 413/781-CAMP or visit www.springfieldrvcampingshow.com.
  • Feb. 17 - 2nd Merrimack River Eagle Festival, Newburyport - Join MassWildlife District Manager Patricia Huckery at Deer Island, Newburyport as part of this eagle festival organized by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge with sponsorship from the Newburyport 5 Cents Savings Bank and the Eagle Tribune Publishing Company. Free indoor and outdoor events will be held at sponsor sites throughout the Newburyport/Amesbury/Salisbury area including self-guided tours of eagle-spotting locations with on-site guides, children's nature activities, live eagle demonstrations and guided bus tours. For more information and bus reservations, call 978-462-9998.
  • Feb. 22 - 25 - Springfield Sportsmen's Show at the Big E, West Springfield-- MassWildlife will be hosting selling licenses and providing other hunting and fishing information to sportsmen and women. For specific information about this show, visit www.osegsportsmens.com or call 413/467-2171.

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