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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

November 2008

October 31, 2008

Released October 31, 2008

MONTEREY LAND CELEBRATION WITH GOVERNOR PATRICK

On October 23, 2008, Governor Deval Patrick joined state officials, citizens, and members of the Berkshires land conservation community to mark the completion of the Hudson Conservation Project - a two-phase public-private partnership protecting 800 acres of forest and meadow in Tyringham and Monterey. Adjacent to MassWildlife's and now part of the original 101-acre Tyringham Wildlife Conservation Easement (WCE) parcel in Tyringham, the new property will be open to wildlife recreation such as fishing, hunting, hiking, birdwatching and other wildlife-related recreation. Combined with nearby 12,350 protected acres, the newly-completed conservation project creates a virtually contiguous block of open space spanning 13,344 acres of the southern Berkshires.

At a celebration attended by project partners, the property's former owner, outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, local legislators, and municipal officials, Governor Patrick noted that the Hudson Conservation Project is among 222 land conservation efforts completed by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), MassWildlife and other state environmental agencies in FY 2008. Overall, the Commonwealth invested approximately $50 million in capital funds last year to conserve 13,995 acres statewide.

"Preservation of this 800-acre-plus landscape would not have been possible without the foresight and generosity of our partners," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said. "The Commonwealth owes a debt of gratitude to the Hudson family for choosing to preserve this property rather than sell it to developers, to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for helping to protect this significant parcel of pristine land, and to the Monterey Preservation Land Trust for its extraordinary donation of conservation restrictions worth $2 million."

"This most recently completed acquisition safeguards three distinct habitats that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program classifies as rare and in need of protection," said Mary Griffin, Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game. The three habitats includes acidic rock cliff habitat, rich mesic forest and Living Waters Core Habitat. "The property supports an incredible diversity of native wildlife species, including whitetail deer, black bear, wild turkey, snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, red and gray fox, black ducks, and several rare and endangered species." For more information about this property, contact MassWildlife's Pittsfield office at 413/447-9789.

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Released October 31, 2008

AVOID INVASIVE PLANTS FOR HOLIDAY DECORATING

As part of the upcoming holiday season, many people are using plant material to decorate their houses or businesses. MassWildlife highly recommends that people avoid using certain invasive exotic plants such as Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) in holiday decorations. Though these plants are attractive, it is best to refrain from using them. Birds eat and carry away the fruits from wreaths and garlands and the digested but still-viable seeds sprout where deposited. These exotic, invasive plants create severe environmental damage invading open fields, forests, wetlands, meadows, and backyards, crowding out native plants. Bittersweet can even kill mature trees through strangling. Both plants are extremely difficult to control -- when cut off, the remaining plant segment in the ground will resprout. It is illegal to import or sell bittersweet and multiflora rose in any form (plants or prunings) in the state of Massachusetts.

Backyard gardners, nursery staff, landscapers and conservationists can learn more about invasive plants from MassWildlife's Guide To Invasive Plants authored by MassWildlife's former State Botanist Paul Somers, Rachel Kramer and Karen Lombard of The Nature Conservancy and Bill Brumback of the New England Wild Flower Society. 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 definitions of three categories of invasiveness, brief explanations of how invasive plants are introduced and spread, why invasives are a problem, how to learn more about controlling invasive plants, and the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources' regulations regarding their importation, sale and propagation. Useful invasive plant websites are also referenced. The Guide is $5 a copy. To purchase a guide from MassWildlife, stop in the Westborough office during business hours or send a request to Invasive Plant Guide, MassWildlife Headquarters, NHESP, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, MA, 01581and include a check payable to: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund. Credit cards are not accepted. More about invasive plants.

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Released October 31, 2008

IMPORTANT ARCHERY DEER SEASON REMINDER

Archers hunting deer in Massachusetts are reminded that the closing date for the archery season is Saturday, November 22, 2008. This year, Thanksgiving falls on a "late" date and the usual six week archery deer season, which began on October 13, 2008, ends on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Archers may not hunt deer during Thanksgiving week this year (November 24 - 28, 2008). The shotgun season for deer hunting begins Monday, December 1, 2008. 2008 Hunting season dates and regulations.

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Released October 31, 2008

WILDLIFE HABITAT GRANTS AVAILABLE

Private landowners who want to actively manage their property to benefit wildlife species at risk are invited to consider applying for a competitive grant from MassWildlife's Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). Individual landowners, land trusts, sportsmen's clubs, and other conservation organizations are reminded that the application period for FY 2010 opened October 27, 2008. Applications are due at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough on or before December 19, 2008, at 4:00 PM. In FY 2009, 35 applicants were selected to receive funding. MassWildlife partnered with the landowners to finance management on a total of 2,640 acres, funding the grants with a total of $806,158. Of last year's 35 grants awarded, ten went to land trusts, 12 to conservation organizations, one to a sportsmen's club, and 12 to other private landowners. Of the projects funded, 71 percent applied for restoration, 80 percent applied for invasive/exotic plant removal, 26 percent applied for the seeding or planting in their project area. For application information or call MassWildlife LIP staff Tracy Grazia at 508/389-6387 or Marianne Piche at 508/389-6313.

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Released October 31, 2008

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Looking for a wildlife-related gift for the outdoors or wildlife enthusiast on your holiday list? The following experiences and items are available for both youth and adults. A two year subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine ($10) delivers eight full color issues of the Commonwealth's best wildlife publication. For the budding conservationist try a copy of Critters of Massachusetts book ($5). Critters is a perfect gift for the curious youngster or the beginning adult naturalist with an interest in backyard wildlife and beyond. For the more advanced naturalist, Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies ($20) or A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools ($12) might be just the ticket. In-depth descriptions and detailed photographs help the reader identify and learn more about these creatures. The gardener in your life will find the Massachusetts Guide to Invasive Plants ($5) filled with useful information and images of invasive plants to avoid. Is there a turtle enthusiast among your friends or family? They may enjoy an Introduction to the Threatened Turtles of Massachusetts, a video available from MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program for $5. The Massachusetts Wildlife Viewing Guide ($5) listing 67 sites across the state where a variety of wildlife can be seen is a perfect gift for the outdoor explorer or a visitor to the state. To order any of the above publications, click the Publications button or contact MassWildlife by phone at 508/389-6300.


2009 hunting/fishing licenses and stamps will be appreciated by the sportsman or woman in your life. Licenses will be available for sale on line or through license vendors throughout the state by mid-December. License purchases support wildlife conservation, management, and restoration of wildlife and wildlife habitat protection in Massachusetts.

Outdoor experiences are another great gift! A wonderful outdoor experience for teens, ages 13 - 17 years old, is the Junior Conservation Camp, a two-week overnight camp session packed with outdoor skills learning from shooting and fishing, to canoeing and camping, field trips with biologists and more. The camp is located in Chesterfield and will be held in August. For women 18 years and above, enroll them in one of the Becoming an Outdoorswoman workshops planned for 2009. A schedule will be posted in January. All programs such as tracking, shooting, fishing, and photography are designed for adult women at the beginner level. Click the Education button on the MassWildlife website for further details on the two programs.

For the person who has everything, make a donation in his or her name to support work on rare and endangered wildlife to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund. Wildlife habitat protection can also be supported by donating to the Wildlands Fund, a fund solely dedicated to acquiring important wildlife habitat open to wildlife related recreation. Donations should be sent to the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westboroughugh, MA 01581. For more information on the above publications, programs and fund donations, contact 508/389-6300.

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Released October 31, 2008

BROODING OVER TURKEYS

Turkey brood survey reports have been recently tabulated by Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife's Turkey Project Leader. Brood surveys are one way biologists assess the number of young that are recruited (added) into the population. "Calculations show that this year's hatch was very good," said Cardoza. "What is interesting about this season's information is the apparent pattern of the hatch." Few broods (hens and their young poults) were seen in June, but many more broods were sighted in July and August, a strong indication that early nests failed and many hens re-nested. Cardoza noted that fewer broods were seen in June 2008 than in June 2007, but substantially more broods were observed in July 2008 than in July 2007. Calculations showed that the number of poults per reproductive hen was higher in 2008 than in 2007. However, when broodless hens were added in, the overall number of poults per hen in 2008 was slightly lower than in 2007.

Cardoza was also pleased with the number of forms sent in by interested members of the public. Over 430 brood survey reports were submitted, a record figure, with the vast majority from Bay State citizens. "The response from the public was excellent and has been increasing yearly," said Cardoza. "More participation from many people reporting brood sightings from June - August, results in better information for the agency." For more information on turkey brood surveys and how they are used by biologists, Cardoza recommends reading an article he wrote for the Massachusetts Wildlife magazine in 2006 (Vol. LVI, No. 1) "Brooding Over Brood Counts." Check the wild turkey web pages.

Released October 31, 2008

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be meeting at MassWildlife's Westborough Field Headquarters on Thursday, November 13, 2008, from 1:30- 4:30 PM. The meeting is open to the public and the building is handicapped accessible.

The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will hold its monthly meeting on November 25, 2008 at 1 PM in Worcester County. When finalized, details on meeting location will be posted on the agency website. The Board meeting is also open to the public.

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Released October 31, 2008

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

  • November 1 - December 13 -- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Art Exhibits, Montague and Hadley -- Bring your family to see top youth entries in the 2008 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest (JDS) at Great Falls Discovery Center in Turner's Falls at 2 Avenue A or at the US Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office off Rte 9 and 116 at 300 Westgate Center Drive in Hadley. The Duck Stamp contest is modeled after the adult versions of both the state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youth of all ages are encouraged to learn about waterfowl and the importance of wetlands through this conservation contest. The JDS is sponsored by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Mass. Waterfowler's Association and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. For further information on the JDS exhibits, contact: Sue Cloutier at 413/863-3676 or Valerie Crane at 413/253-8643. Information on the 2008 - 2009 JDS program.
  • November 8 -- Coldwater Stream Mapping, Pittsfield -- This talk, given by MassWildlife's Western District Fisheries Biologist Dana Ohman, is part of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) Fall Conference to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on West Street in Pittsfield. The theme for this conference is: "Rivers and Riverfront: Current Science, Regulatory Issues and Solutions." Dana will discuss MassWildlife's stream survey work and mapping of coldwater fisheries resources (CFRs) in streams and rivers across the state. Attendees must register to attend the conference. For a complete program of offerings and registration information, visit the MACC website.
  • November 9 -- Burrage Pond Nature Walk, Hanson and Halifax -- Take advantage of a free guided walk at 10 a.m. that will allow particpants to enjoy fall colors, open expanses of bogs and marshes and the shoreline of Burrage Pond in this scenic Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This is part of the Taunton River Watershed Alliance's Fall Nature Walk Series. Bring binoculars, field guides if you wish and comfortable walking shoes. MassWildlife Land Agent Joan Pierce and MassAudubon's Robert Buschbaum will co-lead this walk. The walk is sponsored by MassWildlife, Mass Audubon and The Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts at the Burrage Pond State Wildlife Management Area PDF icon, Northern Portion. Meet at the WMA parking lot on Hawkes Road off Pleasant Street in Hanson. For more information contact Priscilla Chapman, Mass Audubon, at pchapman@massaudubon.org or call 508/828-1104.
  • November 13 -- Protecting Rare Species in Norton and the Taunton River Watershed: The Role of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, Norton - When development is proposed in an area known to contain rare animals or plants, the state's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Act is triggered. MassWildlife's Senior Environmental Reviewer Jonathan Regosin will describe some of the rare species found in this part of the state, and explain how the regulatory process assists in protecting their habitat. Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Norton Conservation Commission, this free program will be held at the Norton Public Library, 68 East Main Street, Norton. For more info call TNC's Plymouth Office at 508/732-0300 x21.
  • November 15 -- Project WILD and Aquatic WILD Workshop for Educators, Endicott Park, Danvers -- All K-12 educators are invited to participate in an exciting eight-hour interdisciplinary hands-on/minds-on workshop focusing on terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. Participants will actively engage in activities, evaluate materials for unique needs and settings, share experiences with other educators, take home ideas and resources to integrate in to their teaching, and make correlations to national and state content standards. Scout leaders, youth group leaders, and formal and non-formal educators find the materials and workshop experience very valuable. Hours may be used toward obtaining PDPs. Pre-registration is required by calling Pam Landry 508/389-6310 or email her at pam.landry@state.ma.us.
  • November 19 -- Wildlife in Your Neighborhood, Orange -- Join MassWildlife Biologist Trina Moruzzi at the Orange Public Library where she will be giving a family-oriented presentation about common wildlife found in suburban and rural neighborhoods. This free program begins at 6:30 and is open to all. For more information, contact the Library at 978/544-2495. The Orange Public Library is located on 49 East Main Street on the corner of Grove Street in Orange.

See a complete listing of wildlife related events at Calendar/Events