Skip navigation.

The Official Website of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

 
MassWildlife banner

Osprey NestMassWildlife News Release

All Media Inquiries: Contact (617) 626-1809

 

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.

April 2009

Released April 1, 2009

VERNAL POOL GUIDELINES REVISED

In March, the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife released a revision to the Guidelines for the Certification of Vernal Pool Habitat ("Guidelines"). The NHESP accepts certain biological and physical documentation submitted by outside scientists, resource managers, and other interested parties as the basis for the certification of Vernal Pool Habitat. The recent revision is designed to ensure consistency between the NHESP's "vernal pool certification criteria" and the biological and physical characteristics of "Vernal Pool Habitat" in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations. The revised Guidelines reduces the number of facultative (indirect indicator) species acceptable for certification to four amphibians (i.e., Spring Peeper, Gray Treefrog, American Toad, and Fowler's Toad) and eliminates the "Dry Pool" method for vernal pool certification. In addition, requirements for documenting the physical and biological characteristics of a vernal pool have been enhanced. For example, a greater number of photographs are required of the basin and any inlets or outlets, and the number of egg masses of obligate amphibian (direct indicator) species (e.g., Wood Frogs or salamanders) has been increased from two for each species to a total of five for all species combined. The revised Guidelines document is available. The NHESP has administered the state's official vernal pool certification program for over 20 years. Visit the MassWildlife vernal pool website for information about how to certify and protect vernal pools.

Despite the seeming lack of spring weather recently, the season for amphibian movements is upon us. Salamanders, Spring Peepers, Wood Frogs, and toads will be ambling and hopping across Bay State roadways on warm wet nights, heading to vernal pools and other wetlands to mate and lay their eggs. The height of spring amphibian activity comes during warm, rainy nights when Spring Peepers are heard calling. Thousands of frogs, salamanders, and toads move across roadways under these conditions and many amphibians are squashed by vehicles traveling after dark. Some local communities and conservation groups host salamander crossings at key places where traffic is slowed to allow for the safe passage of these animals. Other local groups meet at known "Big Night" crossings or look for new road crossings to share this seasonal phenomenon with the public or to document the presence of nearby vernal pools. This month, consider doing your daily errands before dark or during dry evenings as a way to reduce amphibian traffic mortality. Another useful website with information on vernal pools, crossing signs, and additional educational materials can be found at the Vernal Pool Association website, www.vernalpool.org.

Released April 1, 2009

HELP STOCK SALMON FRY!

Volunteers from high schools, sporting clubs, civic groups, colleges, and individuals with a passion for rivers, fish, or fishing are needed to assist Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) personnel in stocking 1.5 million salmon fry (juvenile fish) as part of the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon restoration program. According to Dr. Caleb Slater, MassWildlife's Anadromous Fish Project Leader, at least 20 stocking dates are planned in April and early May to release salmon fry into dozens of Connecticut River tributaries. The fry will come from MassWildlife's Roger Reed Hatchery in Palmer and the White River National Fish Hatchery in Bethel, Vermont. Fry will be trucked to meeting sites where volunteers will gather and caravan to release sites. The tiny fish will then be moved from truck to water by bucket using volunteer man- and womanpower. The 2009 Fry Stocking Schedule and details on meeting locations and stocking tips are posted on the MassWildlife website.

Dr. Slater offers some tips for potential volunteers: "You may get wet! A change of clothes is a good idea. You will be walking in slippery stream and river beds, so waders or other waterproof footgear is useful." There are a few waders to loan, but please bring your own if you have them. Volunteers will also be climbing up and down steep stream banks and should be in good physical condition. MassWildlife aids anadromous (migratory) fish in a number of ways: stocking fry in tributaries of the Connecticut River; monitoring fish passage at dams on the Connecticut, Westfield, and Merrimack Rivers; trapping salmon and shad for transport to hatcheries and/or upstream release locations; working with federal agencies to ensure safe upstream and downstream fish passage at hydroelectric dams; and working with local watershed groups to improve freshwater habitat for fish. For more information, click on the above link or contact Dr. Slater at (508) 389-6331.

Released April 1, 2009

TROUT STOCKING BEGINS

Anglers with cabin fever (and fishing licenses) who have been impatiently waiting for open water will be cheered to learn that trout stocking began in mid-March in the eastern part of the state. At this time stocking is now occurring throughout the Commonwealth. Weekly trout stocking reports will be posted and updated each Friday on the MassWildlife website. All schedules are subject to alteration or cancellation due to equipment failure, inclement weather, high water, or other unforeseen circumstances. Anglers without Internet access may also call the nearest District office for information: Western (413) 447-9789; Valley (413) 323-7632; Central (508) 835-3607; Northeast (978) 263-4347; or Southeast (508) 759-3406. Don't forget to try to "hook" a new angler of any age, especially a youngster: be sure to share the joys of fishing this year!

Released April 1, 2009

TURKEY HUNTING REMINDERS

Turkey hunting season will begin in most of the Bay State on April 27, 2009. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has some important reminders for turkey hunters to consider before the season begins.

Permit Applications-Although the turkey hunting permit application deadline has passed, hunters may still send in their permit application to the Westborough office; however, MassWildlife cannot guarantee that late applicants will receive their turkey permit before opening day. Hunters who bought their hunting/sporting license over the counter will find the application on the duplicate certificate. Hunters who purchased their license online through MassOutdoors must go to www.mass.gov/massoutdoors, go to "Buy New License" and then choose "Add Permits" to apply for their turkey permit. If the turkey application option does not appear, it means you already applied for the permit.
MassWildlife District offices and the Westborough Field Headquarters will be selling turkey permits over the counter beginning April 13, 2009. Hunters must present their 2009 hunting or sporting license to those offices to purchase a permit.

Safety Stickers Are Required-An official turkey safety sticker is required to be affixed to the firearm in such a way as to be visible when sighting down the barrel. To obtain safety stickers, stop by a district office or send a self-addressed stamped envelope, including a note requesting the stickers, to any District office or the Field Headquarters in Westborough.

Turkey Check Stations-An updated list of turkey check stations has been posted on the MassWildlife website.Turkey hunters are encouraged to check this list before going into the field as there are new check stations, and some stations from past seasons may no longer be checking turkeys.

Turkey Hunting Safety Tips-Lastly, MassWildlife encourages all turkey hunters to hunt safely. To avoid an accident, the following safety tips are offered:

  • Don't stalk turkeys; sit or stand and call the birds to you. Do not sneak up to the sound of a turkey calling, as you may find yourself stalking another hunter, not a bird.
  • Don't wear red, white, blue, or black anywhere on your body where the colors might be seen during your hunt. These colors are found on the head and feathers of tom (male) turkeys during the breeding and nesting season.
  • Don't hide in a place where your view is obstructed or where another hunter may not see you. Some turkey hunters tie some bright orange surveyor's ribbon above their stand so that other hunters know there is a person in the area.
  • Be sure you have properly identified your target and what is beyond it before you shoot.

By using common sense and safe hunting practices, turkey hunters will have a safe and memorable experience. With some skill and luck, successful hunters will bring home a tasty meal for the dinner table to share with friends and family. For more turkey hunting safety tips, check the MassWildlife website.

Released April 1, 2009

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICE REMIND BOATERS TO WEAR LIFEJACKETS

Though air temperatures are rising and ice is retreating from many ponds and lakes, boaters are still at risk from cold water and the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) is reminding people that state law requires all canoeists and kayakers to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times through May 15.

"The Environmental Police recommend that boaters wear lifejackets year-round, but during cool and cold weather months, it's the law in Massachusetts," MEP Director Aaron Gross said. "This reminder serves two very important purposes. It could save you from an unwelcome visit from an enforcement officer, and - much more importantly - it could save your life."

The MEP points out that the first warm days of spring mask water temperatures that are dangerously cold. If paddlers capsize or fall overboard, they can succumb within minutes to hypothermia (the lowering of a person's internal body temperature), which deadens arms and legs and renders a victim unable to swim, paddle, or stay afloat. A related danger - the "cold-water-immersion-reflex," whereby a victim, shocked by frigid water, involuntarily gasps and ingests a significant amount of water - can lead to death by drowning.

In the 13 fatal boating accidents in Massachusetts in 2008 (up from nine fatalities in 2007), none of the victims was wearing a lifejacket. Not wearing a lifejacket, operator inattention, overloading, and small boat instability were significant factors in most of the 2008 fatalities.

Massachusetts boating regulations require that all persons aboard canoes and kayaks between September 15 and May 15 wear a Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, or III PFD at all times while a boat is underway. In addition, the MEP recommends wearing a PFD as standard practice year-round, and reminds boaters that children under 12 are required to wear PFDs in boats of all types throughout the year. While most Type I, II, and III lifejackets will not prevent hypothermia, they do give the victim one less thing to worry about: staying afloat.

"In Massachusetts and nationwide, most boating fatalities start as a capsizing or fall overboard, and, historically, 80 percent of the victims are not wearing lifejackets," Colonel Gross said. "Lifejacket wear gives victims and rescuers additional precious time to help themselves out of a potentially tragic episode."

The MEP also encourages all boaters to take a state-approved boating safety course. Visit the Massachusetts Boat Safe web page for links to the MEP boating course schedule, other approved course providers, and information about state boating laws.

Return to top

Released April 1, 2009

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

April 6--Public Meeting on Forest Stewardship Council Certification of State Lands, West Boylston-The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife), along with the Department of Conservation & Recreation's (DCR) Division of Water Supply Protection and Bureau of Forestry, is seeking FSC-endorsed re-certification for the state's forestlands. A public meeting will be held on this date, 6:30-8:00 PM, at John Augustus Hall Cafeteria in West Boylston, 180 Beaman Road (Route 140). Interested parties and stakeholders are invited to attend and provide written or oral comments about forest management practices on state lands. Directions are available by calling (508) 792-7423 or by emailing dwager@scscertified.com.
April 9-The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be holding its meeting on Thursday, April 9 at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough from 1:30- 4:30 pm. This meeting location is handicapped accessible and the meeting is open to the public. For directions or call (508) 389-6360.
April 21-The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will hold its April meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Department of Conservation and Recreation South Mountain Regional Headquarters, 740 South Street, Pittsfield, MA. Directions to the DCR South Mountain Regional Headquarters are available. Anyone with a disability or medical condition may request special accommodations. Anyone who wants to be placed on the agenda to speak a person must notify the Board two weeks prior to the Board meeting. For specifics contact Julie Delaney at (508) 389-6342.

Return to top

Released April 1, 2009

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 4--Scheduled Opening Day of Fishing Season at Wachusett Reservoir. This date may change if ice is still present. For further details, contact the Department of Conservation & Recreation Rangers at Wachusett at (978) 365-3800, or check the Wachusett Reservoir web link.
April 8--Snakes of Massachusetts, Athol. As part of its monthly meeting at the Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main Street, the Athol Bird and Nature Club is hosting a presentation on "Snakes Found in Massachusetts" by Peter Mirick, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife wildlife biologist and Massachusetts Wildlife magazine editor. He may have a live one or two to display as well! This program is open to the public and is free. For more information, visit the ABNC website or call (978) 248-9491.
April 16--New England Cottontail Workshop, Hadley-Join the New England Chapter of The Wildlife Society at its Annual Business Meeting and Workshop located at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Regional Headquarters at 300 Westgate Drive (at junction of Routes 9 and 116) in Hadley. The morning session beginning at 9 AM is devoted to the Annual Business meeting and the afternoon workshop from 1 - 4 PM is focused on the New England Cottontail; Ecology, Status, Habitat, and Restoration Efforts. Participation at the workshop for non-members of the New England Chapter is $10 which will be collected at the door. Wildlife biologists are reminded that TWS continuing education credits are available. For further information, visit the TWS New England Chapter website at or contact Ken MacKenzie at (508) 792-7423 x313 or Ken.Mackenzie@state.ma.us.
April 18-Opening Day of Fishing Season at Quabbin Reservoir. For more information regarding fishing and boat rentals contact the Quabbin Visitor's Center at (413) 323-7221 or check the Quabbin Reservoir web link.
April 18-Coyotes in Massachusetts, Amherst. Laura Hajduk, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Furbearer Biologist, will be giving a talk about coyotes at the Jones Library in Amherst. This is part of the library's Beastly Abodes series, designed for people of all ages. Program is at 3 PM - 5 PM. Sponsored by The Friends of the Jones Library. The Jones Library is located at 43 Amity Street. Call (413) 259-3090 or email info@joneslibrary.org.
April 25-Turkey Hunting for Outdoorswomen, Shirley-A seminar on turkey hunting for adult women is scheduleded for this date at the Shirley Rod & Gun Club. Women will also have the opportunity to sign up for a turkey hunt on May 4 if they have taken the seminar, possess a hunting license, turkey permit and firearm. Registration forms are available.

Return to top

Last Updated: 04/02/2009