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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

February 2010

Released February 1, 2010

245-ACRE LAND ACQUISITION IN WAREHAM AND PLYMOUTH

Recently, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles announced the purchase of 245 acres of land on Red Brook in Wareham and Plymouth that will protect one of the most diverse fish and wildlife habitats in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) acquired the land, known as Century Bog, from A.D. Makepeace Company for $3 million. The acquisition - through conservation and ongoing ecological restoration - will protect the Red Brook watershed and protect habitat for 11 rare species, several kinds of fish and other wildlife.

The property consists of 176 acres in Wareham and 69 acres in Plymouth, beginning at the southern end of White Island Pond and linking to MassWildlife's 673-acre Red Brook Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Combining the Red Brook WMA acreage with the adjacent 210-acre Lyman Reserve owned by The Trustees of Reservations, the Century Bog acquisition now helps to permanently protect 883 acres of contiguous land, from the headwaters of Red Brook all the way to Buttermilk Bay, a shallow estuary located at the head of Buzzards Bay. Funding for the acquisition comes from the $1.7 billion Energy and Environment Bond Bill signed by Governor Patrick in August 2008.

"This important partnership with A.D. Makepeace is our latest success," said Secretary Bowles. "This project will protect critical habitats, conserve coastal land and help to continue ongoing ecological restoration efforts, and is in line with our efforts to protect 54,000 acres of land across the Commonwealth in the past two years - the equivalent of 74 acres per day."

"This is the most important acquisition for the agency this year," said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin, who added that DFG plans to develop a comprehensive restoration plan for the property that includes consideration of climate change adaptation strategies. "Conservation and restoration of the Red Brook watershed will ensure the protection of one of the remaining native sea-run brook trout streams in Massachusetts, as well as habitat for a variety of fish and 11 plants and insects recorded on MassWildlife's list of endangered, threatened, and special concern species."

A.D. Makepeace - the world's largest cranberry grower and the largest private landowner in eastern Massachusetts - has been an active participant in ongoing habitat restoration efforts on Red Brook. During the term of a six-year lease agreement, the company has agreed to provide further restoration services on the property. A.D. Makepeace also has the right to continue its cranberry operations at the 70-acre Century Bog for five years.

This is the Commonwealth's second major land conservation effort in partnership with A.D. Makepeace in the past year. In July 2009, state officials and A.D Makepeace celebrated a three-phase project to preserve of thousands of acres of critical habitat and open space in southeastern Massachusetts.

"The A.D. Makepeace Company, and particularly the many avid anglers on our staff, have long recognized that the Century Bog property is a unique habitat," said A.D. Makepeace President and CEO Michael P. Hogan. "We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Commonwealth as well as Trout Unlimited and the Trustees of Reservations to ensure the long-term protection of the many wildlife species which live in the area."

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Released February 1, 2010

SALTWATER ANGLERS MUST REGISTER IN 2010

The Division of Marine Fisheries is alerting saltwater anglers to new saltwater fishing registration requirements that are occurring in 2010 and 2011. A new federal law that took effect January 1, 2010 requires most Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishermen 16 years old and older to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) either online via www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or by calling (888) MRIP-411 [(888) 674-7411]. There is no fee for federal registration in 2010. People fishing on saltwater charter or head-boats will not be required to register. Private boat or family registrations are not available. This year, non-residents planning saltwater fishing trips in Massachusetts must possess a saltwater fishing permit from any state or from the federal saltwater registration system.

Beginning in 2011, saltwater anglers need to be aware that a new state law will require purchase of a state recreational fishing permit for saltwater fishing. The fee for this permit is estimated to be $10 and will be the same cost for all anglers, including non-residents. As in 2010, anyone 16 or older will be required to purchase a saltwater fishing permit. Saltwater fishermen 60 or older will be required obtain a permit, but the permit will be free. Saltwater anglers in the state will not register with the federal registration system in 2011.

The new permit system will allow federal and state marine fisheries to collect better data on saltwater recreational fishing. The current data collection system is inefficient and imprecise. Managers need quality data to make the best decisions possible on bag limits, seasons and sizes. Governor Patrick signed the state's Permit Act into law on November 23, 2009, after it passed unanimously through the Legislature. Support for the Act was driven by a large group of recreational saltwater stakeholders seeking a state permitting program that would exempt anglers from a higher cost federal permit in 2011 and ensure permit revenues went to local user benefits. Stakeholders insisted that the new state law establish a dedicated saltwater recreational fishing fund and that one third of annual appropriated permit funds be devoted to public access projects. For more details and an FAQ page about the new federal saltwater registration for 2010 and state saltwater fishing permit purchase in 2011, go to the Division of Marine Fisheries saltwater recreational fishing permit web page.

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Released February 1, 2010

TROPHY ANGLERS TO BE HONORED FEBRUARY 13, 2010

Anglers of all ages are invited to attend the Division's Freshwater Sportfishing Awards ceremony honoring the 2009 Angler of the Year and the 2009 Gold Pin Winners. The ceremony takes place at the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition February 13, 2010 at 4:00 PM at the DCU Centre in Worcester where Massachusetts Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin will join with Division Director Wayne MacCallum and other Division staff to present the annual Freshwater Sportfishing Awards. For over 40 years MassWildlife has sponsored the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program designed to recognize anglers who have caught exceptional freshwater fish from waterbodies which are open to the public. Bronze pins are sent to anglers who catch fish meeting certain minimum weight requirements for 22 types of fish. Gold pins and a plaque are awarded at the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards ceremony to adult and youth anglers catching the largest fish in 22 species categories. 2009 Gold Pin Award winners.

The Angler of the Year award recognizes the angler who demonstrates the skills necessary to catch trophy fish in a wide variety of categories. The 2009 Angler of the Year is Roy Leyva of Plymouth, a veteran of the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program. This is Leyva's third time winning the Angler of the Year since the category was created in 2003. Leyva caught 12 different species of pin fish during the past year and all but one fish species were taken in southeastern Massachusetts. Roy caught 14 trophy fish including broodstock salmon in Peters Pond, Sandwich and Sheep Pond in Sandwich; tiger, brook and brown trout in Peters Pond, Sandwich; bullhead and white catfish in Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, Mashpee; chain pickerel and white perch at the Herring River Reservoir, Harwich; crappie and yellow perch from Glen Charlie Pond, Wareham; sunfish from Little Pond, Plymouth; and two trophy landlocked salmon in central Massachusetts on the Stillwater River in Sterling. Over the years, Leyva also has received Gold Pins for numerous fish species. For details about the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition, go to www.sportshows.com.

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Released February 1, 2010

MIDWINTER EAGLE SURVEY RESULTS IN 71 BIRDS REPORTED

Despite snow showers across the state, a survey of wintering bald eagles was conducted throughout the Commonwealth by ground crews on January 8, 2010, and by a helicopter survey of the Quabbin and Connecticut River Valley on January 13, 2010. The eagle survey period ended on January 14, 2010. The preliminary results of these efforts yielded sightings of 71 birds. Last year, a record 81 birds were spotted. Wildlife officials from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), volunteers, and interested citizens peered through the falling snow to observe birds from the ground and from the air during the event, which is part of an annual national survey. State data are pooled with national data and used by wildlife officials to track the progress of the recovery of the bald eagle.

At the Quabbin Reservoir, 21 adult and 16 juvenile eagles were spotted by the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission helicopter crew, followed by their count of 6 adults and 2 juvenile eagles and 1 eagle of unknown age were seen along the Massachusetts stretch of the Connecticut River. Four eagles (3 adults, 1 juvenile) were spotted at the Wachusett Reservoir by a hardy boat crew of MassWildlife and Department of Conservation and Recreation staff. Other MassWildlife staff and volunteers observed 6 adults and 3 juvenile eagles at the Merrimack River, and 2 adults were seen in the Lakeville area. In Plymouth, 3 adult eagles and 1 juvenile were seen. Other eagle sightings were reported in Fall River, Carver, Arlington, Sandisfield, Pittsfield and the Housatonic River.

"We thank the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission, which flew agency biologists by helicopter to survey the Quabbin and Connecticut River." French also noted that citizen interest in the eagle survey has been very valuable. "With higher numbers of eagles dispersing throughout their range, we can't possibly cover the entire state. Citizen spotters play an increasingly important role in our survey efforts. This year, we received 87 emailed reports from people who spotted eagles during the 2-week survey period. Last year we received 59 separate reports."

The annual Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey is a nationwide event coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Each year, the number of states participating ranges from 25 to 41 states, according to the USGS. The nationwide total of bald eagles counted during this annual event ranges from 13,000 to 16,000 birds. Fact sheet about bald eagles.

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Released February 1, 2010

DFW FOREST CERTIFICATION PUBLIC COMMENTS AND AGENCY RESPONSES ONLINE

As part of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) forest re-certification efforts, a summary of the public comments received and the agency's responses to those comments have been posted on the agency's website. From October 30-December 20, 2009, DFW requested public input on agency proposals for re-certification of individual properties. The Division posted on its website lists of properties and acreages that are: 1) proposed for certification in the near term which are covered by a publicly reviewed forest management plan; 2) proposed for certification at a later date which are not yet covered by a publicly reviewed forest management plan; and 3) proposed to be unsuitable for certification (e.g., non-forested parcels). Several public comments were received, although most comments related to the forest certification process in general, and/or the management of Division lands in general. "We appreciate receiving these comments," said John Scanlon, DFW Forestry Supervisor. "I want to thank each individual and organization for the time they took to prepare and submit certification comments." The Division's response to each public comment received is posted at the aforementioned link.

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Released February 1, 2010

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Westborough Field Headquarters located off North Drive in Westborough on Thursday, Feb 11, from 1:30- 4:30 PM.

The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will meet on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Noon at the Division's Westborough Field Headquarters located off North Drive. In case of inclement weather, the Board meeting will be held the following day at the same location. Both meetings are open to the public and the building is handicapped accessible.

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Released February 1, 2010

NEWS AND NOTES

Fall Turkey Tally--Final figures for the fall 2009 turkey season have been compiled by Turkey Project Leader David Scarpitti. Hunters harvested 58 turkeys statewide during the 6-day season that occurred from October 26 - October 31, 2009. The total included 28 toms (males) and 30 hens (females). The 2009 fall harvest by county is as follows: Berkshire - 8, Franklin - 13, Hampden - 4, Hampshire - 14, Middlesex - 1, Norfolk - 1, and Worcester - 17. Scarpitti noted, "The 2009 fall turkey harvest was likely influenced by poor hatching conditions created by heavy spring and early summer rains. This was also noted throughout the summer when poult production was lower than normal. Other important aspects that can influence fall harvest are hunter participation that may vary with weather conditions and participation in other hunting seasons coinciding with the fall turkey season such as waterfowl, pheasant, and deer.

Record Bear Harvest in 2009 -- During the September and November bear seasons, licensed hunters took a record total of 168 black bears, breaking the 2003 record of 153 bears. During the 17-day September season 140 bears were taken, and a record November black bear harvest of 28 more taken during the 18-day season. Last year, the total number of bears taken was 100. The breakdown of figures by county is as follows: 60 bears taken in Berkshire County, 42 in Franklin, 27 in Hampden, 35 in Hampshire, 1 in Middlesex County, and 3 in Worcester County. The largest field-dressed bear to be checked in weighed 357 pounds and was taken in Blandford with a rifle. The second largest field-dressed bear weighed 301 pounds and was taken in Otis taken with archery equipment. Bear hunters are reminded that their 2010 bear permit application and $5 application fee are due July 16, 2010. Hunters with paper licenses will find their permit application on their hunting or sporting licenses. The application and fee must be sent in to MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough. Online license holders must apply and pay for their bear permit application by going through the MassOutdoors system at www.mass.gov/massoutdoors. More information about black bears.

2009 Preliminary Deer Season Results--A preliminary total of 10,121 deer were taken during the 2009 deer hunting seasons. Some check stations results have yet to be compiled, and the total number of deer taken will likely increase as more data are collected. Paraplegic hunters took 4 deer during the three-day hunt. For the 2009 archery deer season, a preliminary total of 3,243 deer were checked in at official deer check stations. The Western District office tallied 340 deer while Connecticut Valley District office reported 445. Central District stations checked 597 deer checked, Northeast District 892, and Southeast District checked 969.

Preliminary figures for deer checked in for the 2009 statewide shotgun season totaled 4,869. Deer checked by District were: Western District 637; Connecticut Valley District 770; Central District 1,070; Northeast District 812 and Southeast District with 1,580. In addition to the above total, 200 deer were taken during the controlled hunt at the Quabbin Reservation.

Deer checked in during the 2009 muzzleloader season was a preliminary total of 2,005. By district, the numbers of deer checked in are as follows: Western District 287; Connecticut Valley District 315; Central District 440; Northeast District 400 and Southeast District with 563. In 2008, the final muzzleloader total was 1,895. Final numbers will not be available until later in the year after all data has been analyzed.

Public Invited To DCR Forest Forums--As part of its Forest Futures Visioning Process, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is holding five public forums this month to discuss draft recommendations on forest stewardship. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend and provide input on the management of state forests. Forums will be held in Westborough (Feb 4), North Adams and Pittsfield (Feb 6), Amherst (Feb 9), and Taunton (Feb 11). Forest Forum details.

Nominate An Environmental Educator Or Education Program For Excellence Award -- This spring, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Ian Bowles will honor Massachusetts teachers and students involved in school-based programs that promote environment and energy education. If you know of an outstanding energy or environmental educator, program or organization offering school-based programs, submit an application! The application deadline for the 16th Annual Secretary's Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education is Tuesday, March 30, 2010.. Nominate an educator or environmental education program online. For more information, contact Meg Colclough at meg.coclough@state.ma.us or call her at (617) 626-1110.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Check our website for a continuously updated calendar of wildlife-related events!

February 5-7 -- Cape Anne Birding Weekend, Gloucester and Rockport -- A weekend filled with opportunity for bird lovers of all skill levels to join expert guides on a tour of Cape Ann's birding hot spots- including a sea trip on a whale watch boat. Dress for the cold and wind! More Cape Anne Winter Birding Weekend Info.

February 6 -- Wildlife Rehabilitator's Conference, North Grafton --The Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Massachusetts will be holding its annual conference at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine from 9am - 4pm. Registration is required. Conference Details.

February 10 -- Ice Fishing Clinic, Burlington-- A Basic Ice Fishing Class will be held one night with the Burlington Recreation Department, Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Burlington Recreation Center. An ice fishing outing will be announced at class with the location and time TBD. This event is open to anyone, but pre-registration is required. Contact the Burlington Recreation Department at (781) 270-1695.

February 13 -- Annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival Newburyport -- The focus is on eagles but you will see many other kinds of seabirds in the designated eagle spotting areas around the Merrimack River and Plum Island. Meet MassWildlife biologist Pat Huckery at an Eagle spotting location near the Chain Bridge. Festival details.

February 18-21 -- Sportsmen and Boat Show, West Springfield - This show is located at the Big E grounds. More show information or call (413) 467-2171.

February 24 -- Moose in Massachusetts, Groton -- The Nashua River Watershed Association invites the public to their River Resource Center, 592 Main Street (Rt. 119) at 6:30 pm to hear from MassWildlife Moose Project Leader, Sonja Christensen. Contact Al Futterman at (978) 448-0299, or email AlF@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.

February 27 -- Winter Workshop for Outdoorswomen, Gardner--Held at Dunn Pond State Park, this workshop will focus on winter outdoor skill sessions designed with the adult woman novice in mind. Activities include: Ice Fishing, Staying Warm in Winter, Winter Tree ID, and Dog Mushing. Registration materials.

February 27 -- Mass. Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Conference, Worcester -- MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program will be staffing an exhibit. Several MassWildlife biologists will be offering workshop sessions: Workshop and registration information. is posted at www.maccweb.org.

February 27 -- Growing Up WILD Workshop for Early Childhood Educators, New Bedford -- Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children is a new early childhood wildlife education activity guide invites educators and children to explore wildlife and the outdoors. Educators will experience some of the activities during the workshop at the Buttonwood Park Zoo and receive the Growing Up Wild guide as part of the materials presented. Pre-registration is required. Contact Gail Janeczek at info@bpzoo.org or (508) 991-6178 x22.

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Last Updated: 06/21/2011