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MassWildlife
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
June 2011
- FREE FISHING ON FRESH AND SALT WATER JUNE 4 & 5
- CITIZEN SCIENCE - HELP DFW COUNT TURKEY FAMILIES
- REPORTING SUMMER FISH KILLS
- DFW TO HOST HABITAT MANAGEMENT SITE WALKS
- DEER AND BEAR PERMIT APPLICATIONS DUE JULY 16
- ENDANGERED SPECIES UPDATES REMINDER
- UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FREE FISHING ON FRESH AND SALT WATER JUNE 4 & 5
Looking for a way to spend some quality time with your friends and family in the great outdoors? Take a family member or friend fishing in Massachusetts for free on the ocean or inland waters during the statewide Free Fishing Weekend of June 4 & 5. Fishing offers family and friends a great way to spend time together and create fun memories that will last a lifetime. If you don't know how to fish, consider attending fishing festivals or other free fishing-related events sponsored by MassWildlife's Angler Education Program this month and into the summer! Below is a current listing of fishing events for both the Free Fishing Weekend and also other free freshwater fishing clinics where licenses are not required. For more upcoming free freshwater fishing events in the summer, check the Angler Education calendar.
Consider purchasing a freshwater license or saltwater permit for the rest of the 2011 fishing season,visit www.mass.gov/massfishhunt for license purchasing information. License and permit fees support fish management programs, fishing access improvements, habitat development and protection projects, and other fishing and conservation education programs.
June 4 - Disabled American Veterans Fishing Festival, Hudson - This event is open to disabled veterans and will be held from 10:00 - 2:00 PM in cooperation with the Riverside Rod and Gun Club. Contact Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
June 5 - 19th Annual Horn Pond Family Fishing Festival, Woburn - This family-friendly event will be at Horn Pond held from 9:00 - 1:00 PM in cooperation with the Woburn Elks. Angler Education Program volunteers will be on hand to help novices cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. Contact Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
June 5 - Teach and Take a Child Fishing Clinics, Bourne - On
this date, three 2-hour clinics will be offered by the Red Top Sporting
Goods store at Queen Sewell Pond in Buzzards Bay. Each clinic is limited
to 12 children and pre-registration is required. Contact Elizabeth Stromeyer
at (508) 274-0119 or email her at estromeyer@verizon.net.
June 11 - Family Fishing Day, Sudbury - Visit the Great
Meadows National Wildlife Refuge with your family and try your hand
at fishing from 10 AM - 2PM! Angler Education Program volunteers will
be on hand to help novices cast a line, learn about fish in our waters,
safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment,
bring it along. For more information contact Sue Russo at (978) 443-4661
x34 or email her at Susan_J_Russo@fws.gov.
June 11 - Spot Pond Family Fishing Festival, Stoneham - This family-friendly event co-sponsored with the Department of Conservation and Recreation will be held at Spot Pond Reservation from 9 AM - 1 PM. Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to help novices cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. Contact Jim Lagacy, MassWildlife at (508) 389-6309 or email him at jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
June 18 - Friends of Great Falls Discovery Center Family Fishing
Day, Montague (Turners Falls) - This family-friendly event will
be at the Great
Falls Discovery Center and the nearby park on the Connecticut River
from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM in cooperation with the Friends of Great Falls
Discovery Center and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Angler Education
volunteers will be on hand to help novices cast a line, learn about
fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. A limited
quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. Contact Sarah
Bevilacqua at (413) 863-3676 or email her at Sarah_Bevilacqua@fws.gov.
CITIZEN SCIENCE: HELP DFW COUNT TURKEY FAMILIES
Got turkey families in the neighborhood? Sportsmen and -women, birders, landowners and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) count turkey groups containing hens and their young poults (broods) this summer. DFW conducts an annual wild turkey brood survey from June through August.
"The brood survey serves as a long term index on reproduction,"
explains Dave Scarpitti, Turkey Project Leader. "It helps us determine
productivity and allows us to compare long-term reproductive success."
Scarpitti also points out that citizen involvement in this survey is
a cost-effective means of gathering useful data, and he encourages all
interested people to participate. A turkey
brood survey form has been posted on the DFW website. Information
needed includes date, town, number of hens seen, and number of poults
and the poults' relative size compared to the hens. Multiple sightings
of the same brood should also be noted. The survey period runs from
June 1 - August 31. Completed forms should to be mailed to: Brood Survey,
DFW Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, MA 01581.
REPORTING SUMMER FISH KILLS
Now that warm weather is finally here, lakes and ponds will be warming
up and summer fish kills may be discovered in some bodies of water.
The sight of dead and dying fish along the shores of a favorite lake,
pond or river can be distressing and can trigger concerns about pollution.
Fish do act as the "canary in the coal mine," so it's natural
to think a fish kill is an indicator of a problem with human caused
pollution. However, the vast majority of summer fish kills reported
are natural events.
Natural fish kills are generally the result of low oxygen levels, fish
diseases or spawning stress. Depletion of dissolved oxygen is one of
the most common causes of natural fish kills. As pond temperature increases,
water holds less oxygen. During hot summer weather, oxygen levels in
shallow, weedy ponds can further decline as plants consume oxygen at
night. This results in low, early morning oxygen levels that can become
critical if levels fall below the requirement of fish survival. In addition
to reduced oxygen levels, late spring and early summer is when many
warmwater fish such as sunfish, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and largemouth
bass begin to spawn. At this time, large numbers of these species crowd
into the shallow waters along the shore vying for the best spawning
sites. These densely crowded areas become susceptible to disease outbreaks,
especially as water temperatures increase. The result is an unavoidable
natural fish kill, usually consisting of one or two species of fish.
When a caller reports a fish kill, a DFW fisheries biologist determines if the kill is due to pollution or is a natural event. Generally, pollution impacts all kinds of aquatic life, therefore the most important piece of evidence for the biologists is knowing the number of fish species associated with the fish kill. Fish kills in which only one or two species are involved are almost always a natural event. When it is likely a fish kill is due to pollution, DFW notifies the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP takes the lead on a formal investigation which includes analysis of water and fish samples to determine the source of pollution. DFW provides DEP with technical assistance by identifying the kinds and numbers of fish involved.
To report a fish kill Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, contact Richard Hartley at (508) 389-6330. After normal business hours or on holidays and weekends, call the Fish Kill Pager at (508) 722-9811 or contact the Environmental Police Radio Room at 1-800-632-8075. More information about fish kills.
DFW TO HOST HABITAT MANAGEMENT SITE WALKS
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) has scheduled a series of site walks in Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) this summer and fall. These walks are designed to provide an opportunity for people to observe habitat management operation that benefit declining types of wildlife. The site walks are conducted by DFW biologists and foresters who will discuss both planned and completed habitat management activities. Attendees will have a chance to encounter some of the wildlife benefitting from these activities, and to learn about the enhanced recreational opportunities that result from this work. DFW encourages landowners interested in managing their own properties for wildlife to take advantage of this opportunity to find out more about wildlife habitat management. Dress for the weather; plan on all events occurring rain or shine. Consider bringing insect repellant, binoculars, camera, sunscreen and wearing sturdy boots.
June 3 - Cheshire, Stafford Hill WMA -- Meet DFW Upland Program Coordinator Ben Mazzei and DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden at 9:00 AM at the public parking area on Stafford Hill Road in Cheshire.
June 10 - Hardwick, Muddy Brook WMA -- Meet DFW staff at 9:00 AM at the public parking area off Jackson Road in Hardwick.
June 17 - Dartmouth, Noquochoke WMA -- Meet DFW staff at 9:00 AM at the public parking area off Hixville Road in Dartmouth.
Other Habitat Management Site Walk Dates & Locations
- August 18 - Tyngsborough, Dunstable Brook WMA, 6:30 PM
- August 25 - Leyden, Leyden WMA, 6:30 PM
- September 1- Newbury, Martin Burns WMA, 6:30 PM
- September 8 - Windsor, Eugene Moran WMA, 6:30 PM
- September 15 - Falmouth, Francis Crane WMA, 6:30 PM
- September 22 - Athol, Millers River WMA, 6:30 PM
- September 29 - Chesterfield, Hiram Fox WMA, 6:00 PM
- October 6 - Southwick, Southwick WMA, 6:00 PM
DEER AND BEAR PERMIT APPLICATIONS DUE JULY 16
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) reminds deer hunters that in order to take antlerless deer during any deer hunting season, they must possess an antlerless deer permit. The July 16, 2011 deadline is fast approaching and applications postmarked after July 16 will not be accepted. DFW cautions deer hunters to refrain from assuming large quantities of over-the-counter permits will be available after permits are sent out in the early fall.
To apply for an antlerless deer permit, internet license holders must access the MassFishHunt website (www.mass.gov/massfishhunt) and apply by July 16. Only online license holders may apply for any permits through MassFishHunt. License holders who purchased non-electronic licenses bought over the counter will find the antlerless deer permit application at the bottom of their license and can apply through the mail or drop off their application at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. Hunters who apply through the mail should be sure to double check that ALL name and mailing information has been printed on their application prior to mailing. Applications dropped off or postmarked after July 16 will not be accepted.
The bear permit application deadline is also July 16. Bear permits are available on-line for direct purchase for MassFishHunt license holders. Bear hunters are reminded again that only online license holders may apply through the website for a permit. For non-electronic license holders, the application is found on the duplicate license certificate. A mass mailing of bear permits will be sent out to non-electronic permit applicants in mid-August.
ENDANGERED SPECIES UPDATE REMINDER
Don't forget the series of presentations about the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) offered across the state. All interested citizens, property owners, conservation commissioners, planning boards, other city and town officials, land managers, conservation organizations, and land developers are invited to attend. Dr. Eve Schluter, Endangered Species Review Biologist, will provide an overview of the Act, an explanation of the 2010 MESA regulation changes, information on Priority and Estimated habitat mapping, and the agency's role in reviewing activities and projects located in rare species habitats. Dates, locations and time for the presentations are below:
- June 7 - Lenox, Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker Street, 7 - 9PM
- June 14 - Groton, NRWA River Resource Center , 592 Main Street (Rte. 119), 7 - 9PM
- June 16 - Westborough, Karl Weiss Education Center, North Drive (off Rte. 135), 7 - 9 PM
- June 22 - Amherst, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 525 Pleasant
Street, 7 - 9 PM
For directions go to the Calendar of Events
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS & PUBLIC HEARING
The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet at DFW's Westborough Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd (off North Drive) in Westborough on Thursday, June 9, from 1:30-4:30 PM. Directions.
The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will meet on June 10, 2011 at 10:30 AM at DFW's Westborough Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd (off North Drive) in Westborough. Directions.
At 3 PM, Friday, June 10, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be holding a Public Hearing at the DFW Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road (off North Drive) to consider proposed regulation changes regarding youth turkey hunting permits. The proposed change would allow the Division to issue licensed youths ages 12-14 years-old a permit with 2 tags that can be used through the duration of the spring turkey season. The building is handicapped accessible.
All meetings are open to the public and the buildings are handicapped accessible.
OTHER EVENTS -- Complete
Listing of Events
June 5 - Fishway Open House, West Springfield --The Westfield River Watershed Association will sponsor its annual open house at the West Springfield Fish Ladder from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event is free and offers a once-a-year opportunity to view the fish ladder and eel way. Shad, sea lamprey or an adult salmon might also be seen trapped on their journey up the Westfield River. Parking is available at 150 Front Street. It's about a half-mile walk along the canal to the site of the fish ladder. Contact Bill Rose (413) 786-0195 for more information.
June 15 - 75 Years of Wildlife and Wildlife Management in Central Massachusetts, Holden -- As part of its 75th Anniversary Celebration, the North Worcester Fox and Coon Club is hosting a free talk by DFW's Outreach Coordinator, Marion Larson, who will focus on the history of wildlife and wildlife management over the past 75 years. This presentation will begin at 7 PM at the Holden Town Hall (upstairs) located on 1196 Main Street (Rte 122A). Find out why the kinds of wildlife you see in Worcester County has changed over the years and what role science, sportsmen and other conservationists have played in restoring many kinds of the wildlife you see today and what the future holds for some kinds of wildlife and people.
June 29 - Project WILD/Aquatic WILD Workshop for K-6 Educators,
Gardner -- H.O.P.E. for Kids & Project Contact invites educators
of kids in grades K-6 to Camp Collier for a fun, useful and hands-on
6-hour workshop that focuses on the Project WILD activity guides. Project
WILD is an interdisciplinary, conservation, and environmental education
program that emphasizes wildlife, people and the terrestrial and aquatic
environment. The program guides contain activities for educators of
youths in grades K-6. Workshop participants will receive a copy of the
activity guide and a certificate of completion. Please bring a brown
bag lunch, mug or water bottle and wear comfortable clothes & shoes
for outdoor activities. Project WILD is sponsored by DFW and the Mass.
Wildlife Federation. Pre-registration is required. Contact Pam Landry,
MassWildlife at pam.landry@state.ma.us
or call her (508) 389-6310.
Last Updated: 06/03/2011