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Osprey NestMassWildlife News Release

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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

May 2007

May 31, 2007

May 15, 2007

Released May 31, 2007

ACTON YOUTH ARTIST WINS JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST

Eric Funk of Acton and a senior at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School won top honors among young Massachusetts artists in the 2007 state Junior Duck Stamp Contest. His ebony and colored pencil of a preening Northern Pintail was selected from 389 entries as Massachusetts's Best of Show in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. Funk's award winning work was the Massachusetts entry in the national Junior Duck Stamp Contest held in Washington, D.C. early in May. In the fall, Eric will enroll the Mass. College of Art in Boston.

Students from kindergarten through 12th grade submitted original works of art depicting waterfowl in the appropriate wetland habitat, sharing both their talents as young artists and their knowledge of the importance of wetlands for wildlife. The awards ceremony for the top 100 winning artists was hosted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service Regional office in Hadley on April 28.

A combination of the top 100 pieces of art will be on exhibit throughout Massachusetts during 2007-2008. Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham is hosting the first JDS exhibit through June 15 -contact Lynn Hildenbrand at 781/662-5214 for more details on the exhibit. The Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams will host the exhibit from July 15-July 31. Call 413/663-6312 for more details. Check the Education area of MassWildlife's website for a complete schedule of the Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Art Exhibit.

The Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Program is sponsored by MassWildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Massachusetts Waterfowler's, Inc., and Massachusetts Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiated the Federal Junior Duck Stamp program in 1994 to showcase the talents of the nation's young artists while teaching youngsters about the value of wetlands and waterfowl conservation. To purchase Junior Duck Stamps from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, call 1-800-STAMP24 or visit the federal Junior Duck Stamp website for purchase information.

Released May 31, 2007

CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE UNDETECTED IN BAY STATE DEER

Based on data gathered during the 2006 deer hunting season, no evidence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) was detected in Massachusetts deer or moose. MassWildlife recently received results from a federally certified veterinary diagnostic laboratory that indicate that all the brain, lymph node, and tonsil samples taken from cervids (members of the deer family) during last fall's hunting season tested negative for the disease. In the fall of 2006, MassWildlife collected 461 samples from hunter-harvested, roadkilled and targeted deer from across the state for CWD monitoring and testing. This was the fifth year of sampling in Massachusetts as part of a nationwide CWD monitoring and surveillance program. For the first time, 2 moose samples from roadkills were submitted as part of the monitoring and surveillance program for 2006. CWD was found in moose this past year in Colorado.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disorder known to affect white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. The World Health Organization has concluded that there is no evidence that people can become infected with CWD. CWD was first identified in the late 1960's in Colorado and remained located in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska for over two decades. In the past decade, CWD has been found in parts of the Midwest, several Canadian provinces and most recently in the eastern states of New York and West Virginia.

As stewards for wildlife in the state, MassWildlife has implemented strict regulations to prevent the disease from entering the Bay State and affecting the health of both wild and captive deer populations. It is unlawful to import all species of live deer, including European red deer, sika deer, fallow deer and reindeer, all species commonly raised commercially. It is also illegal for anyone to import, process or possess whole carcasses or parts of deer or elk (from wild or captive deer herds) from states and Canadian provinces where CWD has been detected. The only exceptions to the regulation are meat that is deboned, cleaned skull caps, cleaned hides and finished taxidermy mounts. By restricting importation to these specific deer parts, the importation of neurological tissue --which is where the disease-causing prions are located -- is prevented, while sportsmen and sportswomen hunting in states with CWD can still safely use the deer they harvest.

For more information, check the agency link on chronic wasting disease. Visit the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website for national information.

Released May 31, 2007

AGENCIES HONORED FOR RECREATION ACCESS EFFORTS

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) were recently awarded Federally Assisted Recreation Access Awards from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The two agencies were recognized for their outstanding record of accomplishment and cooperation in providing equal access to federally funded programs, activities and services. MassWildlife Director Wayne MacCallum and DCR's Universal Access Program Director Tom McCarthy were present at the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference in Mystic, Connecticut, to receive the award from Dr. Richard Bennett, Deputy Northeast Regional Director of the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

DCR was commended for their Universal Access Program (UAP) which offers inclusive recreational opportunities to individuals with differing physical abilities. This program, now in its 12th year has provided instruction to individuals who teach outdoor skills on ways to include individuals with disabilities. MassWildlife was cited for programs accommodating sportsmen and women with disabilities. Noted among these programs was the special deer hunt for paraplegic sportsmen, creation and improvement of accessible fishing ramps; crossbow permitting for bowhunters unable to use conventional archery equipment; and for cooperative efforts between the DCR's UAP program and MassWildlife skills programs. Specifically, the Service acknowledged the training of UAP staff in outdoor skills by MassWildlife personnel; and training of MassWildlife staff in methods of disabilities accommodation by UAP staff.

The Service also noted that in the past two years, MassWildlife has modified and improved access to its Field Headquarters, Hunter Education Building and District offices rendering these facilities accessible. Improvements include installation of an elevator and access deck at the Field Headquarters and the Hunter Education buildings; designated parking areas; and installation of wheelchair accessible restrooms. MassWildlife's outdoor skills programs include Hunter Education, Angler Education and Becoming an Outdoorswoman. Individuals with specific needs are invited contact the agency regarding accommodations at 508/389-6300. For more information regarding the award, contact: George Cortes, Civil Rights Specialist, USFWS Region 5 Office, Hadley at 413-253-8317.

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Released May 31, 2007

HELP MASSWILDLIFE COUNT TURKEY FAMILIES!

Sportsmen and -women, birders, landowners and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist MassWildlife by counting turkey families this summer. MassWildlife conducts an annual wild turkey brood survey from June through August. "The brood survey serves as a long term index on reproduction," explains Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife's Turkey Project Leader. "It helps us determine overall productivity and allows us to compare rates of reproduction over a long period of time." Cardoza 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 MassWildlife's website. Information needed includes date, town, number of hens seen, and number of poults (young turkeys) and their 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 the MassWildlife Westborough Field Headquarters.

Released May 31, 2007

JUNE 15 CLUB DEADLINE FOR PHEASANT HUNT

Clubs are reminded that the deadline to sign up for the Massachusetts Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program (YAP) is June 15. The Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program was designed to be conducted by sporting clubs who want to provide young adults ages 12 to 17 with a positive outdoor and hunting experience, as well as the opportunity to practice skills learned from the Basic Hunter Education course, in a safe, relaxed and friendly environment. MassWildlife will provide participating clubs with vests, ear and eye protection and pheasants for the hunt. More details about the Young Adult Pheasant Hunt can be found in the Education area of MassWildlife's website or call Dr. Mark Tisa at 508/389-6328.

Released May 31, 2007

PUBLIC MEETINGS AND HEARING ON COYOTES

The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters on 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough. This meeting is open to the public. A Public Hearing will held by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board evening at the same location at 7:00 p.m. to establish rules and regulations relative to: the control of coyotes by licensed problem animal control agents, the hunting of coyotes and permissible shot sizes for the hunting of coyotes, and regulations relative to the tagging of furbearers. A presentation about coyotes will be given at that time. Oral and written comments for the Board regarding the proposed changes are invited. Information about the regulation proposals are found in the Calendar area of the MassWildlife website at the Public Hearing link.

Released May 31, 2007

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

See a complete Event calendar for Masswildlife!

June 2 & 3--FREE FISHING WEEKEND! Take a friend or family member fishing! No fishing license needed during these two days! Fishing license fees support fisheries research, angler education, fish stocking programs and many other services provided by MassWildlife. If you don't know how to fish, consider attending the fishing festivals or other fishing related activities this and next month! All Angler Education programs and festivals are always free and don't require a fishing license for fishing.

June 2 -- Family Fishing Day, Turners Falls (Montague) -- This event at the Great Falls Discovery Center is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10 AM - 2 PM The Fishing Festival is organized in cooperation with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. For more information, contact Susan Russo at 413/863-3676.


June 4 & 11 - Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, North Adams-- Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free course will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Western Gateway Heritage Park. MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic. Equipment is provided, but if you have your own, bring it along! Weather permitting, a trip to fish at a local pond will be planned. To pre-register, call the Park at 413/663-6312.


June 9-Partners in Parks Conference, Worcester-A one-day statewide working conference involving state and municipal agency staff, outdoor and open space users and advocates, non-profits and long-time volunteers. This is a tremendous opportunity to make progress toward seeing the Commonwealth's forests, parks, wildlife areas and other open space achieve their potential as places for people to work and play and for wildlife to thrive. Co-sponsored by the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Department of Conservation and Recreation, state legislative leaders and non-governmental organizations. The public is encouraged to participate. For workshops and registration, go to: http://www.conservationandrecreationcampaign.org/conference.php

June 9 - Spot Pond Family Fishing Festival, Stoneham--This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Spot Pond, cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. 9 AM - 1 PM. Equipment is provided, but if you have your own, bring it along! Co-sponsored by the Dept. of Conservation and Recreation and the Stoneham Police Department. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. Contact Jim Lagacy at 508/389-6309.


June 9 - Fishing Clinic At The Great Park Pursuit! Goshen--This event held at the DAR State Forest is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. 10 AM - 2 PM Organized in cooperation with the Dept. of Conservation and Recreation's Great Park Pursuit. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! Contact Jim Lagacy at 508/389-6309.


June 13 - Field Tour of Orchard/Young Forest Regeneration Project, Middlefield-- MassWildlife Forestry staffers will conducting a field tour for the public as well as Massachusetts Association of Professional Foresters members of the recently completed 60 acre abandoned orchard/aspen regeneration project on the Fox Den WMA in Middlefield as an example of management of shrubland and young forest habitats. Meet at the Old General Store in Middlefield Center. Dress for the weather. For more information call Robert Collins, MAPF Chairman at 413/822-2622 or email him at r.collins62@verizon.net.


June 23--Managing Grassland and Shrubland Habitat, Turners Falls (Montague)-This "in the field" workshop will feature Jill Liske-Clark, MassWildlife's Upland Habitat Management Program, who will describe the process of planning and implementing management for grasslands and shrublands at Cass Meadows, part of the Millers River WMA in Athol. Learn about the importance of these habitats to wildlife, how to create them on your property. And what technical and financial resources may be available. Examples of the equipment used for habitat management will be demonstrated. This workshop is part of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Landowner Workshop Series arranged in collaboration with Refuge partners. Call 413/863-3221 to register and for more details.


June 23-- Project WILD & Aquatic WILD Workshop For Educators, Norwell--The South Shore Science Center invites all educators to participate in this exciting workshop! The Project WILD/Aquatic workshop is a series of wildlife activities workshops designed for all educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. Participants experience useful wildlife activities, receive the Project WILD Guide and other wildlife materials. PDP's are available to classroom teachers. Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration is required. Contact Karen Kurkoski 781/ 659-2559.

June 23-- Project WILD Workshop For Educators, Berkley--The Kettle Pond Farm invites all educators to participate in this exciting workshop! The Project WILD workshop is a series of wildlife activities workshops designed for all educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. Participants experience useful wildlife activities, receive the Project WILD Guides and other wildlife materials. PDP's are available to classroom teachers. Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration is required. Contact Nancy Possinger 508/ 824-4814 or BMagical12@aol.com.

Released May 15, 2007

YOUNG WILDLIFE BELONGS IN THE WILD

The arrival of spring means the arrival of newborn and just-hatched wildlife. These youngsters soon venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings and are discovered by people living and working nearby. Every year, the lives of many young wild creatures are disturbed by people who take baby wildlife from the wild in a mistaken attempt to "save" them.

These well-meant acts of kindness tend to have the opposite result. Instead of being left to learn their place in the world, young wildlife removed from the wild are denied important natural learning experiences which help them survive on their own. Most people quickly find that they can't really care for young wildlife, and many of the animals soon die in the hands of well-meaning people. Young wildlife that does survive have missed experiences that teach them to fend for themselves. If these animals are released back into the wild, their chances of survival are reduced. Often, the care given to young wildlife results in some attachment to humans and the animals may return to places where people live, only to be attacked by domestic animals or hit by cars. Some animals become nuisances and people have even been injured by once-tamed wildlife.


Avoid these problems by following one simple rule when coming upon young wildlife: If You Care, Leave Them There! "It may be difficult to do, but this is a real act of compassion," says MassWildlife Biologist Marion Larson. "Our staff has already received a number of calls about young wildlife that were picked up by people. The young are quite safe when left alone because their color patterns and lack of scent help them remain undetected. Generally the parent will visit their young only a few times a day to avoid leaving traces that attract predators. Baby birds found on the ground may be safely picked up and placed in a nearby bush or tree. Wildlife parents are not disturbed by human scent." Larson recommends people avoid nest and den areas of young wildlife and restrain all pets.

Leave fawns (young deer) where they are found. Fawns are safest when left alone because their camouflaging color help them remain undetected until the parent returns. Unlike deer, newborn moose calves remain in close proximity to their mothers who, in contrast to a white-tailed doe, will actively defend calves against danger. An adult cow moose weighing over 600 pounds will chase, kick and stomp a potential predator, people included.

Only when young wildlife are found injured or with their dead mother may the young be assisted, but must then must be delivered immediately to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Due to the difficulty in their care there are no rehabilitators licensed to care for fawns. It is illegal to possess most wildlife in Massachusetts. Information on young wildlife has been posted at www.masswildlife.org and at MassWildlife offices.

 

Released May 15, 2007

JUNE OUTDOORSWOMAN WEEKEND PLANNED

 

Calling all women interested in outdoor recreation! The Massachusetts Becoming an Outdoorswoman Program (BOW) is offering the 11th Annual Becoming An Outdoorswoman Weekend at the Eastover Resort in Lenox from June 8-10. This weekend workshop is open to women 18 and older who want to try new outdoor skills in a supportive environment. Learn about new outdoor skills and recreation opportunities right here in Massachusetts including archery, kayaking, wild edible plants, nature photography, fly fishing, shooting and more. This experience makes a wonderful gift to a special woman in your life! Registration is open to 100 women. Registration materials are posted on the MassWildlife website and can also be faxed. Call Sue Fritze at 508/389-6311.

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Released May 15, 2007

LOOK OUT FOR LOONS!

 

The haunting wail of the common loon (Gavia immer) evokes a sense of wild and remote areas which may be why some people are surprised to learn Massachusetts is home to a small, but growing number of nesting loons. MassWildlife Biologist Bridgett McAlice recently compiled common loon nesting activity for 2006 and will be working with other cooperators this spring to document loon nesting sites across the state.

In 2006, 19 territorial pairs on 9 waterbodies were documented. A total of 8 chicks were produced and presumed fledged. In 2005, 19 loon chicks were produced by 27 territorial pairs loons on 12 waterbodies. "The Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs are home to the majority of Massachusetts' nesting loons," said McAlice. "Other nests have been documented in relatively quiet water supplies and private ponds in Worcester County, but it's entirely possible there are nests in other parts of the state which haven't been reported to us." McAlice noted that cooperators and volunteers play a vital role in gathering field data for MassWildlife. Unfortunately, due to personnel shortages in 2006, fewer waterbodies were checked thoroughly for loon activity and the 2006 report may not accurately summarize loon activity within Massachusetts.

Loons in their striking black and white breeding plumage have returned to their territorial waters and are actively courting. Egg laying begins at the end of May. Boaters are reminded to keep a respectful distance from loons and nesting areas. McAlice encourages anyone to report sightings of loons, specifically pairs of birds. Be sure to include the name of the town, location and name of waterbody by email to Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or call Bridgett McAlice at the Central District Wildlife Office in West Boylston at 508/835-3607.

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Released May 15, 2007

REPORT AQUATIC INVASIVES!

 

Anglers, boaters, naturalists and other waterway users are encouraged not only to keep an eye out for aquatic invasive plants or animals but to report sightings of new species to a recently launched website designed just for this purpose. The Aquatic Invasives Program website, http://www.mass.gov/czm/invasives/index.htm , is an online resource for identifying and reporting new non-indigenous species introduction in Massachusetts. Hosted by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management as part of a collaborative inter-agency effort to facilitate early detection and reporting of invasives, the website is the best mechanism for citizens, field monitors, fishermen, or anyone else to identify and report invasive freshwater, marine, plant or animal species.

"In many cases, once an aquatic invasive species becomes established, eradication is impossible or cost-prohibitive," says Richard Hartley, MassWildlife Fisheries Biologist. "We want anyone who thinks they have identified a new aquatic invasive species to take a picture, try to identify and report it by using this website. Links to resources for identification, prevention and control of aquatic invasives are some of the website's most useful features."

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are known by many names-nuisance species, exotic species, non-indigenous species, or just pests. Aquatic invasive plants and animals, such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and the European green crab (Carcinus maenas) have forever changed the ecology and economy of Massachusetts. To address these threats, a variety of state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations including MassWildlife have formed the Massachusetts AIS Working Group. This group works to prevent new introductions and manage the impact of aquatic invasives already established in the Commonwealth. To achieve this goal, the AIS Working Group is focusing on: prevention and education, early detection, monitoring, and species identification , rapid response and control.

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Released May 15, 2007

FAMILY FISHING OPPORTUNITIES

 

Looking for a way to spend some quality time with your family in the great outdoors and learn a new skill or brush up on your technique? Try a free fishing course, clinic or family fishing festival near you! MassWildlife's Angler Education Program has teamed up with other agencies, municipalities, organizations and businesses to provide free fishing opportunities and loaner equipment for beginning anglers of all ages.

    May 20 - Five Mile Pond Family Fishing Festival, Springfield--This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Five Mile Pond, cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. 9 AM - 2 PM Organized in cooperation with the Pine Point Community Council and the Springfield Parks and Recreation Department. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. Contact Jim Lagacy (MassWildlife) at 508/389-6309.

    May 16, 23 & 30 - Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, Wilmington--Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free course will be held from 6:30-8:30 PM. MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic. Weather permitting, a fishing trip to a local pond will be planned. To pre-register, call the Recreation Department at 978/658-4270.

    May 23 & 30 - Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, Holyoke--Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free course will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM at the DCR Holyoke Heritage State Park on 221 Appleton Street. MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic. Weather permitting, a fishing trip to a local pond will be planned. To pre-register call the Heritage Park at 413/534-1723.

    May 26 - Watson's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Taunton--This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Watson's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. 10 AM - 2 PM Organized in cooperation with the Mayor's Office and Taunton Fish Wardens. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. Contact Frank Avilla at 508/821-1015.

    June 2 & 3 - STATEWIDE FREE FISHING WEEKEND!--Take a friend or family member fishing--you won't need a fishing license for these two days! A fishing license is a valuable investment in your state, the fees support fisheries research, fish stocking programs, angler education, land and water protection and many other services provided by MassWildlife.

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Released May 15, 2007

FARMERS NEEDED TO MAKE HAY FOR WILDLIFE!

 

MassWildlife needs farmers to help private landowners actively manage their lands for wildlife habitat. Growers looking for more hay or pasture for their operations may be able to help create and restore grassland wildlife habitat by working with landowners enrolled in MassWildlife's Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). A number of LIP landowners who own old farm fields and meadows want to maintain the grasslands for nesting birds but don't have the expertise or equipment for mowing hay. One of the challenges grassland owners face is finding farmers to graze, cut or harvest this hay from their fields while conforming to the specific needs of wildlife. Acoss the state, grasslands such as meadows and fields are in decline. If left uncut, grasslands revert back to forest in a relatively short period of time. The hope is that wildlife, private landowners and farmers will benefit from these activities. Farmers looking to hay more property and who want to assist LIP project landowners can contact LIP coordinator Ken MacKenzie at ken.mackenzie@state.ma.us or call him at 508/389-6313.

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Released May 15, 2007

AMHERST LANDOWNERS RECOGNIZED FOR HABITAT MANAGEMENT

 

Kevin and Cynthia Weir of Amherst were awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the New England Chapter of The Wildlife Society for their efforts at improving wildlife habitat and influencing other citizens to do the same. The award was presented by New England Chapter President Jim Oehler at the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference in Mystic, Connecticut on April 24th.

The Weirs are private landowners who inherited a farm they thought they could not afford or maintain from Cynthia's father, Walter Banfield who had farmed the land well into his 90's. Instead of selling the 350-acres, the Weirs protected the property from development with an agricultural preservation restriction and for their forested land, enrolled in a state forest management program which also offered some tax relief.

Kevin and Cynthia Weir educated themselves on techniques and resources that benefited wildlife in need of conservation. With assistance from a local naturalist, they built a large bat shed from an old barn that was demolished. Their wildlife habitat management proposals have been accepted for the past two years by MassWildlife's Landowner Incentive Program for funding and technical assistance. The Weirs have reclaimed 37-acres of grassland for grassland birds by restoring the original edges of the field, planting native grass seed and delaying haying until after the birds have fledged. They have also taken on the mission of removing the invasive plants that are on the property.

The result of the Weirs work has been positive. Birds such as grouse and woodcock are seen more frequently and other new birds are appearing in the restored habitat. Last June, a local bird club identified 53 species of birds including a number of warblers. The Weirs also hosted a Field Day for Wildlife Habitat inviting interested landowners to walk the property, to learn what they had done and find about other funding projects, techniques and wildlife sightings. Federal, state and municipal officials attended the Field Day along with landowners from as far away as Cape Cod.

"Kevin and Cynthia Weir have and continue to take steps to create and maintain habitat that is in decline in Massachusetts, to conserve species at risk that depend on that habitat for breeding and to share their passion for this activity with others," said President Oehler. "Their commitment to active management of wildlife habitat is why the Weirs were honored with The Wildlife Society's New England Chapter Certificate of Recognition."

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Released May 15, 2007

PUBLIC MEETING AND HEARING ON COYOTES

 

The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will hold their monthly meeting on May 17, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the Ludlow Elks Lodge, 69 Chapin Street in Ludlow. This meeting is open to the public. A Public Hearing will held by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board that same evening at the Ludlow Elks at 7:00 p.m. to establish rules and regulations relative to: the control of coyotes by licensed problem animal control agents, the hunting of coyotes and permissible shot sizes for the hunting of coyotes, and regulations relative to the tagging of furbearers. A presentation about coyotes will be given at that time. Oral and written comments for the Board regarding the proposed changes are welcome. Information about the regulation proposals are found in the Calendar area of the MassWildlife website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife) at the Public Hearing link.

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Released May 15, 2007

Calendar of Events

Check the website calendar for a complete listing of MassWildlife Events

    Month of May-Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Art Exhibit, Lawrence--Bring your family to the Lawrence Heritage State park to see to see top youth art entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. The JDS Contest is modeled after the adult versions of both the state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youths of all ages learn about waterfowl and the importance of wetlands through this conservation contest. For information on the display and hours, contact Jim Beauchesne at 978/ 794-1655.

    May 26-Wildlife Habitat Management Walk, Montague--The Montague Grange will host a public walk at the Sawmill River Access Area on Saturday, May 26th at 10:00 am to discuss a project to restore important wildlife habitat on MassWildlife's Montague Wildlife Management Area in Montague Center. The Grange has received $10,600 for the project through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Those interested in attending should meet at the entry gate at the end of North Street. Parking is limited on North Street; please park at the Town Common and walk to the entry gate. See www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov for more info.

    May 29--Sportsmen as Conservationists Lecture Series, Groton -- The Nashua River Watershed Association is hosting Part 2 of this free lecture series. Professor Jan Dizard of Amherst College teachers courses including "The Value of Nature, "The Sociology of Conflict and Conflict Resolution" and is the author of Mortal Stakes: Hunters and Hunting in Contemporary America; Going Wild: Hunting, Animal Rights and the Contested Meaning of Nature. Dizard's interest since childhood has been in the out-of-doors, especially fishing and hunting. This has led him to an interest in how humans regard nature and to the growing field of environmental studies.

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