Category Archives: Conservation

Wildlife Program Overview

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Because four members of the MA Fish & Wildlife Board are new members this year, it seemed appropriate that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife inform and educate them as to what the Division’s Wildlife Program is all about.  Hey, it’s a good time for us to learn about it too. The following are excerpts of a report that Assistant Director for Wildlife, Michael Huguenin made to the Board at its January meeting, minus the charts which he used.

Mr. Huguenin reported that the Wildlife Section’s mission is to conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitats, and to enhance wildlife-based recreation and public appreciation of wildlife. Wildlife conservation and management and public service are the section’s priorities. To serve those priorities, its staff consults and reviews the best available science, and conducts population research, monitors for disease, and tracks harvest trends. Wildlife staff also tracks human-wildlife conflicts, conducts annual surveys that go back decades, participates in a myriad of other R3 (recruitment, retention and reactivation) and relevancy efforts, and contributes to MassFishHunt’s ongoing development.

Mr. Huguenin noted that when data has been collected, the biologists combine that information with the collective experience and professional judgement of Wildlife staff and senior staff to initiate management actions, such as regulation reviews, outreach strategies, habitat management, and surveys, and to develop and manage programs such as crossbow permitting, falconry, PAC [Problem Animal Control] permits, pheasant stocking, and LART [Large Animal Response Team].

M.G.L. Chapter 131 and 321 CMR 2.00 and 3.00 really govern all the Wildlife Section’s work. The law provides MassWildlife with its authority to fulfill its mandate.  Mr. Huguenin reported that the single most important piece in the conservation puzzle is the law. Further, he noted that Chapter 131 gives MassWildlife the authority to create regulations and permits that dictate the manner in which one can take, possess, or impact wildlife. In turn, the research and monitoring that the science staff conducts are essential to informing those regulations and permit parameters for conservation and management, just as they inform other management actions.

Assistant Director Huguenin reported that the team the Wildlife section has to accomplish all of this is not very big, but it gets a lot done. He noted that the Wildlife section also houses the six Habitat Program staff, and that the Habitat Program has grown and evolved over time, and essentially serves all sections in the agency.

Huguenin reported that Wildlife has four Project Leaders (PL), Black Bear and Furbearer -Dave Wattles, Turkey and Upland Game – Dave Scarpitti, Waterfowl – H Heusmann, and Deer and Moose – Martin Feehan. There are also three Wildlife Biologists, Sue McCarthy, Erik Amati, and Bridgett McAlice, who assist the PLs, among other duties; State Ornithologist Drew Vitz, who splits his time with NHESP (Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program); and GIS Specialist Jonathan Brooks, who also works with Habitat.

The Habitat Program consists of Manager Brian Hawthorne and Habitat Biologists Ben Mazzei, Marianne Piche, Fletcher Clark, Tom Wansleben, and Patrick Conlin.

The Wildlife section coordinates closely with District staff, OLE, and other staff to accomplish all that it does. Staff works across the state, sometimes in urban areas more than forested, but most of the work is at a desk behind a computer, answering calls, conducting testing on and answering questions about MassFishHunt, meeting with partners, planning, coordinating, reacting, interviewing, and writing.

Huguenin observed that many of the species the Wildlife section deals with are very comfortable living in the same spaces as people. The single biggest contributing factor to conflicts with wildlife is food, he reported. The most important piece of advice for people is to remove the food source, which is easier said than complied with. He pointed out that Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden had contributed a great article in the last issue of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine about bears and wildlife feeding that he recommended everyone read.

Ducks Unlimited Joins $60 Million Herring River Restoration Project

Work is underway to restore the Herring River estuary on Cape Cod and Ducks Unlimited (DU) has recently stepped up to help financially.

DU is partnering with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Restoration Center, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, Wellfleet Conservation Trust, Friends of Herring River, the town of Wellfleet and others on a $60 million project to replace a dike built in 1909 with a bridge, and implement vegetative and sediment management to reestablish natural salt marsh conditions.

The bridge will be equipped with control gates to return the natural flow of tidewater to the marsh. It is scheduled to be finished in 2025, and the gates will be incrementally opened to reintroduce tidal flow to 890 acres and will continue to be monitored to allow for adaptive management”

“The Herring River Estuary is the largest tidally restricted estuary in the northeast and this project is a once-in-a-century opportunity to address the impacts of past generations,” said DU Regional Biologist Bri Benvenuti.

“The scale and success of the Herring River Restoration Partnership is an excellent example of what can be achieved when conservation and community partners come together.”

 

Bottom of Form

In November, park staff, in partnership with AmeriCorps Cape Cod members and park volunteers, will begin on the groundwork to clear freshwater vegetation that has “encroached into the former tidal floodplain around the Herring River in Wellfleet,” officials said.

 

“Partnering with AmeriCorps Cape Cod and volunteers from the Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore, the first small steps toward the eventual restoration of hundreds of acres of coastal wetlands will begin as crews clear thick and overgrown vines, shrubs, and small trees from about six acres along the Herring River in the area around High Toss Road in Wellfleet,” the release said.

 

In addition to making way for a restored salt marsh, clearing vegetation in the area will provide access for scientists to collect data to develop and evaluate methods for restoring the floodplain.

The area has seen increased freshwater vegetation since 1909 when saltwater flow in the river was blocked by installing the Chequessett Neck Road Dike. Before the dike was built, most of the Herring River supported a highly productive salt marsh, dominated by cordgrass and other native salt-tolerant species, officials said.

The lack of tidal exchange and saltwater input into the estuary led to the conversion of salt marsh to freshwater wetlands. All these freshwater wetland species will eventually die-back as the native salt marsh is revived by restored tidal flow, thanks to the project.

More extensive vegetation clearing begins this winter, as the park begins the process of removing dead trees and promoting the recovery of native salt marsh vegetation in the Duck Harbor area of the Herring River.

Since January 2021, the 120-acre Duck Harbor floodplain has had periodic over wash of saltwater breaking over the dunes on Cape Cod Bay, mostly during spring tide periods.

Removing the dead vegetation should bring back more salt marsh plants and increase the ecological productivity of Duck Harbor. It will also help minimize a breeding habitat for mosquitoes.

Incidentally, the Ducks Unlimited/Lee Sportsmen’s Association’s  7th Annual Youth Sports Gala fundraiser will be held on Saturday, April 1 at the Country Club of Pittsfield.  (Details TBA). It’s nice to see funds being put to good use here in Massachusetts.

Hoosic River Path in North Adams

At its general meeting on March 9, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited will feature Nick Howe from Hoosic River Revival who will give a talk about the work being done to restore the river path in North Adams. It will run from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Tourists Motel Lodge, 915 State Road, North Adams.

Hoosic River picture provided by HRI

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is about to begin its $3 million Feasibility Study to create the necessary modernization plan for the City of North Adams. Hoosic River Revival aims to re-establish the Hoosic River as the heart of North Adams’ economy and community. The two branches to the Hoosic River converge in North Adams and flow West to the Hudson. The river has historically been the engine behind North Adams’ economy. Flood protection, while effective, has separated the city’s residents from one of their greatest assets.

The general public is invited to this free event.  You are encouraged to come early to grab a drink at the bar.

Protecting our lovable, cuddly friends

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According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), coyotes are “an opportunistic​ feeder” that is adaptable to many habitats, including suburban, urban and rural areas. Some town officials across the state are urging residents to be cautious with their pets this winter, as coyote mating season is officially underway and could last until March.

During this time, you are likely to see coyotes more frequently than normal, especially in wooded areas, in neighborhoods and backyards. They will utilize whatever food is naturally available, including small animals, birds, insects and fruits, as well as artificial sources such as garbage, pet food, birdseed, and compost.

In suburban areas they’ve been known to prey on unprotected pets, including small dogs and house cats.  They may view larger dogs as competition. It is not abnormal for coyotes to protect themselves if threatened.

Pet owners should keep their pets out of harm’s way.  Here are some suggestions:

  • Feed your pets indoors to avoid attracting wildlife
  • Cats should be kept inside, if possible, especially during low light hours such as early morning and early evening.
  • Dogs of all sizes should be kept on a leash and closely monitored when out in the yard.
  • Go outside with your dog. Before letting your dog out and while it is out there, check and even make noise to scare off any coyotes that may be lurking in the area.

 

For more helpful information on preventing conflicts with coyotes, click onto the MassWildlife web site https://www.mass.gov/prevent conflicts with coyotes.

Fly-tying event was a great event

“We had a great turnout tonight” wrote Fran Marzotto of Pittsfield.  He was writing about the fly- tying class which was held at Berkshire Outfitters in Adams last Tuesday evening.

photo taken by Fran Marzotto

Including instructors, the event was attended by 24 people. The attendees included women, men, and children. Their ages ranged from 8 years old to seniors and their skill levels ranged from beginners to intermediate to advanced tiers. They tied Wooly Buggers and Egg Patterns for trout and Crab Patterns for Striped Bass.

The above event was a Taconic Trout Unlimited affiliated event. But in addition to them, Instructor Chris Samson is planning on holding tying events at Berkshire Outfitters every two weeks on Tuesday evenings throughout the winter.  The next event on February 7 at 6:30 pm. Future TU affiliated events will be announced by Taconic President Justin Adkins at a later date.

The names of the instructors were Chris Samson (Store Manager), Fran Marzotto, Paul Gigliotti and Bob Levesque.

picture taken by Fran Marzotto

Steve Blazejewski is the owner of Berkshire Outfitters. As you can see in the pictures, it has a great array of flyfishing and fly-tying equipment.

 

 

 

Housatonic River in CT now designated as “Wild and Scenic”

 

For the many local flyfishermen who fish the Housatonic River in Connecticut, especially around Falls Village and Cornwall, there is a bit of good news.

 

The Housatonic River Commission recently announced federal designation of the Housatonic River as a Wild & Scenic River for the 41 miles of the Housatonic River from the Massachusetts border to the Boardman Bridge in New Milford. William Tingley, Chairman of the Housatonic River Commission, said ‘This federal Wild & Scenic designation of the Housatonic River will help to ensure the Commission’s ability to carry through its management plan to maintain the river’s unspoiled beauty and create solid accessibility to the many user groups who treasure the Housatonic River.”

 

“The Commission has worked diligently for many years to accomplish this important Wild & Scenic designation. This was a team effort, and there are many to thank for their support in making this designation happen. First and foremost, thank you to the residents and public officials of the seven towns represented on the Commission: Canaan (Falls Village), Cornwall, Kent, Salisbury, Sharon, New Milford, and North Canaan, and to the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) for their dedicated support and advocacy for the river and this designation”.

 

“Additionally, thank you to state and federal elected officials, most particularly Senator Chris Murphy and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, for making sure this designation was included in the recently passed Omnibus Bill in Washington, and to several key partners for their dedicated efforts in addition to the HVA, including the National Park Service, Northwest Hills Council of Governments, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, local area land trusts, and other interested organizations.”

 

This 41-mile section of the Housatonic River is now a member of the National Park Service’s Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, a federally funded consortium designed to protect and enhance exceptional rivers throughout the country. The Commission will also be entitled to receive federal funds to carry out its management plan for the Housatonic River, including the pressing need to improve and control public access to the river for recreation

 

What to do if you think you caught a state record fish

How many times have you gone ice fishing and thought that perhaps that day you might catch a state record pickerel or northern pike?  Why not?  State records have been caught out of Berkshire waters before.  Be prepared by reading the following advice from MassWildlife.

“If you think your trophy fish may have broken a state record, it needs to be weighed by a MassWildlife Fisheries Biologist. Email Steven.Mattocks@mass.gov to make an appointment to bring your fish into one of our office locations. The fish must be presented in its entirety (whole). In keeping with MassWildlife regulations prohibiting the transportation of live fish without a permit, any fish submitted for weighing must be dead.”

Good to know, now all we have to do is catch a state record.

Active Military & Veteran Waterfowl Hunt coming up

Two statewide Active Military & Veteran Waterfowl Hunt season dates (Oct. 8, 2022 and Feb. 4, 2023), are open for waterfowl hunting (ducks, coots, mergansers, and geese) by veterans and current members of the Armed Forces on active duty.  It includes members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty (other than for training).

The term “veteran,” is defined, per section 101 of title 38, United States Code, as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable”. Proof of eligibility is required and must be carried on person while hunting. All regular season waterfowl regulations and bag limits apply.

Annual Pheasant Fundraising Turkey Shoot & Dinner

 

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) invites you to its Annual Pheasant Fundraising Turkey Shoot & Dinner being held on Sunday, February 5. The Turkey Shoot runs from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Prizes include NY strip steaks, turkeys, pork loins, and spiral hams.  The dinner is from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm.  Cost is adults $20 and children 12 and under $10.  Contact Secretary John Polastri at (413) 822-8278 for any questions, concerns.

Every year, MassWildlife stocks an average of 40,000 pheasants on Wildlife Management Areas and other lands open to the public.  LSA helps raise and release the pheasants.  They are stocked for recreational hunting and are paid for by revenue from license fees; however, the cost of raising and releasing the pheasants is the responsibility of LSA, and the caretakers are all LSA volunteers. You are invited to come on out for a day of fun and delicious food, and help support a great cause to ensure our continued legacy of wildlife management and hunting heritage in the Berkshires.

Carla Rhodes:  From Comedy to Conservation

Wildlife conservation photographer Carla Rhodes will make a presentation at the February Berkshire Green Drinks gathering on Wednesday, February 8, at 6:00 PM in person at Barrington Brewery, 420 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington, and online via Zoom.

With work published in The New York Times, The Guardian, and more, Carla’s untraditional path to helping elevate wildlife through the art form of photography inspires people to chase their wildest dreams.

Join the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)  in person or online for the  Berkshire Green Drinks event to hear how Carla went from comedy to conservation and see some of the awe-inspiring moments she has captured through her photography.

The in-person gathering begins at 5:15 PM, and the presentation starts at 6:00 PM. RSVP for the in-person event at Feb2023-Berks-Green-Drinks.eventbrite.com.

Pre-registration is required to attend the virtual presentation. Register at tinyurl.com/Feb2023-Berks-Green-Drinks.

Hunters Share the Harvest Program” is a success.  Expansion planned for next year.  

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In my December 10, 2022 column, I did an article on MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest Program, a new program which provides an opportunity for hunters to donate and share wild game meat like venison with Massachusetts residents in need.

Free range, organic venison is a lean, healthy protein with a low carbon footprint that already feeds thousands of licensed hunters and their families across Massachusetts each year and now successful hunters can help combat hunger and food insecurity in their communities by donating venison.

In last year’s deer hunting seasons, there was only one approved meat processor that accepted whole-deer donations.  The packaged venison was to be distributed to those in need through the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation’s Food 4 Vets program.

Meat processors, food pantries, hunger relief agencies, or other organizations who wanted to participate in MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest program in the future could contact Martin Feehan, MassWildlife’s Deer and Moose Project Leader, at martin.feehan@mass.gov.

Well, at last week’s Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s (BCLS) meeting, DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden reported that MassWildlife had a very successful launch of the Share the Harvest Program. “With support from the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation and through the generosity of hunters, more than 700lbs of venison were distributed.” said Madden.

MassWildlife will be expanding the program in 2023 to reach wider distribution and provide meals for more people throughout the state.

BioMap is available.

BioMap, a newly-updated online tool that identifies critical land and waterways throughout the Commonwealth in need of conservation is now available. MassWildlife and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) worked to develop the tool to help state and local governments, land trusts, non-government organizations, and other conservation partners strategically plan projects to conserve wildlife and their habitats.

The latest version of BioMap combines more than 40 years of rigorously documented rare species and natural community records from MassWildlife with cutting-edge climate resilience data from TNC and spatial data identifying intact fish and wildlife communities, habitats, and ecosystems that are the focus of the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan.

You are invited to join Assistant Director of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Eve Schluter and TNC Ecologist Andy Finton for a demonstration of the new BioMap webinar on January 18 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Click onto https://www.mass.gov/news/new-release-of-biomap to register for the webinar.

Email natural.heritage@mass.gov to request BioMap technical support or to request notification of future trainings.

 “Tracking Wildlife: Stories from the More-Than-Human World”

Skilled wildlife tracker and educator Dan Gardoqui is visiting the Berkshires to present a talk: “Tracking Wildlife: Stories from the More-Than-Human World” at Berkshire Community College’s Robert Boland Theater in Pittsfield on Friday, January 20 at 6:00 PM. This event is sponsored by Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), Greenagers, Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC), Housatonic Heritage, Richmond Pond Association, and Berkshire Community College. It is free and open to the public, with a $10 suggested donation.

Dan Gardoqui will give a presentation on tracking wildlife. He’ll lead attendees to make deeper connections with the natural world and the wildlife that surrounds us by sharing thrilling stories and photos from his tracking experiences and discussing ways to actively participate in the more-than-human world by applying wildlife tracking skills. A Q & A session will follow the talk.

The following day, Saturday, January 21, Dan will lead two back-to-back trackings (8:30 am to 11:30 am and 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Eugene D Moran Wildlife Management Area on the border of Cheshire and Windsor, MA. Each workshop costs $50 and has a limited space of 10 participants Email team@thebeatnews.org with any questions.

For over 30 years, Dan Gardoqui has been a student, teacher, observer, and active participant in the more-than-human world. A Certified Wildlife Tracker since 2006, he has trained hundreds in the science and art of tracking. Dan is also a bird language expert and bird mimic – known for his YouTube series “Learn a Bird.” Some of his contributions include the books “Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species” (Elbroch & MacFarland) and “What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal Nature’s Secrets” (Young). Dan applies wildlife tracking skills in citizen science projects (e.g., Canada Lynx, Flying Squirrels, Moose, Eastern Wolf) as a Registered Maine Guide.

Fly fishing show in Marlboro

 The 2023 Fly Fishing Show will take place January 20-22 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center,181 Boston Post Road Marlborough, MA. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday and 9 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday. The show promises more fly-casting, tying, manufacturer and retail store displays of the newest rods, reels, lines, boots, waders, clothing and flies during the three-day run.

The show will have many demonstrations at its Destination Theater presentations each hour including Labrador’s Monster Brookies, Fly Fishing Martha’s Vineyard, Montana, Iceland, the Adirondacks and many others.  There will be more than $30,000 in door prizes.

Admission is $15 for one day, $25 for two days and $35 for three days. Children under age 5 are free, children 6-12 are $5 and active military with ID’s are $10.

Fly Fishers International hosts the Fly-Fishing Show Learning Center with fly tying, casting instruction and other fly-fishing information and is free to show attendees.

The New England premiere of the 2023 International Fly-Fishing Film Festival is Friday at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

For a complete listing of fly-fishing films, classes, seminars, door prizes, demonstrations, etc., visit www. flyfishingshow.com or phone (814) 443-3638.

Beginner Snowshoe/Winter Hike

 On Saturday, January 21 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm BEAT and the Great Barrington Land Conservancy are having a 1-mile beginner winter hike at BNRC’s Housatonic Flats reserve on Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington. If weather permits, they’ll snowshoe, if there’s no snow, they’ll go for a winter hike. They will review the basics of winter hiking like what traction to wear on your feet, how to layer properly, and what to look for.

It will be an easy hike of 0.9 miles.  Bring water, wear sturdy footwear and wear layers. BNRC has a few pairs of micro-spikes and snowshoes to loan.  Animals not allowed. For questions contact Charlotte at chood@bnrc.org

Fishing community mourns the loss of Fred Moran

Frederick Dennis Moran of Adams passed beyond the riverbend on January 8 at the age of 80. He undoubtedly will be remembered by former students from the Lenox, Cheshire and Dalton schools.  He completed his last years as a classroom teacher at the Craneville Elementary School in Dalton.

Perhaps more people will remember Fred as an avid fly fisherman who ran Points North Outfitters in Adams.  For two decades Fred and his wife Marilyn taught hundreds how to fly fish and they guided hundreds more on the Deerfield River.  Fred was known for collecting antique (bamboo) fishing rods and reels and the building and restoration of fly-fishing rods. He later worked at the Orvis fly rod factory in Manchester, VT. He was a close friend of the legendary local bamboo rod builder, Francis “Digger” Degere and became his apprentice.

Fred was an esteemed member of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited where he and Digger put on rod building demonstrations.  Fred and Marilyn were recipients of TU’s Crooked Staff Award, the highest honor that the chapter bestows.  He was also a director of the Hoosic River Watershed Association.

Fred was a good friend.  The last time I saw him was when we did some flyfishing one day at the Alford Brook Club in August of 2020.  It was such a wonderful day that I did an article about it in this column. (Google Gene Chague-Fred Moran to read the Berkshire Eagle article). Boy, could he cast a fly!

Fred’s son Kevin (Berkshire Eagle Executive Editor) emailed me about his dad’s death and included these words, “I figured maybe some of his fishing buddies would imagine him casting a fly out there on heaven’s river, which is one way he’d like to be remembered, I’m sure. I suspect that Digger Degere is waiting for him there, and probably has the flies already picked out and ready to give to dad.”

Our condolences go out to Marilyn, Kevin and his entire family.  He will never be forgotten.

A look back at 2022 Woods and Waters columns

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At the end of last year, I highlighted the more informative and interesting articles that were included in this column during the year.  Because of positive comments received, I am doing the same for the year 2022.

In January we reported that seventeen women deer hunters participated in MassWildlife’s 2021 Becoming-an-Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Deer Hunt Program. Nearly all the women saw deer and all participants enjoyed their hunt. Two women harvested their first deer ever.  We also mentioned a lost Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), which is native to Asia. Somehow it found its way to the Taunton River in Massachusetts.

In March there was an article about Bob Leverett “the old growth evangelist”.  He informed us that there were indeed old growth forests in Massachusetts. He developed ways for measuring and aging them and their ability to capture carbon.  His work, along with that of Dr. Anthony D’Amato (of University of Vermont), have helped to ensure the protection of 1,200 acres of old growth in the Commonwealth’s Forest Reserves.  His message is “We have a duty to protect an old-growth forest, for both its beauty and its importance to the planet”. We learned of the death of Leo M Daley who spent some 42 years with the DFW.  He had held the titles of Aquatic Biologist, Fisheries Manager, and interim District Manager. In the 30 years spent in our district, he stocked over 1.5 million trout in Western Massachusetts waters.

In March and April there were articles about hungry black bears emerging from their dens and the problems they cause by raiding our bird feeders.  In the Berkshires there are about 2,000 of them and readers were advised on how to avoid conflicts with them.  MassWildlife Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist Dave Wattles’ study showed that female bears that they study in more suburban areas are very large, with weights averaging more than 250 pounds, compared to bears in more rural, forested areas averaging closer to 150 pounds.  A second big takeaway was how close to people bears will den. They had bear dens 10 yards off the back parking lot of a fire department, under a building on piling foundations, on the edge of a backyard, and in the middle of a construction yard. These bears had plenty of options to den in more remote locations but chose not to, indicating bears are finding supplemental food sources in suburban areas, such as unsecured garbage, bird feeders, and open compost. Biologists warn that human food sources are harmful to bears’ natural diets and put communities at added risk of unwanted conflicts.

picture taken and provided by Gene Chague. Bears heading for Gene’s deck.

In April we learned about the numbers and types of wildlife violations that our Massachusetts Environmental Police are dealing with.  A pitch was made for Massachusetts to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, a network that seeks to reduce wildlife poaching through information sharing across state lines and reciprocal recognition of license suspensions and revocations for fishing, hunting, and trapping. The legislation, co-sponsored by Berkshire State Representatives Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Paul Mark, would update the Commonwealth’s outdated penalties for illegal hunting, some of which have not been updated in a century and currently amount to little more than a slap on the hand.  The bill passed later this year.

In April we reported that the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza was detected in wild birds in multiple locations in Massachusetts. Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a common influenza strain that can spread from birds to humans through saliva, naval secretion and feces. The avian flu is not common among humans, but is very contagious among birds.  We reported the Preliminary 2021 deer harvest figures verses last year figures:

  • Youth Deer/Paraplegic Hunt Days: 86 vs 131 last year
  • Archery Season: 5,894 vs 6655 last year
  • Shotgun Season: 5,008 vs 5138 last year
  • Primitive Firearms Season: 2,375 vs 2842 last year

 

Although Western Zone harvests were not mentioned, DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden said that they were consistent with 2020 (which was a record year).

In May, 5 individuals received Silvio O. Conte sportsmen awards:  The late Chris Puntin, formerly of Pittsfield, received the Sportsman of the Year Award posthumously; Meredyth Babcock of Becket received the Outstanding Achievement Award; Stephanie Dupont of Pittsfield received the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award; Donald E. Girard of Adams received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Gregg Armstrong, of North Adams, received the John Zuber Award.  We also reported that after 38 years of state service, Marion E. Larson retired in early March from her position as Chief of MassWildlife’s Information and Education (I&E) Section.  Joshua Christman of Pittsfield, who had been named Massachusetts Angler of the Year (Adult Catch and Keep Category) in 2016, 2020 and 2021 by MassWildlife and a frequent multi-gold pin awardee, was off to another good start this year.  He caught a large rainbow trout out of Berkshire waters which measured 24 inches long and weighed 4 lbs.

In June Berkshire Environmental Action Team Executive Director Jane Winn announced that BEAT was awarded $200,000 from the Cultural Facilities Fund of the Massachusetts Cultural Council to renovate their new Environmental Leadership & Education Center.  Thirteen-year old Logan Middlebrook of Pittsfield landed a carp out of Pontoosuc Lake which weighed in at 13.3 lbs. and was over 30 inches long.   While fighting it he had to cross 2 house lots, a couple of bridges and over people’s docks.

Picture provided by Middlebrook family

James McGrath, Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Manager, City of Pittsfield announced that the Mill Street dam was successfully removed along with over 8,000 tons of contaminated sediments.   Lee Sportsmen’s Association Higher Education Scholarship was awarded to Brianna Kelly.   The Bateman Jimmy Fund fishing derby was the greatest with over 355 people in attendance and over $10,000 raised.

In July, Joshua Christman, organizer of Carp Palooza, announced that it was a great event with 39 teams participating.   Steve Sears of Dalton was elected Acting Chairman of the MA Fish & Wildlife Board. We featured an article about a Picnic Table Boat.  It is powered by an electric motor, and if you run out of power, it has a solar panel on the top of the umbrella which recharges the battery.  The battery has a USB port into which they plug in lights, a speaker, an iPad, cooler, etc.

In August we covered the 75th anniversary of the Stockbridge Bowl Association.  Feature speaker was the old growth evangelist Bob Leverett. We covered successful flyfishing trips to Labrador and Yellowstone National Park made by local anglers.  Eight-year-old Michael (Mikey) Hubbard of Pittsfield successfully landed a 21-inch, 4.4lbs largemouth bass.

 

In September, Travis Bailey of Lee harvested a bear weighing 620 lbs. field dressed.  After it was skinned out, it measured 7 feet from nose to tail, with a space between its ears of 10 inches. Rachel Kanter of Lenox landed a monster 35-inch pike.

In October we reported that It was a good year for MassWildlife/ Department of Fish & Game land acquisitions and conservation completing 11 projects and protecting 937 acres. Great Barrington approved a new ordinance to help curb problem bears.

 

In November Paraplegic hunters took four deer in the Berkshires, seven statewide. The Youth pheasant hunt produced happy hunters. Some $483,922 was awarded in state grant funds to improve wildlife habitat on 514 acres of land within the Commonwealth.

 

In December we did an article about MassWildlife’s controlled burns. National Geographic wrote an article titled, ‘This Trail May Be the Best Way to See New England’s Fall Colors”. The specific Berkshires trail mentioned was BNRC’s High Road. The town of Nahant hired sharpshooters to eliminate its coyote problem. DFW Western District Supervisor had a great article in Massachusetts Wildlife about feeding bears.

 

During the year, we reviewed three books, two by local authors. The Richmond Pond Association and the Richmond Historical Commission produced a book entitled, The Gem of Richmond:  A History of Richmond Pond. The editor was Ken Kelly, of Lenox and Richmond. Paul C. Carter of Dalton came out with a new deer hunting book entitled, More Deer Hunts, through a Tracker’s Eyes.  Author Robert (Bob) Romano came out with a wonderful book entitled River Flowers.  All were still highly recommended.

Thanks for taking the time to read the columns this past year and hopefully you’ll stay with us next year.

Happy New Year!

Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation

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The Baker-Polito Administration recently established the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, furthering its commitment to outdoor recreation. It is within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretariat and will work alongside state agencies, including the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the Commonwealth and support the associated economic, environmental, and quality of life benefits they bring.

“Outdoor recreation is a consistent economic driver for communities throughout the Commonwealth, creating jobs and supporting small businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our world-class parks, beaches, and trails attract visitors from all across the world, and the creation of this office will promote collaboration between local communities, outdoor businesses, and the Commonwealth on expanding these opportunities even further.”

Following the establishment of the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Commonwealth now joins 17 other states around the country that have created similar offices. Additionally, the office will focus on the following efforts:

  • Coordinating outdoor recreation policy;
  • Identifying funding opportunities for programs and infrastructure;
  • Enhancing public access and recreation infrastructure;
  • Supporting the outdoor recreation economy;
  • Advancing equity and access to outdoor recreation opportunities; and,

According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the outdoor recreation economy accounted for $9.5 billion in value added to the Massachusetts economy, or 1.5% of the Gross Domestic Product, and 93,422 jobs, which is 2.6% of employment in the Commonwealth. Furthermore, Massachusetts’ outdoor recreation economy grew 24% from 2020 to 2021, a strong indicator of how much residents and visitors alike value the Commonwealth’s outdoor recreational resources. Top sectors by economic value include boating and fishing; hunting, shooting, and trapping; RVing; climbing, hiking, and tent camping; snow activities, such as skiing and snowshoeing; and motorcycling, ATVing, and bicycling.

“Massachusetts consistently ranks as a top quality-of-life state in the nation. The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation will help raise that standard for residents and visitors alike. From seashore to mountain tops, there are a diversity of landscapes, environments, people, and organizations to explore. Tying these together and telling the right story will be a significant benefit to our wonderful state,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Zoar Outdoor, and Catamount Mountain Resort. “

Congratulations BNRC!

National Geographic recently released an article titled, ‘This Trail May Be the Best Way to See New England’s Fall Colors”. The specific Berkshires trail mentioned is the High Road, the first section of which was opened by Berkshire Natural Resources and its partners in 2021.

“Now,” wrote National Geographic, “a new regional pathway across the spine of the Berkshires is turning the local tradition of long walks into an American spin on the European “walking holiday” popular with pilgrims journeying on Spain’s Camino de Santiago or Scotland’s West Highland Way.

The eight-mile path along Yokun Ridge, connecting trails from Pittsfield to Lenox, provides hikers with an opportunity to explore a scenic and ecologically diverse woodland. This route links the properties of five landowners who together conserve and steward over 5,000 acres along this ridgeline. BNRC worked with these landowner partners to transform what was a tangled network of social trails into a clear and consistent hiking route for the public. Featuring three scenic vistas, expansive woodlands, stone and water features, the Yokun Ridge Trail offers a special way to travel.

 

Work is underway to expand The High Road trail network. As it evolves, it will offer many varieties of terrain, starting points, and route options along trail corridors through woodlands and into towns and villages.

NY DEC announces conservation of 1,300 acres in Taconic Mountains

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced the protection of 1,300 acres of forest and grasslands in the Taconic Mountains in the town of Berlin. The recent acquisition will connect the Taconic Ridge and Berlin State Forests, preserve critical open space, and expand recreational opportunities to support the local economy.

“DEC and our partners are continuing to collaborate with stakeholders to permanently protect the Taconic Ridge and the valuable ecological and recreational opportunities it provides,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This newest 1,300 acres will help connect and enhance DEC’s existing state forest network and builds upon our ongoing progress in conserving this Capital Region natural treasure.”

The acquisition will be added to the Taconic Ridge State Forest and provides a critical connection between the Taconic Ridge and Berlin state forests, linking together more than 12,000 acres of state forests. New York State purchased the parcel for $890,000 through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The purchase protects forested steep slopes leading to the top of the Taconic Ridge. It includes a tributary of the Little Hoosic River, one of New York State’s wild trout streams, and 80 acres of critical grassland habitat. As part of DEC’s state forests, this parcel will be managed for multiple uses, including sustainable timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation.

Located in Rensselaer County along the Massachusetts and Vermont border, the Taconic Ridge and Berlin state forests are primary gateways in the Taconic Mountains that conserve important natural resources and provide diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. It is adjacent to MassWildlife’s conservation lands such as the Misery Mountain Wildlife Management Area making for a really large block of protected land.  Their rolling hills, forests, scenic vistas and over 34 miles of trails, including the Taconic Crest Trail, are ideal for hiking. The purchase builds on other recent acquisitions including more than 5,700 acres announced in 2020 in partnership with The Conservation Fund.

Sharpshooters to kill “habituated coyotes.”

Nahant, a community on Massachusetts’s North Shore voted recently to sign an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to help address a growing issue. Town residents have been reporting that they are being stalked or surrounded by coyotes while walking their pets.  Three times in the past year, a coyote has taken a pet off its leash while under the control of its owner, town officials said.  The citizens of Nahant have every right to demand that something be done with the coyotes.

Nahant has become the first town in the commonwealth to approve hiring federal sharpshooters to kill “habituated” coyotes.

“MassWildlife has authorized our community to dispatch the problem coyotes but our legal options of ways to do that are limited, ineffective, and not practical.” said Nahant Board Chairman.  Sometime in the next several weeks, the sharpshooters will come in, stake-out a place where coyotes congregate, like the town composting site, and pick them off in the middle of the night with rifles.

The announcement has left many Massachusetts hunters scratching their heads.

It was only a couple of years ago that MassWildlife banned coyote derbies and outlawed the “wanton waste” of them. To quote the regulation: “It is unlawful for hunters to intentionally or knowingly leave a wounded or dead animal without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it.  Each animal must be retrieved until processed or used for food, pelt, feathers or taxidermy.”

Correct me if I am wrong, but leaving a dead coyote in the woods for eagles, vultures, bears and other critters to feed upon seems to be a better way of disposing them than wherever the Nahant coyote carcasses will end up.

Many Massachusetts hunters favor year-round coyote hunting as a way of reducing the numbers of fawns and mature deer that fall prey to them.  However; MassWildlife’s position basically was that the hunting of coyotes will not in the long run affect their population as they have the reproductive capacity to compensate for the losses.

If that is true, then the Town of Nahant is wasting its money on these sharpshooters. The town estimates the program will cost $5,000 to $10,000 to alleviate the problem.  Allowing hunters to take care of the problem probably wouldn’t cost the town a penny.

Shotgun deer, bear seasons open Monday

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Shotgun deer hunting season starts on Monday and it runs until December 10, (excluding Sundays).  Two bucks can be harvested and if hunters are fortunate to have valid antlerless deer permits (doe permits) they can also take a doe.  Remember, the buck antlers must be at least 3 inches long.

picture provided by MassWildliife

According to the Massachusetts hunting abstracts, deer hunters may take and possess up to two deer in a day before reporting/checking them in.  Once those deer are reported, the hunter may resume deer hunting on the same day.

All hunters must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange on the chest, back and head.  If using a blind during the season or on a Wildlife Management Area with blaze orange requirements, all deer hunters must wear the required amount of orange while in the blind.  MassWildlife recommends that blaze orange be visible on the outside of the blind, too.

 MassWildlife will be working biological deer check stations during the first week of the Shotgun Season. All deer harvested during that week must be taken to a physical check station so biologists can collect data used in the deer management program. After that week, deer can be checked on-line. A map of Check Stations can be found at:  https://www.mass.gov/info details/massachusetts-check-station-map.

The following Western District stations will open during the first week of shotgun:

Ernie’s Auto Sales – Mon-Sat 10-6

MassWildlife HQ – Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 10-6

Lee Sportsman’s Club – Mon-Sat 10-6

Mill River General Store – Mon-Sat 10-6

Papa’s Healthy Food and Fuel – Mon-Sat 10-6

B&D Variety – Mon-Sat 10-6

Goshen General Store – Mon-Sat 10-6

 

Well, here comes another sleepless Sunday night in anticipation of opening day.  If you are like me, memories of past opening days will be relived as we toss and turn all night. One such memory I will never forget occurred sometime in the 1980’s or 1990’s. It was the first year that regulations were implemented addressing the transport of our hunting guns while traveling.  They had to be unloaded and in an enclosed case.    I believe the case had to be locked.

 

Opening day arrived and I was up at 4:00 am and arrived at a parking area on Beartown Mountain around 5:00 am.  Good!  No one was there ahead of me and I could hike up the mountain to get to my favorite hunting stand.  There I could wait for the other hunters to start hiking the mountain and perhaps scare a deer or two which hopefully would run in my direction.

 

After getting into my hunting coat and backpack, the only thing remaining was my shotgun.  Then a terrible event occurred.  That was when I learned that I had forgotten the key to my locked gun case!

 

Back home I went to find the key.  As you may suspect, I was not a happy camper.    I cursed the new regulation and the people who implemented it.

 

Once home, I still could not find the gun case key and after rummaging around the house, I had to take a different shotgun in a different case.

 

By the time I arrived back at the parking space, it was around 7:30 am and there were several cars and trucks parked there. On the way up the mountain, I could see the tracks of other hunters who had already gone up and I could hear gunshots coming from the area in which I had hoped to be.

 

I didn’t get a deer that day or the following days.  I was grumpy all week. Perhaps I couldn’t see any deer because I was still seeing red.

 

Bear Season: The Second Hunting Season for Black Bear ends this weekend.  However; the Shotgun Black Bear hunting season starts on Monday and it also runs until December 10.  Shotguns may be used, none larger than 10 gauge. Only slugs are allowed and the use of buckshot is prohibited.  Archery as well as muzzleloader implements may be used. Hunters must wear blaze orange during this season, too.

picture provided by MassWildlife

 

Good luck!  Here’s hoping you have a happy and safe hunting season.

 

Nearly $500,000 in grants to support habitat management across the Commonwealth

 

The Baker-Polito Administration announced recently it had awarded $483,922 in state grant funds to thirteen organizations and municipalities to improve wildlife habitat on 514 acres of land within the Commonwealth. Now in its ninth year, the MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP), which is overseen by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), provides financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to improve and manage habitat for wildlife.

 

“The MHMGP is critical to the success of ongoing habitat management projects on state-managed lands and ensures a multipronged strategy to improve a variety of Massachusetts’ habitats,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Public and private investment in habitat management is critical for promoting ecological resiliency and diversity, and we are thrilled to work with this year’s grant recipients as they commit to improving wildlife habitat.”

While MassWildlife and other conservation organizations have made unprecedented investments in land acquisition within Massachusetts, land protection alone is not enough to guarantee the persistence of the Commonwealth’s diverse wildlife. Investment in habitat restoration and management is needed on public and private lands across the state. To address this need, the Baker-Polito Administration has substantially increased investment in habitat management on state wildlife lands and is committed to working with partners to promote these efforts on other conserved lands across the state. The MHMGP program encourages landowners to engage in active habitat management on their properties to benefit wildlife.

“Most forests and other wildlife habitats in Massachusetts are not state-owned, and we rely on conservation organizations, cities and towns, private landowners, and other partners to help us manage habitat to benefit all wildlife,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon. “This program provides us with the opportunity to expand our habitat management footprint, directly benefiting wildlife, the sporting community, and other people who enjoy outdoor recreation.”

“MassWildlife restores and manages habitats to help conserve the great diversity of wildlife and plants found in the Commonwealth,” said Mark Tisa, MassWildlife Director. “In addition to MassWildlife’s habitat management activities, these funded projects will improve declining habitats that provide homes for our most vulnerable wildlife, while also enhancing everyone’s ability to connect with nature.”

Of the thirteen projects, two local organizations will receive MHM grants.  They are:

  • Great Barrington – The Berkshire Natural Resources Council has been awarded $33,875 to control invasive species in the Housatonic River watershed.
  • Stockbridge – Stockbridge Bowl Association has been awarded $11,885 to conduct hardy kiwi invasive species control at Bullard’s Woods.

“Our natural resources are one of the most prized possessions we have here in the Berkshires,” said State Representative Smitty Pignatelli. “I am grateful to the Baker-Polito administration’s continued investment in our outdoor spaces, and I look forward to seeing the great work that the Berkshire Natural Resources Council and Stockbridge Bowl Association do with this round of MHMGP funding.”

For more information regarding MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants, visit the program’s webpage.

Gun safety course

Pete’s Gun Shop is holding an NRA & Massachusetts State Police Certified LTC Safety Course on December 4. This will be a one day all inclusive, live fire class at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club starting at 9 AM.

A non- refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat at the time of registration. They do accept credit cards in person at the gun shop or by phone.

This is a class where they spend time at the range and you get to shoot. You are also given an NRA Basic Pistol Safety textbook which is included in the class cost.

This qualifies MA residents and non-residents alike for the MA License To Carry or FID Card.  They also give you a $10 gift certificate to Pete’s Gun Shop in appreciation for taking the course. The cost is $100 and covers use of our range firearms, ammo, safety gear, class materials, certificates, and the NRA Safety Textbook. They ask that interested parties pre-register by calling or stopping in at Pete’s Gun Shop at 413-743-0780, as space is limited. This live fire course fills up very quickly so call or stop in early to pre-register.

Youths report on their experiences at the MJCC

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Earlier this year the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) voted to send two youths to the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp (MJCC) at the Moses Scout Reservation in Russell, MA. The MJCC is a two-week overnight summer camp for girls and boys ages 13 -17.

Conservation subjects taught include Fish & Pond Life, Forestry, Soil Conservation, and Wildlife Management. Outdoor skills taught include Archery, Basic Camping, Fly & Spin Casting, Orienteering, Riflery and Shotgun. These courses are taught by certified instructors in their respective fields. Additional MJCC curriculum includes the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program and Small Boat Safety, which may require online learning prior to camp attendance. All sections of these courses must be completed, and attendance for the entire camp session is required in order to earn certificates.

The camp this year had 98 youngsters, 23 girls and 75 boys.  The BCLS wanted to send one girl and one boy but no girls were entered. The League sent two boys instead.  It gladly coughed up the $2,200 from its meager treasury to send them ($1,100 each) with the stipulation that they come to a League meeting afterward and tell the delegates of their experiences there.  The two boys were 15year-old Liam MacNeil and 14 year-old Tatum Oates.

 

They gave talks on their experiences there.  Liam said this camp was “one of his best experiences. Being at this camp, I was with many kids my own age who enjoy and appreciate all the outdoor sporting activities.”  He brought trophies that he won for placing 2nd in the camp for rifle shooting and he caught the 3rd largest bass.  Considering he competed against a possible total of 98 anglers, he didn’t do too badly.

 

He took classes that included forestry, rifle shooting, shotgun, black powder, map and compass and air rifle.  He chose fishing and blacksmithing as his elective weekend activities.  He caught a 14-inch rainbow trout out of the Westfield River on a fly that he tied.  He couldn’t thank the League enough for choosing him to attend “this awesome camp.”  “Your continuous support of kids like me helps grow the outdoor community.  I will always remember this experience for the rest of my life.”

 

Tatum thanked the League for choosing him to go to the camp and he also had a wonderful time.  He told of all the classes that he took; map and compass, rifling, black powder and archery.  For his elective he chose fishing and black powder. He caught the 4th largest bass. “They taught me first aid, how to properly track a deer, gut a fish and deer, stuff about bird dogs, how to hunt a turkey, build a shelter, start a fire and find food in the wilderness.”

 

MA Fish and Wildlife Board Chairman Steve Sears was at that meeting and he reported that the MA Outdoor Heritage Foundation agreed to provide new compound bows for the camp.

Outdoor violators, beware!

 

In my June 19, 2021 column, I did an article about a bill filed that would enter Massachusetts into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, a network that seeks to reduce wildlife poaching through information sharing across state lines and reciprocal recognition of license suspensions and revocations for fishing, hunting, and trapping.  This legislation would update the Commonwealth’s outdated penalties for illegal hunting, some of which have not been updated in a century and currently amount to little more than a slap on the wrist.

 

Simply put membership protects wildlife, supports law-abiding hunters and anglers, and provides the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) additional resources to combat poachers and other wildlife criminals.

 

It similarly updates fines and license suspensions for other violations unchanged since the 1930s.  For context, a fine of $50 in the 1930s would, keeping up with inflation, be about $800 today. The (proposed) updates are more modest.”

 

At the November meeting of the BCLS, Lt. Kara Carlow of the MEP reported that in August, 2022, Governor Baker signed a bill authorizing Massachusetts Fish & Game Commissioner Ron Amidon to join that Compact.  It was scheduled to go into effect in early November of this year.  From now on, if you break the law and lose your license in MA, it will be reciprocated in every other state and vice versa.  Also, fines will be increased, doubled in some cases. It would allow for the suspension of licenses for up to three years for a first offense and up to 10 years for a third offense.

Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program

The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program funds a variety of conservation projects in Massachusetts. To remain eligible for these grants, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs must submit a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every five years. Input from the survey will be included in the next SCORP and will help determine how LWCF funding will be distributed over the next five years. The Survey is available at https://www.mass.gov/news/outdoor-users-let-your-voice-be-heard.

 

Since the program was established in 1965, more than $100,000,000 has been awarded to projects in every county in the state for the acquisition of conservation and park land, development of new parks, or renovation of existing parks. If you have questions or comments related to the survey, email SCORP.2022@mass.gov.

I know for a fact that the Berkshires has previously benefitted from this Fund. I’ll write about it in a future article.

Incidentally, there is another survey going on.   A group of random anglers were recently invited by MassWildlife to take a Freshwater Fishing Survey. The Survey invitation comes via email and uses the Novi software system.

 

BCLS officers chosen

 

That same evening, the League delegates elected the officers for the upcoming year.  All were re-elected to their previous positions.  Wayne McLain of the East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club was reelected President.  Bob McCarthy also from the EMSC was reelected VP, Dan Kruszyna of the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club was reelected Treasurer and this scribe, representing the Berkshire Beagle Club, was reelected Secretary.

 

Taconic Chapter of TU elections

 

The officers of Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited were elected at its annual meeting which was held on October 27.  The officers are: President – Justin Adkins of Williamstown, VP Henry Sweren of Lanesboro, Secretary – Fran Marzotto of Pittsfield and Treasurer -Bruce Collingwood of Pittsfield.

 

Talk to be given on regional wildlife corridor

 

Laura Marx, a Climate Solutions Scientist from The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts, will speak at the Berkshire Environmental Action Team’s (BEAT) November Pittsfield Green Drinks event on Tuesday, November 15, at 6:00 PM via Zoom. She’ll be talking about The Staying Connected Initiative and the cross-border effort to protect and connect wildlife habitat across the Canadian Acadian Mountains and the Northern Appalachian Mountains of New England.

Since 2013, various partners in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and Connecticut have been working on a portion of this regional wildlife corridor called the Green Mountains to Hudson Highlands (or Berkshire Wildlife Linkage.) You are welcomed to join Laura Marx to hear about some of the recent work this group has done; how it has built upon data gathered by wildlife trackers, culvert surveyors, and GIS gurus; and how they continue to protect land and improve wildlife and water passage under roads in the Berkshires and beyond.

Marx leads the chapter’s work on natural climate solutions – better management and protection of forests, wetlands, and farms to reduce and remove carbon emissions. As part of her work on how forests are impacted by – and can help fight – climate change, Laura leads the Regional Conservation Partnership and works to improve state policies relating to land conservation and forest management. Laura has a PhD in Forest Ecology from Michigan State University and can be contacted at lmarx@tnc.org.

Pittsfield Green Drinks is an informal gathering on the third Tuesday of the month. These nights are free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. The drinks aren’t green but the conversations are. You are encouraged to bring your curiosity and questions.

This event will take place on Zoom. Registration is required to join. You can register at: tinyurl.com/Nov2022-Green-Drinks

Pittsfield Green Drinks is sponsored by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT). For more information (and photos) regarding Pittsfield Green Drinks, contact Chelsey Simmons, chelsey@thebeatnews.org,  (413) 464-9402.

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Youth pheasant hunt produced happy hunters

The Massachusetts Youth Pheasant Hunt Program was developed by MassWildlife to provide an opportunity for Hunter Education graduates aged 12 to 17 to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt under the guidance of an experienced adult hunter.

Picture provided by Cheshire Rod & Gun Club

The program is divided into multiple parts:

  • Seminar and Range Practice: Participants get hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm safety, learn upland hunting basics, and focus on how to have a safe and fun hunt.
  • Pheasant Hunt: Participants get to experience a real pheasant hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter on 1 of the 6 Saturdays prior to the regular pheasant season.

 

Several sporting clubs across the state offer the Youth Pheasant Hunt Program which includes a seminar and a mentored hunt. You do not need to be a member of the club to participate in the seminar or the hunt. All participants must complete the seminar before the day of the hunt.

Registration is now closed for the 2022 youth pheasant program, but you might consider entering your youths into this program next year.

 

Requirements:

  • Be between the ages of 12 to 17
  • Have graduated from a Basic Hunter Education course (in any state) before the day of the hunt
  • Participants 15 to 17 years of age must have a hunting license, a pheasant/quail permit and a Firearms Identification Card (FID). Note: A FID card is only required if using a shotgun.

According to Astrid Huseby, DFW Coordinator of the Youth Pheasant Program, some 60 students were registered for the program from 6 clubs statewide. The participating club in our area was the Lee Sportsmen’s Association which had 7 participants.  The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club ran its own program and had 3 youths participating.

According to Karen Kruszyna, Cheshire Rod & Gun Club spokesperson, the three boys who participated there were Wyatt Bellows, Jacob Trudeau and Tim Morgan, Jr.  They were treated to a pancake breakfast, safety talk/hunting plan and then out they went hunting.

They had a great time pheasant hunting behind the bird dog Beau which is owned by Rick Moffett, and as the picture shows they had great success.

Sorry, details of the Lee Sportsmen’s Association were not made available in time for this column.

I’ll bet that picture congers up wonderful memories to older upland game hunters, for one never forgets the experience of their first pheasant hunt.

Second Bear Hunting Season

The second bear hunting season opens on Monday, November 7 and runs until November 26.  The hunting implements that are allowed are rifles, muzzleloaders and archery.  No revolvers or shotguns are allowed.

This past September’s bear hunting season ended with a harvest of approximately 153 bears. This was substantially more than last year’s 112 and is on track for a good year for bear hunters.

New DFW Western District staff member hired

 

Colby Kellogg-Youndt was recently hired as a Wildlife Technician in the Western District. Colby is originally from upstate New York but is now living in Pittsfield. She is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and brings excellent experience from previous biological technician positions, including her most recent work with shorebirds on Cape Cod. Colby will be stocking fish and pheasants, maintaining Wildlife Management Areas, working check stations, collecting biological data, and providing field support for all MassWildlife programs. “The District is excited to add Colby to our excellent crew.” said District Supervisor Andrew Madden.

District Biologists and particularly District Technicians provide most of the on-the-ground conservation service that benefit hunters, anglers, and the general public.

 

Trout Spawning under way

 

MassWildlife stocked over 63,000 trout into Massachusetts waterbodies this fall. While fall stocking has concluded, hatchery staff are hard at work preparing fish for the year ahead.

 

Have you ever wondered from where all these trout come from?  Well, MassWildlife operates five fish hatcheries in the state, located in Sandwich, Belchertown, Montague, Sunderland, and Palmer. Each fall, hatchery staff manually spawn trout at Palmer and Sandwich hatcheries to produce more than 1.5 million fertile brook trout, brown trout, and tiger trout eggs.

Eggs from the female and milt from the male are combined, then water is added to activate the sperm. Spawning happens when hatchery staff carefully mix trout eggs and milt together. The process begins when eggs are gently squeezed from a female and collected in a bowl. Milt from a male is then squeezed into the same bowl and a small amount of water is added to activate the sperm. Male and female fish are quickly returned to the water to minimize stress.

 

The mixture is gently stirred to encourage fertilization. The eggs are placed in a bath containing a mixture of water and a special buffered iodine-based disinfectant. This process reduces the risk of disease and allows the eggs to absorb water and become fully formed and firm, a process called water hardening. The water-hardened eggs are then counted and placed in incubation troughs where they remain until they hatch. These million and a half eggs, coupled with rainbow trout eggs obtained through a cooperative program with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will be reared at MassWildlife’s five hatcheries.

 

After incubating for about two months, the eggs hatch into fry. When they are about two inches long, the fry are moved from the indoor “hatch house” to outdoor rearing pools. The fish grow in these pools for 1.5–2.5 years until they reach stocking size. Depending on the species, trout are stocked when they are between 12–14 inches long.

 

Trout are stocked in hundreds of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds throughout the Commonwealth every spring and fall.

 

Free Stream Smart Training

The Berkshire Clean, Cold, and Connected Partnership is hosting a workshop on how to implement Stream Smart Culvert Replacements to help conservation commissions, nonprofits, highways, and towns with navigating culvert replacements to ensure they are fish-friendly and flood resilient.

 

You are encouraged to join Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) to learn how to design, permit, build, and finance culvert replacement projects that address flood resilience and Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP).  Presentations will be targeting projects in the Housatonic, Hoosic, and Farmington watersheds that are within Berkshire County. Presentations include:

 

  • Stream Geomorphology Demo with Billie Li and Alison Dixon from Housatonic Valley Association
  • Field Reconnaissance and Location Prioritization with Erin Rogers from Trout Unlimited
  • How to Create Stream Smart Crossings with Carrie Banks from Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration
  • Legal Requirements for MassDOT Chapter 85 review and Conservation Commission Notices of Intent with Scott Jackson from University of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation, and Mark Devylder from Mass DOT
  • Funding Opportunities with Holden Sparacino from Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and Carrieanne Petrik from Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

 

Support for this training provided by the Massachusetts Natural Resources Damages Fund and the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration.

 

The free workshop will be held at Berkshire Community College (BCC) in the Koussevitsky Arts Center on Thursday, December 1, from 7:45 AM – 12:15 PM. Participant space is limited, and pre-registration is necessary. (413) 298-7024.

 

Results of Berkshire Beagle Club field trial

 

According to club spokesman, Jeff St John, there were 95 total entries at the Jack Silvernail Memorial Field Trial which was held at the Berkshire Beagle Club last weekend.  Some 37 registered on Saturday and 58 on Sunday.

Picture provided by Berkshire Beagle Club

 

The winners on Saturday were: 13-inch males – Larry Mazza, of Warren, MA .and

15-inch males – Zinny Swanson of Brattleboro, VT (who is a club member).

 

The winners on Sunday were:  13-inch Females – Michael Hebert, Michael Santos of Fairhaven, MA and 15-inch Females – Scott John Howard Harrington of Cambridge, NY.

 

Next best qualifier honor went to Bubba Allen of Hadley, NY.

 

Congratulations to all.

 

Veterans Day

If you know or happen to see any veterans next week, you might want to give them a fist bump to show your appreciation of the sacrifices they made for our country.  Let them know that you do not consider them “losers” or “stupid” as a former US President once called them.

It was a good year for MassWildlife/ Department of Fish & Game land acquisitions and conservation

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In his October report to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS), DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden reported that the MassWildlife/Division of Fish & Game land program was very successful once again in FY22 (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) completing 11 projects and protecting 937 acres. These projects were

completed using bond funds, Land Stamp funds, and cooperative partnerships with area Land Trusts.

The following is the full list of projects:

  • Soda Creek Wildlife Conservation Easement (WCE) in Sheffield  – 301 acres along Water Farm Road in cooperation with Berkshire Natural Resource Council.
  • Elizabeth Woods WCE – 86 acres along North Egremont Road in cooperation with Alford Land Trust
  • Karner Brook Wildlife Management Area (WMA) – 19 acres near Smiley Pond in Egremont in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy.
  • Misery Mountain WMA – 5 acres along Route 43 in Hancock abutting the existing WMA
  • Fox Den WMA – 26 acres of landlocked woods in Chester abutting the existing WMA on Smith/Patterson Road
  • Hinsdale Flats WMA – 15 acres along Washington Road abutting the existing WMA
  • Konkapot River Access – 8 acres along the Konkapot River in New Marlborough
  • Ram Hill WMA – 86 acres of oak woodlands along old Chesterfield Road in Chesterfield
  • Tower Brook WMA – 207 acres along Bronson/West Branch Brook in Chesterfield
  • Fox Den WMA – 10 acres abutting the existing WMA along Starkweather Road in Worthington
  • Jackson Swamp WCE – 175 Acres along Route 112 in Worthington in cooperation with Hilltown Land Trust

All these properties are open to hunting, fishing, and trapping.

All projects can be viewed on the MassWildlife Land Viewer https://www.mass.gov/howto/masswildlife–lands–viewer

Archery deer hunting and fall turkey hunting starts next week

Archery Season starts in Zones 1 – 9 on October 17 and runs until November 26.  A hunting or sporting license is required along with an Archery Stamp.  Two antlered deer may be taken annually with at least one antler 3 inches or larger.

Archery season can be dangerous as many hunters hunt out of tree stands. Almost every year we read about someone falling out of a stand and getting seriously injured or killed. Bow hunters should bone up on safe procedures in climbing to and getting into the tree stand.

Wild turkey hunting also opens on October 17 in Zones 1 – 9 and also runs until November 26.  A hunting or sporting license is required as well as a turkey permit and an official safety sticker.  The sticker must be placed on the gun in such a way that it must be visible when the hunter is sighting down the barrel.  One turkey of either sex may be taken during the fall season.

Good luck hunters and be careful.

Great Barrington approves a new ordinance to help curb problem bears.

Like other nearby towns Great Barrington is experiencing problems with bears looking for food in bird feeders, garbage pails and business dumpsters instead of in wild environs where they feed on wild apples, berries and other natural foods. Such close encounters with humans usually do not result in happy endings for the bears.

In an effort to reduce the numbers of bear/people encounters, the Board of Health voted unanimously last week on a bylaw that restricts such access. They enacted a new law making it illegal to feed wildlife, intentionally or not. Bears have been breaking into houses in recent years and health officials say it’s the unsecured restaurant trash bins, neighborhood trash and compost containing animal products or bones that put people at risk. The ordinance will seek to lessen conflicts that can result in a dead bear.  It’s time to crack down on people whose behavior draws wildlife to places they shouldn’t be. The new ordinance took effect immediately.

A first violation would involve a written warning with information and suggestions for securing food and other attractants. A second violation comes with a $50 fine; beyond that, fines rise to $200.  It doesn’t make bird feeders illegal, but if they are found to be the source of a problem, residents will be ticketed.

OLA (Old Lard Ass) seen resting before taking on an apple tree. Picture provided by Paul Knauth

According to MassWildlife’s Black Bear Biologist David Wattles, the new law doesn’t preclude the use of bird feeders. “However; some people hide behind this and claim that they are just feeding the birds. They have many bird feeders out in the backyard or they have trays of black oil sunflower seed. It is Waddles’ opinion that they’re clearly feeding other wildlife. When a bear finds food rummaging through garbage, it will return, Wattles said.

Great Barrington Conservation Agent, Shepard “Shep” Evans, said he is relieved the town will police human behavior he calls “inexcusable.”  “It really is important not to pervert the wildlife feeding world with thoughtless garden garbage and intentional feeding,” he said. A bear can grow habituated and lose its fear of humans.

When asked if there was any “push back” from the town residents or business owners, Evans was not aware of any.  The residents seem to agree with the Board of Health decision.

The town of Stockbridge put its ordinance on the books last year. Businesses with dumpsters were a major attractant and the ordinance enabled the police and town officials to encourage them to comply.  “It made a difference in resolving some of the issues where they were having bears walking down Main Street on a regular basis,” Wattles said.

MassWildlife’s stocking procedures are questioned.

Last week a reader called expressing disapproved with how trout are being released into our waters.  They simply throw the fish into the lakes out of pails or nets rather than bending down and releasing the fish more gently so that they can leisurely swim away.  It’s a reasonable question, in fact for a while, I questioned the procedure myself.  I learned that there is a reason.  I forwarded the question to DFW Western District supervisor Andrew Madden to give a more complete answer that I could.  It is as follows:

Proper handling of fish that are caught and released is an important part of fishing that all anglers should understand. When someone catches a fish that will be released, either by regulation or by choice, that fish is already acclimated to the water and so a slow and gentle release is often the best way (particularly with trout).

In contrast, our stocked trout are going from one environment (truck) to another (lake/river/stream). These environments have differences in temperature, oxygen, even water chemistry. Because of this, when fish are stocked into a river, stream, or lake they need to adjust physiologically. When we toss fish, it stimulates a response which causes them to swim more actively, move water over gills, find cooler water, and adjust more quickly. When fish are placed gently into the water along the shore they often lay in place, taking a longer time to adjust. MassWildlife staff have stocked millions of fish over the years and we have learned from experience that the tossing technique is generally the best approach.

 

Much better explanation that I could have given.  I believed it had something to do with the effects of the aerated stocking trucks affecting their air bladders and the rougher treatment is something like burping the baby.

 

Drivers, brake for moose and deer

Because fall is the breeding season for both moose and white-tailed deer, MassWildlife reminds motorists to be mindful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. Moose, found in central and western parts of Massachusetts, breed in September and October. White-tailed deer breed from late October to early December.

Moose on the road are especially hazardous. The dark color and height of moose make them difficult to see in low light; moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because their eyes are above headlight level. In addition, long legs and heavy top bodies make moose very dangerous to motorists when struck. Observe road signs for moose and deer crossings and slow down. Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer because it may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer. Moose are less likely to move from the road than deer, so stay alert and brake when you see a moose in or near the road.

Deer and moose/vehicle collisions should be reported to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.

 

SBA wraps up 75th birthday with a walk among old giants

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The Stockbridge Bowl Association (SBA) was formed on August 30, 1946 in order to protect the natural beauty of Stockbridge Bowl and to set standards that aid the cause of conservation. Today, the SBA pursues the same objectives as at its founding, seeking to protect and preserve the ecological, economic, recreational and aesthetic value of Stockbridge Bowl and the SBA properties, including Bullard Woods and Kwuniikwat Island. It is an all-volunteer organization.

 

Last Sunday, they met at Bullard Woods to celebrate its 75th birthday and there was a great turnout. Bullard Woods is at the intersection of Hawthorne Road and Hawthorne Street in Stockbridge, across from Tanglewood’s Linde Center.  It is comprised of 52 acres of land along Stockbridge Bowl.

Leading up to the event was an exhibit at the Stockbridge Library on June 25, a Beach Island Day with a boat parade on July 16, Annual Meeting with reminiscences on August 6 and an “Old Growth Forest Walk” led by Bob Leverett on this day.

Kicking off the events was Board Member Rick Ruben.  “Today is a culmination of a series of events that have been sponsored by SBA.” he said, “One level is to commemorate the SBA 75th anniversary.  Another reason is to bring the community close to the lake and to celebrate this resource that we all love and that we have at our fingertips.”

He proceeded to bestow medals on several VIPs for all they do to protect and love Stockbridge and the Bowl.

Stockbridge Selectboard Chairman Patrick White spoke about environmental things the town is working on:  culvert repair – part of a municipal grant working with Pittsfield, New Marlborough and Lenox to assess every culvert in town looking for undersized culverts not only for fish to go upstream but also washouts of roads. It is working on a FEMA grant for 900,000 or 90% to fix just one nearby culvert.

The town is working with a climate partners program with the State.  They are basically working on how to save our local forests.  Some significant problems were discovered with trees at Ice Glen and they were able to treat 50 old growth ash trees through injections and all survived.  Hemlocks have been more difficult and are too stressed and damaged to benefit from treatments.

The town is working with State to get charging stations downtown.  “It is working hard on climate issues.” he said.

Kevin Foran, better known as “Moose”, who Ruben called “The curator and grounds keeper for nearby Kripalu and also Bullard Woods, super guru and guardian of the Bowl.”

Moose was groundskeeper and supervisor for the properties of the old Shadowbrook Estate for 38 years and has represented Kripalu on the SBA Board for 15 years.  He chairs the Property and Trails Committee.

 

Moose led a hike down to one of the meadows where 2 young pin oak trees were just planted, not far from an older lovely red oak.  (Here-to-fore to be referred to as the three sisters).

The first tree was planted in honor of heroes who stepped forward during the covid pandemic placing themselves and families at great risk.  Medical professionals, first responders, and the essential workers who played a big part of the supply train that was able to take us through this pandemic up to now.

The second tree honors all the individuals, commissions and committees in the Town of Stockbridge who have dedicated their time to protect the beauty of Stockbridge, who partnered with the SBA in the most beautiful way possible.

Dr. Dan Doyle represented the Berkshire Medical Community.  He is director of Pulmonology at BMC and also is the Director of the Public Health Alliance.  He referred to a phrase by George Elliot which he interpreted as follows:  The strength of a community is powered by community spirit, something that carries on from generation to generation and sustained by the efforts of multiple individuals who help and strengthen it all the time. Bullard Wood and the SBA are certainly examples of that.

Canyon ranch volunteer guides led the way to the meadows. When we got to the new trees, we were encouraged to write messages on bio-degradable paper to the trees to inspire their growth. The messages were buried at the foot of each tree. Plaques were placed under both trees honoring those listed above.

Then the “Old Growth Evangelist” Bob Leverett took over and led the group into the nearby woods to see some old growth trees.  Bob Leverett is world renowned, known for his work in locating, identifying and measuring old growth trees.  He has been written up in the February 2, 2022 issue of Smithsonian Magazine (where we first saw his title of old growth evangelist.) He was the subject of this column’s March 5-6 issue entitled “They call Bob Leverett “the old growth evangelist.’

 

When he started hiking the most difficult ridges in Massachusetts  he began seeing patches of forests that looked like old forests he saw growing up in the smokey mountains.  Bob explained that it has long been believed that old growth forests around here are gone, having been cut down in the 17th century to be used as fuel, fields to farm and timber with which to build.  But the loggers missed a few spots over the 300 years, such as areas in Ice Glen Ravine in Stockbridge, the Mohawk State Forest in Rowe, MA, on Mount Greylock and yes, here in Bullard Woods.  About 1,400 acres of old growth forest and old growth trees were discovered in MA which could be saved.

“Somewhere along the line someone said you ought to see Bullard Woods,” said Bob, “I came and said this is really great.  Not sure what the history is but there are a lot of the original trees in here and it is a hell of a tree growing environment”.

In our walk, we saw oaks and hemlocks 250 years old, a giant white pine over 300 years old. At its last measuring, it was 161 feet high and 13 feet at its trunk, with 1,000 feet of trunk volume.  That tree is larger than the famous Monarch pine that grew in Hartly Pine State Park in Michigan. This is one of the great pines in the northeast. We saw a black birch over 200 feet tall, a tulip tree over 100 feet and a very tall shagbark hickory.  He referred to the large old trees as “honkers”

Old growth, primary is given to places that were never cleared or logged and exist primarily with the same species that we would have seen in the 1600’s or earlier.  They are being impacted for sure, but they also have a certain resilience about them because they have created their environment naturally over several centuries so there is usually a very deep organic layer on the forest floor that deters the invasives.  They also are a link to the past.  One black gum tree in Orange, MA is 537 years old.  A hemlock in Morris Trail State Forest in PA is roughly 500 years old.  A lot of old trees are still here scattered around the landscape.”

He talked extensively on the importance of how the old growth trees capture and hold carbon, and even when they fall they release the carbon slowly to the ground.

When asked to define an old growth tree, he said that there is no real definition of how old a tree has to be to be considered an old growth tree.  What makes an old growth environment is that it has been controlled by natural processes over several centuries.  Whatever you get from that, that’s old growth.  There should be in there old trees, certainly older than 250 years or so (if maximum age of the species is about 350).  Outside of that we get into deep discussions on how you identify an old growth forest.

“Bullard Woods is not a terribly large forest of old growth trees, but it is quite diverse.”  said Moose. “There is something very special about these woods.”.  His feelings were summed up by words once written by Robert Louis Stevenson:

“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanates from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.”