Category Archives: Conservation

Beech Trees are being threatened in MA, NY and other states

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Beech leaf disease (BLD) is a newly described disease, first identified in Ohio in 2012. The disease complex is associated with a foliar nematode species, Litylenchus crenatae. The disease causes damage to a tree’s leaves, leading to reduced vigor and can eventually lead to tree mortality

According to MassWildlife there are still many unknowns about how the disease is spread, how new trees are infected, or how long it takes for symptoms to develop. However, they do know that American beech, European beech, and Oriental beech can be infected. Infected trees of all ages and in both urban and forested settings have been observed.

 

BLD has quickly spread from its initial detection point in Ohio. Currently, it is being found in 10 US states and 1 Canadian Province. The first detection in Massachusetts was in June 2020 in the town of Plymouth. (Plymouth County). Symptomatic trees have since been found in all Massachusetts Counties. As of July 2022, BLD had been confirmed in 83 communities in Massachusetts.

The MA Department Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Forest Health Program is surveying beech trees across the state to determine the extent of the disease in Massachusetts. Based upon a map provided by DCR, it appears that the disease has been detected in several southern Berkshire towns this year.

BLD can be identified by the distinctive leaf symptoms it causes. Early BLD symptoms will include dark stripes between the veins on leaves. When looking up at the tree canopy from underneath, you might notice dark green bands on the underside of the leaves. As the disease progresses, leaves may become withered, curled, or develop a leathery texture. A heavily impacted tree may appear to have a thinner canopy or have sections of branch dieback.

Other insects and pathogens can also cause leaf damage on beech. However, this damage is usually easy to distinguish from BLD. Mites and aphids will feed on beech leaves and cause discoloration, but this is usually lighter in color than the leaf compared to BLD with has darker bands forming. Other insect or pathogen damage can cause leaves to look brownish and become more brittle, in comparison with BLD that will develop a more leathery texture as it withers and curls the leaves. Beech will also naturally hold onto leaves into the winter, if you see a beech with brown leaves still attached in the winter, this is normal.

If you think your beech tree might be infected with BLD, you are advised to report it to the DCR Forest Health Program by sending an email to Nicole.keleher@mass.gov or calling

(857)337-5173. Any details you are able to provide about the location, symptoms and severity of the disease, or any pictures of the tree will help them in their monitoring efforts of the progress of this disease in the Commonwealth.

We are not alone with this problem.  The NY Department of Conservation (DEC) announced recently that BLD was identified in 35 counties in New York State to date. DEC began tracking BLD in 2018 after it was confirmed in Chautauqua County. Fourteen of the counties with BLD were confirmed in 2022, and more are likely to be identified.

“Many American beech trees are already heavily impacted by beech bark disease, but Beech Leaf Disease appears to be an even bigger threat,” said NY DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The decline of beech in New York could have far-reaching consequences, including significant changes to the composition of our northern hardwood forests and the loss of a valuable food source for wildlife (deer, squirrels, turkeys, etc.).  BLD affects all beech, so the impacts would also be felt in our urban forests where ornamental beech trees, including the popular copper beech cultivar, are widely used for landscaping and street trees.”

Much is still unknown about BLD, including how it spreads, but it can kill mature beech trees in six to 10 years and saplings in as little as two years. There is no known treatment for infected trees. It is unknown whether the Litylenchus crenatae nematode causes all of the damage, or if it is in association with another pathogen such as a virus, bacteria, or fungus.

At this time there are no specific recommendations for managing trees that are infected with BLD, however, NY DEC encourages the public to report potential BLD infections using iMapInvasives to help track the disease while research is ongoing.

It’s an alien ship!  It’s Nessie!  No wait, it’s a Picnic Table Boat!

One never knows what’s out there drifting in our Berkshire lakes. Look what drifted by our place on Ashmere Lake in Hinsdale last Sunday. It’s what they call a Picnic Table Boat. I thought I’ve seen it all, but this is something else.

The boat is owned by Chad and Maureen Ezzell of Hinsdale.  They purchased the boat from Maine Float, a company out of Winthrop, ME and it arrived on July 22.

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.  (Clean energy!).  The battery has a USB port into which they plug in lights and a speaker for their sunset cruises. They can also plug in an iPad, cooler, etc. In addition to dining, they enjoy playing scrabble, taking video conference calls for work, and reading.

 

Aah, this is pure luxury.  I can hear it now, Maureen, want to dine out tonight?  Pass the potato salad please.  Imagine, you can bring out a lantern at night and get out the cards while you’re fishing for bullheads.

 

This is ideal for folks who work at home.  Bring along your iPad and conduct some business, entertain prospective clients and who knows, maybe you can write it off as a business expense.

When we saw it, the umbrella was down, because of the wind. It was the Ezzells’  first weekend on the boat and they didn’t want to chance it.

Fishing events for beginners coming to a lake near you

 

If you are new to fishing MassWildlife has a series of events which can help you learn how to fish.  Adults and families who want to learn how to fish on their own can get instruction and have fun practicing skills including setting up a rod, baiting a hook, tying knots, casting, and identifying fish.

 

When you arrive, instructors will cover the fishing basics with the balance of the time spent fishing. To get the most out of the in-person class, participants are encouraged to watch MassWildlife’s online video tutorial before the day of the class. You will receive a link to the video with your confirmation email when you register. This class is designed for adults and families; participants ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

 

The events are free, family friendly, and open to all skill levels. No fishing license is required. Bring your own fishing equipment or borrow theirs. Limited gear and bait will be provided. Unless it says it is required, event pre-registration is encouraged but optional.

 

The events being held in the Berkshires are as follows:

Tuesday, August 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Lakeway Drive near Onota Lake in Pittsfield; Thursday, August 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Pontoosuc lake parking, North Street, Pittsfield, and Saturday, August 6 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. at the Windsor Lake Park in North Adams.

 

License-to-Carry/FID Class

 

Mass State Police and NRA Certified Instructor Dan Peck will be holding a LTC/FID Class for residents and nonresidents on Sunday, August 21 at the Greylock Community Club, 548 State Road, North Adams, MA.  The cost is $100 and starting time is 9:00 am

 

Everything will be provided in the class and all safety guidelines for Covid will be in place.

Seating is limited for this class and seating will be set up under covid guidelines at the time as well.

 

Anyone interested in signing up call Dan @ 413-663-4896 prior to class for info and registration.

Good news for Red Brook’s “salter” population

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You probably never heard of Red Brook.  Well, it’s a small spring fed, 4.5-mile brook that serves as the boundary between Plymouth and Wareham in southeastern Massachusetts.  It empties into Buttermilk Bay near the Cape Cod Canal. Its claim to fame is that it is among just a few streams south of Maine to hold a viable population of so-called “salters.”   (brook trout that move back and forth between fresh and saltwater).

A little history:  Having been lured to Red Brook by its sea-run brook trout fishery, Theodore Lyman III began buying land along its banks in 1870. His first purchase was a small house, salt marsh and shoreline on Buttermilk Bay.  Over the years, adjacent pieces of property were acquired and the total amount of land became substantial and difficult for the family to properly manage.

The Lyman family eventually deeded over their Red Brook property to the MA Council of Trout Unlimited, with the understanding that TU would restore the brook’s sea-run brook trout fishery. At the time, there were approximately 5,000 members in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with a dozen or so chapters.  They are volunteers dedicated to the enhancement and preservation of cold waters and their fisheries, not to acquire land. Now it was tasked with the responsibility of preserving some 650 acres through which the stream flows. It was a daunting task trying to raise funds in order to manage it.

In 2001 TU National signed an agreement with The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) that created the 638-acre Red Brook Reserve. The 210-acre Lyman Reserve, owned by the TTOR, is jointly managed by the three parties. The 428-acre Red Brook Wildlife Management Unit section of the reserve was expanded in 2009 to protect the entire stream by the purchase of 245 acres at its headwaters.

Between 2006 and 2009, four dams were removed from Red Brook in the Lyman Reserve by the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, TU and TTOR, along with extensive habitat restoration. TU and its partners have invested millions of dollars and tens of thousands of hours to help protect those salter brook trout and because of that Red Brook’s brook trout population is healthy once again. Herring, eels and brook trout now swim an unobstructed Red Brook for the first time in 150 years. A restoration of Red Brook in cranberry bogs at the headwaters began.

All that effort was put at risk recently by a proposed change to zoning on a large parcel in the stream’s headwaters, which then allowed only single-family homes on lots of three acres. The change was to create a “hospitality, recreation and entertainment” overlay district on 756 acres of pine barren land. If approved, it could have led to development of hotels, multi-family homes and possibly even a horse track and casino.

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The proposal elicited fierce opposition from TU members and supporters, among many others.

A town vote was scheduled for April 10, 2022 in Wareham and as the vote approached, volunteers from TU chapters and the MA Council rapidly initiated a campaign to advocate for the defeat of the proposal. Donors helped raise over $15,000, which helped with advertising to urge citizens of the town to vote against the proposal.  (Our local Taconic Chapter of TU kicked in $500).

Jeff Yates, TU National’s Director of Volunteer Operations did a terrific job of designing placards and yard signs and creating catchy slogans, such as, “Save the Salters!”

Other organizations opposed to the proposed zoning change included the Wareham Land Trust, the Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Alliance, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, TTOR, the Community Land and Water Coalition, the Sea Run Brook Trout Coalition, Wildlands Trust and the Northeast Wilderness Trust. The Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe has also opposed the measure.

“Big box developments such as the one proposed in the headwaters are as common as bird poop on a summer windshield,” TU President and CEO Chris Wood wrote in a column prior to the vote. “The people of Wareham can send a powerful message to communities across New England by voting ‘no’ on April 10 and demonstrating that we are not a desperate nation willing to fill in every open space with concrete, glass and metal.”

And that’s what the voters did with an overwhelming “no” vote.  “The rout was welcome to all who so quickly mobilized to ensure the protection of one of Massachusetts’ natural treasures and will, we can hope, show the power of a community coming together to fight for something it loves”, wrote the Wareham Week newspaper.

Because of its efforts, Peter Shilling, former Massachusetts Council Chairman and current delegate nominated it as the Council of the Year as a part of TU’s Annual Awards, and it was selected.

“Congratulations” wrote Beverly Smith, VP for Volunteer Operations. “The work you all have put in has shown clear results in the rivers and communities you support. The opening of Peter’s nomination says it all:

“Successful organizations like the Massachusetts Council have a fabric, a tapestry woven and held together over time by the relationships of people bound by common beliefs and goals. The quality of those connections, what people pass along person to person over time, is what leads to success in accomplishing significant goals, conservation or otherwise. The nomination of this award for the Massachusetts Council comes out of its work last year saving Red Brook, a fully restored sea run brook trout stream, from devastating development in its headwaters. But the story really is longer, broader and deeper than just one year’s actions, however significant.”

“We can’t say it better than that” wrote Smith.

The Massachusetts Councill will be honored in front of TU volunteer peers from across the nation at TU’s Annual Award celebration on Friday, July 22 in Portland, Maine. Most likely current MA Council President Henry Sweren, from Lanesborough, will be there to accept the award on behalf of the Council.

“It’ll be a real treat to honor and celebrate you!” wrote Smith. “On behalf of all of us at TU, a big thank you and congratulations!”

I should mention that although the Massachusetts Council and its statewide chapters steadfastly supported the Red Brook project over the past 30 years, the brunt of the workload (manual labor, fundraising, etc.) was carried out by members of the Cape Cod and Southeast Chapters of TU with serious funding by the Greater Boston Chapter.  There have been many wonderful volunteers fighting to preserve that little brook over those years, especially Cape Cod TU member and Council delegate Warren Winders.  He deserves an extra pat on the back for his unwavering and steadfast efforts.

But wait, there’s more.  Don’t be surprised if the Massachusetts Council, and particularly the Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of TU, receive another award in the future for work they are doing on the Deerfield River.  DRWTU members Kevin Parsons, Chris Jackson and others are receiving national attention for their brown trout studies and their efforts in working with various state and federal agencies and Brookfield Power Co. in trying to level off the year-round water flows which to date have been so harmful to the reproduction of the wild brown trout population.

The current FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) license allows for minimum flows of 125 cfs (cubic feet per second) year-round. For the new license, DRWTU, MA DEP and MA DFW have been pushing to increase the minimum flow to 225 cfs from November to April to protect wild brown trout redds and eggs from being de-watered and exposed to the air, killing them off.

Two past brown trout spawning studies showed that nearly 40 percent of identified trout redds were de-watered at flows of 125 cfs. Further studies showed that at 225 cfs, the redds, flowing water would cover the eggs and keep them protected.  Parsons and Jackson have been doggedly pursuing this goal for many years and there may be a breakthrough this year.

Incidentally, Trout Unlimited has approximately 300,000 members nationwide with about 390 chapters.  The chapter in the Berkshires is the Taconic Chapter.  Most states have a TU Council with delegates from all chapters.

On a personal note, I have been a card-carrying member of the Taconic Chapter for nearly 40 years now and as I wrote in last week’s column, “Stuff like this (above) is what makes me proud to be a member of such great organizations”.

Operation Dry Water will be taking place over the July 4th holiday

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Operation Dry Water will be taking place over the July 4th holiday

 

At the last Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s meeting, Lt. Tara Carlow, of the Massachusetts Environmental Police reported that local officers will be closely monitoring our lakes and ponds over the July 4th weekend for boaters operating under the influence.

In fact, law enforcement officers across the country will be on heightened alert for those in violation of boating under the influence laws as part of the annual Operation Dry Water (ODW) weekend, July 2 – 4.   ODW is a year-round boating-under-the-influence awareness and enforcement campaign focused on reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities. The U.S. Coast Guard, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, recreational boating safety advocates and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) are gearing up to spread awareness and prevent tragedies related to boating under the influence (BUI).

Alcohol use continues to be the leading contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. Since the commencement of the ODW campaign in 2009, law enforcement officers across the nation have removed over 4,700 impaired operators from our nation’s waterways, preventing dangerous and potentially catastrophic consequences. Law enforcement agencies from every U.S. state and territory are expected to participate in the ODW campaign, focusing their efforts on detecting impaired boaters and educating the public about the dangers of BUI. In 2020, 620 agencies from every state and territory took part in the ODW weekend.

“Our mission is to ensure that everyone on the water has a safe and enjoyable experience,” says Tim Dunleavy, NASBLA Chair. “This means that all operators and passengers should choose to boat sober all season long. Boating under the influence is a 100% preventable crime. ODW, participating law enforcement agencies and our boating safety partners encourage boaters to stay safe by staying sober while boating.”

Not only is alcohol use dangerous for operators, but also presents hazards to passengers as well. Intoxication can cause slips, falls over board and other dangerous incidents. Where cause of death was known, nearly 80% of fatal boating incident victims drowned.  Passengers under the influence are at-risk of serious injury and death, whether the boat operator is sober or impaired, and whether the boat is underway or not.

For more information about Operation Dry Water visit http://www.operationdrywater.org.

Incidentally, a local radio station interviewed Lt. Carlow last year and discussed such matters as ATV’s regulations, jet ski regulations, boating safety, what is allowed on boat ramps, no swimming in boat ramp areas, operating under the influence in boats and kayaks and the effects on their automobile drivers’ licenses. She also discussed bear complaints, leaving fawns alone and deer ticks.

The interview will be re-aired on WTBR 89.7 FM and PCTV on July 8th.   Check your radio station listings for you won’t want to miss it.   There is also a link to last year’s radio show at:

https://episodes.castos.com/5e471e591dc128-48970570/OnPatrolPodcast061121.mp3.

 

I listened to it, and am confident that you will enjoy and learn a lot from it.

 

Another link that explains the National initiative for Operation Dry Water is as follows:

 

https://www.nasbla.org/operationdrywater/home  https://episodes.castos.com/5e471e591dc128-48970570/OnPatrolPodcast061121.mp3

 

Dead birds are being found throughout the state’s coastlines, Avian Flu suspected

“Over the past week, Massachusetts has seen a substantial uptick in reports of dead and dying seabirds, including eiders, cormorants, and gulls,” said MassWildlife State Ornithologist Andrew Vitz. “We are asking for the public’s help in reporting observations of sick shorebirds along the coastline. Prompt reporting will expedite testing and diagnosis in cooperation with our state and federal partners who have been monitoring HPAI for several years”.

MassWildlife, MA Department of Public Health and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources are advising the public to refrain from touching or removing birds from coastal areas that appear sick, injured or deceased. Impacted birds include seagulls, ducks, terns and cormorants. If anyone finds a wild sick, injured or dying seabird, they’re asked to file a report at mass.gov/reportbirds. For other species of wild birds, like songbirds, only report 5 or more birds at one location. If one finds a sick domestic bird, contact MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795.

cormorant

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with avian flu. While raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds and scavengers are most at risk for infection, any bird species is considered susceptible. Although birds may show no symptoms of infection, they also may die suddenly. Other symptoms include decreased energy, appetite and egg production, soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, swelling of the head, comb, eyelids, wattles and hocks, nasal discharge, diarrhea and an uncoordinated gait.”

“Avian Influenza rarely infects humans,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “Although the risk is low, direct contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments can sometimes spread the disease to people. The public is urged not to handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected”.

Around 10,000 salmon stocked in the Quabbin Reservoir

Recently the MA Department of Fish and Game announced that thousands of landlocked salmon were stocked in the Quabbin Reservoir last month. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, (MassWildlife), restocked the reservoir with its annual allotment of 10,000 landlocked salmon raised at their Roger Reed Fish Hatchery in Palmer. The fish were stocked throughout the reservoir on May 24 and 25.

The Roger Reed Hatchery in Palmer is the only fish hatchery in the state that raises salmon. The other four raise trout, officials said.

The eggs originally come from Maine and are raised for 1.5 years, reaching eight to ten inches before being released into the reservoir.  Once when they reach 15 inches, or about three years from now, can they be legally caught.

Land-locked salmon, which do not normally swim to the ocean, have been put into the Quabbin Reservoir for over 40 years.

According to MassWildlife, the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs are the only two water bodies that have land-locked salmon.  A primary reason is that there are smelt populations in them, which I suspect the salmon consider a delicacy.

Results of recent Hoosic River clean-up

According to John Burns, President of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited, volunteers did “pretty well” on the Hoosic River clean-up recently in spite of the fact that the predicted number of volunteers didn’t show up.  They cleaned from the Alcombright Ball Fields at New Street, North Adams, down to the bridge at Protection Avenue, about a quarter mile.

The Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) and the Hoosic River Revival (HRR) joined forces for this project.

Can you believe the amount of junk collected out of the river in that one quarter mile stretch?  How can people treat our beautiful rivers this way?

So, what’s the DFW Western District folks up to these days. 

Well, they have been pretty busy answering bear complaints.  Some people still persist in putting out their bird feeders which predictably results in visitations by the bears.  There are some people who are outright feeding them. One wonders if they are aware that at least one Berkshire County town has an ordinance against willfully feeding bears and another town is seriously considering doing the same.  (We are not talking bird feeders here, but actually feeding them.)  One wonders if they are aware that feeding a bear could actually result in an unhappy ending for that bear.

To quote MassWildlife, “Bears that are frequently fed may completely lose their fear of people. (They) may break into sheds, garages, cages, and homes in search of food. If a bear behaves in a way that is a threat to public safety, it may be euthanized.”  “Many wild animals are attracted to bird feeders including wild turkeys and coyotes. Since bird feeders attract small mammals like squirrels, they can also attract animals like fishers and bobcats who prey upon the smaller animals”.

Last year, a neighbor of ours who has several bluebird houses lost all of their newly hatched bluebirds to the bears.

Please, don’t intentionally or indirectly feed the bears.

The staff of the DFW Western District is also busy:

  • Banding eaglets (baby eagles). So far this year they have banded five of them.
  • They will also be doing some goose banding this summer.
  • They will be mowing the fields located in their Wildlife Management Areas. The mowing runs from June to October.

What do you do if you find a fawn?

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MassWildlife says, leave it alone. The animal may be motionless and seem vulnerable, but this is the normal behavior. Even if you see a fawn alone for several days, leave it alone. The mother is probably feeding or bedded nearby. Does visit their fawns to nurse very infrequently, a behavior that helps fawns avoid detection by predators. It is not uncommon for fawns to be left alone for 6-8 hours at a time. Young fawns are usually quite safe when left alone because their color pattern and lack of scent help them to remain undetected.

A couple of years ago, I wrote about a doe that gave birth on an island in Lake Ashmere, probably to get away from people and predators.  While fishing one early morning, the doe swam past me and went up on the island.  A few minutes later, there they were mother and a tiny happy fawn splashing along its shoreline.

If you have taken a fawn into your care, you should immediately return it to where you found it, or to safer cover nearby (within 200 yards). Then, quickly leave the area to ensure the fawn doesn’t follow you and so the mother feels safe enough to return. The mother will soon return to nurse the fawn, even after it has been handled by humans. Don’t try and feed fawns as they have sensitive stomachs.

If a fawn is visibly injured, call MassWildlife at 508-389-6300. Fawns cannot be cared for by wildlife rehabilitators.

e facts from MassWildlife

  • A fawn that is still and unresponsive. Fawns view humans as predators and will drop their head and freeze to avoid detection.
  • A fawn that is crying. Fawns can bleat (vocalize) in a way that sounds like crying if they are disturbed or are trying to locate their mother.
  • A fawn that is in your yard. Fawns are commonly found bedded in brushy areas with vegetative cover or even in some grassy areas – even in suburban areas close to homes or near roadways. Their mother felt this was a safe place for the fawn. On occasion, a fawn that has been disturbed may wander into a dangerous area or an area where the mother may not feel comfortable going (e.g., onto a road, near people, into a garage, etc.). Only if a fawn is in real danger should you interfere by moving the fawn to nearby forested or shrubby area where there is thick cover. Then leave quickly, so the fawn does not follow, and don’t linger. The mother will not come if you are nearby.
  • A fawn alone for long periods of time. Young fawns remain bedded, alone for most of the day and night. The mother will return several times to nurse briefly. She will not approach if people are nearby.
  • A fawn that looks skinny and weak. All fawns appear skinny, but it’s not an indication that they are abandoned or starving. If disturbed, they may also look like they are weak or having trouble walking. Never feed a fawn; their stomachs are sensitive and the food or milk you give them can be very harmful.

These are all normal things for fawns, and while they may be alarming, you do more harm than good attempting to care for a fawn.

At the June meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, MEP Lt. Tara Carlow commented on this subject.  To date, the MEP took only one fawn to a rehabber and that was because the fawn’s mother was dead and the fawn would not leave her.  She noted that in the entire state, there is only one fawn rehabber.

Habitat management grant application opens mid-July

Private and municipal landowners of conserved lands can apply for grant funding to support active habitat management projects that benefit wildlife and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP) provides financial assistance for projects that:

  1. improve habitat for game species
  2. manage for State Wildlife Action Plan species, with an emphasis on State Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species, and
  3. enhance habitat in ecological communities disproportionally susceptible to climate change.

Although MassWildlife and other conservation organizations have made unprecedented investments in land acquisition in Massachusetts, acquisition alone is not enough to guarantee the persistence of biological diversity. Investment in habitat restoration and management is urgently needed on public and private lands across the state. To address this need, MassWildlife and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have substantially increased their investment in habitat management on state wildlife lands and are committed to working with partners to promote these efforts on conserved lands across the state. Over the past 7 years, the MHMGP has awarded over $2.4M in funding to 35 different organizations and individuals for 92 habitat improvement projects.

MassWildlife is offering technical assistance to landowners who want to apply to the MHMGP from now until July 15. If you are interested in speaking to a MassWildlife Habitat Biologist about habitat management on your property or your eligibility for the MHMGP, contact James Burnham, Program Coordinator.

If your project site is within priority habitat, a pre-review of the project is highly encouraged. Email Emily Holt, Senior Endangered Species Review Biologist with a site map and description of the project to begin the pre-review process.  Requests for pre-reviews should be made at least 3 weeks before the MHMGP application deadline.

Grant applications will be accepted starting July 15, 2022 and are due by August 31, 2022. Technical assistance on potential grant application projects needs to be completed by the opening of the application period. Visit the MHMGP webpage at any time to learn more about the application process and to see examples of funded projects. For general questions about the grant program, contact James Burnham, Program Coordinator.

Report wild turkey sightings

MassWildlife encourages all wildlife enthusiasts to contribute to our state’s annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey.

Record and report observations of hens (female turkeys), poults (newly-hatched turkeys), jakes (juvenile males) and toms (adult males). Be especially careful when counting broods, because small poults can be tough to see in tall grass or brush.

Every year from June 1 to August 31, your wild turkey reports help state biologists determine productivity, compare long-term reproductive success, and estimate fall harvest potential. Reports come from all regions of the state, from our most rural communities to our most densely-populated areas. Citizen support for the brood survey is a cost-effective way to gather valuable data. It’s also an additional fun way for people to connect with nature. Please note that turkey nesting success can vary annually in response to weather conditions, predation and predator populations, and habitat characteristics.

The easiest method for reporting your wild turkey observations is online. If you prefer to report on paper, you can download and print a Turkey Brood Survey form, complete it over the summer, and mail it to, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, Attn: Brood Survey,1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

Another nice field trial held at the Berkshire Beagle Club

 

According to Berkshire Beagle Club (BBC) Board Member, Jeffrey St John and Club Secretary Pat Barry, they had a good turnout at its Derby Trial last Saturday.  A Derby Trial is for dogs 6 months old, up to the day they turn 2 years old.  The club ran the trial by AKC SPO (Small Pack Option) rules.   There were 25 entries which far exceeded their expectations. The beagles were classified as either 13-inch or 15-inch males and females combined.

The winner of the 13-inch class was Butlers Bilbo owned by BBC member Kate Butler of East Chatham, NY.  The winner of the 15-inch class was OT’s Finnegan Fluffy Cakes owned by Emmelia Elizabeth May and handled by Scott Harrington, both of Cambridge, NY.  BBC President Al Costa’s dog, Timberswamp Miss Lulu, took the Next Best Qualifier (NBQ) honors in the 15-inch class.

 

According to St John, Club members Sal Dabbraceio, Filipe Ribeiro and John Morris put on a delicious feast, with rabbit, pork and turkey in various entrees along with potato salad and beverage.

Darn!  I was unable to attend the trials.  I especially wanted to try Filipe’s rabbit meal of which I heard many positive comments.

Big fish caught on little fishing pole

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Last week, 13-year old Logan Middlebrook of Pittsfield had a fishing day that he and others probably will never forget.  Accompanied by his dad, Bill Middlebrook, he was fishing on Pontoosuc Lake with Smelly Jelly, (a commercial stink bait).  He was fishing for bullhead with the hopes of catching one large enough to be awarded a bonze pin from MassWildlife.  All of a sudden, he hooked into a really big fish – a carp.

According to Bill, when Logan hooked the fish, it immediately raced for deep waters making a prolonged “zzzz” sound from the reel and it didn’t stop until it reached the end of his line which fortunately was well attached to the reel.  It almost pulled the rod out of Logan’s hands.

Some 15 or so people were present there watching the event.  One guy shouted “You are out of line!”, while another told Bill that “He ain’t never going to get that fish in, that’s a big fish!” It swam almost out to the island near Narraganset Avenue.

Get this, Logan was using a kid’s fishing outfit with a 4-foot telescope rod and a push button reel (Probably a Zebco reel).   Earlier, Bill offered to buy him a real “big boy” fishing pole, but Logan refused, preferring to fish with this cheap little rod.  He felt that little rod brought him good luck.

It took 28 minutes with no reel drag and no extra line to get the fish somewhat back near the shore and once he got it there, he had to walk across 2 house lots, a couple of bridges and over people’s docks fighting the fish all the way.   Although he got it close to shore, it was a distance from where he hooked it. He reeled more, fought it more, and wound up at another property.  And then it fought some more.

At one point Logan had to stop because his hand was cramped up.  “It won’t work, won’t even move”, he said.  Nevertheless, he refused to let anyone touch the rod.   According to Bill, every person there said that with no drag and no line, it was crazy that he got it to come back from half way out in the middle of the lake.  Bill said everyone was “breathtaken”.  “Look at his pole”, one observer commented, “its bent completely in half.  How is the pole holding together?  I don’t know how he’s doing it”.

Meanwhile, some guys were saying that, just because he got it back to shore, that doesn’t mean he is going to land it.  “It can snap that line at any time”, they said.  But Logan “just kept wearing it out and wearing it out”.  One person told Bill that one needs strong one-piece poles, 10 to 12 feet long, with 15 to 20-pound test line to catch these things.  Another observer stated that he has snapped $80 – $100 poles trying to land a 10 or 12- pound carp.  How can a little kid’s telescopic fishing pole that’s only 3 ½ feet long hold up?

The battle continued onto another guy’s yard whom they didn’t even know.  When that guy saw the battle and Bill with a net waiting to net it for Logan, he said, “That’s a trout net.  Here I’ll give you mine, I got an ocean net”.  And when this fish finally came in, Bill said, “Holy Mackerel.”  He couldn’t believe the size of it.  It appeared to be as big as Logan.

The following day, they brought it over to the Onota Boat Livery for certified weigh-in. It weighed in at 13.3 lbs. and was over 30 inches long. The day before, Bill’s scale  weighed it as being 15 lbs, but due to evaporation, it lost at least a pound overnight, which is not uncommon. Onota Boat Livery Co-owner Caryn Wendling (along with her husband Rick) said that no adults have weighed in any carp like that this year.

While at the Boat Livery, they checked the MassWildlife Freshwater Angling Awards page.  In the Youth Catch & Keep category, any carp caught over 10 lbs. will result in a bronze pin being awarded.  Incidentally, so far this year no carp that size has been reported statewide.  If no one gets a larger one by year-end, Logan will receive a gold pin and a trophy.

Logan just started fishing last fall and he enjoyed it.  Earlier this spring at Laurel Lake he caught a 3 lbs. rainbow trout and that really got him hooked.  This came as a pleasant surprise to Bill because he used to like to fish in his younger years but hasn’t fished in the last 30 or so years.  Now that Logan has latched onto the sport, it gives them something to do together.  Bill now has a fishing partner and they go out a couple of times a week. “Now, I get to do something that I used to enjoy again.” said Bill.

Within a week after catching that large carp, Logan caught a 5 lbs., bronze pin shad from the Connecticut River in Holyoke and 1 ½ lbs. bronze pin rock bass from Onota Lake.  He wants to catch as many fish as he can in each category and get a pin for each one.  He has a bucket hat now and he is going to put all his pins on it.

One other tidbit of information as relayed to me by Bill.  Logan’s mother (Ashleigh) got him a shirt that says “Here fishy, fishy, fishy”. When she gave it to him, he said he wasn’t going to wear it.  (After all, he is 13 now).  Ashleigh told him to just wear it, he needed to wear a tee shirt.  Logan relented and wore it on the day he caught the big carp.    Now, he won’t wear any other shirt fishing, and he considers it his lucky shirt.

I wonder if he will let Ashleigh wash that shirt, lest she might wash the good luck out of it.  Be careful treading there, mom.

Berkshire Natural Fish Hatchery Youth Fishing Derby

The Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in conjunction with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will be sponsoring a free fishing derby on June 11 at the lower pond of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough from 9:00 am to 10:30 am for children 13 and under.  They must be accompanied by an adult.

Mill Street Riverway pedestrian walkway plan review

James McGrath, Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Manager, City of Pittsfield has the following message for us:

“While the world was hunkering down during a global pandemic in the spring of 2020, the City of Pittsfield was knee deep in the complex project to remove the Mill Street dam.   Despite all of the challenges that working in an active river (and COVID) posed, the dam was successfully removed – along with over 8,000 tons of contaminated sediments – and the river banks were restored.

Fast forward two plus years, and we’re still focused on that site.  Though, this time around we’re planning for something a bit less tricky and a lot more user-friendly:  a walkway along the restored river system.

Working with engineers and landscape architects from SLR and the MA Div. of Ecological Restoration, the City has been working to develop design concepts for a new stretch of pedestrian walkway along this stretch of the West Branch of the Housatonic River.  The idea behind the walkway is to afford visitors an opportunity to experience the river in a new way while learning about the dam removal and how this river contributed to the growth and development of Pittsfield.

We welcome you to join our webinar next Tuesday evening, June 7 at 7:00 pm to learn about the project!  Register in advance for this webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_biIk5-RmRcCfGrNwim-RMw

Hoosic River Clean-up

Next Saturday, June 11 from 9:00 am to noon, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) and the Hoosic River Revival (HRR) are joining forces to conduct a Hoosic River clean-up.  Volunteers will meet at the Alcombright Ball Fields.

The clean-up will take place from the ball fields to Protection Avenue.  Bags, gloves and tools will be on hand, but if you can bring your own, it’s always helpful.  And, oh yes, bring your waders.

Sign-up not required.

Its fishing derby time

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The annual Stockbridge Bowl Fishing Derby yesterday took place last Saturday.  According to coordinator Tim Minkler, it was rain free and nice and warm (85 to 90 degrees). There was a total of 73 participants including 17 youths.  The results are as follows:

Results:  $100 winners:

Largest Trout:  Lukas Trumps of Lee, Weight: 1 lb, 9 oz / 16.5”  long

Largest Bass:  Adam Henderson, Westfield, Weight:  4 lbs even / 20” long

Largest Pickerel:  Tynia Harrington, Lee, Weight: 3 lbs, 9oz / 25” long

Largest Bullhead:  Seth Slemp, Lee, Weight: 1 lb, 8 oz / 13.5” long

 

Age 12 and under Winners:

Largest Trout:  Sandie Prew, 6 years old, Lee,  Weight:  1 lb, 7 oz, 16” long

Largest Bass:  Trentonn Santotin, 6 years old, Lee, Weight:  1 lb, 1 oz, 12” long

Largest Pickerel:  Connor Casey, Housatonic, 11 years old, Weight: 1 lb, 15 oz., 21”

Largest Bullhead:  Mya Methe, Washington, 8 years old, Weight:  11.3 oz, 11” long.

 

The Wild Acres Youth Fishing Derby also had a great turnout

 

Last Saturday the Wild Acres Youth Fishing Derby took place.  And, for a change, the weather was great with some 90 youths registered.  This was the 8th year that the City of Pittsfield Conservation Commission and Lyon Aviation sponsored the event. 

 

Representing the City of Pittsfield were Becky Manship, Recreation and Special Events Coordinator and Rob Van Der Kar, Pittsfield Conservation Agent. Assisting the anglers were Onota Fishing Club President Fred Ostrander and his team of OFC volunteers. Dave’s Sporting Goods Store and Onota Boat Livery provided the worms and some equipment, Lyon Aviation donated funds for the event and The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery provided the brook trout.   Al Lussier, co-owner with his wife Tracey of Ozzies Steak and Eggs Restaurant in Hinsdale, catered the event out of their food van.

Even though some 300 Brook trout were stocked into the pond, they were hard to catch, in fact, only 1 of them was caught.  Four -year-old Johanna Sheran caught a respectable 11”, .5 lb brookie.  Fortunately, bass, yellow perch and bull head filled the gap.  Of the 25 fish caught, 17 of them were bass.  During slow periods, some kids entertained themselves catching bullfrogs

 

The youngest angler who took home a trophy was 2-year-old Carina Roy who also caught a respectable fish, a 11 ¼ ‘.6 lb yellow perch.

 

Our hats are off to Lyon Aviation, the City of Pittsfield, the Onota Fishing Club and everyone involved for providing the kids with such a wonderful day.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year due to testing positive for Covid and being quarantined.  I missed seeing the excitement and the sheer glee on the faces of the youngsters as they were catching their fish.  Many thanks go to Joshua Christman for taking photos and providing information as did Dan Miraglia.  Also, a huge thank you goes to Becky Manship for her hard work in providing me the names of all the derby winners and other pertinent information.

Annual Harry A Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby coming up

 The 30th Annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby, will take place next Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake in Pittsfield, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. No fishing license is required because it is Free Fishing Weekend for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In my opinion, this fishing derby is perhaps the most important and largest of our local derbies.  Open to the public, its purpose is to raise money for the Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Harry A. Bateman a former member of Central Berkshire Bowman & I.U.E. Local 255 who was well known throughout Berkshire County and who became a victim of cancer in 1992.

15 trophies and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the fishing derby – 8 trophies for children, 4 trophies for adults and 3 trophies that can be won by adults or children. There is even a special category for those fishing with a bow & arrow. All fish must be weighed in at 12:00 p.m. and can be caught at Onota Lake from a boat or the shore.  Don’t be late as the scales will be removed immediately after 12:00pm.

The fee is $10 for adults, $5 for children 14 years old and younger. Advanced tickets may be purchased at Avid Sports, Dave’s Sporting Goods, & Onota Boat Livery. Everyone needs to register at the Frank Controy Pavilion before all fish can be weighed in.  You must be wearing your wrist band provided at the registration desk in order to receive food and to weigh in your fish.

Even if you can’t make the derby, donations to the cause will be graciously accepted.

Trout stocking

 

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week, subject to change: Deerfield River in Buckland, Florida and Charlemont; East Branch of the Westfield River in Cummington, Chesterfield and Huntington; Housatonic River (C/R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl and Windsor Pond.

The DFW Western District spring stocking is now complete.

Once again, a hearty thank you goes out to Western District Clerk Deb Lipa who took on the added workload of providing the stocking information to us this spring.  If you happen to visit the District Office in Dalton, you might want to thank her personally.

As previously mentioned, it is free fishing weekend next weekend with no freshwater license needed.  You have a whole week to clear your calendar and take the family fishing.

Congratulations to BEAT

Berkshire Environmental Action Team Executive Director Jane Winn recently 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.  Also, they will be restoring the riverbank by removing invasive species and replanting with native, wildlife-supporting plants. Funding from the Cultural Facilities Fund will allow them to make renovations to their building, which among other things includes a balcony to observe wildlife and the river.

Next Sunday, on Sunday, June 5, they are doing a river cleanup by canoe with the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA). They’ll meet at Decker Boat Ramp in Lenox at 1:00 PM and paddle down the river collecting trash caught behind trees and other natural areas. They will end around 4:00 PM.

If you’re interested in joining and can bring your own boat or kayak, register with Noah at noah@thebeatnews.org.

 

Help monitor for bacteria in the Housatonic Watershed

HVA could use some help collecting water samples in the Housatonic watershed once every two weeks, mid-June through mid-September from about 8:00 to 9:00 am.

If interested, the HVA will be holding two training sessions for volunteers to learn how to do the monitoring.  The monitoring sites will primarily be in Monterey, Egremont, Alford and Dalton.

For more information, email Shannon at spoulin.hva@gmail.com or call 413-298-7024 (be sure to leave a message).

Memorial Day Weekend

 

It’s that time again when we honor those who have fought, suffered and/or and died in defense of our nation.  I repeat my hope of last year, that as a nation we can set aside our differences and come together this weekend to remember them and their sacrifices.  They deserve nothing less.

Also, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the health care workers who risked so much to see that as many people as possible received proper medical attention during the Covid pandemic.  While they did not risk life and limb in armed combat, they sure experienced horrific stress.  I suspect that many currently are experiencing PTSD.

Lastly, let’s not forget the one million plus US residents who succumbed to the deadly disease.  Our thoughts and prayers are with their surviving family members.

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.   Phone: (413) 637-1818

 

 

 

Specialty license plate provides new funding to restore trout streams

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The leaping brook trout license plate has been available to motorists since 1998, and has provided funding for grassroots conservation efforts through the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) for many years. Thanks to a new agreement, the plate now also provides funding for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) to target high-priority restoration efforts in trout streams.

Eastern brook trout, the only type of wild trout native to Massachusetts, are listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan and require cold, clean water to thrive. Brook trout are an important recreational resource for anglers, and their presence is considered an indicator of high-quality coldwater habitat. Unfortunately, wild trout in Massachusetts are at risk from warming water temperatures, changes in stream flow, and disruptive human activities on the landscape, like dams and culverts that block their movements.

“The conservation projects funded through the brook trout license plate will complement and advance MassWildlife’s existing efforts to manage and restore coldwater habitats in Massachusetts,” said Todd Richards, MassWildlife’s Assistant Director of Fisheries. “As climate change and habitat degradation increasingly threaten habitats for wild trout and other coldwater species, it’s more important than ever to bring together partners to conserve these resources.”

Half of the proceeds will go directly to MassWildlife for the conservation and management of coldwater fishery resources, while the remaining funds are distributed through a grants program to other conservation partners that are engaged in management activities that benefit brook trout and their habitats. Funds will be directed to high-priority projects, like those developed to restore habitats and improve fish passage, improve knowledge of coldwater fisheries ecology, and address emerging issues such as climate change.

“The Massachusetts Environmental Trust is pleased to continue and refine its partnership with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife on the Brook Trout license plate,” said R.J. Lyman, Chair of the Massachusetts Environmental Trust. “The Trust has always focused its funding on public and non-profit initiatives to protect threatened species and critical habitats, in marine, estuarine, and fresh water resource areas. More plates mean more protection!”

The plate is available through the Registry of Motor Vehicles to all motorists who are registering a vehicle in the Commonwealth. For motorists who already have a vehicle registered and want this plate, they can visit Mass.gov/myRMV to order one. Like all specialty plates, the cost to the motorist is $40 every two years, in addition to the cost of a standard passenger plate every two years. MET also offers other specialty environmental plates including the striped bass plate, the right whale plate, and the Blackstone Valley plate.

Trout Stockings

 

The following waters were stocked with trout the week of May 9- 13:  Trout Brook in Worthington and Peru, Wahconah Falls Brook in Dalton, Windsor Brook in Windsor and Hinsdale, Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Clam and Buck Rivers in Sandisfield, Town Brook in Lanesborough, Hoosic River in Cheshire and Adams, Yokun Brook in Lenox, West Brook in in Lee and Great Barrington, Sackett Brook in Dalton and Pittsfield, Larrywaug Brook in Stockbridge, Greenwater Brook, Goose Pond Brook and Beartown Brook in Lee; Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Little River in Worthington and Huntington, Westfield River in Huntington, Littleville Lake in Huntington and Chester, Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, Windsor Pond in Windsor and Onota Lake in Pittsfield

 

Waters scheduled to be stocked during the week of May 16 – 20:  Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, West Branch of the  Westfield River in Becket, Middlefield, Chester and Huntington; East Branch of the Westfield River in Windsor, Cummington and Chesterfield, North Branch of the Hoosic River in Clarksburg and North Adams, Chickley River in Charlemont and Hawley, Cold River in Florida and Charlemont, East Branch of the Housatonic River in Hinsdale and Dalton, Southwest Branch of the Housatonic River in Pittsfield, Green River (North) in New Ashfield and Williamstown, Plunkett Reservoir in Hinsdale, Norwich Pond in Huntington, Goose Pond in Lee and Tyringham, Laurel Lake, Otis Reservoir and Richmond Pond.

 

Good showing at the Beagle Club Field Trials

 

On April 23 and 24 the Berkshire Beagle Club held an American Kennel Club (AKC) sanctioned field trial on its land in Richmond, MA.  Contestants from PA, NY, MA, VT, NH, CT and RI participated in the two-day event. According to Club Secretary Patrick Barry, it was one of their biggest field trials.  They had 43 entries on Saturday and 75 entries on Sunday, for a total of 118 hounds

Ralph Harington

 

Males ran on Saturday and females on Sunday.  Classes were further identified as 13-inch and 15-inch beagles. Awards were given for first through fourth places as well as NBQ (next best qualifier).

 

Ralph Harrington of Cambridge, New York, who is a Berkshire Beagle Club member, took home a blue ribbon.  Or, I should say his 13-inch 2 ½ year old male named Ralph’s Copper City Eaton Stew (pictured) did. Quite an accomplishment when you consider the stiff competition that was there that day.  According to Ralph, his handsome beagle has also placed in other field trials recently.

 

Pictured with Ralph and to his left is Scott Bisbee and Bob Kane, Jr.to his right.  Both are field trial judges

 

Ralph also commented that it was a nice event with good food and good judges.

 

He’s at it again

Joshua Christman of Pittsfield, who has 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 is off to another good start this year.  Check out the huge rainbow trout which he caught recently out of Berkshire County waters.  It measured 24 inches long and weighed 4 lbs.

Josh Christman with large rainbow trout

It looks bigger, ey?

Dept of Fish & Game/ Army Corps of Engineers Agreement

Last month, at the Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet, which was held at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, Ron Amidon, Commissioner of MA Department of Fish & Game Department (DFG), was called upon to say a few words.  He didn’t plan on speaking, but I think you would be interested in what he did say in his short speech.

About 4 years ago DFG started negotiations with the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE).  DFG owns land that abuts the ACOE in a lot of locations, but one of the locations that has the most land (8,000 acres) is called Birch Hill Dam of Central MA that ACOE owns.  The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have a lot of abutting land.  If one puts those 3 landowners together, there’s almost 14,000 acres of open, conserved land.

Most people agree that the DFW and DCR are doing a good job of managing their lands but the ACOE will be the first to admit that they do not. They acknowledge that land management is not what they do, but rather flood protection.  According to Amidon, the ACOE in effect asked the DFE to manage their lands. After 2 ½ years of negotiations, an agreement was signed.  DFW will get to manage the ACOE land and, they get to keep the money for up to 5 years as long as they put that money back into the management of those lands.  That includes prescribed burns, invasive species control and improvement of the roads.

Amidon believes that is the first license agreement with the ACOE in the entire northeast and perhaps in the country in terms of pilot programs.  So, all of the other areas where they (DFG/DCR) own land that abuts land owned by the ACOE, such as the Knightsville Dam area are being looked into with the hopes of coming to similar management agreements.

Amidon discussed other interesting projects which we hope to get into in future columns.

Hungry bears are emerging

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MassWildlife officials are once again reminding the public that March is the month when hungry bears emerge from their winter dens and seek out food. If you live in Western Massachusetts, it’s time to take down your bird feeders. Natural foods such as acorns and other nuts are usually available on the ground, but last year’s fall hard mast crop was meager.

Bears will often ignore seasonally available natural foods including skunk cabbage in favor of an easy meal at a backyard bird feeder. Other species including wild turkeys and coyotes may also frequent bird feeders leading to a variety of nuisance issues.

MassWildlife advises property owners to avoid these problems by being proactive and remove bird feeders and other potential food sources including garbage or open compost. If you enjoy watching birds in your yard, MassWildlife suggests adding a water feature, growing native plants, shrubs, and trees to attract birds. Individuals should also secure bee hives, chickens, and livestock. Properly maintained electric fencing is the only way to protect chickens or bee hives from bears. Taking these actions may prevent the unnatural feeding of bears and other kinds of neighborhood wildlife.

There are at least 4,500 black bears in Massachusetts with approximately 2,000 of them living here in the Berkshires, and their range is expanding eastward. We must take action by educating ourselves and our neighbors about proactive measures to avoid conflicts with bears.

 

I should practice what I preach!  My wife Jan and I enjoy feeding and watching the many birds visiting our feeders, and have been hesitant in taking them down because of the crazy spring weather this year.  One day its springlike and the next day we are blasted with snowstorms and cold wintry weather.  To lessen the possibility of bears raiding and in many cases destroying our suet feeders and holders, we have been bringing them into the house every night and putting them back out early each morning.  Being retired and home a lot, we figured the bears wouldn’t dare bother our feeders in the daytime.

 

Well, one day last week, when Jan and I got home from a walk, we discovered our two suet bird feeders gone and a wrought iron holder was severely bent.  That bear knew we were gone and grabbed the feeders and ran off.  Normally, when our feeders are attacked, the bears just take them a short distance and clean them out, leaving the metal container for us to refill. This bear must have run off with both feeders in its mouth because we could not find them anywhere.  Now that must have been a sight.

 

While looking for the containers, we discovered older bear tracks in the snow which went past 4 of our ground-floor windows.  The foxy critter was casing the joint, waiting for the opportune time to rob us.

 

There was a nasty winter storm the next day and the poor birds looked hungry, so we decided to set out new feeders again, this time frequently checking on them. Sure enough, the bear came back and took one of the two suet feeders without us seeing it.  I figured it would come back after the other feeder so I put my bass boat air horn next to the door.  The loud, sharp, elephant-like sound should scare it away.

 

Sure enough, back again she came for the other feeder, in broad daylight, with two 1 1/2 year old cubs. When the sow was getting ready to climb the steps onto our deck close to our kitchen door,   I quickly opened the door, shouted and pressed the air horn.  The sound that came out was a hissy, soft squawk, no louder than a peep.  Face-to-fact, about 6 feet apart, the both of us were surprised.

3 bears at my house

 

The two young bears quickly ran off, but the sow just froze and looked up at me as if to say “That’s all you got?” It finally slowly meandered off only after Jan and I were shouting and waving our arms.

 

The following day, a fourth, larger bear (probably 2 ½ years old) showed up at our doorstep. As soon as we opened our door, it took off like a flash.  There was no need to make noise.

 

That’s it with bird feeders for us this year. We feel sorry for the birds, but actually we are kind of sad for the bears, too.  They are really hungry this time of year and are only trying to survive.

 

What is it with me and bears?  I have had at least 7 close encounters with them over the years.  If you have read this column for any length of time, you read about an encounter with a grizzly in Alberta and a black bear incident in upper Quebec.  Both times, fishing partner, Attorney Mike Shepard of Dalton was with me and kiddingly, I blamed him for attracting them with his curly white hair.

 

No, it must be me who is attracting them.  Maybe I smell like skunk cabbage or my deodorant is too musky.  I ‘ll buy new deodorant today, and oh yes, buy a new air horn, too.

 

Improving and protecting wildlife habitat in the Commonwealth

 

MassWildlife, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Massachusetts Forest Alliance have once again partnered to provide private landowners in Massachusetts technical and financial assistance offered through the Massachusetts Collaborative for Private Forestland – Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP is a partner-driven federal program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on private forest land with a specific focus on.

This collaboration furthers the goals and statutory responsibility of MassWildlife to conserve Massachusetts’ fish and wildlife and the habitats that sustains them. The RCPP will provide up to $1.5 million in NRCS funding through August 2023 to plan and enable practices that benefit rare and declining habitats on private lands that can help vulnerable species (like New England cottontail and eastern box turtle) and expand on existing habitat projects on public lands.

Eligible landowners must possess forestland in Massachusetts that is at least 10 acres in size. Applications will be ranked in accordance with the species to benefit, extent of habitat, and location as it relates to mapped habitat features as well as Environmental Justice communities. More information about this and other RCPPs, along with more detailed eligibility requirements can be found from the NRCS RCPP website.

The Collaborative RCPP complements other state and federal habitat management funding sources currently available in Massachusetts including: (1) MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program: Provides state funds to private and municipal landowners to support habitat management that benefits both game and non-game species while promoting public access for outdoor recreation and (2) NRCS Programs: Funding provided by the Environmental Quality Incentive Program and the Wetland Reserve Easement Program supports habitat management and protection throughout MA.

These programs also include funding dedicated to the New England Cottontail Conservation Initiative and the Northeast Turtle Project for private landowners within identified focal areas.

Over the past seven years these programs have provided a combined $5M to support habitat enhancement on more than 200 sites across the Commonwealth.

 

Conducting targeted management on private and municipal lands is an important element of habitat and wildlife conservation. Over 75% percent of all forestland in Massachusetts is privately owned; another 8% is held by municipalities. These lands are important for providing homes for rare and common wildlife as well as for providing outdoor recreation opportunities including hunting, hiking, and birding.

 

BEAT Activities

 

Jane Winn, Executive Director of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) wishes to thank everyone who attended its March Pittsfield Green Drinks event, where Mass Audubon teacher naturalist Zach Adams talked about some of the great features you can find at Berkshire wildlife sanctuaries. If you missed it but would still like to see the presentation, the recording is posted on BEAT’s Youtube channel.

 

Incidentally, BEAT is starting again with its weekly invasive hardy kiwi cut and pull at Burbank Park in Pittsfield. If you’d like to volunteer to help them continue their efforts to eradicate this destructive and problematic vine, let them know. Everyone is welcome regardless of age or experience, and they always appreciate the help.

They call Bob Leverett “the old growth evangelist”

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In the January/ February 2022 issue of Smithsonian Magazine, there was a very interesting article by Jonny Diamond, editor-in-chief of LitHub.com, about old growth forests here in the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts and their advocate Bob Leverett.  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.

Bob and Monica Leverett sitting next to a Western Mass. old growth tree

But the loggers missed a few spots over the 300 years, such as areas in Ice Glen ravine in Stockbridge, Mohawk Trail State Forest in Charlemont, on Mount Greylock and other locations.

So, what exactly is an old growth forest?  Well, according to the Smithsonian article, there is no universally accepted definition.  The term came into use in the 1970’s to describe multi-species forests that have been left alone for at least 150 years.  Ice Glen, so-named for the deposits of ice that lived in its deep, rocky crevasses well into the summer months, has such biota. Two-hundred-year old hemlocks and other inhabitants of northern-hardwood forests still exist there.

According to the article, beginning in the 1980’s while Bob and his son Rob were doing their weekend hikes, he started to notice in hard-to-reach spots, hidden patches of forest that evoked the primeval woods of his childhood, the ancient hemlocks and towering white pines of the Great Smoky Mountains near where he was born and raised.  According to Bob, a lot of people, including forest ecologists, were skeptical, and he witnessed confusion among the experts about how to recognize and interpret old growth characteristics in the Berkshire forests.

Bob went public with his observations in the Spring of 1988 edition of the newsletter Woodland Steward, with an article about discovering old growth forest in the Deerfield River gorges of Massachusetts.  Harvard researcher Tad Zebryk tagged along with him one day on a hike near the NY/MA border near Sheffield, MA.  Zebryk brought along an increment borer (used for making estimates on the age of trees based upon its rings).  After boring and examining, the age of one tree there came out to be 330 years old!

Leverett began taking meticulous measurements of the height and circumference of old trees and came up with another startling revelation:  the heights of mature trees were commonly being mismeasured with the traditional tape and clinometer combination.

Using a surveyor’s transit, Bob and Jack Sobon, a specialist in timber-frame construction, would cross-triangulate the location of the top of a tree relative to its base, thereby significantly increasing accuracy. Measuring for height with the equipment of the day, no one apparently – not lumberjacks, foresters, or ecologists — typically allowed for the fact that the tops of most mature trees seldom stay vertically over their bases, invalidating the main premise of their measuring method. Bob, during the same period as ecologist Robert Van Pelt of University of Washington and big tree hunter Michael Taylor, developed a better way to accurately measure a tree’s height within inches.  Named by Leverett as the Sine Method, it employs a laser rangefinder (introduced in the 1990s) and an angle measurer.

Bob also developed superior ways to measure trunk, limb and crown volume. The results have contributed to his discoveries about heightened carbon-capture abilities. A recent study Leverett co-authored with climate scientist William Moomaw and Susan Masino, a professor of applied science at Trinity College, found that individual Eastern white pines capture more carbon between 100 and 150 years of age than they do in their first 50 years.  That study and others challenged the longstanding assumption that younger, faster growing forests sequester more carbon than mature forests. It bolsters the theory of “proforestation” as the simplest and most effective way to mitigate climate change through forests.  “If we simply left the world’s existing forests alone, by 2100 they’d have captured enough carbon to offset years’ worth of global fossil-fuel emissions, up to 120 billion metric tons”.

Trees can keep adding a lot of carbon at much older ages than thought previously, particularly for New England’s white pine, hemlock and sugar maples.  Bob Leverett literally wrote the book on how to measure a tree: American Forests Champion Trees Measuring Guidelines Handbook, co-authored with Don Bertolette, a veteran of the US Forest Service.

If the goal is to minimize global warning, cites Smithsonian, climate scientists often stress the importance of afforestation (planting new trees) and reforestation (regrowing forests). But according to climate scientist William Moomaw, there is a third approach to managing existing forests: proforestation (the preservation of older existing forests).  He provided hard data that older trees accumulate far more carbon later in their life cycles than many had realized: they can accumulate 75% of their total carbon after 50 years of age.

Leverett’s work has made him a legend among “big tree hunters.” They meticulously measure and record data – the height of a hemlock, the trunk diameter of an elm, the crown spread of a white oak – for inclusion in the open database maintained by the Native Tree Society, co-founded by Leverett.  To convince tree lovers and environmentalists, Bob started in the early 1990’s to write a series of articles for the quarterly journal Wild Earth to help spread his ideas about old growth.  He has led thousands of people on tours of old-growth forests for groups like Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, ecologists, activists, builders, backpackers, painters, poets and others.

His work, along with that of Dr. Anthony D’Amato (now of University of Vermont), has 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”.

“There’s a spiritual quality to being out here:  You walk silently through these woods, and there’s a spirit that comes out.  Other people are more eloquent in the way they describe the impact of the woodland on the human spirit.  I just feel it”.

I think many an outdoor enthusiast will agree with Bob.

Knowing that habitat managers for MassWildlife are high on early successional growth, (which provides food for birds and other wildlife), I posed this question to DFW and DCR officials.  Do you have old forest growth in your areas, and would you try to protect it?  The DFW answer was, “We don’t think there are any on our Wildlife Management Areas, but if we did find some, we definitely would not cut them down or otherwise harm them.  We have some large trees on our properties, but steer away from cutting them”.

DCR’s official response was that they manage approximately 500,000 acres of land across the Commonwealth, with a little more than a thousand acres of that land containing old growth forests.  While there are many contributing factors the agency utilizes to define an old growth forest, in general these types of forests are typically several hundred years old.

In order for a forest to reach full maturity and attain old growth status, it needs to avoid significant disturbances, such as wildland fires, invasive tree pests, diseases, high-impact storms, and human-caused activities.  Furthermore, most of the old growth forests in Massachusetts are located deep within parks, forests, and reservations, and are off trail. To help preserve these ancient forests, DCR refrains from publicizing their locations to better protect them and ensure they are less trafficked; however, most are located in the western part of the Commonwealth.  Additionally, old growth forests are protected natural lands, and DCR’s policy is to preserve them, while also allowing the forest to self-manage.

I contacted Bob to see if I could obtain a different picture of him that was not copyrighted by Smithsonian.  He said yes, but I had to go through his photographer who has the copyright.  He introduced me to David Degner online who he thought was in Germany.  When I contacted David, he was actually in Tunisia and agreed to send a picture.  He normally collects a fee for a picture but asked only if I would credit him for the picture and give his email address.

Thanks to David, Bob and all involved who helped with this article.

Actually, one could say that this was truly an international effort to bring you this picture.

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@gmail.com.   Phone: (413) 637-1818.

Joshua Christman, Angler of the Year – again

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Each year, MassWildlife recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish in waters open to the public.

Joshua Christman of Pittsfield, has been named 2021 Catch & Keep Angler of the Year by MassWildlife. This is his third win in the last five years, having won that award in 2016, 2020 and 2021.  Last year’s award was for catching the following gold pin fish in the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program:  A 29 lbs. 13 oz carp out of Laurel Lake in Lee, and a 7 lbs. 8 oz largemouth bass out of Onota Lake in Pittsfield.  I’m sure he was awarded many bronze pins also.

 

In the Youth Catch & Keep Category, Philip Prieur of South Hamilton was named Angler of the Year.  He caught the following gold pin fish: A 6 lbs. 6 oz bowfin out of the Taunton River in Taunton, a 6 lbs. 12 oz channel catfish out of the Westfield River in Agawam, a 2 lbs. crappie out of the Merrimack River in Lawrence, a 6 lbs. 4 oz white catfish out of the Charles River in Cambridge and a 3 lbs. 10 oz shad also out of the Merrimack River.

The Catch & Keep Angler of the Year Award is given to the person who weighs in the largest number of species that meet the minimum weight requirements for the previous calendar year.

I should mention that Gabriel Christman (Joshua’s son) caught the following gold pin fish in the Youth Catch & Keep Category:  A 3 lbs. brook trout, a 10 lbs. brown trout, a 7 lbs. 13 oz largemouth bass and a 4 lbs. 6 oz smallmouth bass all out of Onota Lake in Pittsfield.  He also caught a 14 oz sunfish out of Richmond Pond in Pittsfield and a 1 lbs. 11 oz white perch out of Pontoosuc Lake in Lanesborough.

Gabriel’s 10 lbs brown trout caught out of Onota Lake

In the Catch & Release Category, David Desimone of Amherst caught the following gold pin fish:  A 32 inch bowfin out of Oxbow Pond in Easthampton, a 20.75 inch brook trout out of the Swift River in Belchertown, a 28 inch brown trout out of the Deerfield River in Charlemont, a 27.25 inch rainbow trout out of the Swift River in Belchertown, a 25.50 inch tiger trout out of Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, and a 24 inch white catfish out of the Charles River in Cambridge.

The Catch & Release Angler of the Year Award is awarded to the person who submits the largest number of species that meet the minimum length requirements for the previous calendar year. Nearly 1,000 pins are awarded annually.

Other gold pin fish that were caught out of Berkshire waters last year were:

In the Adult Catch & Keep Category:  A 15 lbs. 13 oz brown trout caught out of Stockbridge Bowl by James Pollard of Hinsdale and a 23 lbs. 8 oz northern pike caught out of Onota Lake by Jeffrey Klammer of Adams,

In the Youth Catch & Keep category gold pins were awarded for the following Berkshire catches:  2 lbs. bullhead caught out of Otis Reservoir by Colten Andras of Westfield, a 5 lbs. 10 oz chain pickerel caught out of Stockbridge Bowl by Cooper Shepardson of Lenoxdale and a 16 lbs.5 oz northern pike caught out of Pontoosuc Lake by Caesen Kendall of Pittsfield.

In the Catch & Release Category, a gold pin was awarded for a 45.50 inch northern pike caught out of Onota Lake by Craig Strong of Springfield.

Angler of the Year recipients and gold pin winners are honored each year at a MassWildlife awards event where they will get a gold pin and a plaque. The date and location TBA.

I have only listed the names of the gold pin winners. There is another pin awarded and that is the bronze pin.  If you submit a fish that meets the minimum weight or minimum length requirements for an eligible species, you’ll get a bronze pin from MassWildlife for that species.

There were 9 new state records all in the Catch & Release Category:  DeSimone’s previously mentioned 32 inch bowfin, 20.75 inch brook trout, 27.25 inch rainbow trout, and a 25.50 inch tiger trout;  a 21.50 inch bullhead caught out of Stiles Pond in Boxford by Roger Aziz, Jr. of Methuen, a 44 inch carp caught out of the Connecticut River in South Hadley by Kenneth Langdon of South Deerfield, Craig Strong’s 45.50 inch northern pike out of Onota Lake, a 13 inch sunfish caught out of Wright’s Reservoir in Westminister by Griffin Sabolevski of Winchendon, and a 40.40 inch tiger muskellunge caught out of Spy Pond in Arlington by Jacoby Chalmers of Arlington.

Congratulations to all the 2021 winners!

Ice fishing derbies

Next Saturday, February 26, the Ashfield Rod & Gun Club has scheduled an Ice Fishing Derby which will run from 8:00 am to noon.  Registration will take place at the Ashfield Lake House Beach.  Participants can park at either the Ashfield Lake House or the Town Beach.      Bring your own equipment, but some holes will be drilled.  A warming fire and refreshments will be provided.  Awards will take place at 12:00 noon.  For more information, contact ARGC president Jack Shea at 413 522 6150.

The Tom Wren Memorial Derby is scheduled for February 26 from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm on Pontoosuc Lake.  Sign in at the camper near the Narragansett Park.  Entry fee is $10, all cash paid out 1st, 2nd and 3rd heaviest fish.  There may be something for kids, too.

The 38th Annual Springfield Sportsmen’s Show

 

Billed as the largest pure hunting and fishing show in the Northeast, it is filled with hundreds of booths, seminars and action areas. The show is filled with an outdoorsman’s dream of fishing and hunting gear, outfitters, charter boats and adventure destinations, along with great deals on fishing boats, ATV’s and UTV’s. There will be great attractions and displays such as The Northeast Big Buck Club, Trout Pond, and more.

The Outdoor Sports Expo Group brings together just the right mix of hunting and fishing celebrities, industry experts, and entertainment features to produce a sporting and outdoor show that is educational, entertaining, and fun.

Each year, the show draws exhibitors from all over the Northeast who are eager to present their products and services to outdoor sporting enthusiasts throughout the greater New England area.  Returning and all new fishing tackle vendors will exhibit and sell fishing reels and rods, hard and soft plastic baits, fishing kayaks with accessories, boats of all types, etc.

The show take place at the Eastern States Exposition (Big E) 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA on February 25 through 27.   The show hours are Friday from noon to 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.  Admission:  Adults – $15, kids 6 to 12 – $5 and under 6 free.

MassWildlife winter chores

 

In the February Berkshire County League of Sportsmen meeting, DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden reported the following less newsworthy but important projects were completed:

  • Wood Duck Boxes– The Western District has completed its winter wood duck box checks. They checked 130 boxes. Hooded Mergansers attempted nests in 47 of the boxes, most of which were successful to hatch. Wood Ducks used 9 boxes, most of which were successful to hatch. Some 41 boxes were unusable because of damage from wind, weather, flooding, age or other damage. The remaining boxes (33) were not used by any duck species.
  • Apple Orchard Restoration Efforts – We are fortunate in the Western District to have extensive remnant apple orchards. Each winter they spend time recovering some of these sites to increase soft mast for wildlife. So far through January they have daylighted and pruned more than 40 apple trees on the Chalet Wildlife Management Area in the towns of Cheshire, Dalton, Lanesborough and Windsor.

Endangered Wildlife Conservation

MassWildlife reminds us that tax season is here, meaning it’s a great time to help keep Massachusetts wild. One easy way to help endangered animals and plants is by donating on your state tax return. Simply fill in the amount you would like to donate on Line 33A for Endangered Wildlife Conservation.

Such donations go to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund, a fund dedicated specifically to the conservation of rare species. It supports MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, responsible for the hundreds of species that are listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in Massachusetts.