Several staff from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) were recently honored with awards for their public service to fisheries, wildlife, and conservation. Dr. Mark Tisa, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Dr. Jon Regosin, Chief of Conservation Science, from MassWildlife and Rich Lehan, General Counsel for the DFG were part of a multi-agency group honored by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) New England Regional office with a Bronze Medal Award. This medal is EPA’s third highest honor and is presented by regional offices to recognize exceptional, distinguished, or heroic individual and group achievements. It is uncommon for recipients of this award to be given to non-EPA staff
The multi-agency team consisted of representatives of EPA New England and EPA Headquarters, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts DFG, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office. EPA and the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut discussed potential approaches to clean up the Rest of River portion of the GE Housatonic River site.
The team focused on the need to address the risks from PCBs to humans, fish, wildlife, and other organisms while avoiding, mitigating, or minimizing the impacts of the cleanup on the unique ecological character of the Housatonic River. As stated in the nomination application by EPA staff, “Thanks to the partnerships formed during this process with the states, the program and the public can be assured that this difficult cleanup decision will be made based upon sound science and the best available information and in an open and transparent manner.” *****
The 22nd Annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake in Pittsfield, MA. from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. No fishing license is required (Free fishing weekend for the state) The derby is open to the public and its purpose is to raise money for the Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute For Children. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Harry A. Bateman a former member of Berkshire County Jimmy Fund Council, 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 are given away to the winners of the fishing derby (8 for the Children 4 Adults and 3 that can be won by adults or children) There is a special category for those fishing with a bow & arrow. All fish must be weighed in at noon. and can be caught at Onota Lake from boat or shore. Fee, which includes food and beverage, is $10 for adults and $5 for Children 14 years and younger. There is a ticket raffle and many other great prizes.
For any information contact Steve Bateman at 413-464-5035 or by email home:iggnatz@msn.com. *****
The picture? Well, three and a half year old Hunter Proper has been having a good year of fishing, catching some 9 rainbow trout. But nothing compared to the lunker carp he latched onto recently. While fishing at the Onota Lake Causeway, using his little Spiderman fishing pole with a low weight line test and worms, he hooked a 14 lb 14 oz carp which immediately took off and fought him for a half hour. His dad Justin had to help him hold the pole lest the fish yank it right out of his hands, but Hunter caught it all by himself. Don’t you know, there were 10 other fishermen there witnessing the battle and not one had a net. So he just dragged it up on shore. It turned out to be a 30 inch fish with a 19 inch girth. Rather than mount it, they will have a carved reproduction made of it. *****
The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week: Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield and Russell; Housatonic River in Hinsdale, Dalton, Stockbridge and Lee; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida, Hoosic River in Clarksburg, Ashfield Pond, North Pond, Onota Lake, Upper Highland Lake, Otis Reservoir, Goose Pond and Laurel Lake. *****
Over this long weekend, you might want to take a moment or two to remember and thank those who sacrificed so much in defense of our country.
Questions/comments: Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com. Phone/fax: (413) 637-1818..