Especially to all creatures that depend on rivers and streams, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Experts say the design and condition of stream crossings determine whether a river behaves naturally and whether wildlife can migrate freely. Crossings should be essentially “invisible” to fish and wildlife—they should maintain appropriate flow and substrate through the crossing and not constrict a stream.
Through the combined effects of dams and poorly designed stream crossings (certain culverts and bridges), we have fragmented rivers and streams and hindered wildlife dispersal throughout our watersheds. In many cases, even crossings that were once effective are now barriers because of river erosion or mechanical breakdown. Safe and stable stream crossings can accommodate wildlife and protect stream health while reducing expensive erosion and structural damage.
That takes us to the Churchill Brook culvert which crosses Hancock Road in Pittsfield. (brook ultimately drains into Onota Lake). The pipes appear to have been improperly installed or developed erosion problems and acted like dams. They were elevated and made it difficult, if not impossible for trout to pass through. Fish had to jump in order to get into them and because they are pipes, and not a natural passway, they had to swim through stronger, concentrated currents to get to the other sides and continue their spawning run. Not only that, the culvert was falling apart.
The new culvert is much wider, with a natural stream bottom so that fish and other animals can easily pass through. A neighbor was really pleased with the improvement because during heavy rains, his lawn became completely flooded and his house became an island, due to the previous pipe being too small.
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), with help from the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) decided to do something about that. They applied for, and received, grants from the Natural Resources Damages Program (NRD) and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET).
There are two projects going on there. The NRD grant paid for the culvert project which allows the fish passage and the second project, a MET grant, paid to plant the rain gardens on both sides of the road. (Readers may recall in a previous article that funding for MET grants come from the sale of special license plates).
There are numerous brook trout all the way up the stream and until now they couldn’t swim upstream past the culverts. That is all changed now and the fish can pass through. Clayton Davenport Trucking, Inc. did the culvert replacement work.
There is one more culvert a little further upstream which crosses Churchill Road and HVA already has a grant to do that project as well. Hopefully in a couple of years, when that project is completed, it will open Churchill Brook from Onota Lake all the way up to Pittsfield State Forest, enabling brook trout to travel without obstructions.
Incidentally, MassWildlife has listed this brook as one of the best habitats for brook trout because there is ample food and cold, clean water.
Biologists caution us to not underestimate the effect of culvert crossings. While culverts only cover small sections of any stream, their influence on fish and other aquatic species can be immense, especially when you consider the cumulative effects of many road crossings. Proper planning, design, and installation can protect roads while providing year-round fish passage and preserving healthy streams.
Also, we should keep in mind that in situations where fish passage is not a major concern, other aquatic species of concern such as such as mink, frogs, turtles, insects, crayfish, snails, etc. may use the culvert and will need to rely on natural streambed sediments in the culvert to aid their movement. It has also been recognized for some time that juvenile fish are very active throughout the year, moving upstream and downstream in response to a number of environmental factors.
The Berkshires are not alone with culvert problems. In a 2009 survey of culverts in a nearby Appalachian watershed, some 120 state‐owned culverts were surveyed using a fish passage assessment filter to determine the “passability” of each culvert. The results showed that 97% of surveyed culverts were classified as obstacles or complete barriers to trout dispersal. Some 33% of brook trout reproductive habitat, was isolated by culverts. The results indicate that standard culvert designs placed in streams with slopes exceeding 5% consistently produce trout dispersal barriers.
Although no comprehensive inventory of the number of culverts on fish-bearing streams in the United States is available, there is an estimated 1.4 million stream-road crossings.
So why is it important for fish and other critters to be able to pass through these culverts? Well, according to Scott D. Jackson, Department of Natural Resources Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst in a paper done in 2003 entitled Ecological Considerations in the Design of River and Stream Crossings, such movements maintain gene flow among populations, helping to maintain genetic health. They may also represent movements of surplus animals from one population to another, perhaps one that could not support itself on its own reproduction. This supplementation of failing populations from “source” populations is referred to as “the rescue effect.” Finally, areas of appropriate habitat that may be temporarily vacant due to local extinctions, can be re-colonized by individuals from populations nearby.
The new rain gardens prevent much of the run-off (containing oil, gasoline and pollutants) which comes off the road from washing right into the brook and negatively affecting the water quality. The HVA/BEAT team built a buffer area so the water that comes into the drainage ditch is pooled in a vegetative garden which is submerged. It settles and filters the runoff gradually into the ground and replenishes the groundwater before entering the brook.
The type of vegetation planted were: Joe Pye Weed, sweet pepperbush, chokecherries, red dozier dogwood, elderberry and winterberry, all wetland plants that can withstand being inundated in water for a while. According to Denis Regan. Berkshire Director of HVA, this is a 4 -year old project because they couldn’t do it until the new culvert was finished.
On the day, of my visit, volunteers were working hard in the 80+ degree heat planting the vegetation. Volunteers included Jane Winn, Executive Director of BEAT, Elizabeth Orenstein, Erin Whitman (HVA intern for the summer) Denis Regan. Berkshire Director of HVA, Alison Dixon, HVA Berkshire Outreach Manager, Jen Evans, (BEAT intern for the summer), Jeff Turner and Sharon Siter.
While I was there, Pittsfield Conservation Agent Robert Van der Kar and Pittsfield Staff Environmental Engineer Tim Croce dropped by to inspect the project to ensure compliance with storm water rules. Later on, Robert sent the following message to the HVA and BEAT volunteers: “On behalf of the folks here at City Hall, I just wanted to say how proud and grateful we are to have such a wonderful and dedicated group of people who continually improve the environment and quality of life (all life) here in the City of Pittsfield. You all truly make this a better place. Thank you all very much for all of your time and hard work in making what is an exemplary project; one that we’ll be sure to point to for years to come. Thank you.”
Category Archives: Conservation
Local youth turkey hunting results were low, but enthusiasm was high
The special mentored youth turkey hunting day took place on Saturday, April 28. The combined turkey harvest for the Lee and Stockbridge Sportsmen’s clubs was only 4 birds. Its hard to figure out why as the weather wasn’t bad, the mentors are eminently qualified, the kids are decent shots and there appears to be a lot of turkeys strutting their stuff out there. Maybe the toms detected an accent in the turkey calls this year and became leery. Well, that’s the way it goes…..no excuses were offered.
This year, I covered the Lee Sportsmen’s Association which had 9 participants in the program and two birds were taken. Alex Navin, while hunting with mentor Doug LaPlante managed to bag a 15 lbs. bird around 6:00am with one clean shot to the head. They called in 5 or 6 other gobblers, too. He is very pleased with his new 20-gauge Mossberg Shotgun.
Daniel Epe, who was mentored by Mark Bartini, heard at least 6 toms all around them. The trouble was that some were in back yards and obviously he couldn’t go there to hunt them. He had one bird interested in Mark’s call, but he got busted (bird detected them and took off).
A similar situation occurred to Will Loring who was mentored by Isaac Winters. They had a bunch of gobblers nearby but couldn’t call them in. One bird had the nerve to strut nearby, but it got away. Matt Ranzoni was mentoring Will’s brother Charlie Loring and he bagged a 17 lbs. bird. No luck for Taylor Salice, who was mentored by Josh Hurlihey, but she had a good time hunting never-the-less.
John Ranzoni mentored Hunter Briggs, and he took a shot but didn’t drop the bird.
After having a burger or two excellently prepared by Tom and Virginia Dubois, the youngsters learned how to dress out the birds. In addition to the meat, they were shown how to save the tail feathers, beards, spurs, other feathers, etc.
Meanwhile, the folks at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club also bagged two birds. Some 18 youths went out turkey hunting this year. Thanks to information provided by spokesman Mike Buffoni, here is how they did:
Two youths got birds and Mike reported that at least 3 other youths had shots but missed. Every kid had great action and heard birds gobbling. Colby Carlson (Mike’s nephew) who was mentored by Brian Korte went on his first hunt ever and got a jake. Brady Donald also got a nice bird. Pretty sure it was his first also. “Very cool to see the excitement in these youth hunters” said Mike.
As usual they had a really nice lunch put on by Chef Peter Delgrande at the club. After eating, they also learned how to tend to the birds. Quite a few of the kids didn’t come for lunch and most were in shorts so they didn’t get a group photo this year. We did get a picture of young Colby Carlson with his turkey. The expression of joy and pride says it all, hey?
Few details came from North County except that Scott Krzanik of Adams, MA was mentoring his daughter Grace when she bagged an 18-pound bird with a 9 inch beard and 3/4″ spurs. She did this at 6:35 a.m. I believe I interviewed her back in 2016 when she got her first bird on youth day as well. Scott said that Matthew Tassone also got a nice tom North county.
According to Astrid Huseby, DFW Youth Turkey Hunt Coordinator, they don’t have exact numbers of how many youths participated. They do know that 270 youth ages 12-17 obtained the required permits/authorizations to hunt on the youth day, but not how many of those 270 actually went out hunting.
As for how many turkeys were harvested, they have a preliminary number of 52 birds reported online. More birds may have been harvested and taken to a check station that doesn’t use online reporting so they won’t have total numbers until the end of the season when all harvest reports are collected from check stations.
Free Fishing Days
In order to plan your fishing trips, here is a listing of free fishing days, where no freshwater license is needed: In Massachusetts, the dates are June 2 and 3. (You can also take advantage of free saltwater fishing on Father’s Day weekend – June 16 and 17). While you can fish for free on June 2-3, a license is required at all other times if you’re 15 or older. If you’re aged 15-17, your license is free.
In New York the free fishing days are June 23-24. They also have two additional free fishing dates in 2018 which are September 22 and November 11. In Vermont it is June 9. (Be sure to verify that date as I am receiving conflicting dates for Vermont). In New Hampshire the day is June 2; in Maine, the dates are June 2 and 3; the Connecticut Free Fishing date is May 12 and in Rhode Island they are May 6 and May 7. Now’s your chance to “test the waters” in our neighboring states free.
Pistol Shoots
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, 310 Curran Rd., Cheshire, MA, will be having outdoor pistol shoots this year. The monthly shoots take place on Saturdays starting at 10:00 am. The entry fee for the first shoot is $10.00 and $5.00 for the second shoot. The winners will split ½ the first shoot take and all of the second shoot take. On May 12, there will be “Wood Blocks Standin’ on a Log” centerfire. 5 shots at 5 blocks at 10, 15, 20 and 25 yards.
Rules: For Rimfire – .22 Caliber, Semi-Automatic Pistols or Revolvers. For Centerfire – Semi-Automatic Pistols or Revolvers, no caliber over .45, red dot scopes are allowed, 1 or 2- handed allowed.
Also, on Sunday, May 20, they will be having a Steel Action Shoot, and on Thursday, May 24 they will be having their first Thursday Night Steel Match.
For more information contact: Martha Lee (413) 212-4154, Evelyn Jones (413) 684-3391.
Trout Stocking
The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week: Hoosic River in Adams. Cheshire and Clarksburg; Greenwater Pond in Becket, West Branch of the Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Huntington and Middlefield; Westfield River Mainstem in Russell, Potash Brook in Blandford and Russell, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Hudson Brook in Clarksburg, Pontoosuc Lake in Lanesborough and Big Pond in Otis.
Fishing Derby
The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough is having its next free children’s fishing derby next Saturday, May 12, from 9 to 10:30 am at its lower pond. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Bass Fishing Tournament
The bass fishermen have started their 2018 tournaments and the first event was at the Congamond Lakes in Southwick, MA on April 29. The results are as follows: 1st place went to Ricky Terzak with 16.4 lbs. of bass. In 2nd place was Paul Procopio with 12.13 lbs. Dave Benham took 3rd with 12.4lbs, 4th place went to Bill Gates with 11 lbs. and in 5th place was Bill Pigott with 8.7 lbs. These are 5 fish totals weights. All were caught, weighed in and released.
The lunker (largemouth) bass was taken by Bill Gates, one weighing 4.1 lbs. Paul Procopio caught a 3.3 lbs. smallmouth. Both are currently leading in the Lunker of the Year contests.
Registration is open for the next tournament which takes place on May 13.
HVA to conduct Stream Assessments of the Konkapot and Williams Rivers
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) invites interested individuals to help form “Stream Teams” to complete Stream Assessments this spring and summer. “Stream Team” volunteers will walk, sometimes in the river, or paddle along an assigned segment of the river and record information along the way. All of the information collected will be compiled into a final Stream Assessment Report which will include conditions and use of the river sections plus possible recommendations for future projects. Assessments are to be completed from May to July and can be scheduled according to the volunteers’ availability.
HVA has scheduled a Stream Assessment volunteer training on Tuesday, May 15 from 5 to7pm in the Community Room of the Mason Library, Great Barrington. Registration is required, space is limited. They will also conduct an on-stream training practice review with date and time to be determined.
These surveys help HVA assess the health of the river and work with the community to improve that part of the watershed. All of the information collected will be compiled into a final Stream Assessment Report which will include conditions and use of the river sections, plus possible recommendations for future projects. These reports should be available in October 2018 on HVA’s website (hvatoday.org). Copies of the report, both digital or hard copy can be requested.
Funding for the Stream Assessments is provided by The Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund, a fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. The Green River and Southwest Branch of the Housatonic River Stream Assessments were completed in 2017. Copies of these reports and other previous reports are available at hvatoday.org or you can call and request a copy. If you are interested in participating in this project, call HVA at 413-298-7024 or email Alison at adixon@hvatoday.org.
The two Stream Assessments that are to be completed this year are the Williams and Konkapot Rivers. Both of these rivers are tributaries of the Housatonic River. The Williams River flows south and southeast through West Stockbridge and Great Barrington where it joins the Housatonic River while the Konkapot River begins in Monterey and continues south through New Marlborough and, after a dip into Canaan, Connecticut, flows into the Housatonic River in Sheffield.
“Stream Teams” for each of the rivers will be made up of small groups of 2 – 3 volunteers and the teams are typically assigned a 1 – 2 mile section of the river. HVA will train “Stream Team” volunteers on how to conduct the survey, what information to record, and safety protocols. Volunteers will be asked to record things of note such as: pipes that are seen, invasive plants or wildlife observations, and general river conditions and usage. Following the surveys, the “Stream Team” volunteers will come together to share their findings and discuss suitable recommendations. The information gathered will be compiled into final Stream Assessment reports – one for each of the tributaries.
Not all “Stream Team” members need to be involved in conducting a survey. If you have an interest or expertise in either the Williams or Konkapot Rivers, HVA welcomes your input. Trainings are expected to be scheduled in May. Surveys will be completed from May – July weather and water levels permitting. The final reports, which are expected to be compiled in late summer, will be submitted to the local municipalities and state government and should also be available to the public by October 2018. The assessment will be placed on the HVA website along with their past reports. Feel free to check out these past reports to help understand more about this program. Contact HVA at 413-298-7024 for more information about volunteering for a “Stream Team.”
Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting
The May meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be held on Wednesday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the Stationery Factory ,63 Flansburg Avenue, Dalton, MA.
Five are honored at the Silvio O. Conte Memorial Banquet
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club banquet hall was packed last Saturday night to celebrate the Silvio O. Conte Sportsmen’s Awards Banquet. Mark Jester, former President of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) was the emcee for the evening. The accomplishments of all of the award recipients were listed in my March 18 column.”
In presenting the first award, the Outstanding Achievement Award, to Tom Tyning, Fish & Wildlife Board Member Stephen Sears said, “He has not only taught students but also teachers to help them teach our views about all the great things of Berkshire County.” The Outstanding Achievement Award plaque reads, “In recognition of your efforts to introduce thousands of people including many future sportsmen to the vast wonders of the outdoors.” In his acceptance of the award, Tom mentioned that his real start in this area was when he was a kid growing up in the Connecticut Valley. He discussed his education and future endeavors in the area. Radio telepathy was first being invented in the 1970s and he said that he was able to put a transmitter into a turtle for 2 years. He described that period as, “a very quiet and slow period” of his life.
Then Mark Jester said some very nice things about me before presenting me with the John Zuber Award. This award reads, “Presented in recognition of his unwavering dedication to introduce and perpetuate the ideals of sportsmen in Berkshire County”. This was quite an honor for me because I had a great respect for John and what he accomplished during his lifetime. I thanked the sportsmen, conservationists and the DFW for supporting and reading the Berkshire Woods and Waters column over the years. If it wasn’t for them providing news information and pictures, I wouldn’t be able to write it weekly. I thanked the Berkshire Eagle for keeping the column after my predecessor, Ted Giddings retired. Lastly, I thanked his wife Jan, my “in-house” editor who proofreads and keeps me pretty much out of trouble.
Mark then presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to George Wislocki, who retired from the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) after many years. “The County League and the BNRC have had a great relationship over the years, we helped them and they helped us.” The Lifetime Achievement Award plaque reads, “Worked for over 50 years preserving open space, majestic ridge lines and vulnerable wetlands of Berkshire County.” George commented that he grew up in Eastern MA and loved the outdoors, and when he was 14 he attended a youth conservation camp here in the Berkshires. Later on, when he was older and worked for the BNRC, he linked up with George “Gige” Darey in preserving land.
“I love these clubs (referring to the Cheshire Rod & Gun Clubhouse). “Look at everyone here”, these clubs are important but times are changing and I hope 50 years from today there will still be this club and there will still be people here”. He urged the sportsmen of Berkshire County to “take the kids into the woods and show them what the woods are all about. It’s an experience to be a sportsman, it’s a wonderful experience. It is so much Berkshire.”
“Its rare to have someone who is so dedicated to certain aspects of the outdoors and does so on a volunteer basis”, said Mark about Dan Miraglia when presenting him with the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award. “He grew up fishing lakes and is really involved in the aquatic species. He is the eyes and ears when it comes to lakes, drawdowns and herbicide applications. He brings things to light for the sportsmen and keeps them involved in what is going on. He does so pretty much single handedly and the BCLS supports him, and he supports us. The “Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award plaque reads, “In recognition of his support dedication and oversight in the preservation of open space and wildlife”. Dan recalled as a kid catching gold fish and frogs in rivers and ponds and how the shores of Onota and Pontoosic Lakes were loaded with turtles and frogs. “Now they are disappearing in our lakes. There just is not enough protection”, he said. The effects of continued drawdowns for 30-40 years have had their effects. “Take the politics out of lake management and give our lakes back to the sportsmen”, he said.
Karen Kruszyna became the second woman to have ever be awarded the Sportsperson of the Year award. Only one other woman has won the award and that was Eleanor Tillinghast. “If you go to this club, (Cheshire), if you go to the Adams for Outdoor Youth Club, if you go to the BCLS functions, you will see Karen selling tickets”, said Jester. (she was selling tickets that night). She is always involved in the organizations’ activities and is there at the helm or standing behind the person speaking or running the event. Everyone knows that if it wasn’t for her, the person would not be able to put the event together. Same thing here tonight. Her Sportsperson of the Year plaque reads, “In recognition for her lifelong dedication, leadership and support of youth in Massachusetts.”
In accepting the award, Karen said that she is grateful every day because of the fact that when she has to do something she can always pick up the phone and ask for and always receive help. People almost never say no, and that’s why this all works. That very morning, she was so excited when she was driving through Adams and saw kids riding bikes with backpacks and fishing poles. She said, “Oh my god, kids going fishing”. She stopped and told them where she thought they would catch fish. “I learned this week that parts of the Archery-in-the School program is incorporated into a local school’s physics program. It’s wonderful to co-exist, when they learn about sports, they can also learn about other scientific things”.
Mark noted that the BCLS has its annual Youth Outreach Fishing Derby every year and that some twelve Berkshire County schools have Archery-in the School programs. If your school doesn’t have such a program and you want to see one, contact a BCLS delegate or Mark and they will work hard to get one in. They also have trout rearing and release programs in the schools,
“We are fighting a rear guard right now and we need to get these kids involved in the outdoors. Bring the kids to sportsmen’s dinners, turkey shoots, get them involved in archery and shooting programs.
Mark introduced current BCLS President Tom Brule to the crowd who in turn made some comments. Lastly, Mark thanked Mike Kruszyna, long time BCLS VP who filled in as president for the last 2 years until the position was filled by Tom.
Richmond Pond Trout Stocking
DFW had a special Earth Week trout stocking event on Richmond Pond on Friday, April 20. Leanda Fontaine-Gagnon, Aquatic Biologist for the DFW Western District (WD) explained that the purpose of the event was to get people familiar with their stocking process and what they do on a daily basis all year long. The WD covers all of Berkshire County as well as western portions of Hampshire, Hampton and Franklin Counties. DFW is charged with overseeing, protecting and managing the natural resources across the state. All 5 districts have the same type of staffing. In the WD, there is an Aquatic Biologist, a Wildlife Biologist, District Manager, four Wildlife Technicians, a Land Steward, who oversees all of their Wildlife Management Areas, a Real Estate Agent and a clerk.
They stock most of the locations in the spring and a handful in the fall. As Aquatic Biologist, she does all of the organization for the stocking in the WD. She determines what fish to stock and how many and what sizes to go in which waters. She puts in orders to the hatcheries for the fish and also goes out and stocks. During this time of year, she typically spends one day in the office and the rest of the week she is out in the field stocking.
Why do they stock fish? In this technologically advanced age, everybody is inside playing with smart phones, tablets and whatnot. DFW wants to get people back out into the world and enjoy what we have for natural resources; such as fishing, kayaking, and just enjoying the natural resources.
They are not stocking trout for restoration purposes but for people to catch. They are supplementing the wild trout populations for angling purposes in order to get pressure off of the wild trout population.
They stock four different types of trout in the state: brook, brown, rainbow, and a hybrid tiger trout which is a cross between a brook and brown. In the WD they stock just over 96,000 fish in the entire spring allotment and across the state it is about 600,000. Rainbow trout, 14 inches and over is the bulk of what they stock. They also put a lot of brookies, browns and tiger trout.
All of the trout come from 5 hatcheries across the state, with four in the Connecticut Valley: the Bitzer Fish Hatchery in Montague, Sunderland Fish Hatchery in Sunderland, McLaughlin Fish Hatchery in Belchertown and Roger Reed Hatchery in Palmer. Another hatchery, the Sandwich Fish Hatchery in Sandwich also produces tiger trout. The fish stocked at Richmond Pond on this day were from the McLaughlin Hatchery.
DFW put out a variety of fish from 9 to 18 inches. They stock out the fish based upon the size of the water body. Typically, they stock 12 plus inch fish in Richmond Pond but the 9-inch fish are usually stocked into smaller streams. They stock 70 cold water bodies in our district, 23 ponds and 54 rivers or streams.
On a typical day when they are stocking fish they check their schedules, drive to the hatchery, fill up with water there (they have 4 individual tanks in the truck) and obtain their allotted fish for that day. On this particular day, they were carrying 750 fish on board (about 1,000 lbs), with 350 of them going into Richmond Pond and the remainder to Goose Pond. When they arrive at their water bodies, they either send them out through chutes where they can do so or carry them by nets into rivers and streams.
It may seem like they are harming the fish by tossing them into the waters but if the fish are gently stocked, that is one of the worst things to do. The little plop into the water actually wakes them up a little. DFW takes care to ensure that the fish survive. (no casualties were observed this day).
After fielding a few questions, Leanda asked the 20 or so spectators to help out with the stocking process by carrying the trout in white 5 gallon pails to the lake front and tossing them into the water. Everyone, especially the kids, had a ball.
GOAL Seminar
On Tuesday, May 1, beginning at 6:30 pm, the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club will be hosting a free GOAL seminar entitled “MA Gun Law for Citizens”. It is a 3-hour seminar presented by Jon Green, Director of Education and Training for the Gun Owners Action League, that will help separate fact from fiction. Jon’s presentation will provide a clear understanding of Massachusetts gun laws and regulations.
All firearms owners should attend. The seminar is free to Berkshire County residents and neighboring counties courtesy of the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club. You are requested to RSVP so that they can plan seating for the event. Contact Robert J. McDermott at 413-232-7700 or robmcdermott@verizon.net or www.StockbridgeSportsmensClub.org.
Suggestions to avoid bear problems
According to DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden, as of March 1, 2018 the Western District has had three reports of bears attacking livestock, in two cases killing a sheep and a goat. In the third case, a llama was attacked but got it away with minimal harm. The attacks took place in the towns of Monterey, Blandford and West Stockbridge.
Madden noted that in all three cases residents had seen bears regularly but continued feeding birds.
Bears are pretty hungry this time of year. With this lingering winter, succulent vegetation
such as skunk cabbage is late arriving. We would be wise to keep a close eye on our pets and animals, and for goodness sake, don’t invite the bears with bird seeds, suet and garbage. The following are some suggestions for farmers and others to help avoid encounters with bears:
Protect livestock
Avoid pasturing animals in remote areas or nearby heavy wooded cover or travel areas that bears might use. Whenever possible, pen livestock in or near the barn at night, especially pregnant females and those with small young. Avoid field birthing if possible. Do not leave carcasses of dead animals exposed in fields, pastures, or nearby areas. Consider the use of guard animals. Keep livestock feed in secured outbuildings protected by electric fencing or in bear-proof containers.
Protect bees and chickens
Use electric fencing to safeguard hives and coops. Electric fences are most effective when put up and continuously charged before the first damage occurs. Keep open, mowed areas on all sides of hives and coops and do not locate hives or coops in abandoned areas or close to brushy, overgrown areas.
Protect crops and orchards
Temporary electric fencing may be used to protect corn and other crops. Seven-strand slanted non-electric fences have been used to keep bears out of orchards. Contact local bear hunters for the early September bear season to hunt the fields.
If you have a second home owner neighbor who has not yet arrived in the Berkshires, you might want to share the following information with them:
Bird Feeders
MassWildlife recommends that if you live in an area with bears, it is best to avoid bird feeders altogether. Bears finding a bird feeder, bird seed, corn or other bird food will often revisit that site. Bird feeders draw bears closer to people, resulting in bears losing their fear of people. This process is called habituation. It’s not safe for bears or people to be close to one another.
If you choose to put out feeders, doing so in the winter when bears are denned decreases the chances of a bear coming to your feeder. In general, most bears are denned from mid-December through February. Although most bears in Massachusetts enter winter dens, MassWildlife biologists have tracked bears that remained active for some or all of the winter if food is available. It is important that you remove the entire feeder at the first sign of bear activity.
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.
For those people who enjoy birds in their yards, MassWildlife suggests growing native plants, shrubs, and trees to attract birds. Adding a water feature is a big draw for birds. Taking these actions may increase the diversity of birds you see and will prevent the unnatural feeding of bears and other kinds of neighborhood wildlife. Some bears have learned to empty bird feeders without destroying the feeder. Do not continue to fill a feeder. Do not leave empty feeders out because residual smell and the sight of feeders can still attract bears.
Pets
Pet food is a tasty treat for bears so don’t leave pet food outdoors. The presence of a dog could trigger a bear to be aggressive. Keep dogs leashed and never let dogs chase or interact with bears. Check your yard for bears before letting your dog out. If you encounter a bear while with your dog, back away slowly and leave the area.
Garbage
Store all garbage in closed containers in a garage or outbuilding. Do not leave your garbage barrels outside overnight. Rather, put them by the roadside before pickup. Use of double bags or sprinkling with ammonia will help reduce odors. Bears and other wild and domestic animals will tip cans and scatter garbage. Smelly cans may attract bears even if there isn’t anything in them, so store garbage cans inside.
Compost responsibly. Do not throw meat scraps, greasy, oily or sweet materials in your compost pile. These kinds of food attract bears and other animals.
Bear-proof garbage cans may be available from municipalities or waste management contractors. In communities where bears are more common, bear-proof dumpsters are recommended for apartments, condos and campgrounds.
Clean greasy barbecues and grills after each use. Do not leave food scraps, grease containers or spilled grease in your yard.
If you see a bear in your neighborhood
A bear’s first response to something unusual is to leave. If a bear is feeding in an area where it doesn’t belong, such as your yard, on a porch, or in a dumpster, MassWildlife recommends you step outside, yell, and make lots of noise. The bear will usually leave—accompanied by its young. Habituated bears may ignore minor harassment. If you continue to see bears, check your property and remove any potential food sources.
In the Woods
Black bears are usually wary of people. Normal trail noise will alert bears to your presence and they will often disappear before you see them. If you see a bear, it may not immediately recognize you as a human and may be curious until it scents you. Make the animal aware of your presence by clapping, talking, or making other sounds while slowly backing away. Do not approach bears or intrude between a female bear and her cubs. Keep dogs leashed and stay a respectful distance away.
While Camping
MassWildlife recommends that you don’t cook, eat, or store food in or next to your tent or camp trailer where odors may linger. Sleep as far away from food storage and preparation areas as possible. Do not dispose of food scraps, grease, or other edibles in your campfire. These materials may not completely burn. Also, the scent of burned food may attract bears.
Store food in bear-proof containers or hang it high on sturdy poles or on wires strung between two trees. Food should hang at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet off the base of the truck. Don’t feed bears or leave food items or coolers out when away from the campsite. Use caution if storing food in your vehicle. Some bears may be able to break a window to gain entry. Even if unsuccessful, the bear’s attempts may damage your vehicle.
Store toiletries safely with your food. The scent and use of perfumes and colognes may attract bears. Stay at campgrounds that are clean, use “bear boxes” for safe food storage and dispose of garbage in bear-proof dumpsters. While hiking, normal trail noise will alert bears to your presence and prompt them to move without being noticed.
Spread the word about how to avoid conflicts with bears by sharing these tips with others.
Black bears are important and valuable mammals in Massachusetts. They are big game mammals for which regulated hunting seasons and a management program have been established.
Be River Smart!
No, I’m not referring to smart river fishing or river paddling. Heck, you don’t even have to go near a river to be river smart. The Housatonic River Association (HVA) folks are encouraging everyone to “Be River Smart!” in a different way.
According to Allison Dixon, HVA Berkshire Outreach Manager, polluted stormwater runoff is the number one threat to the water quality of our rivers and lakes today. Yet, we can all be part of the solution. Just get River Smart! Understanding the issue is the first step and then being mindful and maybe adjusting of some of our everyday behaviors is the next and most crucial step.
As Dixon points out, we all learned as kids about the water cycle – when rain falls or snow and ice melt, it either soaks into the ground or evaporates. What we probably didn’t learn is that when rain fall meets hard surfaces like roofs, paved parking lots, streets and driveways, it flows as runoff into the storm drains and asphalted channels into the nearest river or lake.
By the time it reaches that water body it is polluted stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff picks up fluids that leak from cars such as motor oil, litter, pet waste, fertilizer, pesticides, sand and salt and more from the ground. This runoff contaminates the water raising bacteria levels and compromising the integrity of the ecosystem and the health of the aquatic life in all streams of all of our watersheds in Berkshire County.
Each one of us contributes to this source of pollution and each one of us can make a difference. Pick up that pet waste and throw it in the trash, identify and fix those vehicle leaks quickly, switch to organic lawn care and wash that car on the lawn or at a car wash.
For more information on how to be river smart, contact HVA at 413-298-7024 or email Alison Dixon, HVA’s Berkshire Outreach Manager at adixon@hvatoday.org
Trout Stockings
The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week but, as Deb Lipa, Clerk for the Western District DFW noted, the water levels/conditions are crazy so there may have been changes and further updates after this list was prepared: Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, South River in Ashfield, Swift River in Cummington, Ashfield and Goshen; Walker Brook in Becket and Chester, West Branch Brook in Chesterfield, East Branch of the Westfield River in Cummington, Chesterfield and Huntington; Stones Brook in Goshen, West Brook in Great Barrington, Little River in Worthington and Huntington, Greenwater Brook in Lee, Goose Pond Brook in Tyringham and Lee, Beartown and West Brooks in Lee, Goose Pond in Lee, Hop Brook in Lee and Tyringham, Factory Brook in Middlefield, Konkapot River in Monterey, New Marlborough and Sheffield; Lake Buel in Monterey, Mill Brook in Plainfield, Richmond Pond in Richmond, Buck and Clam Rivers in Sandisfield, Stockbridge Bowl and Larrywaug Brook in Stockbridge, Depot Brook in Washington, West Brook in Windsor and Bronson and West Branch Brooks in Worthington.
Spring Turkey Hunting
Next Saturday, April 28, the 2018 Youth Turkey Hunt day takes place in Wildlife Management Zones 1-13. That is a special day set aside for youths aged 12 to 17. This hunt, developed through a partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, allows for a mentored hunt. Hopefully, the youths paid attention and successfully completed the pre-hunt workshop and received the special permits.
Hey youngsters, get to bed early Friday night for the spring season begins ½ hour before sunrise, which is around 5:15 am, and you should be in your hunting spot by then on Saturday morning. Good luck and have a safe and enjoyable hunt. Hopefully, the weather will be nice
Incidentally, the regular spring turkey hunting season opens on Monday, April 30 and runs through May 26.
Lenox Land Trust honors Charles Liston
The Lenox Land Trust recently informed Charles Liston of Lenox Dale that they have designated him an Emeritus Director status in recognition of his many contributions to land preservation in Lenox and Berkshire County. The emeritus letter, which was drafted by Kate McNaulty-Vaughan, Lenox Land Trust (LLT) Executive Board Member and Secretary reads as follows:
“In November, 2016 at the Lenox Land Trust Annual Meeting, the LLT awarded you a special plaque, recognizing your role in forming the Land Trust and your longstanding commitment and leadership of the conservation movement and its early initiatives in Lenox and Berkshire County.”
“As one of the first members of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council when it started 50 years ago, you have since distinguished yourself as one of few people who had an unbroken record of support for all 50 years! You were recognized for having been tireless in your role as a surveyor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in assisting in conservation work for the state, for Lenox, and for many regional environmental groups. And for that generosity of spirit, generations to come will enjoy these preserved lands and wildlife.”
“You have explored and recorded the boundaries and features of thousands of acres of land. Your expertise and love of natural landscapes resulted in the permanent protection of many of those acres in their natural state. Always on the lookout for special lands and places in your work for the state, you identified land that would be of interest to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, as well as the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and other conservation organizations.”
“You also served on the first Conservation Commission in the Town of Lenox and played a key role in obtaining grants for the acquisition of the Post Farm (100 acres) in 1959, and Edith Wharton Park (15 acres) in 1972 –wonderful open space and recreation lands in town. Notably, those acquisitions received 75% reimbursement from the Federal Government, and 25% from the State. When John D. Kennedy donated the southern half of Parsons Marsh to the Town in 1974, you did all the surveying free of charge, which entailed countless hours of work. This is an astounding legacy, perhaps not known to most residents today.”
“You can only be described as an avid conservationist and environmentalist. The townspeople and Lenox Land Trust will be forever grateful to you for all these unselfish gifts of your time, expertise, and land, especially that parcel on Crystal Street (Lenox Dale) donated for a small park in 2007. In 2008 the Town of Lenox dedicated that lovely spot as Liston Park to honor you and your late wife Carmen.”
May I also add that anyone who has hunted the Post Farm, the George Darey Wildlife Management Area or Hallowell Meadow; or hiked or bird watched at the Edith Wharton Park or Parson’s Marsh in Lenox owes Charlie a great deal of gratitude.
We also owe the 95 year-old veteran our heartfelt gratitude for serving in the US Marines during WWII in the South Pacific, notably in the Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa campaigns.
Trout stocking
The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week: Hoosic River (South Branch) in Adams and Cheshire; Hoosic River (North Branch) in Clarksburg; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Chickley River in Charlemont, Hawley and Savoy; Cold River in Charlemont, Florida and Savoy; Westfield River in Chester, Huntington, Middlefield and Worthington; Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Housatonic River in Hinsdale and Dalton, Housatonic River (Southwest Branch) in Pittsfield, Littleville Reservoir in Chester and Huntington, Hudson Brook in Clarksburg, Town Brook in Lanesboro, Goose Pond in Tyringham and Lee; Garfield Lake in Monterey, Onota Lake in Pittsfield, Green River and Hemlock Brook in Williamstown.
Land Acquisition
In his April report to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden reported that MassWildlife recently acquired 52 acres off land off of Tannery Road in Otis, MA. The primary feature of the property is approximately 1,500 feet of frontage along the Farmington River. It is accessible from Tannery Road near where the Knox Trail Rider’s and the Isaac Walton League Clubhouse is. DFW also picked up a one-acre piece of land along that road for a parking area and access to the river.
Earth Week Stocking Event
MassWildlife invites you to celebrate Earth Week by helping them stock trout on Richmond Pond. You will have the opportunity to meet MassWildlife fisheries staff, view trout up close, and learn about places to fish near you. The event takes place on Thursday, April 19, at 1:30 pm. at the Richmond Pond Boat Ramp off of Town Beach Road.
Quadriplegic hunter
Say, remember Zach Porio? He was the quadriplegic turkey hunter that I wrote about in August entitled “Local turkey hunter is an inspiration to us all”. (August 13, 2017) To refresh your memory, he is the guy that shot a turkey using his knees as support and pulling the trigger with both hands. After dropping a tom, he had to drive his truck closer to the bird, grab a rope, get into his wheelchair and push it 20 yards over a meadow to retrieve it. He then had to bend over, tie the turkey by its feet, push himself back upright into the wheelchair, put the rope into his mouth and drag the 12 lbs turkey back to his truck while pushing the wheelchair.
Well, the local community rallied to the aid of the young man who was paralyzed from the chest down in a dirt bike accident several years ago. The plan was to get the avid hunter a special chair which would allow him to be more mobile in the woods.
Through fund raising dinners, auctions, collection boxes and various events, the community and businesses got together to raise enough funds to enable Zach to purchase that special chair. Quite a different chair than the wheelchair that was featured in this column back in August, hey?
This is what Zach posted on Facebook, “I just want to thank everyone so incredibly much for their generosity in helping me to get this incredible chair. I can’t tell you how amazing it was to interact and get out there to play in the snow with everyone again, instead of watching from the sidelines. To be able to move around on my own with almost no limitations and to stand more than I’ve done in a long while was great and just what I needed to cure the cabin fever of winter. Being outdoors is something that I used to enjoy so much in the past but have dreaded ever since the accident. Now, this chair gives me the ultimate freedom to get around and maneuver the outdoors like I used to love so much.”
“I thank you all for coming together to make such a huge difference in my life and giving me the ability to interact with my children beyond the limitations of my wheelchair. Again, I’m just beyond amazed at our community and the phenomenal things that are accomplished when people come together. I want to let you know that the sharing won’t stop and that I plan to give others in the community the opportunity to experience a bit of the joy and freedom by extending the offer for others with accessibility limitations the chance to utilize the track chair. Thank you again, Zack.”
Acid Rain Monitors are now even more important
If you saw a grown adult poking around in your little neighborhood stream last Sunday, you needn’t have been alarmed. Its possible that the person was one of the half dozen local Acid Rain Monitors collecting water samples for UMASS. Through fair or foul weather, they have been monitoring Commonwealth waters for over 30 years now. Last Sunday, they were collecting water samples in 20-degree weather. But they are a dedicated lot and most of them have been doing these annual samples, never missing a collection date, for 15-20 years now.
The monitors knew that the water samples collected in our area were brought to Westfield State University to be tested for ph, alkalinity, major cations and anions. But recently, they were informed by UMASS that this year the samples will be used as part of Dr. Boutt’s Isoscape project, which involves mapping the distribution of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in surface waters throughout Massachusetts.
Dr. David F. Boutt is an Associate Professor of hydrogeology, watershed hydrology and groundwater recharge/discharge with the Department of Geosciences UMASS-Amherst. The goal of this project is to develop a baseline of environmental isotopes to understand hydrologic functioning of surface and ground waters throughout the Commonwealth. The ultimate product of this effort are spatial maps of isotopic composition of surface water and groundwater that will define the isoscape in which we live.
Through a combination of sampling efforts by numerous voluntary contributing organizations and the UMASS Hydro Team, they have been able to create a water isotope database consisting of data from all over Massachusetts and much of the Northeast.
Depending on the weight of the water, the source of the water (extra-tropical versus arctic) or the age of the water (recently precipitated versus groundwater) can be inferred. For example, extra-tropical storm waters tend to have a heavier signature whereas Arctic waters tend to be slightly lighter. Precipitation is usually significantly heavier than older water.
So why is this research important? According to UMASS, most significantly, the breadth of this project allows them to track the response of watersheds to hydrologic events–whether that be major storms, or droughts. This will especially be significant as climate change begins to take effect and more extreme weather events occur. Water isotope signatures are also useful in other environmental scenarios such as a tracer in contamination scenarios. This project is the first of its kind at the state level in the nation.
Who would have thought that our collectors with their white bottles of water could turn out to be so important in the scheme of things? Most of the collectors are fishermen and women who have a love for and a desire to protect our waters. Also, who would have thought that your little stream in Becket, Sheffield or Richmond would be part of such an important and far reaching study?
For more information about the project, and a definition of isotopes, click onto: https://blogs.umass.edu/dboutt/research/current-research/isoscape-project/
Freshwater Fishing Gold Pin winners are announced
Each year, MassWildlife recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish in waters open to the public. If you submit the largest or longest fish in an eligible species category, you will get a gold pin and a plaque, and you’ll also be honored in a MassWildlife awards event.
Log onto https://www.mass.gov/service-details/gold-pin-winners to see all of the 2017 winners in the Adult Catch & Keep, Youth Catch & Keep and Catch & Release categories. You will notice that there were 6 gold pins awarded to local anglers or fish caught out of local waters.
In a ceremony held at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough, MA on Saturday, March 17, the lucky anglers received gold pins and plaques commemorating their great feats.
Winners from our area were as follows:
Adult catch & keep category: Brook Trout, 3 lbs, caught out of Laurel Lake by Andrew Bostwick of North Adams; Northern Pike, 29 lbs 10 oz, caught out of Cheshire Reservoir by Kevin Janis of Pittsfield.
Youth catch & keep category: Chain Pickerel,4 lbs 11 oz, caught out of Lake Buel in Monterey by Mario Daniele of Wilbraham, MA; Crappie, 2 lbs, caught out of Onota Lake by Caedin Ostellino of Lanesborough.
Catch & release gold pin winners: Brook Trout, 19 inches, caught out of Lake Buel by Nicholas Hutline of Granville, MA; Northern Pike, 45.50 inches caught out of Onota Lake by Ashley DePaoli of Stamford, VT.
2017 Angler of the Year award winners
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. The award promotes awareness of the Commonwealth’s underutilized fish species and recognizes an angler’s ability to catch a wide variety of trophy species.
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.
This year the winners were:
Adult Catch & Keep Category: Mark Mohan, Jr. of Pembroke, MA. Mohan received State pins for the following species of fish: Bowfin, Brown Trout, Carp, Chain Pickerel, Crappie, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Shad, Sunfish, Walleye, White Catfish and Yellow Perch. He also won the Adult Catch & Keep title in 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Youth Catch & Keep Category: Jason Bunar of Kingston, MA. He received State pins for the following fish species: Bowfin, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bullhead, Carp, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Shad, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Tiger Trout, Walleye, White Catfish, White Perch and Yellow Perch. He also won that title in 2016.
Catch & Release Angler Category: Michael Nee of Northborough, MA. Michael received state pins for the following species of fish: Bowfin, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bullhead, Carp, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Shad, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Tiger Trout, Walleye, White Catfish, White Perch and Yellow Perch. He also won that title in 2016 and 2015.
These anglers are amazing! They just didn’t catch the above species of fish, but the fish had to be of sizes to earn at least bronze pins. For example, for a largemouth bass to qualify, it had to be at least 7 lbs in the adult catch & keep category, at least 4 lbs in the youth category and at least 21 inches in the Catch & Release. Most anglers that I know are lucky to have caught a couple of pin fish in their entire lifetimes!
New State record fish caught in 2017 were as follows:
Catch & Keep Category:
Bowfin: 8 lbs, 1 oz caught out of the Taunton River in Taunton by David Souza of Berkley, MA. Two days later, his son Jake Souza also caught a fish of identical size and tied the record. (Those catches were featured in this column of September 3, 2017, “State record bowfin caught …TWICE”)
Catch & Release Category:
Bowfin: 29.50 inches out of Taunton River by Michael Nee of Northborough.
Brook Trout: 19 inches caught out of Lake Buel, Monterey by Nicholas Hutline of Granville, MA. Also, a same sized brookie was caught out of Fort Pond in Lancaster, MA by Ryan Gorman of Leominster, MA.
Channel Catfish: 31 inches caught out of the Connecticut River in Agawam, MA by Paul Beauchesne, Jr. of Worcester, MA.
Crappie: 17.25 inches caught out of the Connecticut River in Greenfield by Jeff Magnan of Gardner, MA.
Largemouth Bass: Two 25-inch fish, both caught out of Mashpee-Wateby Pond, Mashpee, one by John Gonsalves of Norton, MA and the other caught by Dylan Towne of West Wareham, MA.
Northern Pike: 45.50 inches caught out of Onota Lake in Pittsfield by Ashley DePaoli of Stamford, VT.
Shad: 25.25 inches caught out of the Chicopee River in Granby, MA by Paul Beauchesne, Jr. of Worcester, MA.
Smallmouth Bass: 22.50 inches caught out of Wachusett Reservoir by Marc Mahoney of Shrewsbury, MA.
Walleye: 28 inches caught out of the Connecticut River in Turners Falls by Mark Mohan, Jr. of Pembroke, MA.
White Perch: 17.25 inches caught out of Wachusett Reservoir by Prince Dukuly of West Boylston, MA.
A hearty, hearty congratulations to all!
A talk on the Deerfield River
This Wednesday evening, at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, 500 Benedict Rd., Pittsfield, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be having Michael Vito, Vice-President of the Deerfield River Chapter TU as its guest speaker. Mike’s presentation will be on the ongoing Deerfield River Wild Brown Trout Spawning Study.
If you are not familiar with that study, last November the group claims to have found over 90 redds on the Deerfield River below Fife Brook Dam. Many skeptics had previously proclaimed that these wild trout were coming from the tributaries and not from the main stem of the Deerfield. Well, apparently this group has proven them wrong. This might be worthwhile to stop in to hear what Mike has to say.
There will be a social hour starting at 5:30 PM followed by Mike’s presentation. (There will be no meal as the kitchen is closed this time of year). The presentation is free and open to the public. Contact Taconic TU President Henry Sweren at (413)822-5216 for more information.
Protecting our critters
In the 1950s, the pesticide DDT eliminated peregrine falcons from Massachusetts. In 1984, the MA Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) began releasing young peregrines to restore the population. By 1987, the first successful pair nested on the Custom House Tower in Boston. Today, NHESP monitors nests, bands chicks, and improves nesting success with nest boxes. Over the past 31 years since their restoration, at least 646 wild-born chicks are known to have fledged in Massachusetts. You can support NHESP and efforts like this to help rare species by donating on Line 33A of your MA State Tax return. ( mass.gov/nhesp)
The List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species totals 427 native plant and animal species and are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). They include 14 mammals, 27 birds, 15 reptiles, 4 amphibians, 10 fish, 99 non-marine invertebrates and 258 plants.
All money donated to the Endangered Species Program on the State tax return, goes into a dedicated fund. Money from this dedicated fund can only be used by the NHESP, which focuses its work on our state’s rare species. You can learn more about this program here: https://www.mass.gov/…/masswildlifes-natural-heritag.
Bill to Advance Hunter Recruitment and Retention
Recently, The Boone and Crockett Club extended its full support of a new House bill that seeks to advance hunter recruitment and retention. The Modernizing Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act of 2017 (H.R. 2591) will provide technical and financial assistance to states for promoting hunting and recreational shooting.
The bill, introduced by Georgian Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) would allow state fish and wildlife agencies the flexibility they need to address the declining number of hunters by using existing funds from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Fund to increase hunting and recreational shooting opportunities. The bill will also serve to clarify that one of the purposes of these funds is to provide financial and technical assistance to the states for hunter recruitment and retention, hunter education programs, and education programs to the non-hunting public.
“When the Boone and Crockett Club helped draft and get the Pittman-Robertson Act passed by Congress in 1934, we had lots of hunters and game populations were still recovering,” said Ben B. Hollingsworth Jr., president of the Boone and Crockett Club. “Today, game is abundant once again, but declining hunter participation means declining funds. This bill is the right thing to do at the right time to ensure healthy wildlife and ecosystems into the future.”
The Pittman-Robertson Act charges sportsmen an excise tax on the purchase of sporting arms and ammunition. These funds are distributed annually to state fish and wildlife agencies for wildlife and habitat conservation programs. Plans for what to do with the money must be submitted to and approved by the Secretary of the Interior. Acceptable options to date include research, surveys, management of wildlife and/or habitat, and acquisition or lease of land. Once a plan has been approved, the state must pay the full cost and is later reimbursed for up to 75 percent of that cost through P-R funds. The 25 percent of the cost that the state must pay generally comes from its hunting license sales. As of 2010, more than two billion in P-R dollars have been collected and distributed to states.
“In its day, Pittman-Robertson addressed the challenges of funding critical conservation work,” Hollingsworth Jr. explained. “The challenge of today is keeping these funds coming. Without sportsmen and new hunters coming in, the challenge will be greater.”
Conservation funding is based on a user-pay, public-benefit model. Those who value and use the resource pay for its care.
“Sportsmen have taken the responsibility of footing the bill for wildlife and the habitats they depend upon for everyone’s benefit,” Hollingsworth Jr. concluded. “Choosing to tax themselves in the midst of the Great Depression should tell you something about the character and commitments of hunters.”
017 Berkshire County League of Sportsmen Award winners are announced
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In the March 1 meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s (BCLS) five area outdoor sportspeople/conservationists were selected to receive awards.
Karen Kruszyna of Cheshire was selected to receive the 2017 Sportsperson of the Year Award. She is a member of many organizations including the Adams Outdoor for Youth (AOFY) and is a Board member of the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club. She does much to get kids of this county outdoors. She is always there to help out at the annual Youth Outreach Fishing Derbies at Reynolds Pond in Cheshire, the BCLS functions such as the Conte Banquet, the AOFY fund raisers and more. She is an avid sportsperson and as you may recall received an award from the Mass Division of Marine Fisheries in 2012 for catching the largest striped bass in the state that year in the women’s category. She was the recipient of BCLS Lifetime Achievement Award and the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council 2014 Lillian Gribbons Award. This prestigious award was granted in recognition of Stacy Gribbons’s “tireless efforts of a sportswoman who had dedicated her time, quietly and un-noticed for the benefit of all sportsmen and women of the Commonwealth”.
George Wislocki, of Pittsfield, former president of Berkshire Natural Resource Council (BNRC) was selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Preserving land was a relatively new idea in the mid 60’s but a group of local leaders and businessmen had ideas of saving lands here in Berkshire County. Starting in 1967 Wislocki helped form the BNRC whose goal is to try and preserve quality open space and protect the ridge lines and wetlands of the Berkshires. The sportsmen of Berkshire County understand the importance of this practice of preserving and protecting open space and large tracts of land.
In 1972, under Georges leadership the BNRC used a new legal tool to protect 1,900 acres owned by the Crane family called Holiday Farm in Dalton. It was one of the state’s first conservation restrictions. Under George’s leadership the BNRC went on to conserve and protect thousands of acres of lands in Western MA, most of which is open to all forms of passive recreation which includes hunting, fishing and trapping. It was in 1973 that the Hallowell family donated 65 acres of their farm on East Street in Lenox to BNRC, stipulating that its natural and scenic character be preserved. I mention this here because that land lies across the road from our home on East Street and can attest to the fact that hunters, hikers and bird watchers have enjoyed that land extensively over the years.
George has been the recipient of numerous awards including the BCLS 1991 Outstanding Achievement Award and the BCLS 2008 Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.
Dan Miraglia of Pittsfield, has been chosen to receive the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award. For over 30 years Dan has been working for the sportsmen of Berkshire County and various lake preservation groups by way of an advocate. Most recently he has been an advocate for the fish and critters with regard to the use of herbicides and lake drawdowns. He was past president of the Berkshire County Bass Association, a Housatonic Valley Association stream water quality volunteer, has been involved with river clean-ups and implemented habitat sections of local lakes. In 1996, he was a key person in negotiating agreement between the Pittsfield Conservation Commission and the sportsmen of Berkshire County in stopping the posting of Brattle Brook Park from hunting. Annually, he helps out with the BCLS Youth Outreach fishing derby on Reynolds Pond in Cheshire. In 1998, he was awarded the BCLS Outstanding Achievement Award.
Tom Tyning, of Pittsfield was selected to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award for his work in the environmental arena. Tom is a Professor of Environmental Science at Berkshire Community College. I Prior to that he attended UMass majoring in Wildlife Biology. From 1975 to 1999 he held a naturalist position with Massachusetts Audubon, moving from Laughing Brook in Hampden to Pleasant Valley and Canoe Meadows in the Berkshires. For most of those years he produced a weekly Nature column for the Springfield Newspapers, wrote A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in the Stokes Nature Guide Series, and taught courses at Springfield College and Antioch Graduate School. Eventually he moved into a Master Naturalist position for Audubon working statewide.
He holds a graduate degree in the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology program with his thesis concentrating on Timber Rattlesnakes in Western MA.
I had the honor of being chosen to receive the John Zuber Award. The late John Zuber was a renowned sportsman’s advocate and conservationist from Pittsfield who passed away in 2012. He was recognized twice by the BCLS (Lifetime Achievement Award and the Sportsman of the Year Award) for his work and dedication to the sportsmen of Massachusetts. He was also recognized by the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council and is listed in its Hall of Fame.
John and I became friends through our affiliation with the Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club and the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited. I treasured his friendship and this award means a lot to me as does my first award from the League, the 1990 Sportsman of the Year Award.
These awards will be presented at the Silvio O. Conte Memorial Awards Dinner at the Cheshire Rod and Gun Club on the evening of April 21. This year the event will also be in honor of the late Edmund Martin “Moose” Ziaja. He was a well-known sportsman from northern Berkshires, an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. He was a member of The American Trappers Assn., the Brunswick Fox Hunters Association and the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club.
The social hour begins at 5:30 with dinner at 7:00 PM. Tickets which cost $30 can be obtained from any BCLS delegate.
Watch for Eagles
At that above referenced BCLS March meeting, DFW Western Supervisor Andrew Madden requested that we watch for eagles and report local sightings to Andrew. DFW hopes hope to be able to ban some young birds this spring.
Ice fishing season is over
Looks like its time to put away the ice fishing stuff for the year. Although we are still experiencing winter weather, that warm spell a few weeks back really took its toll on the ice thickness. A couple of ice fishermen went through the ice in Laurel Lake during that warm spell. Fortunately, they got out safely. Then we had the snowstorms which put a foot or more snow cover on the thin ice, in effect insulating the lake from the cold weather above. I wouldn’t chance going out on it any more this year.
Incidentally, I received a newspaper article from my niece Linda Craig, who lives out in Minnesota, which local ice fishermen might find interesting. The Minneapolis Star Tribune article was about a $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza recently held on the 9,418-acre Gull Lake near Brainerd, Minnesota. According to the article, an estimated 12,000 anglers took part in the derby which encompassed a 2 square mile fishing area in the Hole-in-the-Day Bay. No wonder the large turnout for the top prize was a new GMC pick-up truck.
Volunteers patrol a cordoned-off area where anglers must fish, but with the presence of so many anglers it makes the task challenging. To be counted for a prize, the fish must be alive when registered. If there is a dispute as to who won or if there is suspicion of possible cheating, they are required to take a lie detector test!
Wow! They take their ice fishing seriously out there.
Fish Kill
MassWildlife informs us that during winter, thick ice and heavy snow cover can result in low dissolved oxygen levels in ponds. With increasing ice and snow packs, there is less light penetration through the water column. This alters chemical and biological processes, often resulting in a winter fish kill.
The vast majority of fish kills turn out to be caused by a natural event. However, it’s important for biologists to rule out other causes including pollution. Natural fish kills are generally the result of low dissolved oxygen levels (anoxia), spawning stress or fish diseases. According to MassWildlife aquatic biologists, dissolved oxygen depletion is one of the most common causes of natural fish kills. Weedy ponds that are less than 15 feet deep are particularly vulnerable. This can be the case at any time of the year but generally occurs during severe winters or late spring/early summer.
Ice anglers may encounter signs of a low oxygen environment when they drill through the ice and notice the smell of rotten egg or observe sluggish or dying shiners. The odor is hydrogen sulfide gas which is a natural byproduct of low dissolved oxygen environments, and is not likely the result of pollution. Oxygen levels will be return to normal shortly after the ice melts in the spring.
If you observe dead fish, contact the Environmental Police’s 24-hour radio room at 1 (800) 632-8075. A MassWildlife biologist will review each situation to determine whether the kill is natural or requires a site investigation.
Firearm Courses
On Tuesday evening, March 20, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be hosting a firearms license-to-carry and UTAH Course. The Mass State Police Compliant course will be held at the LSC’s Main Hall, 258 New Lenox Rd, Lenox. The costs are: $70.00 for LTC, $125 for UTAH or $150 for Both.
Pre-registration is required. Contact Dennis Leydet at 413-329-7081 (djleydet@gmail.com) or Tom Nadolny at 413-822-6451 (tnadolny1@gmail.com).
On April 21, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association is hosting a Multi-License Firearm Course. The course qualifies for licenses in MA, CT, UT, FL, ME and NH. For more information call Rob McDermott at 413-232-7700.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
On Friday evening, March 23, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) will partner with the Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee to celebrate all things river, in particular the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. They will show 2.5 hours of some amazing films celebrating the natural world and the activists working to protect it. The films are billed as inspiring celebrations of environmental leaders, concepts, and design.
The event will take place at Berkshire Community College (K-111)|, 1350 West St. Pittsfield.
This mini film festival is free and open to the public.
The preliminary 2017 statewide deer harvest was a new record.
MassWildlife reported that last year’s 13,220 deer harvest set a new state record. Archery and Primitive Firearms seasons also saw record harvests. The preliminary figures by season are as follows:
Youth Deer Hunt Day: 109, Paraplegic Deer Hunt: 4, Archery Season: 5,191, Shotgun Season: 5,162 and Primitive Firearms Season: 2,754. Note – This is the first year that the archery harvest is higher than the shotgun harvest. In the following chart, zones 1 through 4 represent the Western District.
2017 harvest by Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ map)
Zone Adult Male Female Button Buck Total
1 249 59 8 316
2 493 48 6 547
3 439 121 17 577
4N 425 95 19 539
4S 302 37 5 344
5 479 179 28 686
6 118 39 6 163
7 422 245 42 709
8 647 282 37 966
9 730 353 66 1,149
10 1,227 1,075 249 2,551
11 1,662 1,043 267 2,972
12 159 74 16 249
13 319 365 110 794
14 244 309 105 658
State 7,915 4,324 981 13,220
MassWildlife notes that while total harvest by zone can be informative, it doesn’t provide the complete picture for monitoring trends in deer density because total harvest is influenced by antlerless deer permit allocations in each zone as well as annual changes in hunter effort, weather, etc. The MassWildlife Deer Project Leader analyzes harvest, biological, and hunter effort data, along with hunter success rates, female versus male harvest, and other factors to manage deer populations in each zone. Such an analysis of this information is now underway for the annual spring deer management review. A complete harvest summary will be posted on the MassWildlife website shortly after the annual deer review, so we are encouraged to check back in June. Click onto the MassWildlife web site to learn more about deer management in Massachusetts.
Hunter Education Courses
MassWildlife sponsors other hunter education courses besides those that use shotguns, such as bowhunting and trapping courses. Unfortunately, neither of them is taught here in the Western District and for that reason I have not been listing them in this column. However; some local sportsmen may be interested in taking these courses and are willing to travel. Therefore:
Bowhunting – There will be a one-day bowhunter education course on March 18 from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Swift River Sportsmen’s Club, 350 Cold Spring Road Belchertown. To view this listing and others, and obtain driving directions, visit the web at: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bowhunter-education-course-offerings. As a reminder, all courses are free of charge and all necessary course materials will be provided to the student. Unaccompanied minors will need to bring a signed permission form to class in order to participate. This form can be downloaded and printed at https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/10/10/2017%20Minor%20Permission%20fom.pdf
A bowhunter education certificate does not qualify you to purchase a Massachusetts Hunting license. If you are preparing to buy your first ever hunting license, you need to complete Basic Hunter Education (https://www.mass.gov/service-details/basic-hunter-education-course-offerings) even if you plan on hunting only with archery equipment.
If you are planning on hunting outside of the commonwealth, a Massachusetts Bowhunter Education Certificate is accepted in other jurisdictions that do mandate the successful completion a bowhunter course to hunt with archery equipment. If you have any questions, contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-7820, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Trapping – A Trapper Education Course with Independent Study will be held at the Auburn Sportsmen’s Club, 50 Elm Street, Auburn, MA on March 21 and 31at the following times: 3/21 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM and on 3/31 from 8 AM to 5 PM. You must attend all class dates and times to successfully complete this course. This course is being offered in the Independent Study format which means that in addition to the 2 required in-class sessions, students will need to complete homework in between the 2 class sessions.
If you are interested in this course and wish to enroll, call (508) 389-7830 immediately between 8 AM. and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Students are enrolled first-come, first-served, and courses fill quickly.
Department of Ecological Restoration news
Many Massachusetts rivers lack enough water at certain times of year to support aquatic ecosystems, fishing, recreation and adequate drinking supplies. DER, which is a division reportable to the Commissioner of Fish & Wildlife, works to restore natural streamflow (the amount of water that flows through streams and rivers) in Massachusetts. They do this by working with partners to collect streamflow data; to inform and support policy and actions that restore and maintain healthy streamflows and by managing restoration projects aimed at restoring natural flow. In 2018, the DER:
• Leveraged over $6.5 million in newly awarded external funds for community-based restoration projects. The grant funds will pay for engineering, design, and construction work taking place in communities across the Commonwealth.
• Provided technical support to municipal staff, watershed groups, landowners, and other organizations in more than 193 communities across 26 major watersheds.
• Supervised volunteer workers in 90 communities, devoting more than $70,000 worth of labor towards protecting and restoring our rivers and wetlands.
• Worked with more than 30 partners, DER removed 7 dams, opening up more than 40 river miles, restoring 30 acres of wetlands, and reconnecting more than 900 acres of spawning habitat.
• Signed Cooperative Agreements with Sponsors of 11 new Priority Projects and began project scoping and planning. The projects include dam removals, culvert replacements, urban river revitalization efforts, floodplain enhancement, and streamflow restoration.
• Published an on-line dam removal decision support tool for use by federal, state, and local partners. The tool evaluates the expected ecological benefits of removing any known dam in the Commonwealth.
• Launched its new Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Program by awarding $905,000 in grants to 13 towns for projects that replace undersized culverts.
• Piloted a community-based social marketing program in the Ipswich River Watershed to encourage voluntary reductions in residential water use
A local project is occurring in the Town of Washington. Aging infrastructure coupled with intense rain events over the last 10 years caused several culverts in town, including the culvert on Frost Road over Savery Brook to begin to fail. In recent storms, this culvert became completely blocked, causing Savery Brook to overtop the road. Savery Brook is part of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers system and supports native brook trout. Replacing this failing culvert with a larger, safer structure will restore access to this important headwater stream while alleviating a flood hazard.
Incidentally, on January 3, Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ronald Amidon appointed Beth Lambert to lead the DER. Beth brings twenty years of experience and strong partner relationships to her new leadership role. For the past four years Beth has managed DER’s Aquatic Habitat Restoration Program, overseeing the Division’s river, wetland, and salt marsh restoration projects across the Commonwealth. Previously, Beth managed the River Restoration Program for DER and the former Riverways Program. Prior to that, she worked for the New Hampshire Coastal Program as the Habitat Restoration Coordinator; for Oregon Sea Grant/ Oregon State University Extension as Watershed Management Extension faculty; and as a stream ecologist for a non-profit organization in Homer, Alaska.
Beth is no stranger to the Berkshires having work with the Housatonic Valley Association, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and the Taconic and Hoosic Chapters of Trout Unlimited on stream continuity and other watershed projects.
Opportunities to learn about our furry and hairy critters
On Friday, February 16, at 6:30 PM, Sue Morse, the founder of Keeping Track® , will give a presentation entitled “Bear with US! Living with Bears in the North Country”. The presentation will take place at the Boland Theater at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield. Be prepared for lots of fascinating information on black bear biology and ecology, with emphasis on the field identification of tracks and sign. This show offers the most comprehensive discussion of bear scent-marking behaviors, illustrated with dozens of her original images. As for living in harmony with black bears, it’s entirely up to us, as this program will solidly demonstrate. “Bear safety” is achieved largely because of what we do out there, whether it be in the wild or around our home and farmyard. It is more about what we can do to minimize the hazards we pose to bears.
On Saturday, February 17 from 9 AM to 12 Noon and from 1 to 4 PM Sue Morse will conduct a tracking workshop at the Myrin Preserve in Great Barrington, MA. She has over forty years of experience interpreting wildlife habitat uses. She is highly regarded as an expert in natural history and one of the top wildlife trackers in North America. Since 1977, she has been monitoring wildlife, with an emphasis on documenting the presence and habitat requirements of bobcat, black bear, Canada lynx and cougar.
Learn how to apply scientific knowledge about the habits and habitats of various wildlife and to predict where to look for sign. In the field you will learn “search imaging” as well as Keeping Track’s scientific documentation methods for photographing tracks and sign.
Meet and Carpool from Monument Mountain High School – 600 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington MA 01230. The cost is $25/person ($20 if member in BEAT’s tracking club)
RSVP Required, Space Limited. Contact Elia Del Molino at BEAT to sign up!
elia@thebeatnews.org or 413-429-6416.
Then on Saturday evening, February 17, from 6 to 8 PM, Sue will give a presentation entitled The Mysterious Mustelids. (She is going to be a busy gal that weekend!) Learn why fishers aren’t cats and ermine aren’t evil. Mustelids are the largest and most diverse order of carnivores on Planet Earth. The presentation, will take place at Monument Mountain High School Auditorium, 600 Stockbridge Rd., Great Barrington, MA.
Sue Morse’s evening presentations are free and open to the public. They are sponsored by: Trustees of Reservation, BEAT, MassAudubon, Sheffield Land Trust, Nature Conservancy, NE Forestry Foundation, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Great Barrington Land Conservancy and Green Berkshires.
On Tuesday, February 20, from 5:15 to 7 PM, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) Pittsfield Green Drinks will present a program entitled Getting to Know Our Neighbors: Berkshire Wildlife On Foot and By Camera. It will take place at the J. Allen’s Clubhouse Grille, 41 North Street, Pittsfield and will feature Elia Del Molino, Stewardship Manager for BEAT. Elia will give a presentation on getting to know wildlife of the Berkshire hills through tracking and trail cameras. Elia manages BEAT’s tracking club, a group of locals who bushwhack through forests and fields looking for evidence of wildlife, mostly mammals. Elia will discuss some of their exploits and show a compilation of wildlife videos from BEAT’s remote cameras.
Pittsfield Green Drinks is an informal gathering on the third Tuesday of the month. The gatherings are open to everyone with any environmental interest. Incidentally, the drinks aren’t green but the conversations are. Pittsfield Green Drinks is sponsored by BEAT. For more information about Pittsfield Green Drinks, contact Elizabeth Orenstein elizabeth@thebeatnews.org or (413) 717-1255.
Berkshire County 2017 bear harvest set a record
According to figures released by MassWildlife, 119 black bears were harvested in the Berkshires last year beating the prior record of 106 which was set in 2016. The harvest numbers have been steadily rising over the years. For example, 57 were harvested in the Berkshires in 2013, 78 in 2014 and 75 in 2015. Berkshire County continues to have the most resident bears and consequently the highest harvest totals. The county with the next highest harvest was Franklin County with 64 bears harvested last year.
The statewide harvest came in at 268 bears in 2017 and that represents the second highest total, just below the 283 bears taken in 2016. A statewide breakdown by hunting season is as follows: September season (Sept. 5 – Sept. 23) was 151, the November season (Nov. 6 – Nov. 25 was 26 and the Shotgun season (Nov. 27 – Dec. 9) was 91.
New regulations proposed for Wildlife Management Areas
MassWildlife is proposing leash and waste disposal regulations for dogs on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). MassWildlife has a long tradition of welcoming dogs on WMAs and dogs are still welcome on them under this new proposal.
MassWildlife proposes to take this action due to repeated complaints from WMA users about negative and unsafe encounters with unleashed dogs and issues with dog waste. MassWildlife protects and manages these areas to sustain wildlife abundance and diversity and provide wildlife-related recreation, including hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching, while at the same time providing a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all visitors. Therefore:
1. The proposed regulations require leashing dogs and other domestic animals on WMAs. Dogs may be off-leash only when hunting or hunt-training with licensed hunters under existing regulations, or if they are participating in retriever or bird dog trial events that have been permitted by MassWildlife. Leashing dogs decreases conflicts with both people and other dogs, resulting in a safer and more positive experience for everyone.
2. The proposal also requires dog owners to pick up dog waste and dispose of it offsite. Removing dog waste reduces nuisance and protects the safety and health of dogs and other pets, people, and wildlife.
In a recent report to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden noted that here in the Berkshires, the problem is not so severe. But in the WMAs in the eastern part of the state it is a real problem because large numbers of unleashed dogs are roaming in some of those WMAs. In many cases it is the dog sitters who are bringing them.
Hunters, whose license and Wildland Stamp fees helped purchase these lands, cannot fully enjoy the hunting experience because of the numbers or dogs, some of them aggressive, disrupting hunting activities.
A public hearing has been scheduled for February 6, 2018 at 7 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, 01581. Information on the public hearing, public comment process and proposed regulatory language is posted on MassWildlife’s website at Mass.gov/masswildlife-public-hearings. Outdoor sportsmen, and any other users of Wildlife Management Areas, are encouraged to attend or weigh in, by mail or email, on this proposed regulation.
MassWildlife Habitat Grants announced
Eighteen municipalities, organizations, and private landowners across the state have been awarded a total of $506,856 in grants for wildlife habitat improvement projects. The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program was developed to establish partnerships between MassWildlife and private and municipal landowners to enhance habitat and increase recreational opportunities on properties across the state. This year, funds provided through the grant program will benefit 20 wildlife habitat improvement projects, totaling 950 acres in 19 Massachusetts communities. The projects will complement the ongoing habitat management efforts currently underway on state owned lands.
The Habitat Management Grant Program is in its third year, and has now awarded over $1,215,000 in funding to 51 projects. The Program’s mission is to provide financial assistance to municipal and private landowners of conserved properties to improve and manage habitat for wildlife that has been deemed in greatest conservation need and for game species. Projects awarded with funds are also designed to expand outdoor recreational opportunities. The funds are provided through MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program. This year, the Baker-Polito Administration increased the funding of the program by $200,000 utilizing environmental bond funds.
“The Habitat Management Grant Program is a great example of the strong partnership between the state, municipalities, private landowners and organizations working together to conserve land and wildlife,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These grants are an important tool to help build upon the thousands of acres of important conservation land for wildlife and residents across the Commonwealth.”
“Massachusetts is home to an incredibly diverse array of protected natural resources and habitats that include saltwater marshes, mountain summits, and old growth forests,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Habitat for common and rare plants and wildlife requires active and ongoing maintenance and management in order to thrive, and these grants will assist in those important efforts.”
“Habitat management is key to benefiting birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians which depend on some less common habitats,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon. “I’m grateful that we have the opportunity to expand our habitat management footprint and improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women, birders, naturalists and other outdoor enthusiasts.”
“About 80 percent of Massachusetts’ lands where wildlife is found is owned privately,” said Jack Buckley, MassWildlife Director. “Therefore, as an environmental agency we should promote and apply science-based habitat management activities with committed municipal and private landowners, thereby protecting their investment in wildlife and habitat.”
Local or nearby awardees of this year’s Habitat Management Grant Program are:
• $36,500 to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Great Barrington, to conduct invasive species control at Housatonic Flats and Thomas and Palmer Preserves.
• $16,675 to the Franklin Land Trust, Heath and Plainfield, to enhance native shrub habitat on Crowningshield Farm (Heath) and Guyette Farm (Plainfield).
• $36,630 to the Town of Lenox, to conduct hardy kiwi invasive species control within Kennedy Park.
• $15,632 to the Sheffield Land Trust, to work to control invasive species at Ashley Falls Woods.
• $20,503 to the Nature Conservancy, Sheffield, to create and improve old field and shrubland habitats at the Schenob Brook Preserve.
• $15,500 to the Cherry Hill Realty Trust, Stockbridge, to remove the invasive hardy kiwi plant.
• $20,905 to the Town of Stockbridge, to treat invasive species at Gould Meadows and Bullard Woods.
• $24,493 to Mass Audubon, Tolland, to create shrubland habitat at the Richardson Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.
Winter Waterfowl Survey
Every 5 years, MassWildlife conducts a winter waterfowl survey of sites where people feed wild ducks and geese. While the feeding of wildlife is discouraged, there is no state law or regulation that prohibits feeding (though some municipalities do restrict or prohibit feeding). MassWildlife is asking the public’s assistance in reporting current waterfowl feeding locations for biologists to identify and count these birds.
The survey will be conducted statewide this month and includes sites in urban, suburban, and rural areas near fresh, brackish, and salt water. Feeding sites range from municipal parks where many visitors come to feed the ducks to ducks in backyards feeding on spilled bird seed or handouts thrown out someone’s back door.
MassWildlife biologists will visit historic feeding sites from January 8 to 26. Because these locations can change over 5 years, public input is needed. If you know of a spot where waterfowl are being fed, let them know by phone at 508-389-6321 or by e-mail at h.heusmann@state.ma.us. Include the town and specific location where you’ve seen waterfowl being fed this January. If you are able, also include the number of ducks and/or geese (preferably by species) that you see at a feeding site at one time.
Mallards are by far the most common duck at feeding sites but other ducks may be observed as well. American black ducks are common and wood ducks, pintails, gadwalls, American wigeon, and hooded mergansers are seen on occasion. Canada geese are common at many feeding sites.
MassWildlife’s survey started 45 years ago and documented the increase of mallards at feeding sites reaching peak numbers of over 20,000 mallards at 218 sites during the 1993 survey and declining thereafter. This decline can be attributed to more Canada geese utilizing the sites resulting in many areas being posted “No Feeding” because of the mess geese made. The last survey showed that the number of mallards was down to 9,700 at 139 sites along with nearly 1,600 geese (down from over 5,300 geese recorded during the 1998 survey).
Marlborough Flyfishing Show
The 2018 Fly Fishing Show will take place from January 19 through 21 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA. There will be over 50 talks and demonstrations each day. While there, you might shop for the newest tackle, book your next dream trip, watch tying and casting demos and learn from the experts. There will be more than $40,000 in door prizes.
All the new rods, reels, fly tying materials, books, DVDs and latest equipment will be on display to test and purchase. There is a casting pond for casting demos and it is available to test your new rod. Some of the celebrity authors this year include Joe Humphreys, Gary Borger, Bob Clouser, Ed Engle, Sheila Hassan, Jason Randall, Bob Romano and others, and they will be happy to autograph your books.
Show Hours are: Friday: 10AM – 6PM, Saturday: 9AM – 5:30PM and Sunday: 9AM – 4:30PM. Ticket costs: One day $15, Two-day pass $25, Three-day pass $35, Children under 5 free, under 12: $2, Scouts under 16 in uniform: free and Active Military with ID: $10. Click onto www.flyfishingshow.com/Marlborough_for more details.
This is a must-attend event for New England flyfishers and flytyers. The next closest show of this magnitude is in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
Benches dedicated in honor of Darey and Wislocki
Last Sunday afternoon, members of the Gould Meadows Restoration Committee held a ceremony at the waterfront of Gould Meadows on Stockbridge Bowl to dedictate two benches in honor of George Darey and George Wislocki. They were honored for their hard work and dedication enabling the transfer of land from the Gould Family to the Town of Stockbridge back in 1981.
After short talks by both men, paper weight plaques were presented to them with the same wording as on their benches: “To George”Gige” Darey/George Wislocki In recognition of George’s work in regard to the purchase and sale agrement from the Gould Family to the Town of Stockbridge in 1981” A toast of bubbly was presented by Tim Minkler of Interlaken, with the words “ “Hail! Hail! The two Georges for all their efforts preserving this land for future generations!”.
According to a historical note prepared by Wislocki, there were plans back in 1981to subdivide the 94.8 acre meadow into building lots. Committee member Minkler remembered that there were plans to build 60 homes on this land. “If this development had ever taken place, we could have seen 60 mega mansions on this land polluting Stockbridge Bowl. Thank God the two Georges stepped up to the plate to save this beautiful tract of land.” he said. (Darey was a member of the Lenox Board of Selectmen and MA Fish & Wildlife Board at the time and Wislocki was the Executive Director of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council).
In 1979, when Darey got wind that the Gould Meadows was going to be put on the market, he contacted Stockbridge Selectwoman Mary V. Flynn and soon thereafter a meeting was called. At that meeting it was decided that the Town of Stockbridge should attempt to secure an agreement to purchase the property from the estate of Lee Higginson Gould for the sum of $250,000.
The plan was to seek a grant from the State’s Division of Conservation Services for 50% of the cost and a second grant of 25% from the US Department of Interior. The remaining 25% was to be raised through a private fund drive. The Friends of Gould Meadows was formed to raise these funds.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra donated $22,000 . Other major contributors included the Laurel Hill Society and the Stockbridge Bowl Association. Joseph Kruger of Camp Mah-Kee-Nac contributed greatly and rallied the Bowl’s summer residents as well. During the next 24 months the Friends raised over $62,500 from 492 contributors with most of the credit for raising the monies going to Flynn whose affection for these lands appeared boundless.
George Wislocki attended to securing the State and Federal grants. State Senators Fitzpatrick and Webber as well as State Representative Duffin supported the endeavor. Unfortunately, there was a glitch. President Reagan’s Interior Secretary James Watt “froze” the entire allocation of the Land and Water Conservaion Fund with the consequence that the “federal share” came into doubt. Committee Co-Chair Henry Williams and Jack Fitzpatrick urged Congressman Silvio O. Conte to override Watt’s efforts.
However, it was not necessary as Rep. Duffin and Sen. Webber filed a bill in Massachusetts General Court which amended the State’s Open Space Grants Program. It was approved and the State could then contribute up to 80% of the purchase price of conservation land to be acquired by towns.
At its March 9, 1981 Town Meeting, the voters approved the necessary bonding authorization to acquire the property and keep it forever conservation lands. On August 19 of that year, a ceremony was held at Gould Meadows to honor Selectwoman Mary Flynn’s contribution to the purchase. A single oak tree was planted in the middle of the meadow and Bishop Leo O’Neil of Springfield blessed it. Governor King flew in by helicopter and music was provided by a small gathering of Tanglewood musicians. Beneath the tree a small plaque was installed which read: “This tree shall be known throughout time as the Mary Flynn Oak. Her wisdom, political skills and love of Stockbridge served to protect these meadows.”
The plaque has disappeared but the oak remains. Arthur Dutil of Stockbridge kept a watchful eye on the tree, watering and trimming it, and now it is sturdy and healthy. Every summer Gary Johnston of Interlaken mows the meadows around it. The Gould Meadows Restoration Committee is at the meadow most every Saturday morning doing various tasks. Volunteer helpers are always welcomed. Contact Tim Minkler at (413)644-3590 (w) or (413)298-4630 (h) if you wish to help out.
As Wislocki commented, the project wasn’t dominated by wealthy people but rather ordinary people and sportsmen who loved the Berkshires.
Talk about a beautiful meadow. It is on the southeast side of Rte 183, across from Kripalu.with signage and a small parking area. Access is free and open to the public. There are about 95 acres of open meadows and woods with around 1,000 feet of frontage on Stockbridge Bowl which comprises the area between the Tanglewood and Kripalu beaches.
Congratulations and many thanks to the two Georges!
Shad study
According to a recent news release, MassWildlife is teaming up with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Vermont Fish and Wildlife, and New Hampshire Fish and Game to better understand juvenile American shad production in the Connecticut River. The study focuses on 3 major dammed sections of the river.
Forage fish like American shad are important prey resources for numerous freshwater predators popular with anglers, including small and largemouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. However, little is currently known about juvenile shad production.
Using electrofishing sampling, biologists are learning about the relationship between the number of juvenile shad and the number of adult shad returning to the river to spawn. This coordinated effort will help biologists understand which areas of the Connecticut River have a higher supply of prey fish for predators and where anglers may find better fishing opportunities. Data may also be used to inform relicensing of dams and provide perspective on how current shad production compares to historical populations which existed before dams were installed.
East Branch Westfield River
If any anglers are wondering why the fishing isn’t that great this fall in the East Branch of the Westfield River, there is a reason. MassWildlife decided to skip stocking the river this fall due to the low water conditions.